What’s playing this weekend: Dec. 19-21

Matt Demers takes us through this week's new film releases including a long-awaited action fantasy film.

There’s something a little something for everyone in theatres this weekend.

Film reviewer Matt Demers, A.K.A. Mr. Hollywood, stopped by CTV Your Morning Ottawa on Friday to share his thoughts on this weekend’s new releases.

Avatar: Fire and Ash (Rated PG-13)

Mr. Hollywood says James Cameron impresses again for this third instalment in the Avatar franchise.

“I saw this in an IMAX 3D screening and I was blown away,” Mr. Hollywood said.

The film reviewer called the popcorn flick a blitz of “striking visual splendor, excitement and action.”

The film is co-written and directed by Cameron, and stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña and Sigourney Weaver.

The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (Rated PG)

Families can’t go wrong with the latest SpongeBob movie this holiday season, Mr. Hollywood says.

“It’s silly and it’s frenzied, and it’s gleefully ridiculous and that’s why it’s great,” he said.

Mr. Hollywood said the film had plenty of laughs for him and his son.

The movie is directed by Derek Drymon and the cast features Tomy Kenny, Clancy Brown and Mark Hamill.

The Housemaid (Rated R)

Mr. Hollywood says this twisty movie had him wondering where it was headed the whole way through.

“This movie takes you on a roller coaster ride of twists and turns, it’s lurid, it’s tawdry, it’s diabolical, also very very satisfying,” Mr. Hollywood said. “I was locked in like ‘what in the world is going on here?’”

The film reviewer also had plenty of praise for the film’s cast, which features Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar. Paul Feig is the film’s director.

Top five Rob Reiner films

In honour of the recently deceased director, Mr. Hollywood presents his top five Rob Reiner films:

• This is Spinal Tap (1984) — CTV.ca/movies
• When Harry Met Sally… (1989) — Prime Video
• Stand By Me (1986) — Starz
• The Princess Bride (1987) — Crave
• Misery (1990) — Prime Video

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