December 23 - 29

Hot Frosty (2024) 
Leave The World Behind (2023)

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

The Sound Of Music (1965)

Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol (2011)

Continuum (2013)

A Paris Christmas Waltz (2023)

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation (2015) 

Mission: Impossible Fallout (2018) 

The Black Phone (2021) ///

Hot Frosty (2024) Dominant concept sees insular Lacey Chabert will buff snowman Dustin Milligan to life and attempt to stop him from melting. Without charm, sketchy development relies on broad humor set against bland visuals; brisk pace means unpretentious approach remains inoffensive.

Leave The World Behind (2023) Considered visuals conjure gradually threatening atmosphere, as prejudiced Julia Roberts and accepting Ethan Hawke find weekend holiday home under apocalyptic threat. Leisurely telling meanders through social issues and contemporary paranoia, without quite jelling unease.

It's A Wonderful Life (1946) Beguiling balance of emotional storytelling as angel Henry Travers shows suicidal everyman James Stewart the difference he's bought to the lives of his family and community. Dark themes and sacrifice permeate homespun virtues. Donna Reed provides affecting anchor.

The Sound Of Music (1965) Gorgeous song-score and expansive visuals fuel Julie Andrews' optimistic integrity as rebellious novice nun turned governess to repressed Christopher Plummer's children. Europe of verge of war adds to sentimental and spiritual narrative punch. Consummate musical storytelling.

Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol (2011) Constructed around series of sweeping, muscular action set pieces, breakouts, chases, explosions and shootouts sending irrepressible Tom Cruise from Moscow to Dubai and India. Glossy technique and flashes of humor dismiss basic nuclear codes plot.

Continuum (2013) Lacking texture, both in visuals and narrative, anxious Melanie Merkosky wakes on drifting spaceship, grappling with guarded intelligence provided by onboard computer and discovering equally disturbed traveler Brad Hawkins. Unfulfilled dramatic situations conflate with confused logic.

A Paris Christmas Waltz (2023) Repressed accountant Jen Lilley sees dream come true when disillusioned pro Matthew Morrison chooses her as amateur partner for Paris dance competition. Breezy leads and flashes of musical energy occasionally breakthrough stolid romantic conventions.

Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation (2015) Crafted with immensely enjoyable precision and driven by Joe Kraemer's stylish score, Tom Cruise's blunt physicality meets match with Rebecca Ferguson's lithe confidence. Plot for disbanded IMF agents to defeat The Syndicate allows for equal action and suspense in gleaming package.

Mission: Impossible Fallout (2018) Action and intrigue adroitly balanced with busy characters, especially elusive and formidable spy Rebecca Ferguson, as twisting threat of nuclear terrorist attack keeps undaunted Tom Cruise careering through international locations. Blistering sequences handled with expansive visuals.

The Black Phone (2021) Imbued with sense of dread and styled with evocative visuals, cruel Ethan Hawke's abduction of reticent Mason Thomas effectively entwines supernatural elements through teen's communications with ghosts of previous victims and link to sister Madeleine McGraw. Fraternal bond provides persuasive foundation.