Harrison hulks out,​ Bridget looks for love, and a 'Monkey' causes mayhem



Welcome back to the Align Movie Guide, your easy-to-follow roundup of everything hitting the multiplex.

After a chilly January, Hollywood is in the mood for romance, with plenty of Valentine's Day flicks to for you and your sweetheart to enjoy. Also some titles that will make you wonder, “Why did they release this in February?”

Zachary Levi's support of Donald Trump may have soured his mainstream Hollywood prospects, but he seems to be building a new fan base among Christian moviegoers.

'Captain America: Brave New World' | Feb. 14

Given the reported reshoots as well as star Anthony Mackie's controversial comments, it's safe to say "Captain America: Brave New World" is the biggest film of the year no one is looking forward to.

Even after two trailers, it's hard to know what this film is even about, other than the Falc — I mean Captain America facing off against the Red Hulk.

This film was doomed from the start, coming as it does from the eight-episode Disney+ series "The Falcon and the Winter Solider" — the whole premise of which was that "racist America" would never accept a black man as Captain America.

Nearly five years later, it looks as though it has; Sam Wilson’s Cap returns for his first proper outing with little fanfare.

But many fans see it as so much hollow virtue-signaling. Why not give Falcon his own stand-alone movie and let Bucky/Winter Soldier take up the shield? Given his history with Cap, it just makes sense.

Still, Harrison Ford joining the MCU has many excited. Taking over for the late William Hurt, Ford steps into the role of "Thunderbolt" Ross, who this time around transforms into the villainous Red Hulk (which gave the octogenarian a chance to mess around with newfangled motion capture tech).

Will all these be enough to get butts in seats? If recent ticket sales and projections are accurate, it's unlikely this Frankenstein mess will take flight. Maybe Marvel will have to wait for "Thunderbolts*" or "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" to get its "Deadpool & Wolverine" mojo back.

'Love Hurts' | Feb. 7

Ke Huy Quan tries to keep his comeback going with action-comedy "Love Hurts." Quan plays a real estate agent whose violent past as a hit man comes back to haunt him when his former partner reveals that his crime boss brother wants him dead.

Quan himself knows a bit about heartbreak. Audiences adored him as a kid actor in 1980s classics like "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" and "The Goonies," then forgot about him when hit that awkward teen phase.

He made a big comeback with 2022’s "Everything Everywhere All At Once," earning him an Oscar for best supporting actor; that in turn snared him a role on season 2 of Marvel's "Loki."

While "Love Hurts" doesn't exactly look like statuette material, Quan seems to have enjoyed showcasing his range as action-comedy leading man.

'Becoming Led Zeppelin' | Feb. 14

This lavish new IMAX documentary gives Led Zep fans a whole lot to love, covering the meteoric rise of the band formed by Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, John Bonham, and Robert Plant in the late 1960s.

Featuring new interviews with the surviving members, as well as archival audio from Bonham, who died in 1980, the film also makes room for full performances, never-before-seen concert footage, and unseen material from the band's personal collection.

An early rough cut of the doc wowed viewers at the Venice Film Festival; American audiences should be similarly dazzled by this expansive look at one of the most influential hard rock bands of all time.

'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' | Feb. 13

Helen Fielding's unlucky-in-love everywoman Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) returns for her fourth feature outing, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Based on the book of the same name, "Mad About the Boy" finds our heroine navigating life as a widow and single mom.

Fans mourning the between-installments death of Mark Darcy (Colin Firth, who will nonetheless still appear in the new film) may take solace in Jones' new suitors: a younger man (Leo Woodall) and her son's science teacher Mr. Wallaker (Chiwetel Ejiofor).

Also reprising their roles will be Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Jim Broadbent, and Gemma Jones.

Premiering on streamer Peacock, "Mad About the Boy" could make for a perfect low-effort date.

'The Monkey' | Feb. 21

Or maybe you want something to scare that special someone right into your waiting arms. In that case, "Longlegs" director Osgood Perkins’ ultra-violent "The Monkey" might hit the spot.

After stumbling upon their father's vintage toy monkey in the attic, young twin brothers Hal and Bill (Theo James) inadvertently unleash a chain of horrifying deaths. To break the curse, they dispose of the monkey. Years later it comes back to haunt them, and the now estranged adults must team up to destroy the evil once and for all.

