DALLAS — Here is a look at what's coming to a screen near you:
IN THEATERS DECEMBER 22
THE IRON CLAW
It's a "Hardbodies Holiday" with the first three offerings. And we must start with the movie about North Texas wrestling superstars "The Von Erichs."
"The Iron Claw" was their father's signature wrestling hold and he had a hold on his kids, too. (He might have tried a group hug along the way.)
It was filmed outside Baton Rouge, not Dallas, but fans will feel like they're back in the Sportatorium (which no longer stands). Director Sean Durkin does a beautiful job of blending triumph and tragedy - even leaving one of the brothers' suicides out, because it's just too much.
Zac Efron plays the surviving Kevin, Jeremy Allen White, the hunky Kerry, (who looked like a BeeGee on steroids). What the actors lack in height, they make up in depth of emotion.
There won't be a dry eye in the house by the end. Yeah, I mean you, guys.
(A24. Rated R. Running Time 2 hrs 10 mins. In Theaters Only)
AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM
Okay, surface dwellers. Not sure we needed another "Aquaman," but here we are with the final movie in the DC Extended Universe. And it's a disappointing way to go out.
The hunk parade continues with Jason Mamoa back in the title role, aka "Arthur" - now King of Atlantis. Yes, Amber Heard is in a few scenes as his wife, and they have a baby now. Keeping it all in the family, Arthur frees brother Orm (Patrick Wilson) from prison to stop villain "Black Manta" (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) who's possessed by an ancient god.
The movie ends up being a referendum on global warming (a mention of thunder snow in Dallas) and the fact that cockroaches really do make good snacks (stay for the credits for that). Another waterlogged waste of Mamoa's charm.
(Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated PG-13. Running Time 2 hrs. 4 mins. In Theaters Only)
ANYONE BUT YOU
How much have we heard about the chemistry between Austin's Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney ("Euphoria") in this film!
Rumors flew that the co-stars might even be dating, and they re-invented the rom-com with this movie. I'm here to say - huh?
The two have a meet-cute at a coffee shop, but an instant connection dries up over a misunderstanding. Her sister's sister and his best friend's sister are getting married in Australia, so guess who's in the wedding party. Sparks fly in Sydney.
Will these two make it or not?
So much attention is paid to Powell and Sweeney's physiques, it's distracting. Ironically, Dermot Mulroney plays a parent here. He should have sat down the director and stars to watch "My Best Friend's Wedding" for rom-com goals. This is cute, but I expected more.
(Sony Pictures. Rated R. Running Time 1 hr 43 mins. In Theaters Only)
MIGRATION
When "The White Lotus" creator Mark White booked the cast for "Migration," they probably thought they'd be headed to an exotic beach for a sexy mystery. Instead, they're voicing animated ducks in "Illumination’s" latest. ("Despicable Me," "Minions," "The Super Mario Bros. Movie")
The Mallard family is settled into a routine life at the pond, but Mrs. Mallard (Elizabeth Banks) longs for the adventure of migrating and coaxes her overprotective husband (Kumail Nanjiani) into going for it. They're joined by their kids and a reluctant "Uncle Dan" (Danny DeVito). They set course for Jamaica, but a wrong turn takes them to New York where they get help from a pigeon (Awkwafina) and a homesick parrot (Keeghan-Michael Key).
This is a sure-fire family hit for the holidays.
(Illumination/Universal. Rated PG. Running Time 1 hr. 32 mins. In Theaters Only)
IN THEATERS CHRISTMAS DAY
THE COLOR PURPLE
So, "The Color Purple" is a movie that was made into a Broadway musical, that's now a movie musical. (You'll see "Mean Girls" get the same treatment in a few weeks.)
Oprah Winfrey starred in the 1985 original, now she's an executive producer along with Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones. The Pulitzer Prize-winning story is the life of "Celie" in Southern Georgia from the early to mid-1900s. Former "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino plays her as she did on Broadway. She's sold to "Mister" (Colman Domingo) who physically abuses and berates her. He also sends away her beloved sister played by "The Little Mermaid's" Halle Bailey. Her sister substitutes, Shug and Sofia, (Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks) try to fill the gap in her heart as she strives to develops her self-worth.
The casting of all these women is great. The musical numbers feel organic - credit to director Blitz Bazawule. Will audiences flock to a musical about domestic abuse? I think they will.
(Warner Bros. Pictures. Rated PG-13. Running Time 2 hrs. 20 mins. In Theaters Only)
FERRARI
The biopic "Ferrari" focuses on a pivotal year for the Italian carmaker - 1957. Adam Driver stars in the title role. (He's on an Italian streak, just starring as the designer Gucci last year.)
Here he tries to juggle his wife (Penelope Cruz) and his longtime mistress (Shailene Woodley) with the business demands of his company as he prepares his team for the ill-fated "Mille Miglia," road race. I researched and learned where the expression "the kiss of death" originated. Driver is quite good as the authoritarian chairman. Cruz is a fiery foe after she learns about his secret love child. (They'd lost their own little boy to Multiple Sclerosis.) He and the mistress spar over whether their son can claim his famous name and legacy.
Michael Mann directs. ("The Insider," "Heat.") His work is usually so dynamic, I was surprised how flat the film starts out. Almost dull. But he throws it into high gear by the end. Definitely a second half film.
(NEON. Rated R. Running Time 2 hrs. 4 mins. In Theaters Only)
THE BOYS IN THE BOAT
"The Boys in the Boat" is also based on a true story and a remarkable one at that
George Clooney directs the feat of the University of Washington's eight-man rowing team. Set in the height of the Depression, they row all the way to the Berlin Olympics. How rough were times back then? Joe Rantz (an earnest Callum Turner) tried out for the team because the jobs posted on the local bulletin board were not panning out, and he needed food and housing! Joel Edgerton, who you can imagine in the starring role a few years ago, plays the no-nonsense coach. I think he cracks one smile at the end of the film.
This is about regular guys working their you-know-whats off to achieve a common goal. And that's inspiring! It's an old-fashioned movie, surprisingly non-edgy for Clooney. But they don't all have to be Oscar contenders. A nice film that gives audiences something to root for can be satisfaction enough.
(Amazon/MGM. Rated PG-13. Running Time 2 hrs. 4 mins. In Theaters Only)
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