ROUND ROCK, Texas — The big movie release seasons are traditionally summer and at Christmastime. As anyone knows, this past summer was anything but normal. Movie theaters were closed and consumers turned to online streaming platforms for old and new offerings.
This holiday season, some regions have relaxed COVID-19 restrictions and now rules allow theaters to be open to the public, with limited capacity in effect. In addition, some made-for-TV releases can be watched from the comfort of that cushy couch if sitting inside a movie theater still seems unsafe for some.
While audiences will have to wait until Spring 2021 to see Disney’s new Pixar film, “Raya and the Last Dragon,” the company will release “Soul,” on Christmas Day. The story is about a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. Actor Jamie Foxx is the voice behind lead character Joe Gardner.
Currently in theaters is “The War With Grandpa,” starring Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, Christopher Walken, Jane Seymour, Rob Riggle, Oakes Fegley and Cheech Marin. It’s a story about a young boy who has to give up his bedroom when Grandpa Jack moves in with the family. The war happens when the boy and his friends devise ways to try to get Grandpa Jack to move out. This comedy film is rated PG.
“Holidate” is available on Netflix, starring Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, two single people who agree to serve as dates for each other at every holiday party. This romantic comedy combined with ugly sweaters and all is fun and predictable as the pair end up caring about each other.
Another new holiday film on Netflix is “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey,” starring Forest Whitaker. It is a heart-warming story about a toymaker who needs a miracle. Produced by John Legend, the film also stars Phylicia Rashad, Hugh Bonneville, Anika Nono Rose and Keegan-Michael Key. Betrayed by his apprentice, the toymaker finds new hope when his granddaughter gets shares her ideas and together they create a magical invention. Rated PG.