With Thanksgiving behind us all, after all of the cooking and family-friend fun of the holiday. We are all stirring for something to do out of the house, what else do we do in New England at the end of November? Well, we hit the movies of course!
This end of fall season/winter we were hit with not one but two giant box office options dropping just before Thanksgiving.
Wicked (part 1) and Moana 2 - two vastly different options, but both equally family friendly. Totally dependent on your family's interest, attention span and whether or not you are willing to sit through a nearly 3 hour film.
This short article will touch base on both films, from a mom's perspective - I have a high schooler and a first grader.
Both my daughters expressed interest in seeing Wicked, full disclosure - we have not seen the Broadway show (though admittedly I really want to!). Wicked is a story of friendship, from foes to friends, and finding one's voice in a world where you may not easily fit in.
The story is impeccably beautiful and the visuals of the film Wicked - were remarkable. The singing, it is a musical of course, so singing was a given - and while difficult to refrain from singing along (A sing-along version will be hitting theaters soon), the music and visuals carry through the nearly 3 hours long film, making it feel much shorter. I viewed the film solo and then I viewed it again with my kiddos. I will admit the second time came with lots of snacks, and a couple bathroom breaks, but overall they enjoyed the film.
Then on black Friday, we hit the theaters again for Moana 2, while bummed we could not score the custom popcorn bucket, we did get to enjoy the film. Moana 2 was much shorter than wicked, and with an easier to follow plot, the movie brought the Moana world back to life for us on the big screen. The introduction of the little sister Simea, is a totally adorable addition to the Moana family we know and love. The villains in this film had some distinct characteristics, and while some of the animation slightly varied from the original, the movie very much followed suit in catching us up to what Moana was up to currently. We see Moana grow up a bit more from the last film, and her journey is still very much exciting and enchanting for us all to follow.
All in all the movies did not disappoint and fared great pairings to Thanksgiving weekend. We look forward to many more films to come in the near months. Trailers for both films, featured Sonic, Mufasa, Bad Guys 2 - all kid friendly films coming up in the next few months to a year.
If you were wondering if you should see either Wicked or Moana 2, it is my humble opinion that with either option you cannot lose. Whatever you and your family choose this season, one thing is for sure, you shall be entertained and happily walk out of the theater humming along to some of your kiddos new favorite songs.
