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What’s on at the cinema this Christmas

From classic Christmas films at the cinema to brand new releases you won’t want to miss, here are your big screen belters.

Written by Chris Kingston
Published 21.12.2022

NEW CINEMA RELEASES

 

Avatar: The Way Of Water

Out now

Jake Sully is living with his newfound family formed on the planet Pandora, when a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started. Jake must work with Neytiri and the Na’vi race to protect their planet.

With a cast including Sigourney Weaver, Kate Winslet, Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington, and direction from James Cameron, we’re expecting big things from a sequel we’ve waited a decade for. Make sure you see it in IMAX 3D for the full Avatar experience.

 

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody

26th December 

Biographical movies of musical icons seem to be all the rage these days if recent smash hits Elvis, Blonde and Bohemian Rhapsody are anything to go by.

I Wanna Dance With Somebody is a powerful celebration of the incomparable superstar that is Whiney Houston. This new film takes a look back at her life and career, promising to be ‘very frank about the price that super-stardom exacted’.

Star Wars’ Naomi Ackie plays Whitney alongside the brilliant Stanley Tucci, who plays Clive Davis.

CHRISTMAS CLASSICS ON THE BIG SCREEN

 

It’s a Wonderful Life

Until 24th December at Tyneside Cinema and Jam Jar Cinema

George Bailey finds his previously happy life falling apart around him on Christmas Eve. Feeling he has no way out of his predicament, George considers throwing himself from the edge of a bridge but is stopped by his guardian angel, Clarence, who intervenes and shows George what life in his beloved hometown would be like without him.

What better way to watch this Christmas classic than on the silver screen?

 

The Polar Express 

Until 24th December at Odeon cinemas  

When a young boy who doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas takes an extraordinary train journey to the North Pole, he soon finds himself embarking on an adventure to visit Santa Claus.

He discovers that the wonder of Christmas never fades for those who believe. Based on the wonderful 1985 children’s book of the same name, this should keep the younger members of the family entertained and enchanted.

White Christmas

Christmas Eve, Tyneside Cinema

Set in the aftermath of World War II, White Christmas follows a ‘Sing & Dance’ team that travels to the white slopes of Vermont to help their former Army Commander save his hotel from bankruptcy.

Blossoming romance, old friends and dazzling dance routines are piled high with the warmly sentimental cheer of a few too many drinks on Christmas Eve. A fireside musical classic to warm the baubles of your heart!

 

Love Actually

Until 23rd December at Vue cinemas

It just wouldn’t be Christmas without this British festive fave that follows the love lives of eight very different couples living loosely interrelated tales – all set during a frantic month before Christmas.

Featuring an ensemble cast of British actors including Hugh Grant, Emma Thomson, the late, great Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy and Rowan Atkinson, we think it’s high time they gave us a sequel to see what the characters are up to now.

Home Alone

Until 24th December at Tyneside Cinema, Vue cinemas and Odeon cinemas

Everyone’s favourite comedy about an eight-year-old troublemaker forced to protect his house from festive burglars is given the big-screen treatment at a few cinemas across the North East this year – and we are here for it.

When Kevin is accidentally left at home alone when the rest of his family go on Christmas vacation to Paris, he’s forced to deck the halls with traps to hold a pair of opportunistic thieves at bay until his relatives return…

Christopher Kingston
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