Holiday Movie Preview With IndieWire's Christian Blauvelt
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- From Hollywood productions to cable network projects to popular streaming hits, the season of cinema is here and it's big.
Christan Blauvelt, managing editor of IndieWire, has rounded up the very best Christmas movies for 2019.
Blauvelt's first suggestion is the movie musical "Cats."
"You know, this could be the trainwreck of the season, I have to say. Like, over the summer when we first got our glimpse of Idris Elba and Rebel Wilson and Jennifer Hudson and Taylor Swift as frisky felines, there were a lot of strong reactions on social media, a lot of them quite negative about what the filmmakers are calling the 'digital fur technology' that's being used to bring Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical to life," Blauvelt said. "We'll see. No matter what, I think a lot of people are not going to be able to look away."
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" will bring an end to the film franchise's Skywalker saga, which began with the first "Star Wars" movie, "A New Hope."
"No one has seen this movie, by the way, including myself. No one has seen this so far, so, you know, will it be amazing? Will it be a disappointment? Who knows?" Blauvelt said.
"Uncut Gems" stars Adam Sandler as a jeweler in Manhattan's Diamond District who is also a gambling addict.
Blauvelt says this is the best role of Sandler's career.
"It is so nerve-wracking, and it's also one of the best depictions of New York City we've seen in a while. The city really comes alive in this film," he said.
Also coming to theaters this season are several historical dramas.
"A Hidden Life" is the true story of an Austrian farmer who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II.
"It's about how far you're willing to go to do what's right, to follow your beliefs. It's really powerful and another triumph for its director, Terrence Malick," Blauvelt said.
"1917" is set in World War I and follows two British soldiers who have to go behind enemy lines to deliver an important message.
"It's shot entirely as if it's one shot or one take, so it gives a really immersive quality to the film like you are there. Some of it is in real time," Blauvelt said.
He says the movie could be a top Oscar contender.
Blauvelt also praised director Greta Gerwig's adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel "Little Women," calling it "wonderful."
