Carrie, Keanu and Cobra Kai
by Jamie Joffe, Culture Editor
If there was ever a reason to eat, drink and be antisocial this holiday season, December’s lineup offers the perfect excuses to stay home and stream. A slew of new releases and several returning favorites will be gifts that truly keep on giving. So skip that office party … because you really didn’t really want to go anyway. Here is what to watch this month.
Big Names, Big Casts
Oscar buzz surrounds “Don’t Look Up” (Netflix), a sci-fi satire. A team of astrologists discover that a comet is hurtling towards Earth and the destruction of humankind is imminent. Basically, it’s about to be the end of the world. The bigger problem? No one really cares. Like literally no one – not even the President of the United States, hilariously portrayed by Meryl Streep. Lots of star power in this film including Hollywood heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Timothée Chalamet and Tyler Perry.
Let’s flashback to the 90’s when I could still walk in Manolo Blahniks without orthotics. That was the decade of origin for “Sex and the City,” which returns with “And Just Like That…” The revival dropped on HBO Max December 9th. Though I miss Samantha (Kim Catrall) and her sass, most characters return including Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda (Cynthia Nixon), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and my personal favorite Mr. Big (Chris Noth).
Returning Favorites
Speaking of the ‘90s, “The Matrix: Resurrections” brings back meme-worthy Keanu Reeves for a new chapter in the sci-fi movie franchise. “The Book of Boba Fett” (Disney+) will show the illustrious bounty hunter Boba Fett finally claim his stake for the throne that was once occupied by Jabba the Hutt. Evidently “Star Wars” fans have been waiting 40 years for this, so it’s kinda a big deal.
Other anticipated returns include “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (Hulu). Netflix’s roster of returns is stacked with the fourth and final installment of “Money Heist,” the second season of “Emily in Paris” and the fourth season of my editor’s personal favorite “Cobra Kai,” based on the 1984 film “Karate Kid” with Ralph Macchio. Editor’s note: Mostly reformed villian Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) is the editor’s specific favorite. For real.
Holiday Romances
If you are looking for some joy and love this season, I can guarantee a happily ever after when you tune into Hallmark Channel. The network will be dropping 41 original holiday movies, including “A Dickens of a Holiday,” “A Very Merry Bridesmaid” and “Sister Swap.”
The romantic comedy “With Love” (Amazon Prime) follows a brother and sister as they look for love during the holiday season. Other highlights include “Single All the Way,” Netflix’s first gay holiday romantic comedy.
Thrillers
In the Bollywood thriller “Aranyak” (Netflix), two police officers are faced with the biggest case of their career when a tourist goes missing in the woods. The two soon discover that something much more sinister is lurking in the forest.
In the holiday true crime genre, do not miss the documentary “Fruitcake Fraud” (Discovery +). An unassuming employee is caught embezzling almost $17,500 million from Collin Street Bakery, a Texas landmark famous for its fruitcake. (Ewww).
Comedies
Netflix will release two stand-up comedy specials from Nicole Byer and the hilarious Jim Gaffigan. Finally, the year ends on a comedic note with “Yearly Departed” (Amazon Prime) featuring a lineup of notable female comedians roasting and toasting 2021.
Cheers everyone!
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