(SPOT.ph) Christmas is in the air! While you're running around buying last-minute presents for your loved ones, don't forget to squeeze in a movie or two. There are plenty of exciting films to catch this December, including the most promising MMFF entries, an intriguing crime adaptation, and the highly anticipated return of Star Wars.
Release date: December 6
This thrilling crime drama centers on two Jesuit priests (Nonie Buencamino and Sid Lucero), tasked to investigate a series of murders where the mutilated bodies of young boys are being dumped in Patayas. Based on the award-winning novel of F.H. Batacan and directed by Raya Martin, the film also stars Carla Humphries, TJ Trinidad, Christopher De Leon, and Bembol Roco.
The Disaster Artist
Release date: December 6
James Franco is earning plenty of Oscar buzz for his new biographical comedy-drama, which he produces, directs, and stars in. He plays Tommy Wiseau, who once starred and directed the 2003 cult film, The Room—widely considered as one of the worst movies ever made. The cast also includes Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Alison Brie, Ari Graynor, and Josh Hutcherson.
Battle of the Sexes
Release date: December 6
Crazy Stupid Love co-stars Emma Stone and Steve Carell reunite in this biopic based on real-life events that transpired in 1973. Up-and-coming tennis star Billie Jean King (Stone) takes on former men's champion and proudly self-proclaimed sexist Bobby Riggs (Carell) in an epic match that eventually became one of the most-watched sporting events of all time.
The Star
Release date: December 6
Featuring an all-star cast that includes Steven Yeun, Gina Rodriguez, Oprah Winfrey, and Zachary Levi, this heartwarming animated film is about a small but brave donkey who yearns for a better and more exciting life. He finally takes the plunge and embarks on an adventure alongside a lovable sheep, an ambitious dove, and three wisecracking camels.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Release date: December 13
The next Star Wars installment is finally upon us, and we couldn't be any more excited. Picking up from where The Force Awakens left off, Rey (Daisy Ridley) ventures to find Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to train her Jedi abilities, while the leaders of the Resistance (Carrie Fisher, Oscar Isaac, and John Boyega) prepare to take on the New Order (led by Adam Driver).
Bright
Release date: December 22
Directed by David Ayer (Fury, Suicide Squad), this action-packed Netflix Original is set in an alternate universe where humans, orcs, elves, and fairies co-exist. Two police officers (Will Smith and Joel Edgerton) must work together to protect a young female elf and a long-forgotten relic that could destroy everything they know.
Release date: December 25
Set in pre-World War II Intramuros, this period musical revolves around two struggling sisters, Candida (Joanna Ampil) and Paula (Rachel Alejandro), who
Siargao
Release date: December 25
Director Paul Soriano returns to the big screen with this promising drama set in picturesque Siargao. Not much is known about the plot as of writing, but this MMFF entry stars Jericho Rosales, Erich Gonzales, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.
Release date: December 25
Based on a Palanca-winning screenplay, this dramedy-slash-musical is about a terminally ill gay man (Joross Gamboa) who fakes his own death to find out how his friends really view him. This MMFF entry was recently graded "A" by the Cinema Evaluation Board.
All Of You
Release date: December 25
English Only, Please fans, get excited! Jennylyn Mercado and Derek Ramsay are back with director Dan Villegas in this rom-com set in scenic Taiwan. Exact plot details are still under wraps, but based on the trailer, we already know that the two lead characters meet through a dating app.