HOLLYWOOD, CA — Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most popular times of the year to head to the movie theater. And if that is your post-Turkey plan, you’re in for a treat, as there are plenty of new releases for you to enjoy this weekend.
In “Maestro,” Bradley Cooper plays Leonard Bernstein and Carey Mulligan plays the famous composer’s wife, Felicia Montealegre. The movie spans decades of the couple’s long marriage.
Ridley Scott’s highly buzzed-about film, “Napoleon,” chronicles the rise of the French military leader Napoleon Bonaparte to power, showcasing his genius and military might as well as his volatile relationship with the love of his life, Josephine (Vanessa Kirby).
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For a lighthearted fair, the entire family can check out “Wish,” Disney’s animated film about Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), a 17-year-old teen who wishes upon a star for everyone’s life to be rosy.
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Here’s what to watch/see this weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!
Movies Out This Weekend
“Maestro”
Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan, Matt Bomer; directed by Bradley Cooper
The biopic “Maestro” centers on the relationship between Leonard Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) and the legendary composer’s wife Felicia Montealegre (Carey Mulligan), spanning decades of their long marriage from the 1940s through the 1980s.
The movie opens in black-and-white frames with a 25-year-old Bernstein, a young conductor summoned to fill in as a substitute for Bruno Walter on Nov. 14, 1943, during a nationwide New York Philharmonic radio broadcast. With a display of prodigious talent, Bernstein beams with utter confidence as he leads the orchestra. Moments later, at the conclusion of the concert, no one can deny that a star is born!
At a swanky party, Bernstein meets Felicia, a budding young actress. Sparks fly, and both are taken aback. Over time, their loving relationship blossoms, and the couple get married. In the process, some startling revelations will come to light, including one that Felicia cannot easily dismiss nor forget.
And that is: Not only has Felicia fallen in love, but she has fallen in love with a gay man who is not averse to occasional dalliances. Can love conquer all?
Both Cooper and Mulligan portray their roles brilliantly with blazing bravura. Cooper deconstructs Bernstein’s persona with an elucidation filled with superb delicate gravitas. Meanwhile, Mulligan’s interpretation of a loving wife at her lowest ebb is utterly nuanced and sublime. Audiences will also be in awe of the cinematography that elevates further the leads’ powerful performances.
“Napoleon”
Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim; directed by Ridley Scott
Ridley Scott’s spectacle-filled action epic chronicles Napoleon Bonaparte’s relentless quest for power with a display of his incredible military might. At the heart of this journey is the tumultuous love affair between Bonaparte and his one true love, Josephine.
Joaquin Phoenix plays the eponymous character, whose fearsome warfare prowess on the battlefield would bring forth his rise to become France’s emperor in 1804. The film shows how the Little Corporal meets his future wife, Josephine (Vanessa Kirby), who happens to be one of the 41,500 prisoners released at the end of the Reign of Terror.
As the story unfolds, audiences will learn that Josephine’s inability to provide Napoleon with the heir he so desperately needs is causing marital tension. Meanwhile, the saga continues with sweeping battles, including the most dazzling of them all, the depiction of the snowy battle at Austerlitz.
“Napoleon” rouses in terms of technical merits, such as choreography, sound and cinematography. However, the screenplay suffers from a grievous blow in tonal shifts. Does the war define the man or does the man define the war? That crux of a question is not perceptively clear throughout the entire 158-minute film.
“Wish”
Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk; directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Chris Buck
Disney presents “Wish,” an animated musical-fantasy movie about Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), who lives in the Kingdom of Rosas, ruled by King Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine). The monarch’s loyal subjects are aware of the king’s magical powers to grant their wishes at the age of 18.
Meanwhile, discerning as she is, the 17-year-old Asha is beginning to doubt the king’s sincerity, especially in the case of her 100-year-old grandfather (Victor Garber), who has been waiting for a long time to get his wish granted.
She implores the king to make her grandfather’s wish come true. But much to her disbelief, Magnifico tells Asha that her grandfather’s wish is too risky to grant, adding “I decide what everyone deserves!”.
Looking dejected, Asha then decides to wish upon a star instead, setting in motion the appearance of a star with magical powers. And so begins her adventures with the celestial entity that looks like an anime figurine. Oh! Did we tell you that the star’s name is Star?
The razzle-dazzle in “Wish” aims to meld Disney’s past and present. But the end-result, at times, renders an animation landscape that feels and looks lackluster, something that might displease those with an eye for aesthetics. It is a risky undertaking to say the least, but we do get Disney’s purpose: To showcase the studio’s journey that spans 100 years.
In all, “Wish” aims to re-echo Disney’s splendor that has dazzled generations of young and old fans alike. The story might feel like a rehash. Still, we cannot deny that everlasting Disney magic. Plus, DeBose’s fantastic pipes alone will make your jaunt to the theaters all worthwhile.
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