Supposedly leaked emails from a TV network rejecting the trailer for its over-the-top kills (which apparently encompass children and babies) seem suspiciously like a marketing ploy; even if they aren't, expect horror aficionados to go ape for "The Monkey."

'The Unbreakable Boy' | Feb. 21

Those looking for more family-friendly fare will find it in Lionsgate’s faith-based comedy-drama "The Unbreakable Boy."

When Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy) learn that their son, Austin, is autistic and has brittle bone disease, they initially worry about his future. However, with Scott's growing faith and Austin's incredible spirit, they become unbreakable, learning to find joy, gratitude, and courage in the most trying times.

Levi's recent support of Donald Trump may have soured his mainstream Hollywood prospects, but he seems to be building a new fan base among Christian moviegoers, after his moving performance in 2021's Kurt Warner biopic "American Underdog."

Here are some other movies too look out for this month:

'Kinda Pregnant’ | Feb. 5

When Lainy (Amy Schumer) sees her plan to settle down and start a family fall apart, she puts on a fake baby bump, tells a lie, and accidentally falls for her dream guy. Also starring Jillian Bell, Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr., Brianne Howey, and Alex Moffat. Directed by Tyler Spindel.

Based on the over 7K dislikes on the trailer, this might go exactly how you would expect.

'Heart Eyes’ | Feb. 7

For the past two years, the "Heart Eyes Killer" has wreaked havoc on Valentine's Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This year the murderous anti-Cupid killer takes aim at new co-workers Jay and Ally, who aren't even together ... yet. Is horror-romcom this year's hottest new mash-up? Starring Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Jordana Brewster, Devon Sawa, Gigi Zumbado, and Chris Parker. Directed by Josh Ruben.

'Bring Them Down’ | Feb. 7

Michael, the last son of a shepherding family, lives with his ailing father, Ray. Burdened by a terrible secret, Michael has isolated himself from the world. When a conflict with rival farmer Gary and his son Jack escalates, Michael is drawn into a devastating chain of events, forcing him to confront the horrors of his past and leaving both families permanently altered. Starring Christopher Abbott, Barry Keoghan, Colm Meaney, Nora-Jane Noone, and Paul Ready. Written and directed by Chris Andrews.

’Parthenope’ | Feb. 7

Parthenope, born in the sea of Naples in 1950, searches for happiness over the long summers of her youth, falling in love with her home city and its many memorable characters. Starring Celeste Dalla Porta, Gary Oldman, Dario Aita, Marlon Joubert, and Stefania Sandrelli. Written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino.

’Attack on Titan the Movie: The Last Attack’ | Feb. 10

Humanity lived quietly behind massive walls built to protect themselves from the threat of monstrous creatures called Titans — until an attack shattered a century of peace and left a motherless child vowing revenge. Years after joining the Survey Corps, Eren Yeager finds himself facing a deadly foe and ultimately gains a special ability that unveils a new truth about the world he knows. This film adapts the final episodes of the manga's TV series; while not a continuation of the story, it does add some new scenes. Starring Yûki Kaji, Natsuki Hanae, Yoshimasa Hosoya, Marina Inoue, and Yui Ishikawa. Directed by Yûichirô Hayashi.

'Cleaner’ | Feb. 21

Daisy Ridley does "Die Hard"! Extremists hijack a gala, threatening to kill 300 hostages as a message to the world. Their only hope? An ex-soldier turned lowly window cleaner. How hard could it be to stop her? Also starring Clive Owen, Taz Skylar, and Lee Boardman. Directed by Martin Campbell ("Casino Royale").

’Old Guy’ | Feb. 21

A contract killer facing the end of his career is pulled back into the field to train a Gen Z prodigy with an attitude. Starring Christoph Waltz, Lucy Liu, Cooper Hoffman, and Desmond Eastwood. Directed by Simon West ("The Expendables 2").

'The Gorge' | Feb. 14

Love is in the air — but what's in that bottomless pit? Two highly trained operatives meet cute and start a unique "long-distance" relationship, while guarding what might be the gates of hell. Starring Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sope Dirisu, and Sigourney Weaver. Directed by Scott Derrickson ("Doctor Strange").

'Last Breath’ | Feb. 28

Seasoned deep-sea divers battle the raging elements to rescue their crewmate trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface. Based on a true story. Starring Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, Cliff Curtis, and MyAnna Buring. Directed by Alex Parkinson.

