Experience the Magic of Holiday Movies

Gladiator II

Twenty-four years have passed since the original Gladiator, and director Ridley Scott's sequel might be the standout release of this lightweight Christmas movie season. Paul Mescal has bulked up to play Lucius, a Roman citizen forced into slavery. Denzel Washington takes on the role of Macrinus, a Roman noble on the outs. Early reviews suggest the movie is good but not great. Washington is praised for his dynamic performance as the fallen noble seeking revenge. However, the major criticism is that the sequel feels too much like the original and the CGI is somewhat sketchy. Will Mescal follow in Russell Crowe's footsteps and become a big star? Only time will tell.

The story unfolds with Macrinus looking to get back into the gladiator game and cause a ruckus. It's a tale that has fans eagerly awaiting its release to see if it can live up to the expectations set by the original.

Wicked

The best-selling novel and hit musical finally make it to the big screen just in time for the holidays. Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba, the Wicked-Witch-in-training, and Ariana Grande is delightful as Glinda, the Good Witch. Early reviews tab this prequel to "The Wizard of Oz" as the movie of the year, with knockout performances by both Grande and Erivo. The visuals and effects are reportedly captivating, with vibrant direction by Jon M. Chu.

The plot follows how the Wicked Witch of the West came to be, drawing inspiration from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel series. This movie has the potential to break the billion-dollar mark at the box office, becoming a family classic like the L. Frank Baum novels and the 1939 film. It's a must-see for fans of the musical and those looking for a holiday treat.

Moana 2

Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson return to voice Moana and Maui in this animated adventure. The story is set three years after the original movie when Moana's ancestors call for help. They travel across the seas of Oceania to break a curse on the hidden island of Motufetu. The CGI animation in the trailers looks beautiful, just as expected from a Disney release.

With familiar characters and a song-filled adventure, this film is sure to be a hit with holiday moviegoers of all ages. It was originally planned as a Disney Plus miniseries but was changed to a theatrical release to maximize its potential.

Classic Corner – Thanksgiving Classics

"The Gold Rush" by Charlie Chaplin is a must-see during Thanksgiving. His Little Tramp resorts to cooking and eating his shoe in this poetic fable about the Klondike gold rush. Silent yet full of sentimentality, Chaplin's talent shines through. It's a film that fits the holiday like a comfortable old shoe.

"Rocky" is always a top-five contender for many. Sylvester Stallone's story of a down-and-out pug getting a shot at the champion on Thanksgiving is both cliched and glorious. Directed by John G. Avildsen with fantastic music by Bill Conti, the training sequences and boxing match are riveting. But it's the love story between Talia Shire's Adrian and Stallone's Rocky that makes this film an all-time classic.

"Scent of a Woman" features Al Pacino as a depressed yet vigorous retired Lt. Col. Frank Slade. Prep-school student Charlie Simms takes on the job of watching over him during Thanksgiving. Unbeknownst to Charlie, Slade plans to commit suicide. Over the holiday weekend, they form a friendship that saves them both. It's a powerful story that touches the heart.

"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" captures the essence of the holiday season. Steve Martin's Neal Page faces the frustrations of his carefully planned Thanksgiving, while John Candy's Del Griffith shows the loneliness that can accompany the holiday. It's a funny yet heartfelt film that stands out among other comedies.