Thanksgiving is known for a number of movies opening in either limited or wide release. This year will be no exception and will likely be busier than 2016.
STX Entertainment has announced that Molly’s Game, based on the novel by Molly Bloom, will launch on November 22nd. This is the directorial debut of Aaron Sorkin, who also pens the screenplay. Jessica Chastain leads a cast that also includes Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera, Brian d’Arcy James, Chris O’Dowd, Bill Camp, Graham Greene and Jeremy Strong.
For families with children, Disney/Pixar will release Coco. Lee Unkrich directs with co-director Adrian Molina. The voice cast includes Gael García Bernal, Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, and Renée Victor. The film’s synopsis:
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
Annapurna Pictures will distribute MGM-produced Death Wish. Directed by Eli Roth, the film is a remake of the 1974 movie. Bruce Willis will star in the film.
Broad Green Pictures will open Villa Capri. Written and directed by Ron Shelton, the action comedy stars Morgan Freeman, Tommy Lee Jones, Rene Russo and Elizabeth Ashley.
The indie fare and probably awards contenders released over the weekend include Darkest Hour (Focus Features), Mary Magdalene (Weinstein Co.), and Call Me By Your Name (Sony Pictures Classics). Directed by Joe Wright, Darkest Hour is a World War 2 drama that stars Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill. Garth Davis follows up on Lion by directing Mary Magdalene. SPC acquired Call Me By Your Name prior to its Sundance premiere.
The previous weekend, which will likely have a holdover impact on Thanksgiving weekend will see the releases of Justice League (Warner Bros./DC) and Wonder (Lionsgate). Wonder was originally scheduled for an April release. It’s possible that the studio thought they had an awards contender on their hand.
