Five holiday must-watch movies

Instant Family

In the hilarious comedy, Instant Family, Rose Byrne and Mark Wahlberg (Pete and Ellie) suddenly find themselves growing from a family of two, to a family of five, overnight! When they decide to take in a foster child (hoping for just one), they suddenly find that they need to take in the two siblings as well (including an impossible teenager) … and just like that, they’re a family of five. How will they be able to adapt? A laugh-a-minute must-see. Starring Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Isabela Moner, Octavia Spencer, Tig Notaro, Margo Martindale, Tom Segura. (In cinemas December 7.)

Bad Times at the El Royale

When seven strangers (or rather, a seriously fabulous A-list cast of celebs … think Jeff Bridges, Cynthia Erivo, Dakota Johnson, Jon Hamm, Cailee Spaeny, Lewis Pullman, Chris Hemsworth) come together at one of Lake Tahoe’s run-down hotels with a sketchy past, the area soon becomes a battleground. This is their last chance at redemption … will they be able to bury their darkest secrets or will they continue to haunt them? Bad Times at the El Royale is a seriously thrilling watch! Grab a buddy … things are about to get a little creepier this fortnight! (In cinemas now.)

Second Act

Jennifer Lopez is returning to the big screen and we’re hugely excited! Starring in Second Act, J Lo finds herself moving swiftly up the ranks from 40-year-old box store employee who’s paid a minimum wage, to the ultimate boss babe of a private finance firm with a top floor office overlooking Madison Avenue. She’s out to prove that street-smart can be just as invaluable as book-smart. Her resume may not be real, but her talents sure are! Think Maid in Manhattan vibes, just better. We can’t wait to watch this one. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Vanessa Hudgens, Leah Remini, Annaleigh Ashford, Dan Bucatinsky, Freddie Stroma, Milo Ventimiglia, Treat Williams and Larry Miller. (In cinemas December 14.)

Bohemian Rhapsody

A truly feel-good, sing-a-long celebration of the rock ‘n roll legends of Queen, Bohemian Rhapsody is a must-watch film this festive season. The film follows pop-star Freddie Mercury’s unconventional life, the rise of the band to its iconic status and its legendary performance on the eve of Live Aid, despite Mercury’s dreaded disease. Starring Rami Malek, Aidan Gillen, Ben Hardy, Joseph Mazzello, Lucy Boynton, Tom Hollander, Gwilym Lee, Allen Leech, Michelle Duncan, Aaron McCusker. This is an essential to-do this holiday. (In cinemas now.)

The Grinch

We all remember with keen fondness Dr Seuss’ story of The Grinch who stole Christmas … and this Christmas we’ll have the fabulous opportunity of watching the latest remake on the big screen … brighter, bolder and more festive than ever! Hooray! The Grinch and his loyal furry friend, Max, live a quiet life on top of Mount Crumpet … that’s only until his neighbours in Whoville decide to celebrate the festive season with a bang. The terribly unhappy little green man soon devises a cunning plan that’ll restore his home town to the peace and quiet he so longs for … he’ll pose as Santa and steal Christmas from the Whos once and for all!. Will his cunning plan work or will a little girl’s generous, festive spirit win him over? An absolute must-see for the entire family. (In cinemas December 7).