By Chris Kavan - 12/25/19 at 03:27 PM CT
Merry Christmas out there for all who celebrate! Because the holiday falls smack dam in the middle of the week this year, Hollywood is gracing us with the two new films... also smack dam in the middle of the week. While Star Was is pretty much guaranteed to continue its steak atop the box office, new challenger arrive in the form of Little Women, a new adaptation that has been getting very good reviews and the animated Spies in Disguise, featuring the voices of Will Smith and Tom Holland. There is also the expansion of Uncut Gems, which has been earning Adam Sandler some of the best reviews of his career. It's going to be a very merry Christmas indeed.
LITTLE WOMEN Louisa May Alcott's classic novel will enjoy its eighth big screen adaptation (going back to 1917 - along with several TV adaptations, Broadway shows, a ballet and even an opera) - and this could very well prove to be the best one yet. Greta Gerwig (best known for starring and acting in Frances Ha, as well as writing Ladybird) directs this new version and has truly assembled an impressive cast. Some of the best talented young actresses out there are here: Saoirse Ronan plays Jo March, Emma Watson as Meg March, Florence Pugh as Amy March, Eliza Scanlen as Beth March and Laura Dern as Marmee March. But the talent extends beyond the core cast with Timothée Chalamet, Bob Odenkirk, Chris Cooper, Meryl Streep, Tracy Letts and James Norton all on board as well. The classic story remains: the film follows four sisters as they grow up in a post-Civil War America and shows the bonds they share through trials and triumphs alike. The film is a huge hit with critics, sitting at a 96% Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Considering the long history of well-received adaptations, the fact this one has resonated with audiences is no easy feat and serves as a testament to what a good director and cast can bring to the material. I'm sure women will be the driving force behind this one, but with how it has been reviewed thus far, it should be a pretty big hit with them and looks to open to some decent numbers.
While spy movies seem like they are a dime a dozen - heck, we even have Spy Kids - this animated offering still looks like it is a worthy addition to the tried and true genre. Will Smith voices spy extraordinaire Lance Sterling - suave, sophisticated and ultra-cool. Meanwhile Tom Holland voiced scientist Walter Beckett - the smart but socially-awkward genius who supplies Sterling with the tech he needs to get the job done right. But a new invention to help Sterling blend in to become to the ultimate spy goes a bit south when Sterling finds himself stuck in the body of a humble pigeon. Thus the two must form an unlikely team to continue to save the world. I mean, the previews make this look just like a lot of fun. Plus the supporting cast looks killer - Karen Gillan, Rachel Brosnahan, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Reba McEntire, Masi Oka and DJ Khaled all supply their talents. Blue Sky and 20th Century Fox (through Walt Disney) are distributing this and while I'm not expected Frozen II numbers here - this looks like one of those films that both the adults and their children can enjoy. It does face more competition than Little Women, so I'm not sure how that will ultimately affect the outcome, but I think it will do pretty good in the end.
It's going to be a busy Christmas holiday period and though Star Wars is going to win out, these newcomers look like they should provide plenty of fireworks on their own. I'll be back on Sunday with the full breakdown.
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