My oh my, is December quite the month to be a movie fan. The holiday season is here, and with it comes a slate of incredible films to help us bid farewell to 2013. It has been a memorable year in film, with the movie theater, as always, providing memories that will stand the test of time. This year, we screamed, we laughed, we sat amazed and marveled at what was before us, and we shed the often tear. The best, however, awaits us in December. To moviegoers everywhere, enjoy.

Out of the Furnace – December 6 (Trailer)

            “Out of the Furnace” is one of those movies that embodies the definition of an all star cast. Director Scott Cooper’s second film brings together some of Hollywood’s best to tell the redemption story of one brother who sets out to find his lost sibling after law enforcement fails to follow through. The cast includes Woody Harrelson, Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana, Sam Shepard, Willem Dafoe, and Forest Whitaker. The film looks incredible, and I’m excited to see how all these amazing actors can co-exist on one screen.

Inside Llewyn Davis – December 6 (Trailer)

Every so often there comes along a movie that reminds you why you love film. In 2013, “Inside Llewyn Davis” is promising to be that movie. Early on, the movie has been garnering a number of perfect scores, and has been met by audiences with largely positive reviews. There are several reasons to be excited for this movie. For starters, it is the next film by the Coen brothers, a director and writer duo, who you may know from past films such as True Grit, Burn After Reading, The Big Lebowski, and perhaps their most famous work, No Country for Old Men. The Coen brothers help tell the story of a young singer who tries to make a name for himself in the folk scene in 1961 with a good looking cast that stars Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, and my main man Justin Timberlake. Of any movie coming out this month, I urge you to please not miss out on “Inside Llewyn Davis”, as the movie is sure to be an Oscar contender, whose name you will hear be called up again and again come award season.

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – December 13 (Trailer)

The second installment of “The Hobbit” trilogy continues the journey of Bilbo Baggins and the classic cast of characters in “The Hobbit” universe. Peter Jackson returns once again to the director’s chair and helps continue the story as the fight for Erebor heats up as Smaug stands in the way. As in the past Hobbit film as well as the “Lord of the Rings” movies, a great cast headlines the movie. Benedict Cumberbatch, Orlando Bloom, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, and Ian McKellen star in the sequel that promises to be a big hit among fans, and looks to be a huge commercial success.

Saving Mr. Banks – December 13 (Trailer)

Mary Poppins has been a classic tale for ages. Now, a new twist is put on the story as “Saving Mr. Banks” looks at the relationship between Walt Disney and P. L. Travers, and how Mary Poppins made a leap onto the big screen. John Lee Hancock helms the project, with past movies such as “The Rookie”, “The Alamo”, and the “The Blind Side.” The film looks to have a good balance of humor and heart, with a great cast that includes Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, Collin Farrell, and Paul Giamatti.

American Hustle – December 18 (Trailer)

I don’t think I’ve ever loved the look of a movie more than American Hustle. The characters look utterly perfect. There are, however, still other reasons to be excited. “American Hustle” is the next project from director David O. Russell, who you might know from last year’s award winning “Silver Linings Playbook” and 2010’s “The Fighter.” Accompanying Russell are Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, and Jennifer Lawrence, all whom promise to deliver incredible performances in one of the years most anticipated films.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues – December 18 (Trailer)

The legendary Ron Burgundy once again graces the big screen in his return to the news. This time, he and his famous crew plan to take New York’s first ever 24-hour news channel by storm. Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, and David Koechner reprise their roles as some of the finest journalists in the business. Joining them is a huge new cast of characters that is too long to list. Simply put, don’t miss out on what is sure to be one of the funniest films of 2013.

Her – December 18 (Trailer)

From the outside looking in, “Her” looks like a strange film. Let me make a guarantee, however, that this film will be one of the year’s greatest. “Her” tells the story of a writer who yearns for some type of relationship – a relationship he later finds in a portable operation system. As strange as the plot may be, “Her” has the makings of a great movie. Director of 2009’s hit “Where the Wild Things Are”, Spike Jonze, directs the project and brings along an impressive cast. Joaquin Phoenix portrays the lonely writer, with Scarlett Johansson lending her voice to the operation system. Phoenix becomes infatuated with. Rounding out the cast include Amy Adams, Olivia Wilde, and Chris Pratt. I urge with all the power in my soul, do NOT miss out on this one.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty – December 25 (Trailer)

            While early reviews don’t have it as a must watch, it’s hard not to recommend “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.” First of all, it sees Ben Stiller return to the directing chair, a place many would argue is where he better fits. A fun plot and a good looking cast could make the trip to the theater worth the price of admission, especially with a Christmas day release date.

The Wolf of Wall Street – December 25 (Trailer)

Thank the stars for people like Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio. “The Wolf of Wall Street” is personally my most anticipated film of 2013. Much like “American Hustle” the look and feel of this movie is just beautifully perfect. Nearly every aspect of this movie just oozes greatness. Martin Scorsese lets us bear witness to his latest creation. Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, a high life stockbroker turned conman, “The Wolf of Wall Street” is sure to be an Oscar contender that will please most moviegoers. The cast fits the movie so well, as Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey, Jonah Hill, Jon Favreau, and Spike Jonze headline the cast. I know gushed about past movies such as “Inside Llewyn Davis” and “Her” earlier, but dear God I beg you, see this movie. I promise you won’t regret it.

Also This Month

Tyler Perry’s A Madea Christmas – December 13 (Trailer)

Hours – December 13 (Trailer)

47 Ronin – December 25 (Trailer)

Grudge Match – December 25 (Trailer)

The Invisible Woman – December 25 (Trailer)

Labor Day – December 27 (Trailer)

Lone Survivor – December 27 (Trailer)