our selection for Sunday December 22

The spectacle is assured this evening with the broadcast of the sequel to “Avatar”, adventures which skilfully surf on new cinema technologies. For the nostalgic, a western with John Wayne or… “Santa Claus is trash” at the theater.

Eyes full: “Avatar: The Way of Water”

A love of classic cinema runs through this blockbuster born of cutting-edge technology, an aquatic (and river) western where the horses are replaced by amphibious dragons. A new triumph for James Cameron, who knew how to compose a family and generous show with incredible images.

At 9:10 p.m. on TF1. Film by James Cameron (USA, 2022). Screenplay: J. Cameron, Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver. 185mm. VM. With Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington. Rebroadcast.

A western that surprises: “Rio Lobo”

During the Civil War, a colonel loses control of a shipment of gold intended for the Northerners. Peace will bring the hour of his vengeance. It's the film of farewells: those of Howard Hawks at the cinema and those of the so-called classic western, which is made for the occasion surprisingly feminist and vibrant.

At 9 p.m. on Arte. Film by Howard Hawks (USA, 1970). 130 mins. VM. With John Wayne and Jorge Rivero. Rebroadcast.

It's all there: “Santa Claus is trash”

Having become a respectable television archive and a museum piece for comedy historians, the recording of Santa Claus…, which was given at the Théâtre du Splendid in 1981, is a real party. The actors of Splendid are there, like the lines that Jean-Marie Poiré's film will soon make legendary.

At 9 p.m. on France 4. Show recorded at the Théâtre du Splendid in 1981. Director: Philippe Galland. With Anémone, Thierry Lhermitte, Marie-Anne Chazel, Gérard Jugnot.

And if you don't find what you're looking for… Check out tonight's TV schedule. Or dig into our platform guide to find a series, film or documentary in less than five minutes on Arte.tv, Netflix, Apple TV +, MyCanal, France.tv, Disney +…