New in Theaters December 20, 2019 "Togo," "Cats" and "Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker"

Togo

Starring: Willem Dafoe and Julianne Nicholson

Rated PG   

This is the story of a sled dog named Togo, who led the 1925 serum run made famous in the film “Balto.”

Although Togo led the sled most of the journey, Balto finished the run and received most of the credit.

The film is a wonderfully inspiring story of courage, faith and love.

It gets a B and is rated PG.

Cats

Starring: Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson and Judi Dench

Rated PG    

The film, based on the Broadway musical, is a loosely written story of a group of cats called 'Jellicles' who must decide which one of them is destined to ascend into a better life.

“Cats” may boast some terrific dancing, singing and special effects, but those things can not save the film from becoming an incoherent and abysmal mess.

It is a hairball that will stick in the audience's throat for days to come.

Meowch!

Pass it by.

It gets an F and is rated PG.

Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker
Starring: Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill and Adam Driver

Rated PG-13    

The final chapter in the “Star Wars” saga ends this part of the franchise with Rey discovering the secrets of her heritage.

“Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker” is a movie that relies too heavily on familiarity and tries to please everyone instead of taking chances. The film offers sentimentality over substance, as this uninspired plot just never comes to boil.

I promised I would not offer spoilers in this review, but I will say that what happens in “Rise of Skywalker,” undoes the meaning, sacrifices and redemptions from previous films.

“Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker” is not the film fans deserve. Move along, move along.

It gets a D and is rated PG-13.