WE ENTER THAT MAGICAL SEASON WHERE THE STUDIOS LAUNCH THE VERY LAST OF THEIR POTENTIAL FRANCHISES, IN HOPES THEY WILL SAIL THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS ON GOOD WILL AND GREAT BOX OFFICE RETURNS. FAILING THAT, WE HAVE TWO SUREFIRE SEQUELS ALONG WITH SOME VERY INTRIGUING NEWCOMERS

BY DAN SALAMONE

NOSFERATUA

CHRISTMAS

Filmmaker Robert Eggers (2015’s The Witch) brings this hotly anticipated take on the first, and perhaps most terrifying, cinematic vampire. Bill Skarsgaard (Pennywise in IT) plays the titular vampire as he stalks a young woman (Johnny Depp’s daughter, LilyRose Depp) through Germany in the 19th century. The trailers and buzz ask, “What if Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula was as good as its inexplicable reputation?”

NIGHTBITCH

DECEMBER 6

This film by Marielle Heller, based on Rachel Yoders breakout debut novel of the same name, has been described as a satirical fairytale-horror about a stay-at-home mother (the always excellent Amy Adams of Arrival and American Hustle) who begins to transform into a dog shortly after forgoing her career to take care of her newborn son. Not the subtlest of metaphors, admittedly, but the trailers, talent, and reviews suggest this is one to see.

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF KITTIES

DECEMBER 6

This Canadian import is notable for three reasons: 1) it may be the most adorable movie title of the 2020s, 2) it references a pretty good mid-period Oasis record (Standing on the Shoulder of Giants), and 3) it comes from the Trailer Park Boys, importing their fake rock band into the cinematic universe. Here, the boys are fired and abandoned on a European tour and have neither the wits nor dollars to get back home.

RED ONE

NOVEMBER 15

The synopsis for this reeks of “synthetic high-concept take on old tropes.” At the North Pole, The Rock is head of security for an insanely jacked Santa Claus, played by JK Simmons. (Side note: seriously, watch the trailer, that is one wildly shredded senior citizen.) When Santa is kidnapped, The Rock as the head E.L.F. operative must join forces with an infamous bounty hunter played by Chris Evans. Cue the mismatched buddyaction comedy hijinks.

GLADIATOR 2

NOVEMBER 22

We briefly discussed this one last issue, but the publicity has been deafeningly loud since then. Paul Mescal plays the son of Russell Crowe’s now-deceased character from the original, seeking revenge after being forced into slavery. “GLADIATOR II is a true epic and Ridley Scott’s best in years. Paul Mescal is a great action star,” said one critic. “Ridley Scott returns to the Coliseum to prove to the world that he’s still got it. Absolutely buzzing after Gladiator II!” said another, adding, “Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Fred Hechinger are a collective powerhouse.”

MOANA 2

NOVEMBER 26

Though Disney’s originals have struggled a bit over the last few years, the sequels have been doing just fine, with Inside Out 2 grossing $1.696 billion worldwide. The first Moana was similarly loved, and the excellent voice cast (including Dwayne Johnson, Auli’i Cravalho, Temuera Morrison, and Nicole Scherzinger) from the original is back in tow for the follow-up. As for plot, it concerns Moana journeying across the seas to aid her wayfinding ancestors.

WICKED (AKA WICKED PART ONE)

NOVEMBER 22

Though it may be vexing that they’ve cashgrabbed this into two movies, there is considerable talent in this adaptation of the beloved Stephen Sondheim musical. Behind the camera is John Chu of Crazy Rich Asians fame. In front of it is Tony- and Grammywinning dynamo, Cynthia Erivo, and the also Grammy-winning multi-hyphenate, Ariana Grande. Erivo plays the misunderstood green-skinned Elphaba, and Grande plays Glinda. The two become unlikely close friends before an encounter with the Wizard of Oz changes everything.