The movie fans have been waiting for all year is finally here. Spider-Man: No Way Home hit theaters Friday, Dec. 17, and millions of die-hard fans already purchased their tickets in advance and were first in line to watch. No Way Home is the kind of movie you need to see on the big screen, but if you can’t get tickets, we recommend you log off for a couple of days because spoilers are already flying all over social media. If you’re sitting this one out, there are other movies and shows to check out this weekend that might be worth your while. Apple TV+’s Swan Song drops Friday, marking Mahershala Ali’s first leading role in a feature film, which means it is a must-watch.
The Witcher is returning to Netflix after a long hiatus with Season 2 after climbing to the top 10 most-watched Netflix shows ever. So if you haven’t watched it yet, it’s not too late to join the millions of people who couldn’t get enough of the Netflix series. However, if you want to hit theaters but are not in the mood for an action flick, Oscars favorite Guillermo del Toro has a new film coming out this week. The filmmaker tapped Bradley Cooper as the lead in his latest thriller Nightmare Alley and judging by the trailer, the film is everything cinephiles love about a del Toro film. So whether you’re staying safe at home binge-watching this weekend or bravely heading to a theater to see Tom Holland in action, this week’s offerings and last week’s releases provide more than enough options to choose from. Check out our choices for the best movies and TV to watch this weekend below.
'Spider-Man: No Way Home'
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When: Friday, Dec. 17
Where: In theaters
Without getting too sentimental, Spider-Man: No Way Home’s nostalgia-soaked insanity is built for looking backwards. The Spider-Man character was around before there even was an MCU, yet No Way Home—which finds multiple universes colliding at once, all heading towards Spider-Man (Tom Holland)—wouldn’t be what it was without Marvel Studios and Sony working together. The rogues gallery that makes its way to Peter Parker’s door are from both Sony Spider-Man series, and lay the base for the mess Peter (AND DR. STRANGE) create in this film, but it’s the skillful way that Feige and company, working with director Jon Watts and the cast, are able to bridge those gaps and give us a wild story full of action, humor, and pain.
That’s not without some headaches; No Way Home takes a bit to get going. That’s not to say that the opening is bad, or weak, but it definitely takes some time to get its footing and understand what it's trying to be. And once No Way Home figures it out, it’s not only smooth sailing, but it's chock full of Spider-fights, pain, confusion, and hilarity. Holland continues to shine in this iteration of Parker, who’s balancing his obligations as a student with the world now knowing that he is Spider-Man. Adapting 2010’s “One Moment In Time” comic book storyline for this is genius, especially since this film is the theatrical representation of the shifts and changes going on behind the scenes in the MCU. Marvel’s moving at full speed into the multiverse, and No Way Home is a huge piece of the puzzle in understanding what that can mean for our heroes.
This also happens to be (arguably) the biggest film event of the year, coming during a time of Omicron variants and the holiday season. We’ve done a good job not spoiling you about the film, but we implore you to stay safe out there…from those spoilers and the variants! —khal
'Swan Song'
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When: Friday, Dec. 17
Where: Apple TV+
It might not seem like it but Swan Song will be Mahershala Ali’s first time as the lead in a feature-length film. The actor’s performances in projects like Moonlight, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Hunger Games, Alita: Battle Angel, and Green Book have left people in awe in recent years. He was also the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar and the first Black man to win two Academy Awards in the Best Supporting Actor category. After those wins, it was safe to say that he was more than ready to tackle Apple TV+’s Swan Song as is his first leading role. The new sci-fi drama is about a man named Cameron, played by Ali, who is a visual artist and father dealing with a terminal illness. The story follows Cameron after he is given the chance to have a clone of himself replace him when he dies. Ali will be reuniting with Moonlight costar Naomie Harris, and the film also features performances from Awkwafina and Glenn Close.
'Nightmare Alley'
'The Witcher' Season 2
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When: Friday, Dec. 17
Where: Netflix
The Witcher fans need to wait no further because Season 2 is finally here. It’s been a minute since the first season dropped in December 2019, but it grabbed plenty of viewers’ attention during the pandemic. The show has since become one of the most-watched Netflix TV shows of all time, racking up 76 million hours viewed since its release. The hit fantasy drama is based on a book series by the same name written by Andrzej Sapkowski. Last season left off at the epic Battle of Sodden Hill and in Season 2, fans will be transported back to The Continent and reunite with monster-slayer Geralt of Rivia (Henry Cavill) and Princess Ciri (Freya Allan) as he continues to find his place in this medieval fantasy land. If you didn’t tune in for Season 1 of this saga, there’s still time. There are only eight episodes you need to catch up on and then get right into Season 2, hitting Netflix on Friday, Dec. 17. That’s a pretty solid binge-watch to dive into this weekend. You can also enjoy it without worrying about a possible cancellation because Season 3 is already in the works at Netflix.
