Get ready for a week filled with food, family, and films, of course! The Thanksgiving calendar is full of exciting movies for everyone! It can be difficult to figure out the perfect movie to see when there are so many options. I’ve put together a little list of what’s in theaters right now! Whether you like action, drama, or mystery, you’re sure to find something at the theater this holiday! Let’s take a look at all of the possibilities!
Oscar Hopefuls
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
Starring: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson
It sure is a beautiful day in the neighborhood because Tom Hanks is portraying Mister Rogers! After last year’s stellar documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? took me through the ultimate rollercoaster of emotions, I’m ready for more emotional Mister Rogers content. The film is based on a true story about a journalist who profiled Rogers for a story which led to a life long friendship between the two. I’m sensing some big-time Oscar potential.
Jojo Rabbit
Starring: Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johannson, Thomasin McKenzie, Taika Waititi
I’ve raved about this movie plenty here, but I’ll do it again! It is excellent. The balance of satire and drama is wonderfully written, the acting is beautifully performed, and it is all around one of the best of 2019. No movie this year left me as emotionally impacted as this one and I’m still thinking about it 3 weeks after watching it.
Ford v Ferrari
Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Caitriona Balfe, Josh Lucas
This is the perfect movie to see with your family this Thanksgiving. It’s a fascinating biopic highlighting the importance of friendship and family. Oh yeah, there’s also an important race thrown in there somewhere too. Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with the world of racing, Ford v Ferrari finds a way to make this true story compelling to all of its audience.
The Irishman
Starring: Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Al Pacino
Try not to be too shocked by this information but Martin Scorsese’s latest film is all about the mafia. I know, it’s truly a change of subject matter for him. The Irishman is a 3 and a half hour epic about the life of Frank Sheeran, a hitman who works for Jimmy Hoffa. The film has received overwhelming critical praise for Scorsese’s direction and the performances. It will be available to stream on Netflix beginning November 27th.
Indie Cinema
Waves
Starring: Sterling K. Brown, Kelvin Harris Jr., Taylor Russell, Lucas Hedges
The latest film from A24 is all about a family who navigates the complexities of life while dealing with a tragedy. I don’t know too much about the plot because I’m trying to avoid any major spoilers, but the acting and cinematography look great. Anything with Sterling K. Brown in the cast is guaranteed to have a powerhouse performance.
Honey Boy
Starring: Shia Labeouf, Noah Jupe, Lucas Hedges, and FKA Twigs
Shia LaBeouf wrote the screenplay to Honey Boy about his life growing up in the spotlight. Noah Jupe portrays the childhood version of him while LaBeouf plays his alcoholic father.
Mysterious Shennanigans
Knives Out
Starring: Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis
This murder mystery from Rian Johnson is sleek and stylish. You’ll be wondering what’s going on with the Thrombley family from the opening scene to the final moments. The star-studded performances and witty script are endlessly entertaining. If that doesn’t convince you to see it just know that Chris Evans wears some truly amazing sweaters. He models the best fall wardrobe that boasts a real #Instagramboyfriend vibe. Nothing better than that on Thanksgiving.
The Good Liar
Starring: Helen Mirren, Ian McKellan, Jim Carter
A con man meets a recently widowed woman online who is worth millions of dollars. As he tries to swindle her out of her millions, he finds the con may not be as easy as he once anticipated.
Family Friendly
Frozen 2
Starring: Kristen Bell, The Wickedly Talented Adele Dazim (Idina Menzel), Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad
The Disney phenomenon is back with a sequel 6 years after the first film hit theaters. This time around, Anna and Elsa embark on an adventure to find the origin’s of Elsa’s powers. I’m sure hijinks will ensue along the way. If you’ve gotten burnt out of hearing Let It Go, don’t worry. The sequel has a brand new soundtrack filled with songs that I’m sure will be played everywhere on repeat for the next 6 years until Frozen 3 comes out.
Playing With Fire
Starring: John Cena, Keegan Michael Key,
I can’t say this movie looks remotely appealing. It looks like a recycled storyline that just combines the plot of The Pacifier and Instant Family and ramps up all of the slapstick. I have to tell myself, this is not a movie for me! This is a movie for the children. If the children love watching John Cena yell and fall a million times then who am I to take away their Thanksgiving joy?
Action Packed
21 Bridges
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, Stephan James, J.K. Simmons
An NYPD detective is sent into a manhunt for cop killers after uncovering a strange conspiracy. Directors Joe and Anthony Russo (Avengers: Endgame) reteam with Chadwick Boseman for this film.
Midway
I watched Pearl Harbor almost every day as a 13-year-old (team Josh Harnett forever) despite the critical bashing it received and continues to receive today. Many say Midway is very similar to Pearl Harbor. That may scare the critics, but I remain unafraid. The most important takeaway I have here is that Nick Jonas is in this movie. I feel like such a bad fan because I haven’t been to see it yet and support his actorly pursuits. Truthfully, I’m a little freaked out by his weird mustache, but that will not stop me from seeing this. I will NOT let the mustache deter me from Midway.
Holiday Happenings
Last Christmas
Starring: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson
I get it, you love Thanksgiving but need some Christmas cheer too! I’m the same way. The holidays are your time to thrive and you just have to festive! If that’s the case you need to go see Last Christmas. The festive film is all about a woman named Kate working as a holiday elf who is stuck in a rut. That may change when she meets a charming stranger named Tom.
Doctor Sleep
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Jacob Tremblay
Maybe you’re not ready to let go of Halloween or just love horror movies. If so, Doctor Sleep is still in theaters and The Shining sequel is sure to provide plenty of spooky moments.
What do you plan on watching this holiday week? I’m super excited to finally see A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood! Maybe I’ll finally get around to seeing Midway too. I’ve gotta support the Jonas Brothers. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!