'My Dead Friend Zoe' | Feb. 28

Caught up in a mysterious relationship with her dead best friend from the Army, a female Afghanistan veteran comes head to head with her Vietnam vet grandfather at the family's ancestral lake house. Starring Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris, Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, and Utkarsh Ambudkar. Directed by Kyle Hausmann-Stokes.

Complete list by date:

Feb. 5

  • "Kinda Pregnant"

Feb. 7

  • "Love Hurts"
  • "Heart Eyes"
  • "Parthenope"
  • "Bring Them Down"

Feb. 10

  • "Attack on Titan the Movie: The Last Attack"

Feb. 13

  • "Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy"

Feb. 14

  • "Captain America: Brave New World"
  • "Becoming Led Zeppelin"
  • "The Gorge"

Feb. 21

  • "The Monkey"
  • "The Unbreakable Boy"
  • "Cleaner"
  • "Old Guy"

Feb. 28

  • "Last Breath"
  • "My Dead Friend Zoe"

'Wallace and Gromit' return, 'Paddington' heads south, and the 'Wolf Man' goes on the prowl



Happy New Year and welcome back to the Align Movie Guide, our no-nonsense guide to what's worth a look on the big screen.

One of the better films of 2024 was "The Apprentice," a depiction of the early years of young Donald Trump (an excellent Sebastian Stan). Marketed as "the movie Trump doesn't want you to watch," the flick failed to do much business.

Those who did spring for a ticket enjoyed a warts-and-all — yet surprisingly nuanced — portrait of an insecure but ambitious young man struggling to escape his overbearing father's shadow.

The lesson? Anti-Trump hysteria no longer sells like it used to. In fact, the dawning of the Trump 2 era seems to have loosened the stranglehold wokeness has had on the culture in general for the last decade or so.

Will we see that reflected at the multiplex? Let's see what glimmers of hope we can find in the cinematic doldrums of January.

‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ | Jan. 3 | Aardman

"Wallace & Gromit" creator Nick Park takes his time. It's been more than 35 years since the iconic English duo made their debut in the acclaimed stop-motion short "A Grand Day Out."

Since then, the cheese-loving inventor and his skeptical yet faithful beagle Gromit have appeared in one feature film and three more shorts — the most recent being 2008's "A Matter of Loaf and Death."

Earlier this month the pair returned for their second full-length adventure, "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl." When Wallace's latest invention — a "smart gnome" named Norbot — goes rogue, Gromit discovers a dastardly plot by their greatest adversary, out for revenge.

That would be villainous, beady-eyed penguin Feathers McGraw, last seen getting sent off to jail at the end of 1993's "The Wrong Trousers."

The showdown is worth the wait. Park and co-director Merlin Crossingham once again prove themselves to be consummate craftsmen, bringing a distinctly handmade touch to a genre crowded with slick computer-aided creations.

Fans will mourn the absence of longtime Wallace actor Peter Sallis, who died in 2017, but understudy Ben Whitehead fills the role admirably.

'Paddington in Peru’ | Feb. 14 | StudioCanal

Wallace and Gromit aren't the only English icons making their way to the big screen this month. Author Michael Bond's Paddington Bear returns for his much-anticipated third big-screen outing with "Paddington in Peru."

Paddington and his adopted family, the Browns, head to the South American country to visit his Aunt Lucy. When she disappears while on a mysterious quest in the jungle, it's up to the intrepid ursine adventurer to find her.

The delightful "Paddington" films have become a cultural sensation, gaining a dedicated following due to wholesome, heartwarming stories that emphasize kindness and family.

The unqualified success of 2018's "Paddington 2" — heralded by many as one of the best children's films of all time — means that this installment has big Wellington boots to fill. Fortunately new director Dougal Wilson (taking over for Paul King) seems more than up to the task.

'Wolf Man’ | Jan. 17 | Universal Pictures

Looking for something a little less cuddly? Horror maestro Leigh Whannell ("Saw," "Insidious") has you covered with "Wolf Man," Universal's latest attempt to revive its classic Monsterverse.

This modern version of the legendary lycanthrope is a workaholic family man who has just relocated with his wife and daughter to his childhood home in rural Oregon. There, a poorly timed wolf bite gives him a case of full-moon fever; things get hairy for everyone not long after.

Whannell has already shown he can breathe new life into iconic characters with his 2020 reboot of "The Invisible Man"; it's the success of that movie that got him this job.

