What's showing this week at the Oriental Theatre, Downer Theatre, Marcus Theatres, AMC Mayfair Mall, Avalon Theater, Rosebud Cinema and more
Chris ForanMilwaukee Journal Sentinel
With all the monster-size movies rushing into theaters before Thanksgiving — with “Wicked,” Gladiator II” and “Moana 2” showing just about everywhere — there’s not a lot that’s new starting Friday.
But there are a lot of special movie events. And the holiday movie rush is in full swing.
Here’s what’s new in Milwaukee-area theaters starting Friday, as well as some of the new movies available on streaming and on demand this week.
'Hundreds of Beavers’ reinvades Oriental Theatre
One of the decade’s most beloved cult comedies, the surreal made-in-Wisconsin “Hundreds of Beavers,” is back at the Oriental Theatre for a screening at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5. Tickets are $13. Info: mkefilm.org/oriental-theatre.
‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ with MSO
A very limited number of tickets are still available for screenings of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra providing the music at the Bradley Symphony Center. Tickets start at $30; the screenings are at 7:30 Nov. 29-30 and 2:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Info: mso.org.
Holiday Film Festival at Rivoli Theatre
The 2024 Holiday Film Festival at the Rivoli Theatre in Cedarburg features Christmas movies and favorites Nov. 29 through Dec. 23. Tickets are $4. Info: rivoliofcedarburg.com.
Showing this week:
Nov. 29: 7 p.m., "It’s a Wonderful Life"
Nov. 30: 3:30 p.m., "Elf"; 7 p.m., "The Grinch" (2018)
Dec. 1: 3:30 p.m., "The Polar Express"; 7 p.m., "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"
Dec. 2: 7 p.m., "The Holiday"
Dec. 3: 7 p.m., "New in Town"
Dec. 4: 7 p.m., "It Happened on 5th Avenue"
Dec. 5: 7 p.m., "The Bishop’s Wife"
RELATED: Christmas movies in Milwaukee theaters: What's showing where for the 2024 holiday season
Holiday movies at the Oriental Theatre
The Oriental Theatre’s “Seasons Screenings” lineup — an eclectic mix of movies with varying degrees of holiday cheer — continues with “The Godfather” at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 1, followed by “The Godfather Part II” at 6 p.m.; and “Gremlins” at 9 p.m. Dec. 5. Tickets are $13. Info: mkefilm.org/season-s-screenings.
Christmas movies at the Avalon Theater
The Avalon's expansive holiday lineup starts with “Serendipity,” showing at noon Nov. 30 and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 1, and “Elf” at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and noon Dec. 1. Tickets are $8. Info: ntg-wi.com.
Christmas movies at the Times Cinema
The Times Cinema reopens on weekends through Christmas with an array of holiday movies. Showing this weekend: “A Christmas Story" at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 1, and the 1947 version (really, the best) of “Miracle on 34th Street” at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Tickets are $8. Info: ntg-wi.com.
Christmas movies at the Rosebud Cinema
The Rosebud Cinema's holiday movie lineup starts with “The Polar Express” at 12:30 p.m. Nov. 30 and “Arthur Christmas” at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Tickets are $8. Info: ntg-wi.com.
Keanu Reeves marathon at Oriental Theatre
Milwaukee Film salutes the majesty that is Keanu Reeves all during November with its first-ever “Keaunthon.” Showing this week: “A Scanner Darkly,” at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 29; and a “John Wick” marathon Nov. 30, with the original at noon, “Chapter 2” at 2 p.m., “Chapter 3 — Parabellum" at 5 p.m. and “Chapter 4” at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $13 (or if you want to see all of the “John Wick” movies, there’s a four-movie pass for $25, $20 for Milwaukee Film members). Info: mkefilm.org/keanuthon.
What’s showing at UWM Union Cinema
Highlights at the UWM Union Cinema, inside the student union at 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd., include: a screening of a rare 16-millimeter print of Warren Sonbert’s “Carriage Trade,” curated by From the Archives series founder Carl Bogner, at 7 p.m. Dec. 3; and the Association of Moving Image Archivists Restoration Screening Night, a traveling screening of recently restored and preserved films, at 7 p.m. Dec. 4. Admission to both of these is free. Info: uwm.edu/union/cinema.
New movies on demand
"Heavier Trip”: In this sequel to a Finnish cult comedy, a death metal band escapes from prison to save the lead guitarist’s family reindeer slaughterhouse business — and play a legendary music festival. Available Nov. 29.
“Marry Christmas”: Joey and Matthew Lawrence play brothers who unwittingly schedule their weddings for the same day — Christmas — and the same romantic destination. Their brother Andrew and mother Donna co-star in this family holiday comedy. Available Dec. 3.
Recent releases newly available on demand: “Know Your Place,” Dec. 3; “Teddy’s Christmas,” Dec. 3.
New movies on streaming services
“Beatles ’64”: This new documentary, produced by Martin Scorsese, shares the inside story of the year the Beatles conquered America. On Disney+ Nov. 29.
"Nutcrackers": When four unruly kids lose their parents before the holidays, their reluctant uncle (Ben Stiller) is charged with making a home for them. Linda Cardellini co-stars. On Hulu Nov. 29.
“That Christmas”: In a town that really needs its Christmas, everything that can go wrong seemingly does. This animated British movie, based on children's books written by Richard Curtis ("Love Actually") features a stellar voice cast including Bill Nighy, Guz Khan, Fiona Shaw, Jodie Whittaker and, as Santa, Brian Cox. On Netflix Dec. 4.
"Brewster's Millions: Christmas": To inherit her uncle's fortune, a woman must give instead of receive during the holidays. China Anne McClain, Romeo Miller, Telma Hopkins, Tequan Richmond, Richard Pryor Jr. and Rain Pryor star in this holiday reimagining of "Brewster's Millions" (itself remade with Richard Pryor Sr. in 1985). On BET+ Dec. 5.
"The Red Virgin": This historical drama tells the story of Hildegart Rodríguez, an activist and writer in 1930s Spain who was raised by her mother to become a model of future women. On Prime Video Dec. 5.
Recent releases newly available on streaming services: "A Haunting in Venice," Prime Video Dec. 1; “Bad Actor: A Hollywood Ponzi Scheme,” Hulu Dec. 3.
