It’s hard to imagine that it’s Thanksgiving already. Is it me, or did we just celebrate? Halloween wasn’t even upon us and the stores were stocked with Thanksgiving and Christmas items. We say to ourselves, “each year, it comes earlier and earlier.” While some prepare to cook and figure out where to seat relatives to avoid arguments, others plan to dine out. To many of us, Thanksgiving means shopping on Black Friday. But for the few and far between who look forward to catching the latest film from the array released exclusively for the holiday weekend, the time has come to relish relaxation. Sit back and enjoy the weekend at the movies, while the deliciousness of turkey and stuffing is probably still digesting in your tummy.
The following movies opened on Nov. 26:
The Penguins of Madagascar (PG–92 mins)
The Penguins of Madagascar finally have their own movie. If you’re familiar with the previous Madagascar films, featuring the zoo animals and their adventures, then you already know the funny and lovable spy penguins. Packed with animated fun for the whole family, Skipper, Kowalksi, Rico and Private begin a journey as undercover agents to help stop the notorious villain, Dr. Octavious. New and returning voices include Benedict Cumberbatch, John Malkovich, Tom McGrath, Christopher Knight, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and many more.
Horrible Bosses 2 (R–108 mins)
The sequel to the movie of the same name, Horrible Bosses 2 brings back Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, Chris Pine and adds a few new faces. Like its predecessor, the sequel has very strong sexual content and language. Dale, Kurt and Nick start a business with a shady investor and lose everything in the process. To raise $500,000, they concoct a kidnapping scheme, which goes awry, leading to their funny adventures and an encounter with Aniston’s character. A definite stress reliever this holiday weekend, this sequel is an amusing way to laugh off all those turkey calories.
The Imitation Game (PG-13–105 mins)
Attention all history lovers: The Imitation Game is a thriller based on a true story and features Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightly. Cumberbatch portrays Alan Turing, who helped crack the Enigma code during World War II and is often hailed as a father of modern computing. Turing was an English mathematician and logician who died in 1954 after eating an apple he laced with cyanide following his imprisonment for homosexuality. The film has already won numerous awards, including the Toronto International Film Festival, Hamptons International Film Festival and Chicago International Film Festival. This is a must-see for movie buffs.
Movies that opened the previous week are sure to entertain as well.
The Hunger Games, Mockingjay, Part 1 (PG-13–123 mins)
Part one of the third installment of the Hunger Games franchise brings back Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, Liam Hemsworth as Gale, along with Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. An enjoyable fantasy film sure to please even die-hard Hunger Games enthusiasts, the movie opens with Katniss in District 13 after she devastated the games forever. She spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta, and finds her courage and voice as she unites the whole nation to fight back against the Capitol. Some theaters will even show a marathon of all three films, so make sure you check your listings.
The Fox Catcher (R–134 mins)
A thriller based on a factual account of Olympic Gold Medal wrestler Mark Schultz, Channing Tatum takes on the role of Schultz, who is coached by John du Pont, a wealthy heir eager to win the respect of his peers and condescending mother. Steve Carell is almost unrecognizable in his role as du Pont. Mark Ruffalo plays Schultz’s brother, David. Vanessa Redgrave and Sienna Miller also star in the film. Movie reviewers who have seen previews are predicting possible Oscar nominations for Steve Carell and Channing Tatum.
Dumb and Dumber To (PG-13–110 mins)
A sequel 20 years in the making, Dumb and Dumber To brings back Jim Carey as Lloyd Christmas and Jeff Daniels as Harry Dunne. In need of a new kidney and having learned that he has a long-lost daughter, Harry enlists the help of his pal Lloyd to accompany him on a journey to find her. Wandering aimlessly across the country, the two friends arrive at the one place they would least expect to find themselves: a summit of the world’s most brilliant minds.
So while others are bumping shoulders grabbing the last phone, computer or hot toy, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your Black Friday. See you at the movies.
