The holiday weekend has arrived, and with it comes that particular December ritual: the lobby smell of popcorn and wet coats, the glow of marquee lights against early darkness, and a fresh stack of new releases designed to tempt every kind of moviegoer—families looking for a crowd-pleaser, couples wanting something warm and human, and anyone craving a little danger, laughter, or escape on the biggest screen possible. If you’re deciding what to see in theaters this weekend, the new arrivals land with a very Christmas-week mix of prestige, comfort-food entertainment, and “why not?” spectacle.
By Allan R. Ellenberger
If you want the buzziest “adult” release—the one that feels built for conversations afterward—there’s Marty Supreme, a darkly funny, fast-moving sports drama from Josh Safdie starring Timothée Chalamet as a hustling table-tennis virtuoso working his way through 1950s New York. It’s the kind of movie that leans into character, swagger, and atmosphere, the kind that can make a small-world obsession feel as urgent as a heavyweight bout. This is the weekend pick for viewers who like their holiday moviegoing with a little grit, a little mischief, and that unmistakable “awards-season” electricity humming underneath.
If you’re looking for something softer, more mainstream-friendly – grown-up but a little warmer around the edges – Song Sung Blue is a musical-tinged drama centered on the timeless appeal of Neil Diamond’s music and the persistent fantasy of second chances. Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson star as a married couple on the rocks, who cling to the dream of a tribute-band-based new career, and the movie squarely targets the demographic who enjoys tales of everyday people struggling to sing their way back to themselves. If you are of the camp that your perfect date movie is heartfelt, tuneful and quietly inspirational, this is the one most likely to have you walking out into the cold night a little bit lighter.
And then, for viewers who want their Christmas weekend with a wink and a shriek—something you can enjoy with friends and a shared sense of “can you believe this is happening?”—there’s Anaconda, a reboot that embraces its own ridiculousness. With Jack Black and Paul Rudd leading the charge, it’s positioned as a horror-comedy throwback: big star energy, big creature chaos, big communal laughter. This is the weekend choice if you want the audience reacting in unison, the kind of screening where the room becomes part of the experience.
Of course, beyond the big three, the weekend also has a few offerings for those who prefer their fare a little less on the nose. No Other Choice provides some global spice and attitude - a cutting, twisty thriller approach for those who want suspense more than sequins. And depending on your area's listings, you may also see other new and specialty titles bubbling up in limited release at your local theaters as well, the kind of films that are worth being curious about and taking a chance on when you haven't already seen a hundred ads for them.
Of course, a holiday weekend is never only about the new arrivals—it’s also about the heavy hitters still ruling the screens. If you’re going with family, Zootopia 2 remains the safest bet for a four-quadrant crowd, while The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants is there for younger viewers (and the nostalgists in the back row) who want bright, silly comfort. If you want spectacle—pure, immersive, big-screen “they don’t make this for your phone” scale—Avatar: Fire and Ash is still the theatrical event. And for those who want their holiday movie with a big, emotional sweep and a built-in audience energy, Wicked: For Good continues to play like the season’s communal sing-along in waiting.
As for me, it’s your basic rundown. If you want the most “talk about it afterward” movie, go with Marty Supreme. Want warmth and melody? Song Sung Blue. Want a fun crowd and a loud good time? Anaconda. If you’re going with kids or a mixed group, play it safe with Zootopia 2 or SpongeBob. But if you want the full-body theatrical experience—the kind that echoes in your chest—go Avatar.
No matter what you choose, this is one of those rare weekends when theaters are actually offering something for everyone. The only question is what kind of mood you’re in to bring with you: prestige, comfort, chaos or wonder.
Will you be seeing any of these films this weekend? Tell us what you thought. Please share your comments below.
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