5 Must-See Movies to Watch This Thanksgiving Weekend

By Melanie • Nov 26, 2009 MD

Yay, it’s that time again – time to watch new movies, and the holiday season is officially upon us! If you are looking for awesome movie night ideas to fill your long weekend, there are plenty of intriguing options hitting theaters. After huge blockbusters like New Moon, you might wonder if we can find films that capture that same buzz. Of course we will—especially as upcoming installments like Eclipse draw near! However, while we wait for Edward, Jacob, and Bella to return to the screen, we have five fantastic and diverse new movies releasing for Thanksgiving weekend. Here is a breakdown of what you can check out at the cinema this holiday season.

| Movie Title | Main Genre | Key Cast | | --- | --- | --- | | The Private Lives of Pippa Lee | Drama | Robin Wright, Keanu Reeves, Alan Arkin | | The Road | Post-Apocalyptic Thriller | Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron | | Ninja Assassin | Action / Adventure | Rain, Naomie Harris, Ben Miles | | Old Dogs | Comedy | Robin Williams, John Travolta | | The Princess and the Frog | Animated / Family | Anika Noni Rose, Keith David |

5. The Private Lives of Pippa Lee

** Director:** Rebecca Miller
** Genre:** Drama
** Cast:** Robin Wright Penn, Keanu Reeves, Alan Arkin
** Summary:** To everyone looking in from the outside, Pippa Lee leads a quiet and charming life. She is a devoted wife, a proud mother of two grown children, and a trusted friend. But when Pippa follows her older husband to a retirement community, her familiar world and carefully crafted persona are put to the ultimate test. Looks are deceiving, and this woman has seen her fair share of turmoil growing up. How is her bittersweet journey of self-discovery going to unfold? This emotional film is something you definitely need to watch to see for yourself.

Key highlights of this thoughtful drama include:

  • A captivating lead performance by Robin Wright Penn alongside Keanu Reeves
  • An insightful look at life transitions, marriage, and personal identity
  • Sensitive direction and writing by Rebecca Miller

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4. The Road

Director: John Hillcoat
** Genre:** Drama, Suspense/Thriller
** Cast:** Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron
** Summary:** Based on Cormac McCarthy’s acclaimed novel, a father and his young son traverse a burned, ash-covered post-apocalyptic world. Together, they battle starvation, harsh environmental conditions, and dangerous survivors as they try to keep their dream of civilization and humanity alive. It is a hauntingly powerful tale of survival and parental devotion that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

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3. Ninja Assassin

** Director:** James McTeigue
** Genre:** Action/Adventure
** Cast:** Rain, Naomie Harris, Ben Miles
** Summary:** Raizo was trained to be a lethal killer from an early age as a member of the secret assassin clan known as the Ozunu. When the Ozunu brutally execute his close friend, Raizo breaks free from their grip and vanishes into the shadows to plan his revenge. Meanwhile, Europol Agent Mika Coretti uncovers a money trail linking the clandestine group to a series of high-profile political murders. Raizo and Mika join forces to bring down the ruthless clan once and for all in a high-octane martial arts spectacle.

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2. Old Dogs

** Director:** Walt Becker
** Genre:** Comedy
** Cast:** John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston
** Summary:** Featuring comedy legends John Travolta and Robin Williams, this lighthearted film delivers plenty of laughs. When a divorced dad (Williams) and his fun-loving best friend and business partner (Travolta) are unexpectedly tasked with caring for seven-year-old twins, their bachelor lifestyles are turned upside down. With the biggest business deal of their careers on the line, these two kid-clueless friends must figure out how to juggle parenting duties and professional stakes at the same time, leading to hilarious misadventures and heartwarming life lessons.

If you're planning a fun movie marathon with friends, it's also worth checking out great stay-in date night movies for cozy evenings at home.

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Sunshine and blue skies bring positivity and joy and it's important for every woman to take full advantage of it. Even when stuck indoors, it's still possible to enjoy some good vibes. Check out these unique tips on how to make the most of the weather right at your home. Let's celebrate every beautiful day, no matter where we are.

1. The Princess and the Frog

** Director:** Ron Clements, John Musker
** Genre:** Animated, Family, Romance
** Cast:** Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David
** Summary:** This magical Walt Disney Animation release is absolute perfection to watch with the little ones. Marking Disney's triumphant return to traditional hand-drawn animation, it tells an unforgettable musical tale set in 1920s New Orleans. Filled with jazz-inspired music, a trumpet-playing alligator named Louis, a romantic Cajun firefly named Ray, and a spunky heroine named Tiana, this enchanted fairy tale brings warmth, joy, and laughter to viewers of all ages.

Why family audiences and animation lovers should not miss this release:

  • A gorgeous return to classic hand-drawn 2D Disney animation
  • An unforgettable soundtrack featuring authentic New Orleans jazz and blues
  • A stellar voice cast bringing memorable, charming characters to life

If you've noticed, each week when I write these blog posts, I try to feature at least one fantastic movie to see with children. I am a firm believer in spending quality family time together and letting kids enjoy the magic of going to the cinema. If you have little ones in your household, The Princess and the Frog will bring plenty of smiles and laughs for everyone.

Other than these top picks, what movies are theater worthy according to you? Have your kids been eager to check out The Princess and the Frog this season?

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

  • Diana

    2009-11-28T06:41:58.000Z

    Hey Olga I agree about Old Dogs and lol at the Seth Green scene with the gorilla! I love these posts about the movies Melanie. We just watched the new Star Trek movie on dvd...great movie if anyone hasnt seen it.
  • Diana

    2009-11-28T06:43:30.000Z

    PS the little girl in Old Dogs is John Travolta and Kelly Preston's daughter...she's so cute!
  • Meream

    2009-11-26T23:46:22.000Z

    I am very interested to watch The Road...I hope they do the book justice.
  • marian

    2009-11-27T11:07:37.000Z

    what a great movie list, nothing like a few fab movies for the holidays xx marian
  • Olga

    2008-11-28T20:34:57.000Z

    I would really like to see The Old Dogs - the trailer is very cute and funny! Especially that gorilla moment... Hehe
  • Xannyyy

    2009-11-30T09:39:01.000Z

    I'm waiting to watch Old Dogs. Travolta is one of my fav actors and it's nice seeing him laugh, knowing what problems he's into at the moment! :S
  • Tavia

    2009-11-26T23:51:48.000Z

    I didn't watch any of these movies before, so this will be a good opportunity even though I don't celebrate Thanksgiving.
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