The holiday season is bringing an array of new films to theaters, catering to a variety of tastes for Bay Area movie enthusiasts. This week, audiences can look forward to the release of “Anaconda,” “Is This Thing On?,” “No Other Choice,” “The Choral,” and Netflix’s latest tearjerker, “Goodbye June.”
“Is This Thing On?” marks a noteworthy entry from director and co-screenwriter Bradley Cooper, who steps back from the style seen in his previous work, “Maestro,” to deliver a more grounded narrative. The film offers a poignant and humorous look at the complexities of separation through the story of Alex (Will Arnett) and Tess (Laura Dern), a couple married for over two decades. As they navigate their amicable yet challenging decision to part ways, both characters embark on personal journeys: Alex finds solace and connection on the comedy stage, while Tess explores dating and coaching. The film is both funny and heartfelt, addressing the realities of relationships without cynicism. It receives a favorable rating of 3.5 stars out of 4 and opens on December 25 in local theaters.
“Anaconda” takes a playful approach to the monster movie genre under the direction of Tom Gormican. This reinterpretation of the 1997 classic embraces humor and self-awareness instead of a straightforward remake. The plot centers on four friends confronting midlife crises by journeying to the Amazon to film their own version of their favorite monster movie. Filled with laughs and heartwarming moments, the film continues to resonate with audiences, earning a rating of 3 stars and releasing on December 25.
Meanwhile, “Song Sung Blue” tells the emotional story of tribute band Thunder and Lightning, reflecting the challenges faced by members Mike Sardina and Claire Stengl. The film, directed by Craig Brewer and based on a documentary, offers a compelling glimpse into their lives, underscored by strong performances from Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. Despite some narrative inconsistencies, it shines a light on dedication and resilience through music, earning a 3-star rating and releasing on December 25.
In “No Other Choice,” South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook presents a dark comedy thriller that follows businessman Man-su (Lee Byung Hun) as he takes drastic measures following a corporate takeover that leaves him unemployed. While exploring themes of desperation and morality, the film balances humor and violence, solidifying Park’s reputation for creating thought-provoking cinema. This film is noted as one of the standout films of 2025, rated at 3.5 stars, and opens in select theaters on December 24, expanding on January 2.
Conversely, “The Choral,” directed by Nicholas Hytner, struggles with lackluster storytelling that leans on familiar themes without providing a fresh perspective. Although Ralph Fiennes delivers a commendable performance, the film falls short in exploring its potent topics fully. With a rating of 2 stars, it opens on Christmas Day.
Lastly, “Goodbye June,” directed by Kate Winslet, presents a familiar holiday narrative filled with clichés and one-dimensional characters. The film explores a dysfunctional family grappling with their matriarch’s health crisis. Despite the star-studded cast, including Helen Mirren and Toni Collette, the execution fails to elevate the story, resulting in a 2-star rating and releasing on December 24 through Netflix.
With a variety of narratives hitting theaters, this holiday season offers something for everyone, providing both humor and emotional depth through film. Moviegoers can anticipate engaging stories that not only entertain but also provoke thought on relationships, aspirations, and the complexities of human experience.