Coming Soon… December Movie Releases

December is my favorite month for new releases. Rather than wasting time at the mall battling other crazed shoppers for highly-coveted parking spots, I get lost in a dark theater for a few hours with some of this season’s most highly-anticipated films.

This month will be a major box office fight between new releases: “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” “Her,” “August: Osage County,” “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues,” “Saving Mr. Banks,” and “Out of the Furnace,” but the following three films are on my list of musts this holiday season. Nothing screams Christmas like struggling musicians, FBI stings, and corrupt businessmen, right?

For the struggling musician: “Inside Llewyn Davis”

Folk music, facial hair, and famous faces. What else do you really need? Not too long ago I expressed my love-hate relationship with Justin Timberlake movies, but I think a supporting role is a good fit, especially in a movie that can showcase his real expertise. In addition to JT, “Inside Llewyn Davis” stars Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, and Garrett Hedlund, along with “Girls” stars Adam Driver and Alex Karpovsky. Set in the West Village in 1961, this film follows Llewyn Davis (Isaac), a struggling folk singer. The Coen brothers are already receiving stellar reviews for the film… do I smell some Oscar buzz?

Release Date: Dec. 6

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For the David O. Russell devotee: “American Hustle”

You’ve got Russell’s usual suspects in this cast: Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, and Jennifer Lawrence, along with Jeremy Renner. “Silver Linings Playbook” was one of my favorite movies in the past year and I doubt Russell will disappoint with “American Hustle.” Based on the FBI ABSCAM operation of the late 1970s and early 1980s, this movie is a mostly fictionalized and comedic interpretation of (some) true events. Based on the cast and director alone, why wouldn’t you see this movie?

Release Date: Dec. 13

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For the best-selling, best bet: “The Wolf of Wall Street”

I first saw this trailer months ago and have been anxiously waiting for the Christmas release date. Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort and the best-selling book about his rise to a wealthy stockbroker, then his decline involving crime, corruption and the federal government, “The Wolf of Wall Street” is a must-see this month. In typical Leo fashion, he looks like he was born to play morally bankrupt Belfort.

Release Date: Dec. 25

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So what’s your pick? The scandalous Scorcese film, Russell’s Oscar-worthy entourage, or dark horse Llewyn Davis? Tweet @litdarling with the movie you plan on checking out this month.