Purists will be glad to hear that Whannell relied heavily on practical effects when creating his toothy terror. If the final design is any indication, those who dare venture into the theater might find that a truly transformative experience awaits them.

'Better Man’ | Jan. 17 | Paramount Pictures

British singer Robbie Williams shows off his savage side in the biopic "Better Man." The film charts the classic pop star trajectory of rise, fall, and resurgence with a unique twist: Williams is portrayed as a monkey. Think "Planet of the Apes" with less postapocalyptic fallout and more showbiz excess.

Williams himself provides cheeky narration while Jonno Davies embodies the ape-Williams hybrid via motion capture. The resulting film, helmed by Michael Gracey ("The Greatest Showman"), is bizarrely entertaining and even poignant, the metaphor serving to highlight Williams' insecurity and his misguided attempts to escape it with the usual bad behavior.

While a huge star in the U.K., Williams is relatively unknown here in America. Nonetheless, "Better Man" got rave reviews when it debuted at the Telluride Film Festival last year.

After a limited release on Christmas Eve, the film goes wide on January 17. Whether you're an old-school "Take That" fan or a newbie looking for a widely unique and original cinematic experience, "Better Man" might be the better choice for you!

'Flight Risk’ | Jan. 24 | Lionsgate

To tide us over as we await the rumored second coming of Mel Gibson's "Passion" project ("The Resurrection of the Christ"), the actor/director delivers the tightly crafted actioner "Flight Risk."

U.S. Marshal Madolyn Harris (Michelle Dockery, "Downton Abbey") charters a plane to escort a witness (Topher Grace) to testify against a crime family. The trip goes haywire when it turns out the pilot she's contracted (Mark Wahlberg, essaying a rare Norwood 7 role) is also a licensed hit man.

Gibson's first movie behind the camera since 2016's WW2 drama "Hacksaw Ridge," "Flight Risk" looks set to deliver solid, old-school thrills, making it a worthy throwback to the kind of crowd-pleasers that first made Mel a star.

'Back in Action' | Jan. 17 | Netflix

"Back in Action" is an oddly appropriate title for Cameron Diaz's new movie, given that she's been out of the spotlight for a little over a decade. Her last big-screen appearance was 2014's "Annie" remake, co-starring Jamie Foxx.

Foxx, whose 2023 stroke led him to take a hiatus of his own, re-teams with Diaz to play a married couple of former CIA operatives who are forced out of retirement when their cover is blown; this time around, they have their hands full with two kids to protect while saving the world.

After her long retirement from acting — in which she focused on investing in health and biotech startups — Diaz seems raring to get back out there. She's set to reprise her role as Princess Fiona in "Shrek 5" and star in the comedy "Outcome" with Keanu Reeves. "Back in Action" should be a nice little warm-up.

Here are some other movies coming your way this month.

'Den of Thieves 2: Pantera' | Jan. 10 | Lionsgate

In this sequel to the 2018 thriller "Den of Thieves," Big Nick (Gerard Butler) is back on the trail of criminal mastermind Donnie (O'Shea Jackson Jr.). This time around, the setting moves to Europe, where the infamous Panther mafia plots a massive heist of the world's largest diamond exchange. The film also stars Evin Ahmad, Salvatore Esposito, and Orli Shuka. Written and directed by Christian Gudegast.

'Presence' | Jan. 24 | Neon

Prolific genre-swapper Steven Soderbergh dabbles in the supernatural with "Presence," a haunted house story told entirely from the POV of the haunter. Written by David Koepp ("Jurassic Park"), the film stars Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Chris Sullivan, and Callina Liang.

'One of Them Days' | Jan. 17 | Sony

When best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) discover that Alyssa's boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo find themselves going to extremes in a race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact. Also starring Vanessa Bell Calloway, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams, Maude Apatow, and Ray Santiago. Directed by Lawrence Lamont.

'Companion' | Jan. 31 | Warner Bros.

Screenwriter Drew Hancock's directorial debut, "Companion," stars Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher ("Yellowjackets," "Heretic"). The film's ominous, mysterious trailer makes it look like just the thing to get hibernating moviegoers out of the house and into the cinema.

