1
Uncut Gems
The scintillating Safdies crank it higher with Adam Sandler’s externalized frenzy of one Manhattan’s mental mayhem: among other virtues, it may well be an unsentimental riff on the existence of disgraced NYC filmmaker James Toback.
December 25
2
Little Women
(Music Box)
Greta Gerwig’s deconstruction-reconstruction of the novel and the life of Louisa May Alcott features “Lady Bird” muse Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Watson and Meryl Streep, a score by Alexandre Desplat and camerawork by the estimable Yorick Le Saux.
Opens December 25
3
Law Of Desire
(Siskel)
35mm print of Almodóvar’s sixth feature, paired with a second-run engagement of his magisterial 2019 masterpiece, “Pain and Glory.”
December 28 & January 2
4
American Dharma
(Siskel)
“The Brink” is one of 2019’s most offhandedly fastidious documentaries, following political wrecking ball Steve Bannon through his vexatious paces; this is Errol Morris’ long-delayed sit-down with the éminence grise.
Opens December 13
5
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Retcon mayhem ensues in fan-service frenzy as great swathes of “Last of the Jedi” are effaced from holy canon.
December 20