This Month in Movies: December 2017

It's A Wonderful Life. Join the Park City Film Series this December for a mix of classic holiday movies and compelling independent documentaries and feature films.
Image: Park City Film Series
It's hard to believe we are already just one month away from Sundance 2018 and the highly anticipated line-up for the film festival has been released. In the meantime, you can get your movie fix this December with another great round up of films from the Park City Film Series. On top of the regularly schedule independent features and documentaries, the PCFS will again host it's annual Winter Break Film Series to help parents entertain their kiddos while school on break.
Park City Film Series
Dec. 1-3: Loving Vincent - Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.
You may already have seen the mesmerizing trailers for Loving Vincent floating around social media and if you have, you know this film is a must based solely on the gorgeous animation. It's the world's first fully oil painted feature film and an homage to Vincent van Gogh, one of the most celebrated artists of all time. The film explores the artist's life through an investigation by a young man's journey through France and his encounters with various people, including the doctor who treated Van Gogh in his last days.

Loving Vincent
Image: Park City Film Series
Dec. 2: The Jungle Book - 4 p.m. (Free)
The live-action film is a brand new retelling of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book is a story of Mowgli, a man raised by jungle animals. Featuring an all-star voice cast including Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley and Scarlett Johansson.
Dec. 8-10: Victoria and Abdul- Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.
Based on the true story of an unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria and Abdul, a young clerk who travels from India to participate in the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Dame Judy Dench gives a magnificent performance, starring as Queen Victoria who finds herself questioning the constriction of her position and begins to see the world through new eyes thanks to her connection with Abdul.
Dec. 9: Le Chant De La Mer (The Song of the Sea) - 4 p.m. (Free)
Le Chant De La Mer is based on an Irish legend of the Selkies and tells the story of the last seal-child, Saoirse, and her brother Ben who embark on an unforgettable adventure to save the world of magic and uncover the secrets of their past. The two are pursued by an owl witch Matcha and a number of magical creatures who wish to stop them from awakening Saoirse's powers. Part of the Dual Language Immersion Film Program, this film will be presented in French with English subtitles.

Song of the Sea
Image: Park City Film Series
Dec. 10: National Theatre Live - Twelfth Night - 1 p.m.
Join the National Theatre for a new twist on Shakespeare's classic comedy and tale of mistaken identity. When she loses her twin brother and is washed ashore after a shipwreck, Viola is swept off on a whirlwind of mistaken identity and unrequited love, mixing with the passionate households of Olivia and Orsino. Where music is the food of love, and nobody is quite what they seem, anything proves possible.
Dec. 14: Down The Fence - 7 p.m.
Down The Fence gives audiences a view into the lives of horse trainers and their journey to compete at one of the most challenging equestrian championships in the world. The event takes place in Reno, Nevada and for trainers, it's much more than just a competition. It's their way to put food on the table and hay in the barn and a way to preserve the vaquero-style horsemanship from the first Spanish missions in California--a culture at risk of disappearing from the world.
This screening will be followed by a Q&A with Park City local and Director of Photography for the film Lori Adamski-Peek as well as riders and trainers featured in the movie.
Dec. 15-17: The Square - Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.
Art, culture, and societal connections come together in this dark comedy about a respected curator, Christian, at a contemporary art museum in Sweden. While his new installation titled "The Square" asks people to consider their role as responsible human beings, Christian finds it hard to live up to this ideal when his cellphone is stolen and he's dragged into a series of comic and dramatic situations trying to retrieve it. This top winner from the Cannes Film Festival is a potent and humorous piece, delving into the boundaries of political correctness, artistic liberty and free speech in unique and thought provoking ways.

The Square
Image: Park City Film Series
Dec. 21: It's A Wonderful Life - 6 p.m. (Free)
Enjoy the timeless holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life featuring James Stewart as George Bailey who wishes he had never been born. When an angel (Henry Travers) reveals what would happen if his wish came true, George realizes how much he has impacted those around him.
As a special holiday treat, the screening will be preceded by a special visit from cuddles from puppies at Nuzzles & Co., a hot cocoa bar, crafts, and a special visit from Santa starting at 5 p.m.
Dec. 22-24: Wonderstruck - Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.
Brian Selznick's critically acclaimed novel comes to life in Wonderstruck, the story of two children from different eras, Ben and Rose, who wish their lives were different. Their stories are told with mesmerizing symmetry as they set out on quests, hoping to find what they're missing.
Dec. 29-31: The Florida Project - Fri./Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 6 p.m.
This slice of life movie is a poignant snapshot of American life circa 2017. While the adults around them struggle with hard times, a precocious six year-old and her ragtag group of friends fill their summer break with childhood high-jinks and adventure. The L.A. Times calls it "raw, exuberant, and utterly captivating."

A Muppet Christmas Carol
Image: Park City Film Series
Winter Break Film Series
After all the festivities from the holidays are over, you may need a hand finding something for the kids to do once the slopes close for the evening. Park City Film Series invites you and your family to come out for the Winter Break Film Series for free movies and popcorn. Catch these five movies at 4 p.m. on select dates at the Park City Library.
Friday, Dec 22: The Muppet Christmas Carol (G)
The classic Charles Dickens novel A Christmas Carol features all of the favorite muppets from Jim Henson.
Tuesday, Dec 26 - A Dog's Purpose (PG)
From Swedish director Lasse Hallstöm, this film follows a dog through several lifetimes and owners as he attempts to learn his purpose.
Wednesday, Dec 27 - Meet the Robinsons (G)
An animated feature about a brilliant inventor named Lewis who, after meeting a mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson, is swept off on a time traveling adventure to find Bowler Hat Guy in a showdown that ends with an unexpected twist of fate.
Thursday, Dec 28 - The Sound of Music (G)
The classic musical about a nun who travels from Austria to be a governess to the Von Trapp children. Julie Andrews stars in this timeless cinematic treasure.
Friday, Dec 29 - Wonder Woman (PG-13)
The box-office smash starring Gal Gadot, tells the story of Diana, the Amazonian warrior in training who leaves home to fight a war. Her battle leads her to discover her full powers and destiny.
Stay tuned for next month, when Hollywood invades Park City for the Sundance and Slamdance Film Festivals.