Life begins and ends with "Wicked" -- if you believe the trailers for the movie musical.
A hit on Broadway, it's bound to be a big audience draw over Thanksgiving weekend, but then what?
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas you'll have ample opportunity to size up the year's best pictures and get a peek at ones that could factor into next year's Oscar race.
"Nickel Boys," "The Piano Lesson" and "A Complete Unknown" could be ones to consider. If they turn up in your neighborhood theater (some are in limited release), check them out before making your end-of-the-year list.
Here's a look at the movies to watch this holiday season.
'Wicked'
Twenty years ago, the musical took Broadway by storm, and now it's likely to be this year's "Barbie" in movie theaters. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in this look at Oz before Dorothy and Toto dropped in. A tale of friendship and empowerment, the film has been split into two parts. The second will come next year, but expect this to prompt all sorts of spinoffs in the future. Sets and costumes win the day here and should help mask the idea that folks in their late 20s and 30s are playing college students. In theaters now
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Lucius, the son of Maximus (who died in the first film) is old enough to walk in dad's sandals. Ridley Scott directs the sequel, which should have much of the first film's vibe, particularly since Paul Mescal gets to swing the sword. Denzel Washington stars as his mentor and Pedro Pascal plays his adversary. The action film of the holidays. In theaters now
'The Piano Lesson'
Based on August Wilson's award-winning play, this brings the Washington family together to tell the story of a family deciding the fate of an heirloom that has ties to the past. John David Washington stars; Denzel Washington produces; Malcolm Washington directs. Streaming on Netflix
'A Real Pain'
Kieran Culkin deserves Oscar buzz for playing the cousin of an uptight New Yorker (Jesse Eisenberg) who's hoping to pay tribute to their grandmother on a trip to Poland. Culkin's breezy attitude sells the film; Eisenberg's screenplay makes sure it says something. This is a great adults-in-the-family offering that should prompt plenty of discussions. In theaters now
'Moana 2'
Just what we need: A sequel to the hit animated film. Lin-Manuel Miranda doesn't do the songs (Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear do) but the film boasts the return of Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson. Nov. 27
'Queer'
Daniel Craig steps out of his James Bond guise to play an American living in Mexico City in the 1950s. It's a steamy drama and a second offering this year from Luca Guadagnino ("Challengers"). Nov. 27
'Nightbitch'
Amy Adams is good as a mom who changes form when she's left alone at night. Directed by Marielle Heller, it's a bizarre foray into the mind, but Adams makes it work. Dec. 6
'The Order'
Jude Law gets the case of a lifetime -- investigating a White supremacist group known as "The Order." Nicholas Hoult plays the leader who tries to expand his reach. Based in truth, it's a chilling look at how intimidation keeps innocent people silent. Dec. 6
'Unstoppable'
'Unstoppable is a winning tale of a wrestler born with one leg and the strides he made on the mat. The story of Anthony Robles, it stars Jharrel Jerome as the wrestler and Jennifer Lopez as his mom. Dec. 6
'Y2K'
"Saturday Night Live" vet Kyle Mooney directs this look at the end of the 20th century and how it affected teens. Comedy and horror swirl amid the possible meltdown. Dec. 6
'Nickel Boys'
If you're looking for the next auteur, check this out. Director RaMell Ross uses documentary techniques to tell the story of friends sent to a terrifying school. Based in truth, it's a chilling look at a side of the Civil Rights Movement that was hidden from many. Ethan Hesse and Brandon Wilson are excellent as the friends. Dec. 13
'The Brutalist'
Here's your "Oppenheimer" offering. Adrien Brady gets another Oscar run as a Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and finds opportunity in the United States. Already garnering attention for Brody, it also gives Guy Pearce a shot as a best supporting actor nominee. Dec. 20
'Mufas
a: The Lion King'
You'd think this was the ultimate attempt to wring every dime out of a winning concept, but the "origins" story of Mufasa happens to have Barry Jenkins as its director. There are other shifts that suggest change. The music immediately brings back visions of the original. Dec. 20
'Sonic the Hedgehog 3'
What? Did you miss one? This edition puts Sonic and friends up against a new enemy, Shadow. Ben Schwartz returns as the voice of Sonic. This is one the kids will lap up. Mom, not so much. Dec. 20
'Babygirl'
Nicole Kidman plays the company CEO who engages in, um, untoward behavior with an intern (Harris Dickinson). The film got raves at the Venice Film Festival and could bring Kidman another Oscar nomination. Halina Reijn directs. Dec. 25
'Better Man'
How many times have you said, "A chimpanzee would be better in the role"? Now, you get just that. Telling the story of pop star Robbie Williams, this biography is a wild look at an even wilder life. Dec. 25
'A Complete Unknown'
Timothée Chalamet plays Bob Dylan in this account up to 1965 (expect a sequel if it's good). James Mangold directs and, yes, Chalamet sings. Dec. 25
'The Fire Inside'
The story of Olympic boxer Claressa Shields is put in the hands of director Rachel Morrison and actress Ryan Destiny. Another "Rocky"? It, too, came out during the Thanksgiving-to-Christmas period and went on to win best picture at the Oscars. Dec. 25
'Nosferatu'
Film students will remember 'Nosferatu' as one of the first vampire films to hit the screen. Now, Robert Eggers has the reins and puts Bill Skarsgård in the fangs. Willem Dafoe, Lily-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult are along for the ride. Dec. 25
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