What I Was Watching in December 2021
Somehow, despite watching a metric ton of holiday movies, I still found some time to play catch up on some in-theater flicks. It’s basically time for me to transition from the lane of blockbusters to award season contenders, and this month was the perfect in-between.
The Holiday
Hulu
Originally, this was a part of my Christmas movie challenge, but it turned out to be way better than anything else on my list and therefore too good to just be one of the many. I am honestly embarrassed how long it’s taken me to watch it. This is an incredible romantic comedy masquerading as a holiday film. Any movie that can give me that many emotions and care about that many characters is a win in my book.
The Verdict: 4/5
Cellular
HBO Max
I’m slightly disoriented after seeing the Rotten Tomatoes score for this movie, because I actually loved it. Maybe it’s far enough away from the release date that allows it to be a quaint time capsule of an action film, but the way I described it to a friend was “a movie where I never wanted to shout at a character asking what on earth they think they’re doing.” Also, it’s baby Chris Evans and Jason Statham. What more do you need to know?
The Verdict: 3.5/5
The Matrix Resurrections
HBO Max and in theaters
I enjoyed this movie a decent amount, but it felt like a bit too much like a rehash of the previous films. So much of the first trilogy was shown in snippets, it felt like it was a clip show in the form of a movie. I’m not even totally sure Keanu Reeves is that great of an actor, but there was something awesome about seeing him step back into this role. I’m glad I saw it, but I’m not sure I’d say more than that.
The Verdict: 3.25/5
The King’s Man
In theaters
I’m exhausted by the runtimes of movies now. Very rarely am I thinking, “Yes, I am in fact thrilled this movie was longer than two hours long.” Unsurprisingly, this film was no exception. I really enjoyed the first movie but the second lost me. And I had hoped this would bring me back, but I was bored, even when the plot took turns I wasn’t expecting. It didn’t feel like a waste of time, but I’m glad it didn’t cost me any dollars.
The Verdict: 3/5
LuLaRich
Amazon Prime
Okay, technically this isn’t a movie, but it’s less than three hours I believe to watch the whole thing so I’m counting it. Sometimes I’m in the mood for true crime but can’t stomach a murder documentary, so an MLM/cult/scam expose is exactly what the doctor ordered. I was fascinated. It would have been rated even higher if it didn’t feel like they buried the lead, but maybe that was necessary in order to give us the full story and keep everyone hooked.
The Verdict: 4/5
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
In theaters
I’ll admit it. I’m not a huge fan of the Ghostbusters franchise; I hadn’t even seen the original movie until the last two years or so. But I do love some Paul Rudd, and I thought this movie was entertaining enough. It didn’t wow me, but there were a handful of solid laugh lines and charming characters. I can only assume if you have deep love or nostalgia for the franchise, it would definitely be a fan favorite.
The Verdict: 3/5
West Side Story
In theaters
My negative take: somehow, the Romeo and Juliet story seems even more ridiculous (especially in respect to timeline) when it’s brought up to modern times. My positive take: the lead actress is insanely lovely in every single way. I’m not sure how to feel about Ansel Elgort, especially due to some questionable conduct allegations. I couldn’t help but be charmed by the cast, even as I checked my watch to see how long it had been going.
The Verdict: 3.25/5
Licorice Pizza
In theaters
I’m still debating how I feel about this movie when it comes to the micro aspects of it, but when I zoom out and just appreciate it for what it is, this movie is a charming period piece that does an incredible job of pulling its audience into 1973, and featuring “normal” looking actors (not meant to be insulting, just truly don’t know what other word to use) really makes it hit home. Easily the best of the four movies I saw this week in theaters.
The Verdict: 3.5/5
I am hoping to make 2022 the year of finally watching a lot of movies and shows I keep saying I’m going to. Do you have any media related resolutions? Let me know in the comments!