(From left) 'Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile', 'Avatar: The Way Of Water', and 'Puss In Boots: The Last Wish'.
'Tis that time of year again, when we get ready to welcome the new year, and also catch some of the biggest holiday movies in the cinema.
This December, things don't get much bigger than the sequel to the highest-grossing movie of all-time. Yes, James Cameron is finally back with the long-awaited follow-up to 2009's Avatar – Avatar: The Way Of Water (Dec 15).
In conjunction with the school holidays, there are also some family-friendly movies to enjoy, including the quirky Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (Dec 1) and local animated feature Mechamato Movie (Dec 8). Then there's the ever-popular Puss In Boots, who returns with a solo sequel titled Puss In Boots: The Last Wish (Dec 22).
If it's more grown-up fare you're looking for, do check out the Whitney Houston biopic I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Dec 22) for some tear-jerking drama, or Violent Night (Dec 1) for some Christmas-related OTT action and gore.
Based on the children’s book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle is a crocodile living in New York City apartment who is friends with everyone around him. There is one exception though – the cat-loving Mr Grumps, who hates Lyle and thinks he belongs in a zoo. So, Lyle sets out to try and win him over.
Why you should watch it:
With the school holidays coming up, this might be a good film to catch together as a family. Plus it has Javier Badem as a campy showman, and Constance Wu dancing with a crocodile. If that does get you to bite, nothing else will.
A team of ruthless mercenaries break into a rich family's home, taking everyone inside hostage while they rob them. But there is someone who is not only brave enough to stand up to them, but also more than a match for them – Santa Claus himself!
Why you should watch it:
Read that synopsis again. Go on. Do it. It's SANTA CLAUS versus a bunch of mercenaries. And it stars David Harbour – who played Stranger Thing's Jim Hopper, and also Hellboy – as Santa. You definitely don't want to end up on his naughty list. And if you do, get ready for some season's beatings.
Disclaimer: The following trailer may contain scenes of violence. Ho ho hoooo boy.
Amato is a young boy who comes across an alien robot named MechaBot, who can 'mechanise' anything into a high-tech device or gadget. However, the alien robots want MechaBot back, and Amato and his new friend have to work together to fight them.
Why you should watch it:
If past Malaysian animated films by Monsta like Boboiboy are any indication, Mechamato should be a blast to watch – full of action, cool animation and lots of family fun. Another great movie for a family outing, maybe?
The continuation of Jake Sully's story on Pandora sees him and his family having to abandon their forest home and flee to the water-based world of the Metkayina. But once there, he has to not only battle the humans once again, but also tribal politics as well.
Why you should watch it:
Well, it IS the sequel to the biggest box-office champion of all time, and James Cameron would like you to believe this is even bigger and better than its 2009 predecessor. The latest trailer certainly looks epic, and if anything, we'll bet watching it in 3D will be a different experience altogether.
The story of Whitney Houston, of how she started out as a New Jersey choir girl, and went on to become one of the greatest recording artistes of all time.
Why you should watch it:
Houston was one of THE greatest singers of all time, and her life is also an incredibly storied one filled with incredible highs and tragic lows. Naomi Ackle has already garnered rave reviews for her portrayal of the diva, plus there's always the incredible music and songs to look forward to. Get ready the tissues because this is bound to be a tearjerker.
The fearless Puss in Boots is now overcome with fear of dying, as he has used up all but one of his nine lives. In order to get those lives back, he sets out on a quest to find the mythical Last Wish..
Why you should watch it:
Hey, it's Puss In Boots, arguably THE breakout star of the Shrek movies (sorry, Donkey). Antonio Banderas is always a hoot when voicing the swashbuckling feline, and with Puss down to his last life, this should be a chance to REALLY see him break out the emotions. Besides, how could we resist those CUTE KITTY EYES?
