What to watch: December Edition

Your favorite movies and TV shows when and how you want them

It’s the holiday season and the Microsoft Store on Windows has something for everyone. Whether you’re into the intrigue of a murder mystery or in the mood for action from an unexpected, yet “jolly” hero, you’ll find it in the month of December. Cozy up with family to watch together, or find that coveted “me time” and unwind. ‘Tis the season!

December featured trailer

Willow – Original series now streaming. Watch it on Disney+. (Subscription required).

Available now

Violent Night

Violent Night

Microsoft Movies & TV

Santa’s coming to town and his “naughty” list is pretty long this year. After a wealthy family is held hostage by a group of mercenaries, Santa Claus unexpectedly pulls out a particular set of skills to save the night. He connects with the family’s youngest member, Trudy, over walkie talkie during the initial, stumbled upon melee. Seeing that she is on his “nice” list, he makes it his duty to save her and her family. Despite being disgruntled by children losing their Christmas spirit, will this night of violence and the belief of Trudy give Santa hope? David Harbor stars as Santa in Violent Night, with John Leguizamo taking an antagonistic turn as “Mr. Scrooge.”

The Woman King

Microsoft Movies & TV

Fight or we die. This is the rally cry to warriors of the King’s Guard of the African Kingdom of Dahomey. The Woman King gives a historical account of the Agojie, an all-female military regiment and their epic story in the 1820s. The Agojie’s general begins intense training of liberated women who had been abducted by slavers as their king wages an all-out war on the rival empire and slave traders. Bear witness to the strength, fearlessness, and bravery of, arguably, the most effective military unit in West African history. Oscar-award winner Viola Davis, Lashana Lynch, and John Boyega take a star turn in this action-drama film based on true events.

Smile

Smile

Microsoft Movies & TV

Having witnessed the unexpected, bizarre death of a patient, a psychiatrist begins to experience unexplained supernatural occurrences in the same vein as her now deceased patient in the movie Smile. After an at-work incident, her boss thinks she desperately needs a break. Meanwhile, her loved ones begin to question her sanity. At the end of the day, it is up to her to confront her troubling past if there is any hope of her escaping the horrific experiences. Sosie Bacon stars in this critically praised supernatural horror film.

Black Adam

Microsoft Movies & TV

When an ancient superhuman is released, what could go wrong (or, right)? A former Kahndaq slave (Black Adam) is bestowed with the combined almighty powers of six Egyptian gods (i.e., stamina, speed, strength, wisdom, power, and courage), but is quickly imprisoned after becoming a superbeing. Nearly 5,000 years later, he is freed from his earthly tomb by a group of archaeologists and resistance fighters, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world. After a series of mishaps and battles, the titular character is faced with becoming a villain or a hero in this DC Extended Universe entry. Black Adam stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Noah Centineo, and Sarah Shahi.

Willow

Disney+

Not one to turn down an adventure for the greater good, aspiring Nelwyn magician, Willow Ufgood leads a band of misfits on a journey to save their world. Nearly 30 years have passed, and the magical world is teeming with brownies, sorcerers, trolls, and other mystical beings. The unlikely heroes go far beyond their comfort zones to confront their inner demons in order to work as a unit that will make the world a better place. Warwick Davis returns to star in the titular role. Kevin Pollack and Rick Overton also reprise their roles as brownies Rool and Franjean, respectively.

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Microsoft Movies & TV

Never judge a book by its cover. That’s the moral of the story as viewers explore the story of Lyle the singing crocodile who tries to prove that he’s nothing like what people assume. This heartwarming tale pairs Lyle with an unexpecting family of tenants who quickly learn they are sharing a space with the large reptile. He goes on to help with household chores, befriend each member of the Primm family, and play with the neighborhood kids, despite his biggest naysayers, Mr. Grumps and his cat, Loretta. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile stars Shawn Mendes (as the voice of Lyle), Javier Bardem, and Constance Wu.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Microsoft Movies & TV

It’s one thing to witness a crime, especially one as serious as murder. But, to be accused of said crime can lead to a series of unfortunate events. Three close friends that served and met during World War I, reunite in New York City. Seeking to find the truth and – ultimately – clear their names, the trio realize something bigger is amiss, a plot to overthrow the United States government. Academy Award winner Christian Bale, John David Washington, and Margot Robbie lead the all-star cast of Amsterdam, a period comedy thriller.

National Treasure: Edge of History

National Treasure: Edge of History

Disney+

Picking up where the “National Treasure” movie series left off, National Treasure: Edge of History follows Jess, who is seeking to learn more about her familial history. The Disney+ series focuses on the mystery of her family, but goes deeper as she and her friends take on the adventure attached to missing treasure. Justin Bartha and Harvey Keitel return in their original roles, while Nicolas Cage will return in Season 2. Lisette Olivera leads the cast of explorers.

A Christmas Story Christmas

Microsoft Movies & TV

Cult holiday classic, “A Christmas Story,” returns with a follow-up in A Christmas Story Christmas and you’re “full of beans” if you don’t watch. We triple dog dare you. After the death of “the Old Man,” Ralphie’s mom asks that he and his family return to Indiana for the holidays. She tasks Ralphie with writing his dad’s obituary and assuming the responsibility of making the family’s Christmas special. With his little brother Randy and his childhood friends, Flick and Schwartz, in tow, the story’s hero and his myriad of hijinks kick into high gear in this holiday comedy. Peter Billingsley, Scott Schwarts, R.D. Robb, Ian Petrella, and Zack Ward return in their original roles for this new-age holiday classic.

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