'Dog Man’ | Jan. 31 | DreamWorks

First there was "Captain Underpants." Now another one of beloved author Dav Pilkey's unlikely heroes comes to the big screen in "Dog Man." When a police officer and his faithful police dog get injured in the line of duty, a harebrained but lifesaving surgery fuses the two of them together, and Dog Man is born. As Dog Man learns to embrace his new identity, he must stop feline supervillain Petey the Cat from cloning himself and going on a crime spree. Starring Isla Fisher, Lil Rel Howery, Poppy Liu, Stephen Root, Pete Davidson, Billy Boyd, and Ricky Gervais. Written by Dav Pilkey and directed by Peter Hastings.

Complete list by date:

  • "Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl" | Jan. 3
  • "Den of Thieves 2: Pantera" | Jan. 10
  • "Better Man" | Jan. 17
  • "Wolf Man" | Jan. 17
  • "Back in Action" | Jan. 17
  • "One of Them Days" | Jan. 17
  • "Presence" | Jan. 24
  • "Flight Risk" | Jan. 24
  • "Companion" | Jan. 31
  • "Dog Man" | Jan. 31
  • "Paddington in Peru" | Feb. 14

Bob Dylan begins, Nosferatu returns, and Sonic battles Mufasa for the Christmas crown



Merry Christmas and welcome back to the Align Movie Guide, your easy-to-follow guide to the films worth your hard-earned money.

Thanksgiving offered hungry moviegoers a veritable big-screen buffet with "Wicked," "Moana 2," and "Gladiator II" on the menu.

Families eager to get out of the house responded to the tune of $400 million in ticket sales — Hollywood's highest-grossing Turkey Day weekend ever.

Will the studios close out the year with some crowd-pleasing Christmas cheer? Let's take a look.

'Mufasa: The Lion King' | Dec. 20 | Disney

"Hakuna matata" is not a phrase you'll hear much at Disney these days. After a series of woke misfires, the studio has struggled to regain the public's trust; this prequel to the 2019 "live action" remake probably won’t do anything to shift the needle.

"Mufasa: The Lion King" tells the origin story of Mufasa and his wayward brother, Scar. The film also features the return of Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Simba, Nala, and Simba’s daughter Kiara (not seen since "The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride").

The first trailer for the film was ratioed to oblivion, with fans criticizing bland visual effects carried over from the 2019 film. Others were unimpressed that the film ignores established lore of Mufasa’s rise to power, retconning him as an orphan this time around.

On the plus side, the actual Lin-Manuel Miranda is writing new songs for the film, which should satisfy those irked by the “imitation Lin-Manuel knockoffs” of "Moana 2." Will it be enough to outgross a blue hedgehog with a movie coming out the same day?

'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' | Dec. 20 | Paramount

The "Sonic the Hedgehog" franchise is the gift that keeps on giving for Paramount, despite an initial horrifying character design that screamed "game over." Sometimes it pays to listen to your audience.

The latest installment introduces fan-favorite nemesis Shadow (Keanu Reeves), whose power is so great that Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and his friends Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) must form an unlikely alliance with Sonic’s archenemy, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) as well as his grandfather (also played by Carrey).

Two Jim Carreys in one movie? That’s an easy yes for me. Disney may be king of the multiplex jungle, but this blurry blue upstart may have what it takes to steal the crown. Which one will you be seeing on December 20?

'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim' | Dec. 13 | Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. returns to Middle-earth with this animated epic, the first of many new "Lord of the Rings" films coming from the studio. "The War of the Rohirrim" goes back 200 years before Frodo took the ring to Mordor and follows Hèra (Gaia Wise) and her father, king of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand (Brian Cox) as they make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg, against an enemy led by Dunlending lord Wulf (Luca Pasqualino).

Directed by anime veteran Kenji Kamiyama ("Blade Runner: Black Lotus"), the film also brings back two characters from the "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" trilogies: Éowyn (Miranda Otto) and Saruman the White (the late Christopher Lee, using archived audio from the previous films).

Let's hope that recent grumbling about the "girlbossing" of Hèra is exaggerated and that this new installment helps us all forget Amazon's execrable "The Rings of Power."

'A Complete Unknown' | Dec. 25 | Searchlight Pictures

After the disappointment of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," James Mangold excavates America's rock and roll past with Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown." Timothee Chalamet portrays the Minnesota-born Robert Zimmerman, who conquers the New York folk scene only to throw it all away by bringing an electric guitar to Newport.

Based on the book "Dylan Goes Electric! Newport, Seeger, Dylan, and the Night That Split the Sixties," "A Complete Unknown" features a stellar cast, including Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie, Dan Fogler as Albert Grossman, and Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash.

