Ah, Thanksgiving—the annual minefield of family drama. Between your cousin’s grades, your uncle’s politics and your mom’s meltdowns, it can be a tough day to get through. Which is why everyone is happy to leave the dishes for later and head to the movies after dinner. You can’t fight when you can’t talk! There are a lot of options in theaters this year, so which one should you and the family go see?
If you’ve got kids to think about … “Moana”
Don’t worry; it’s family friendly but has that Disney magic that will make adults fall in love too.
If you’re hoping to relive your adolescence … “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”
Remember all those nights you went to see the “Harry Potter” movies as a kid? Those were simpler times.
If your mom and dad can never agree on a movie … “Allied”
This isn’t “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” but it has romance for mom and war stuff for dad. Marriage is about compromise, kids.
If you’re not burned out on superhero movies … “Doctor Strange”
A psychedelic trip that’s less soul-sucking than “Batman v Superman” and not as much of a mess as “Suicide Squad.”
If your family needs a reminder that communication is healthy … “Arrival”
Guys, maybe we really can talk it out if we just figure out how to speak each other’s language.
If you need some straight vulgarity to numb the pain … “Bad Santa 2”
This isn’t good, but maybe you just need something raunchy to wash out the taste of a certain family member’s racism.
If your grandma always had a thing for Warren Beatty … “Rules Don’t Apply”
He’s back after 15 years!
If your little sister is at an, um, difficult age … “Edge of Seventeen”
Funny and charming with reminders that it actually is hard to be young, even if you’re a self-absorbed little brat.
If your dad will only agree to see war movies … “Hacksaw Ridge”
Bonus: It has Vince Vaughn. What dad doesn’t love Vince Vaughn?
@lchval | laurenchval@redeyechicago.com
