Popcorn Movie Mix December 7: Smaller And Smaller Circles, The Star, A Bad Moms Christmas, Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa, Slumber

It’s officially December! This week’s movie mix has definitely got that much-anticipated Christmas vibe but has just enough variety for some quality screen time. From films that reflect current issues like ‘Smaller and Smaller Circles,’ scares and nightmares, a brave donkey that wants more in life, to some hilariously out-of-the-ordinary Christmas moms, we’ve got your week covered for sure.

If you have the need for some thought-provoking themes, then “Smaller and Smaller Circles” or “Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa” may be great options for you. If, however, you need more of a feel-good aftereffect, “The Star” is highly recommended for the family while “A Bad Moms Christmas” will be a good laugh for a group of friends. Of course, who doesn’t love a good scare, right? Without a doubt, “Slumber” is it.

Movie Mix December 9: Stories of Christmas and Societal Issues

“Smaller And Smaller Circles” has been trending since its first night. The film is based on Felisa Batacan’s crime fiction novel of the same name that was published in 2002. The story revolves around successive incidents of the horrific murders of young boys who end up lifeless in the dumps of Payatas. Two Jesuit priests relentlessly investigate the crimes of the notorious serial killer. The movie stars Nonie Buencamino and Ria Limjap.

A brave donkey named Bo breaks free, follows “The Star,” and sets out on the best journey of his life with some stable friends. The animated film by Sony Pictures Animation retells the greatest story about the first Christmas through Bo (Steven Yeun) and his lovable friends. He meets a sheep named Ruth (Aidy Bryant), a dove named Dave (Keegan-Michael Key) and three funny camels. They all meet Mary (Gina Rodriguez) and Joseph (Zachary Levi) and end up heroes in an adventure of a lifetime. Ving Rhames, Gabriel Iglesias, Kelly Clarkson, Anthony Anderson Patricia Heaton, Kris Kris Kristofferson, Kristin Chenoweth, Mariah Carey and Oprah Winfrey join the ensemble of voice talents.

Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn try to deal with their own moms in “A Bad Moms Christmas.” The movie is a sequel to the 2016 film, “Bad Moms.” A year later, moms Amy (Mila), Kiki (Kristen), and Carla (Kathryn) have no choice but to deal with their own mothers Ruth (Christine Baranski), Isis (Susan Sarandon), and Sandy (Cheryl Hines) who are visiting during the festive Christmas holiday.

The reality of education in war-stricken regions takes the pedestal in “Ang Guro Kong Di Marunong Magbasa.” The film is set in a small town in southwestern Mindanao where volunteer teachers are hesitant to teach in far-off areas because of the threats of war between the rebels and the military. Because of this, a farmer named Aaquil takes up the challenge to teach the children in their community. His students are orphans of war and are not aware that their teacher is illiterate. When Aaquil was not able to return after going to the city, the children feel abandoned leading them to join the rebel organization and choose guns instead of books. What of education now? How can it still matter?

Maggie Q stars as a sleep doctor in “Slumber.” Dr. Alice Arnolds (Maggie Q) is a doctor who wants nothing else but protect a family from an evil spirit who feeds on the living through nightmares. The film also stars Honor Kneafsey, Sylvester McCoy, Will Kemp, Kristen Bush, William Hope, Sam Troughton, Mark Preston, and Vincent Adriano.