With a soundtrack featuring some of the most beloved songs of the 1960s, early buzz for Elle Fanning's performance, and talk of a Best Picture Academy Award, the stars seem aligned for "A Complete Unknown" to be the complete package when it comes to holiday season entertainment.

'Nosferatu' | Dec. 25 | Focus Features

A good remake requires a delicate balance. The director must respect the source material while also risking doing something new with it. Early signs indicate that Robert Eggers hit the sweet spot with his upcoming version of F.W. Murnau's silent classic.

In 1838 Germany, Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) is stalked by an ancient Transylvanian vampire, Count Orlok (Bill Skarsgård). As her interest turns into obsession, she opens the door to untold horrors for herself and her loved ones. Eggers' "Nosferatu" has already been praised as a true Gothic horror film, the likes of which have not been seen in quite some time.

Anyone familiar with the director's previous work should expect something cinematically gorgeous and rich in story. Horror may not be everyone’s cup of tea during the holidays, but anyone brave enough to succumb to "Nosferatu" may find themselves richly rewarded.

'Kraven the Hunter' | Dec. 12 | Sony

After mixed results with "Venom," "Madame Web," and "Morbius," Sony is about to release its third Spider-Man film (without Spider-Man): "Kraven the Hunter." Based on the popular villain from the Spider-Man comics, Kraven (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) blazes a bloody trail of vengeance as he goes against his mob-boss father (Russell Crowe) and the Rhino (Alessandro Nivola).

Word on the street is this one could be more "Venom: The Last Dance" (closing in on $500 million in box office since its October 25 debut) than "Madame Web" (closing in on "was that a real movie or did I dream it?" status).

While the R rating bodes well for a faithful depiction of the notoriously violent Kraven, the desperate marketing campaign (the first eight minutes of the film were released online) is suspicious. As is Taylor-Johnson publicly begging audiences to give the film a chance. The big holiday hit Sony's stalking may turn out to be just another lump of coal.

'Homestead' | Dec. 20 | Angel Studios

Want to avoid supporting Hollywood all together? Angel Studios has you covered with family-friendly apocalyptic thriller "Homestead."

When a bomb goes off in Los Angeles, a former Green Beret and other survivors take refuge from the ensuing societal collapse at an eccentric prepper’s mountain fortress. The group must overcome threats of violence and scarce resources to protect their own.

Neal McDonough, fresh off his last Angel Studios film, "The Shift," leads a cast that includes Dawn Olivieri, Bailey Chase, and Olivia Sanabia. "Homestead" — which will spin off into a series for the Angel Studios streaming service — continues the studio's tradition of wholesome, well-made entertainment for those fed up with mainstream excesses.

It may not be the holly-est, jolliest film to be hitting theaters, but the exceptional talent involved should make it an offbeat Yuletide treat.

Here are some lesser-known titles you may want to keep an eye on this Christmas.

'That Christmas' | Dec. 4 | Netflix

Based on the book by Richard Curtis: A blizzard hits a seaside town, setting off intertwined tales of family, friends, love, and loneliness — and Santa making a big mistake. Starring Bill Nighy, Guz Khan, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker, and Brian Cox as Santa. Directed by Simon Otto.

'Werewolves' | Dec. 6 | Briarcliff Entertainment

Two scientists try to stop a mutation that turns people into werewolves after being touched by a supermoon the year before. Starring Frank Grillo, Katrina Law, Lou Diamond Phillips, and IIfenesh Hadera. Directed by Steven C. Miller.

'Nightbitch' | Dec. 6 | Searchlight Pictures

An artist who pauses her career to be a stay-at-home mom seeks a new chapter in her life and encounters just that when her nightly routine takes a surreal turn and her maternal instincts begin to manifest in canine form. Starring Amy Adams, Scoot McNairy, Zoe Chao, Mary Holland, and Jessica Harper. Directed by Marielle Heller.

'The Order' | Dec. 6 | Vertical Entertainment

A string of violent robberies in the Pacific Northwest leads veteran FBI agent Terry Husk (Jude Law) to a white supremacist group that plans to overthrow the federal government. Also starring Nicholas Hoult, Jurnee Smollett, Tye Sheridan, Alison Oliver, and Marc Maron. Directed by Justin Kurzel.

