The state of the world has made the time-honored tradition of going to the movies over the holidays challenging. But thankfully, studios are in the spirit of the season. And they are releasing new movies via streaming services. Filmmakers can gripe about this all they want. But creating interest and maintaining relevancy is a balancing act. When done right, a movie can hit at the pulse of the zeitgeist. So, cheers to the studios debuting their big-budget tent poles online. And of course, let’s not forget the leader of streaming, Netflix. They, too, make the list today in a very on-brand manner of bucking the trend. While everyone else is offering movies, Netflix is dropping a much-anticipated series. So here are the three streams available on Christmas day this year.
Wonder Woman 1984 | Rated PG-13 | Available on HBO Max
I’ve been waiting for this movie since watching the end credits of Wonder Woman in 2017. Delayed from spring 2020 to late summer to some time next year, I feared this movie would miss its moment. Listen, I would love to support Patty Jenkins by watching this in a theatre. Instead, this will be the first of the three streams I’ll be watching on Friday. But hopefully, by the time Jenkins’ Star Wars movie comes out, I’ll be back to my early bird matinee shows. It’s the best time; it’s like a VIP exclusive private screening for a fraction of the cost. But back to Wonder Woman 1984. If New Order’s Blue Monday had zero effect on you while watching Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, and Pedro Pascal in the trailer, I’m guessing you don’t like superhero movies or good music. No worries, I won’t have to worry about HBO Max crashing because their servers can’t handle the influx of users.
Soul | Rated PG | Available on Disney+
I saw the teaser for this a long time ago. I’m talking I was in a movie theatre when it happened. At the time, I thought John Legend is the voice behind lead character Joe Gardner. I know why. Joe Gardner is a middle school music teacher before he is thrust on the journey the plot dictates. That closely parallels Legend’s own story before becoming the youngest EGOT winner. And since I was in a crowded theater munching on popcorn, my brain filled in gaps left behind by my overtaxed ears. Anyway, the point is Legend is not associated with the film. Although I do feel this is a missed opportunity, lol. But no matter, instead, we get the equally talented and driven Jamie Foxx. Joined by the likes of Tina Fey, Graham Norton, and Phylicia Rashad, I’m sure Disney Pixar’s Soul will have us feeling all the feels while providing insight on life’s existential questions. Namely, what is it that makes you, you?
Bridgerton | Rated TV-MA | Available on Netflix
And now the final of the three streams. what I know about Bridgerton. It’s a period piece with English accents. Seeing as it’s TV-MA, this is not your typical chaste BBC/Masterpiece costume drama. The cast is diverse. And cast members of color are playing characters beyond the servant archetype. The series is the first to drop since Shonda Rhimes moved her production company from ABC to Netflix in 2017. A quick Google search reveals that Bridgerton is a book series set during the Regency period. So you know, catnip for fans of Austen. And the title Bridgerton is the surname of the eight siblings central to the story. It’s Netflix. I honestly do not need any more information to watch episode one.
