While watching TV or scrolling on your phone this week, you may have noticed a slight uptick in movie trailers. I’ve noticed that many movies tend to come out around the holiday season each year, and this year is, of course, no exception.
Going to the movies is a great alternative for families who don’t necessarily celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving; it can even be another thing to do to top off the evening.
I have personally built a lot of anticipation for the movies coming out this week for the upcoming holiday season. Both Gladiator II and Wicked come out today, and so far, I have heard nothing but good things in the reviews.
There is even a phenomenon of attention on the two films as they try to recreate the film-goer adrenaline received when Barbie and Oppenheimer came out, creating the whole “Barbenheimer” situation. Gladiator II and the Wicked movie have star-studded casts and iconic source material with cult followings.
Basically, they have a lot to live up to.
Following the first iconic 2000 film, Gladiator II stars Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, and Denzel Washington as they enter the historic Colosseum.
A lot of people have worried that this film won’t live up to the original and won’t do it justice and that Hollywood is trying to hide that behind the fancy cast, but I’ve heard nothing but praise for the movie, and I myself cannot wait to see it.
Similarly with a star-studded cast is the Wicked movie adaptation of the Broadway musical. This movie, while being two and a half hours long, is part 1, with the 2nd part supposedly coming out in a year. This movie stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, and many other esteemed actors.
Wicked has some huge shoes to fill. This musical has been a Broadway staple for 21 years now since it first opened in New York, and the fans, understandably, have some huge expectations.
Once again, much like Gladiator II, it seems to be holding up to the original musical and leaving fans satisfied with the film.
I’m a big theatre fan, and it’s always interesting to see these worlds, which only really exist on stage, expanded for the benefit of viewers.
The sequel to the Disney movie Moana is also set to release for the holiday. Overall, this movie has seemed relatively promising based on the previews and snippets we’ve been given, but I feel awfully hesitant about it.
In the past, Disney sequels have been pretty hit or miss, and the original writer of the songs, Lin-Manuel Miranda, is not reprising his role; instead, Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear will take over.
Outside of previews shown at conventions, there has yet to be an audience for the film, so reviews aren’t in yet. However, with Moana’s high status, I feel as though we have nothing to worry about, and in the end, it will be a great film overall.
There are some great options in theatres if you’re looking for something to do during your Thanksgiving break or want to check out a movie that isn’t Christmas-related or Charlie Brown.