'The Return' | Dec. 6 | Bleecker Street Media

A retelling of Homer’s "Odyssey:" After 20 years away, Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognizable. The king finds much has changed since he left to fight in the Trojan War. His beloved wife, Penelope (Juliette Binoche), is a prisoner in her own home and hounded to choose a new husband. Their son faces death at the hands of suitors who see him as an obstacle in their pursuit of Penelope and the kingdom. Odysseus is no longer the mighty warrior his people remember, but he must face his past to save his family. Also starring Charlie Plummer, Amir Wilson, Jaz Hutchins, Tom Rhys Harries, and Marwan Kenzari. Directed by Uberto Pasolini.

'Y2K' | Dec. 6 | A24

On the last night of 1999, two high school juniors crash a New Year's Eve party, only to find themselves fighting for their lives when Y2K becomes a reality. Starring Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, Kyle Mooney (who also directs), Alicia Silverstone, and Fred Durst.

'Mary' | Dec. 6 | Netflix

A retelling of the life of Mary, mother of Jesus, and the birth of Jesus Christ. In this timeless coming-of-age story, Mary is shunned following an otherworldly conception and forced to flee when Herod's insatiable thirst for power ignites a murderous pursuit of the newborn. Starring Noa Cohen, Ido Tako, Stephanie Nur, Mili Avital, and Anthony Hopkins as King Herod. Directed by D.J. Caruso.

'Maria' | Dec. 11 | Netflix

Famed opera singer Maria Callas (Angelina Jolie) retreats to Paris in the 1970s after a glamorous yet tumultuous life in the public eye. Also starring Haluk Bilginer, Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, and Caspar Phillipson as John F. Kennedy. Directed by Pablo Larraín.

'Carry On' | Dec. 13 | Netflix

A mysterious traveler blackmails Ethan Kopek, a young TSA officer, to let a dangerous package slip through security and onto a Christmas Day flight. But Ethan is not so easily persuaded to let this traveler’s sinister holiday plans go unstopped. Starring Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Logan Marshall-Green, Sofia Carson, Theo Rossi, and Dean Norris. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra.

'Babygirl' | Dec. 25 | A24

A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with a much younger intern. Starring Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, and Sophie Wilde. Directed by Halina Reijn.

Complete list by date:

  • "That Christmas" | Dec. 4
  • "Werewolves" | Dec. 6
  • "Nightbitch" | Dec. 6
  • "The Order" | Dec. 6
  • "The Return" | Dec. 6
  • "Y2K" | Dec. 6
  • "Mary" | Dec. 6
  • "Maria" | Dec. 11
  • "Kraven the Hunter" | Dec. 12
  • "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" | Dec. 13
  • "Carry On" | Dec. 13
  • "Mufasa: The Lion King" | Dec. 20
  • "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" | Dec. 20
  • "Homestead" | Dec. 20
  • "Nosferatu" | Dec. 25
  • "Babygirl" | Dec. 25
  • "A Complete Unknown" | Dec. 25

Non-woke 'Moana 2' sinks or swims, 'Gladiator II' fights back, and 'Red One' brings some early Xmas action



No opinions, no agenda — just the basic facts you need to answer that eternal question: Is anything good playing?

Welcome to the inaugural installment of our monthly Align Movie Guide. We can't guarantee that Hollywood will make entertainment worthy of your time and money — but we can help you get a sense of your choices.

From big-budget spectacles to Christmas warm-ups, here are some of the more promising films hitting cinemas in November

'Here' — Nov. 1

Director Robert Zemeckis' attempt to recapture some of that "Forrest Gump" magic by reuniting Tom Hanks and Robin Wright for "Here" has utterly flopped with critics — and most viewers. It's too bad, as the film takes on a relatively bold challenge: depicting centuries of drama playing out on one piece of land.

Perhaps more interesting than its story is the film's groundbreaking effects work: it uses Metaphysic Live, a new AI technology, to face-swap and de-age Hanks and Wright in real-time while filming instead of doing the work in post.

'Red One' — Nov. 15

If you're one of those people who considers "Die Hard" a Christmas movie, you might want to consider "Red One."

When Santa Claus is kidnapped by sinister forces days before Christmas Eve, North Pole Head of Security Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) recruits the help of Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans), the world’s greatest tracker, to battle fantastical creatures and find jolly Ol’ Saint Nick in an action-packed Christmas adventure.

When it comes to blockbusters, you can’t go wrong with Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson ... or can you? Evans, a staunch Democrat, has been letting his partisan side show in recent years, broadcasting his support for Kamala Harris and lambasting fans who protested a lesbian kissing scene in Pixar’s "Toy Story" spin-off, "Lightyear."

