December has, as ever, been a huge month for cinema, seeing the arrival of not just possibly the most anticipated film in history in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but the usual run of family comedies and adventure flicks looking to cash in on those undemanding Christmas bucks, and of course a ton of Oscar hopefuls from the likes of Quentin Tarantino, David O. Russell and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu. Last month served up something for everyone at the cinema: there was action, a little romance, capers for the kiddies and methodical think-pieces for those after something a little more sedate, ensuring you'll have plenty to feast on as 2016 begins its usual dumping of films they couldn't be bothered to release in 2015. Yes, January's movie platter won't be anywhere near as eclectic or exciting as December's (Kung Fu Panda 3 is the only movie that should be good beyond all doubt), but before we know it, the summer will roll around and we'll have big-budget blockbusters coming out of our ears. Savour this period of quiet and soak in some of those December flicks you maybe haven't caught up with yet. Here are December 2015's movies ranked from worst to best...
22. Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Road Chip
RottenTomatoes Score: 16% (3.4/10 average) Box Office: Though the fourth Chipmunks movie opened to by far the worst domestic opening weekend of the series, it's still set to easily make its budget back and then some over the next few weeks, especially considering that the film hasn't opened in most markets outside of the U.S. yet. It won't be a major hit, but solidly successful all the same. Verdict: What else did you expect here? Critics pummeled the film for offering pretty much just more of the irritating same, and the results are no less tolerable, with grating musical numbers, a litany of talented actors put to waste and a slack plot that was doubtless cobbled together over a liquid lunch two weeks before shooting began. We could all do ourselves and our children a favour by just not funding this relentless money-printing machine anymore.
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
