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Planning to stay indoors for the best part of a week and become one with the sofa? Very sensible. But if anything’s going to tempt you outside, it’ll be one of these brilliant new releases, all of which are worth dragging yourself to the cinema for.
1. ‘Little Women’
Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Emma Watson, Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh and Eliza Scanlen (plus Timothée Chalamet as Laurie; how could we forget?), the all-new ‘Little Women’ is smart, fresh and beautifully rendered – we gave it five stars. And as a special London bonus, Emma Watson has hidden copies of Louisa May Allcott’s book all over the city.
In cinemas from Boxing Day
2. ‘Jojo Rabbit’
A comedy about a German boy with an imaginary friend who just happens to be Adolf Hitler and a mother who’s hiding a Jewish girl in their house? Taika Waititi, who directed ‘Thor: Ragnarok’, has taken a big risk with this one. It’s surreal (it’s been compared to Wes Anderson’s ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’) but definitely worth a watch.
In cinemas from January 3
3. ‘Jumanji: The Next Level‘
This bonkers but brilliant sequel to 2017’s ‘Jumanji’ – itself a remix of the 1995 Robin Willams caper – features The Rock on fine form and a cast really leaning into the daftness of the concept (a killer board game).
In cinemas now
Photograph: Courtesy of Universal Pictures
4. ‘Cats’
The reviews have been brutal (‘nearly as obscene as “The Human Centipede”’ was one critic’s verdict), but this CGI-heavy adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical, starring the likes of Judi Dench and Taylor Swift, has a strangely potent appeal. Best not to go hungover, to avoid triggering a full-blown existential crisis. Read our review here.
In cinemas now
5. ‘Star Wars: The Return of Skywalker’
The cinematic saga that began in a galaxy far, far away in 1977 finally reaches its end. JJ Abrams’s final instalment has divided critics, but there’s plenty for fans to get their teeth into, from Mark Hamill having the time of his life to John Boyega’s brilliant Finn, the Millennium Falcon, audacious lightsabre duels and Richard E Grant’s villainous turn as Allegiant General Pryde. Read our review here.
In cinemas now
6. ‘The Kingmaker’
Lauren Greenfield’s absorbing documentary about ex-Filipino First Lady Imelda Marcos – owner of the notorious shoe collection – is an astute and compelling study of power and its effects. With populism shaping politics all over the world, this is a must-watch.
In cinemas now
Why not book tickets at one of London’s best cinemas?