With the end of the year fast approaching, there are still a number of big movies to premiere, and at least a couple of those are coming out this weekend. This week’s new releases include a third film exploring the world of Avatar, a thriller about a young woman who seeks a new beginning as a housemaid for an elite and affluent family, a new big-screen adventure for everyone’s favorite yellow sponge who lives in a pineapple under the sea, and much more!
Avatar: Fire and Ash (PG-13)
Jake and Neytiri’s family grapples with grief after Neteyam’s death, encountering a new, aggressive Na’vi tribe, the Ash People, who are led by the fiery Varang, as the conflict on Pandora escalates and a new moral focus emerges.
Directed by James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet
Release date: December 19
David (PG)
From his mother’s songs to his clash with Goliath, David’s journey from humble shepherd to anointed king tests the limits of faith, courage, and love-culminating in a battle for the soul of a kingdom.
Directed by Phil Cunningham, Brent Dawes
Starring: Brandon Engman, Phil Wickham, Asim Chaudhry, Mick Wingert, Ashley Boettcher
Release date: December 19
The Housemaid (R)
A struggling woman is happy to start over as a housemaid for an affluent, elite couple.
Directed by Paul Feig
Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Elizabeth Perkins, Michael Morrone
Release date: December 19
Is This Thing On? (R)
As their marriage unravels, Alex faces middle age and divorce, seeking new purpose in the New York comedy scene. Meanwhile, his wife Tess confronts sacrifices made for their family, forcing them to navigate co-parenting and identities.
Directed by Bradley Cooper
Starring: Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Bradley Cooper, Sean Hayes
Release date: December 19
The Six Billion Dollar Man
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange battled extradition to the U.S., where he could’ve faced a lengthy sentence for publishing classified documents. His case, centered on press freedom, took unexpected twists as it unfolded.
Directed by Eugene Jarecki
Starring: Jennifer Robinson, Pamela Anderson, Julian Assange, Stella Assange, Rafarl Correa
Release date: December 19
The SpongeBob Movie: The Search for SquarePants (PG)
SpongeBob journeys to the ocean’s depths to face the Flying Dutchman’s ghost, encountering challenges and uncovering marine mysteries.
Directed by Derek Drymon
Starring: Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Rodger Bumpass, Bill Fagerbakke, George Lopez
Release date: December 19
The Visitors
After settling into their new home in the mid-western countryside, the Cooper family’s night of peaceful relaxation is disrupted by the arrival of two mysterious drifters who aren’t who or what they appear to be.
Directed by Jeremy Michael Hull
Starring: James Baird, Daniel Brehm, Kamryn Chasnis, Rachel Claire, Joie Devoney
Release date: December 17
