Winter Warm-Up: 6 Feel-Good Movies for the Holiday Season
(10/23/2019)
No matter what time of the year it happens to be, we love movies that give us good feelings. The holiday season, however, is the ideal time for feel-good movies. Maybe it's that it's cold outside (depending on where you live), or just that the work-life balance of year-end weeks leads to more stress than usual. Whatever the reason for needing a comfy break, there's nothing better than taking a couple hours off in front of the warm glow of the silver screen.
In the months to come, you'll have many great choices for feel-good movies. Both Tom Hanks and the gang from FROZEN, for example, will be around to help make your holidays the best they can be. Here are six movies that are sure to warm up your winter.
Last Christmas
[Image Credit: Universal Pictures]
What are the odds that a single movie could unite fans of "Game of Thrones" and sentimental romantic comedies? Those fandoms, and several more, are in for a treat when Emilia Clarke and CRAZY RICH ASIANS star Henry Golding team up for the new movie from director Paul Feig (A SIMPLE FAVOR, BRIDESMAIDS). LAST CHRISTMAS centers on a young and very unlucky woman, played by Clarke, whose life takes a turn when she meets Henry Golding's character. Laughs, tears and romantic sparks all ensue in this story inspired by and featuring songs by the late George Michael. [November 8]
Ford v Ferrari
[Image Credit: 20th Century Fox]
If you're the type for whom "warm" suggests a well-tuned engine, then this true story from LOGAN director James Mangold will have your heart humming. FORD V FERRARI looks like one of the most fun movies of the season, with Matt Damon playing automotive innovator Carroll Shelby, and Christian Bale co-starring as hot-shot British driver Ken Miles. They're recruited by the Ford Motor Company to design and build a sports car capable of defeating Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans World race in 1966. [November 15]
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
[Image Credit: TriStar Pictures]
It wouldn't be a holiday season without a stirring awards contender starring Tom Hanks. Put on your comfy cardigan for this biopic about the late, great Mr. Rogers, in which a journalist (Matthew Rhys of "The Americans") who is struggling with a personal crisis finds a new perspective on life after he gets to know the PBS television legend. Based on the real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and reporter Tom Junod. Bring some tissues, gang. [November 22]
Frozen II
[Image Credit: Walt Disney Animation Studios]
On the off chance that songs like “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Let It Go” ever faded from your mind, here's a chance to get them stuck in your head once again. The much-anticipated sequel to the Disney hit finally arrives. It's like a reunion tour starring sisters Elsa, Anna, and several of their fan-favorite friends. This sequel reveals more about the mysterious and magical world around the kingdom of Arendelle, and uncovers secrets and Elsa and Anna's personal history, while also introducing new magical creatures and a long-hidden enchanted land. Even with snowy scenery, we know this will be an epic journey of warm feelings. [November 22]
Jumanji: The Next Level
[Image Credit: Sony Pictures]
Yes, this is an action/comedy about people stuck in a video game, but don't be fooled: There's a strong heart at the center of JUMANJI that beats to the pulse of strong friendships and family ties. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, and Jack Black play characters inside the game Jumanji, and Danny DeVito and Danny Glover have signed on to play two very confused older guys who get stuck inside the fantasy world. JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL should be the perfect comedy cure for any year-end stress. And if your holiday wishlist included seeing The Rock act as if he is possessed by Danny DeVito, JUMANJI is going to make dreams come true. [December 13]
Little Women
[Image Credit: Sony Pictures ]
Writer-director Greta Gerwig (LADY BIRD) presents an inspired new take on Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, with Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen starring as the four March sisters. These young women are doing everything possible to live their best lives in a post-Civil War America. Even with a tremendous attention to period detail, Gerwig infuses the story with a modern sensibility — or, more to the point, avoids all the hoary old Victorian Era cliches about how people talked. Be ready for a flood of feelings as Gerwig retells the classic tale with her signature wit and warmth. [December 25]