OPENING
Aquaman (Cineplex Odeon Victoria, Cineplex Odeon Westshore, Landmark Cinemas University Heights, SilverCity Imax) — The half-man, half-Atlantean is the latest D.C. superhero to get an origin story with this underwater adventure. With Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Kidman. PG
Ben is Back (Capitol 6) — Ben Burns (Lucas Hedges), 19, unexpectedly returns to his family’s suburban home on Christmas Eve. Ben’s mother, Holly (Julia Roberts), is thrilled to welcome him home. His teenage sister, Ivy (Kathryn Newton) — and stepfather Neal (Courtney B. Vance), are wary. 14A
Bumblebee (Capitol 6, Cineplex Odeon Westshore, SilverCity) — In 1987, a young woman discovers that a broken down VW bug isn’t a prototypical junkyard heap — it’s a Transformer. With Hailee Steinfeld, Dylan O’Brien, Justin Theroux, John Cena, Pamela Adlon, Stephen Schneider. PG
The Favourite (Cineplex Odeon Victoria,) — This viciously entertaining period comedy-drama from director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster) — returns us to the 18th century court of Queen Anne (a magnificent Olivia Colman) — and the intrigue swirling around two women (Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone) — vying for her favour. 14A
Holmes & Watson (Opens Tuesday) (Cineplex Odeon Victoria, SilverCity) — A comedic spin on the characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle — the world’s greatest consulting detective Sherlock Holmes (Will Ferrell) and his loyal biographer, Dr. Watson (John C. Reilly). PG
Mary Queen of Scots (Cineplex Odeon Victoria) — Mary Queen of Scots explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan), who was the Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18. Defying pressure to remarry, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie). 14A
Second Act (Cineplex Odeon Westshore,) — Jennifer Lopez stars as a working-class woman who unexpectedly breaks into the corporate world. With Leah Remini, Vanessa Hudgens, Treat Williams, Milo Ventimiglia, Dave Foley, Larry Miller. PG
Vice (Opens Tuesday) — (Landmark Cinemas University Heights) — While serving as the CEO of a multinational corporation, former secretary of defence Dick Cheney (Christian Bale) is approached by presidential candidate George W. Bush (Sam Rockwell) and is asked to head the search committee to appoint his vice-president. Shortly after, Cheney is offered the candidacy himself and agrees, but only if his duties can be expanded to include what he assures Bush are “mundane jobs,” such as overseeing the military and foreign policy. 14A
Welcome to Arwen (Capitol 6, Star) — A man seriously wounded in a vicious assault seeks healing through an elaborate art installation that pays tribute to the women in his life. With Steve Carell, Leslie Mann, Diane Kruger, Merritt Wever, Janelle Monae, Gwendoline Christie. PG
CONTINUING
A Star Is Born (Capitol 6) — Bradley Cooper headlines with Lady Gaga and makes his directorial debut with this remake of the love story about rising and falling showbiz careers. With Andrew Dice Clay and Dave Chappelle. 14A
Bohemian Rhapsody (Cineplex Odeon Victoria, Cineplex Odeon Westshore, Landmark Cinemas University Heights, SilverCity) — Rami Malek stars as Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer of the British rock band Queen. With Lucy Boynton, Ben Hardy and Aidan Gillen. PG
Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch (Cineplex Odeon Victoria, Cineplex Odeon Westshore, Landmark Cinemas University Heights, SilverCity) — Benedict Cumberbatch voices the green meanie who threatens Christmas in Who-ville in this computer-animated retelling of the holiday classic. Also with Rashida Jones and Tristan O’Hare. G
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (Cineplex Odeon Victoria, Cineplex Odeon Westshore, SilverCity) — Albus Dumbledore and his former student Newt Scamander must stop the dark wizard after he escapes custody in this second of five planned instalments. With Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law and Johnny Depp. PG
Green Book (Cineplex Odeon Victoria) — A bouncer from the Bronx is hired to drive a world-class African-American pianist on a tour of the Deep South in 1962. With Viggo Mortensen, Mahershala Ali and Linda Cardellini. PG
Mary Poppins Returns (Cineplex Odeon Victoria, Cineplex Odeon Westshore, Landmark Cinemas University Heights, SilverCity, Star) — Decades after her original visit, the magical nanny returns to help the Banks siblings and Michael’s children through a difficult time in their lives. With Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Ben Whishaw. G
Mortal Engines 3D (Capitol 6, SilverCity) — Centuries after civilization collapsed, an enigmatic woman, an outcast and an outlaw unite to try to stop London, now a dangerous metropolis on wheels. With Hugo Weaving, Hera Hilmar and Robert Sheehan. PG
The Mule (Landmark Cinemas University Heights, SilverCity) — A 90-year-old horticulturist and Second World War veteran is caught transporting $3 million worth of cocaine through Michigan for a Mexican drug cartel. With Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper and Taissa Farmiga. 14A
Once Upon a Deadpool (Capitol 6) — PG remix of the raunchy 2016 action-comedy Deadpool includes new footage. With Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin and Josh Brolin. PG
Ralph Breaks the Internet (Capitol 6, Cineplex Odeon Westshore, SilverCity) — The reluctant video-game villain and his pal, Vanellope von Schweetz, leave the arcade and head online in this computer-animated sequel to the 2012 hit. With the voices of John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman and Gal Gadot. G
Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Capitol 6, Cineplex Odeon Westshore, SilverCity) — A Brooklyn teen dons a mask and joins forces with arachnid-like superheroes from other dimensions in this animated tale. With voices by Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson and Hailee Steinfeld. PG
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
Sing-a-long Sound of Music (Friday, Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday at Vic Theatre)
National Theatre Live: The Madness of George III (Saturday at SilverCity)
Cbeebies Christmas Show: Thumbelina (Saturday at Cineplex Odeon Westshore)
Wizard of Oz (Sunday at Vic Theatre)
Bolshoi Ballet: The Nutcracker (Sunday at SilverCity)
At Eternity’s Gate (Thursday at Vic Theatre)
CINECENTA
It’s A Wonderful Life (Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.)
Closed Dec. 22-Jan. 2, 2019.
IMAX VICTORIA
imaxvictoria.com for showtimes.
First Man: The Imax Experience 2D
Polar Express: The Imax Experience 2D and 3D
Incredible Predators 2D and 3D
Oceans: Our Blue Planet 2D and 3D
Mysteries of Egypt 2D
The Story of Earth 3D
