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Serving as the King of Atlantis as well as the full time father to his infant son, and, still holding duties as a member of the Justice League, Aquaman (Jason Momoa), is beginning to feel a bit stretched thin for time. So, when sworn enemy Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) makes a return, stronger than ever, it’s time to call in help from the exiled king of Atlantis, Orm (Patrick Wilson), then again, maybe it’s already too late.Written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, James Wan, and Jason Momoa, and Directed by James Wan, this mildly redemptive return to the world of Atlantis seeks to make up for mis-steps in previous installments by successfully poking fun at itself and moving at a considerably swifter pace and with fewer Octopi beating on drums. Regardless, there’s still plenty of mind-numbing classic comic blunders, follies, and tropes along the way, and for the DC Extended Universe this final flick feels like an elevated shoulder shrug and lacking fresh premise, drive, or creative angle. Running two hours and four minutes it’s hard to argue for a shorter film, but perhaps a more explorative narrative. Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is rated PG-13.

Set over four decades, a black Southern woman, Celie (Fantasia Barrino), struggles to find herself and sense of strength after years of abuse from her father (Deon Cole) and husband (Colman Domingo). But, with the help from her sister, Nettie (Ciara), and the community around her Celie might find what it is to stand up and fight back.Based on Alice Walker’s novel with screenplay by Marcus Gardley and Marsha Norman and Directed by Blitz Bazawule this re-introduction to the story that captured America’s heart almost 40 years ago brings new spark and fire in the form of a musical with a knock out ensemble and beautifully balanced performances from Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Hanson, and Danielle Brooks. Exquisite choreography and well crafted music further enrich the experience adding more dimension to the overall picture; and, with producers and executive producers including Quincy Jones, Oprah Winfrey, and Steven Spielberg backing the project the overall pedigree speaks for itself. In summation, at recent press screening for The Color Purple, there were few dry eyes in the theatre by the end of the film. Running two hours and twenty minutes, The Color Purple is rated PG-13.

With just a few silver sovereigns in his pocket a young Willy Wonka (Timothee Chalamet) sets out to change the world with his chocolates. But, it’ll take more than luck and sweets to overcome a greedy candy cartel that’s out to stop him and do him in. Then again, with a little help from some new friends, a little Wonka magic, one very large giraffe, and one tiny oompa loompa (Hugh Grant), the world will get to see what Wonka has to offer.Written by Simon Farnaby, Paul King, and Roald Dahl, and Directed by King, this prequel of magic and wonder has all the ingredients to start the holidays with whimsy and cheer walking carefully between lightness and dark. Set as a musical, the elements and backstory are very much present to illustrate where the legendary chocolatier comes from, told with enough panache, color, big dance numbers, and just the right dash of silliness to reach across age demographics and entertain for its one hour and fifty six minute runtime. And, while Chalamet may not have the most trained voice in Hollywood he can still dance up a storm, and, is surrounded by a cast dotted with familiar faces all skilled in dramatics and comedy (think Olivia Coleman, Keegan-Michael Key and Matt Lucas for starters) this fun romp into a land of make-believe has enough fizzy lifting strength to rise to the occasion. Featuring several easily recount-able songs, the recipe seems prime for family cheer. Wonka is rated PG.