The Reel World

By Michael Benninger

The Interview
Comedy
Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Randall Park

In Theatres: December 25

When two harebrained TV show hosts travel to North Korea to meet die-hard fan Kim Jong-un, the CIA intervenes, putting the duo on a mission to assassinate the Supreme Leader instead.

The Pyramid
“You only enter once.”
Horror
Starring: Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O’Hare, James Buckley

In Theatres: December 5

After a colossal pyramid is unearthed in the Egyptian desert, the Curse of the Pharaohs wreaks havoc on those who enter the torturous tomb.

Dying of the Light
“A second chance to find the truth. His last chance to get revenge.”
Action, Thriller
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Anton Yelchin, Irène Jacob

In Theatres: December 5

A senior intelligence officer experiencing early signs of dementia hunts his long-time nemesis who suddenly reappears after two decades underground.

Exodus: Gods and Kings
“Once brothers, now enemies.”
Drama, Biblical
Starring: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul

In Theatres: December 12

The Plagues of Egypt shine light on the relationship between brothers Moses and Ramses in this adaptation of the Bible’s second book.

Top Five
Comedy
Starring: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Kevin Hart

In Theatres: December 12

A famous and formerly funny comedic actor struggles with his public perception as he rediscovers the roots of his humor.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies
“The defining chapter.”
Fantasy, Adventure
Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage

In Theatres: December 17

Gandalf and the gang are back for this final chapter of J.R.R. Tolkien’s genre-defining Middle Earth masterpiece.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
“One final night to save the day.”
Comedy
Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson

In Theatres: December 19

The third and final installment in this series - and one of Robin Williams’ final films - takes a museum security guard and his exhibits (which magically come to life) across the pond and beyond as they embark on a new set of nocturnal adventures.

Annie
“It’s a hard knock life.”
Musical, Comedy, Drama
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis, Cameron Diaz

In Theatres: December 19

This remake of the ‘80s classic, which was based on a 1924 comic strip and 1977 Broadway show, takes a fresh approach to the story of an orphan’s ascent from rags to riches.

Into the Woods
“Be careful what you wish for.”
Musical, Fantasy
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, Chris Pine

In Theatres: December 25

This magical musical interweaves the tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and other familiar characters from the Brothers Grimm books, examining the repercussions of the protagonists’ decisions.

Unbroken
“Survival. Resilience. Redemption.”
Drama
Starring: Jack O’Connell, Garrett Hedlund, Domhnall Gleeson

In Theatres: December 25

Angelina Jolie directs this biographical drama about a series of horrific events that befall former Olympian and war hero Louie Zamperini.

Big Eyes
“She created it. He sold it. And everyone bought it.”
Biographical Drama
Starring: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Ritter

In Theatres: December 25

Based on the true story of an artist with a penchant for painting oversized eyes, this Tim Burton film tells the tale of a single mother who meets a man who takes credit for her work