Neither is "The Rock" impervious to controversy. He was accused of urinating in bottles on the "Red One" set to save time after showing up hours late to set. Surprisingly entitled behavior for a man whose latest films — "Black Adam" and "Jungle Cruise," among them — have failed to capture audiences.

Then again, nobody's perfect, and the concept looks to be a funny, action-packed take on a Christmas movie. If that’s your cup of tea, "Red One" might be worth unwrapping.

'Gladiator II' — Nov. 22

Singer-songwriter Nick Cave once wrote a wild script for a sequel to the beloved "Gladiator," which sent Maximus (Russell Crowe) on an epic time-travel quest. That idea never came to fruition, but original director Ridley Scott is about to deliver a more straightforward follow-up with "Gladiator II." The film follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), the son of Maximus. Like his father, he must fight for his life and the whole of Rome as a gladiator. The film has been highly anticipated for its sprawling physical sets and stacked cast, which includes Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Derek Jacobi.

'Wicked' — Nov. 22

Nobody said it was easy being green. The long-awaited big screen adaptation of beloved musical "Wicked" has a built-in audience of loyal fans — probably best not to alienate them by crying "racist." Yet that's what star Cynthia Erivo did when one X user innocently edited the movie poster to make it resemble its Broadway counterpart.

Time will tell if this glimpse behind the DEI curtain will dissuade viewers from taking the Yellow Brick Road — but maybe Erivo's co-stars — including Ariana Grande as Glinda (the Good Witch), Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard — will be enough of a draw.

'Moana 2' — Nov. 27

Perhaps the one film coming out this month with the most to prove is Disney’s "Moana 2," sailing into theaters a scant nine months after being announced.

"Moana 2" originally took the form of an 8-episode Disney+ series; Disney CEO Bob Iger claimed he loved it so much that he decided to turn it into a feature-length film.

Nice story, but insiders claim his real motives were to replace another animated film rife with wokeness — hardly a selling point after the one-two punch failure of "Strange World" and the well-meaning "Wish." The film was scrapped.

Even stars Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson had to renegotiate contracts and re-record lines for the film (Johnson’s cameo-sized role was expanded to a co-lead). The trailers do seem to indicate a straightforward adventure with the iconic "wayfinder," a welcome signal that Disney is getting back to what it does best: family entertainment. Audiences — and Disney — should hope the Mouse House has another billion-dollar crowd-pleaser on its hands.

Here are a few lesser-hyped upcoming films to consider:

'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' — Nov. 8

For those who like to celebrate the most wonderful time of year early, consider bringing the family to "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," a new adaptation of Barbara Robinson's book from "The Chosen" creator Dallas Jenkins. When the Herdman siblings — who have a reputation for being the worst kids in the world — take over the local Christmas church pageant, they might just teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas. Starring Judy Greer, Lauren Graham, Pete Holmes, and Elizabeth Tabish.

'Heretic' — Nov. 8

In this horror-thriller from A24, two young missionaries become ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed. Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive. Starring Hugh Grant (in an excellent heel turn), Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Topher Grace. Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.

'A Sudden Case of Christmas' — Nov. 8

An American couple bring their 10-year-old daughter, Claire, to her grandfather's hotel in Italy to tell her that they are separating. Hoping to bring them back together, Claire asks the entire family to celebrate one last Christmas together ... in August. Starring Danny DeVito, Lucy DeVito, Andie MacDowell, Wilmer Valderrama, Adrian Dunbar, and Antonella Rose. Directed by Peter Chelsom.

'Bonhoeffer' — Nov. 22

From "Sound of Freedom" producer Angel Studios comes "Bonhoeffer," a drama about the life of the German theologian and pastor who stood up to the Nazis during the Third Reich. Starring Jonas Dassler as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, August Diehl, Moritz Bleibtreu, Nadine Heidenreich, David Jonsson, and Flula Borg.

Complete list by date:

  • "Here" — Nov. 1
  • "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" — Nov. 8
  • "Heretic" — Nov. 8
  • "A Sudden Case of Christmas" — Nov. 8
  • "Red One" — Nov. 15
  • "Gladiator II" — Nov. 22
  • "Wicked" (Part One) — Nov. 22
  • "Bonhoeffer" — Nov. 22
  • "Moana 2" — Nov. 27