Opening Wednesday, Dec. 20:
The Greatest Showman Hugh Jackman keeps up his Broadway chops, taking the center ring in a musical profile of the legendary P.T. Barnum. Barnum, you may recall, predicted the rise of Hootie and the Blowfish more than a century in advance, thanks to his famous pronouncement, "There's a Rucker born every minute." (PG)
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle A sequel to the family adventure gets underway when the titular game is found on a sandy beach. Excuse me: I know my games. And if you see one washed up on shore, that's Stay Alive. The survival game. Your turn, Hollywood. Move a lever. (PG-13)
Opening Thursday, Dec. 21: The Shape of Water This romantic fantasy has already earned many accolades, including "the best Guillermo del Toro film since Pan's Labyrinth" and "a Guillermo Del Toro film that actually got made." Its story of the relationship between a mute lady janitor and a mysterious sea creature – said to be del Toro's homage to the Creature From the Black Lagoon – has already landed the picture a spot on the American Film institute's list of the best movies of 2017. So you're going to listen to any wiseass remark I might have to make here? (R)
Opening Friday, Dec. 22: Downsizing Matt Damon stars in an Alexander Payne comedy about a global initiative to reduce every human being to 5 inches in size. Responds Michael Fassbender, "I ain't folding it in half for nobody!" (R)
Father Figures Step Brothers meets Mamma Mia!, with siblings Owen Wilson and Ed Helms trying to determine the true identity of their biological father. Katt Williams is in the supporting cast, so that's the answer I'm going with, booboo. (R)
Pitch Perfect 3 This threequel begins with the a capella group broken up, but swiftly reunites them to perform on a USO tour. Which sounds like a great idea. To me, Al Franken. (PG-13)
Opening Monday, Dec. 25: All the Money in the World Kevin Spacey's sexual indiscretions got him yanked (hey now!) at the 11th hour from the awards-bait role of J. Paul Getty in Ridley Scott's reality-based kidnap drama. And when I say 11th hour, I mean after all of his scenes were shot, and just weeks before release. Now, in the sort of twist the Jeopardy! writers dream about, Spacey's replacement, Christopher Plummer, has been nominated for the Golden Globe instead. In related news, I understand Henry Cavill's Justice League face is mounting a major campaign for a Kids' Choice Award. (R)