Thanksgiving 2014: What Movies Are In Theaters For The Holiday Weekend; 'Imitation Game,' 'Horrible Bosses 2,' 'Hunger Games' And More

Thanksgiving means eating and shopping, but that can’t take up the whole four-day weekend. If you’re looking for an alternative activity, the movie theaters have some great options. From action films to animated comedies, there is something for everyone to see in theaters over the 2014 Thanksgiving weekend.

Opening Wednesday, Nov. 26

“The Penguins Of Madagascar” (PG) is a spin-off of 20th Century Fox’s “Madagascar” franchise. The film follows Skipper (Tom McGrath), Kowalski (Chris Miller), Rico (Conrad Vernon) and Private (Christopher Knights) as they join a special task force that helps other animals. Benedict Cumberbatch and John Malkovich also star as voice actors in the animated film. “While there are plenty of madcap antics to fill a feature, all that manic energy ultimately proves to be more exhausting than exhilarating,” the Hollywood Reporter said of the film.

“Horrible Bosses 2” (R) features the return of Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis as friends who kidnap people. After investor Bert Hanson (Christoph Waltz) steals their invention called the Shower Buddy, the guys kidnap his son Rex (Chris Pine) to pay off their debt. The film also stars Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx. Despite an all-star cast, the film hasn’t been well received by critics. Many reviews note that the film uses a lot of rape jokes. “If your answer to the question ‘When are rape jokes funny?’ is anything aside from ‘never,’ the good news is that you may still find a lot to hoot over throughout ‘Horrible Bosses 2,’” Slant reported.

“Women Who Flirt” (NR) is a Chinese romantic comedy. The film follows a girl who realizes she is in love with one of her close friends. The foreign film with English subtitles stars Xun Zhou, Huang Xiaoming, Sui Tang and Xie Yi Lin. While it doesn’t have any reviews yet, the trailer makes it appear to be a typical romantic comedy.

Opening Friday, Nov. 28

“The Imitation Game” (PG-13) stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turig, a gay scientist who helped the Allies win WWII. Despite helping his country win a war, he is prosecuted for being homosexual in 1952. The biopic also stars Keira Knightley and Matthew Goode. Reviews have been favorable from critics with Rotten Tomatoes citing 84 percent of the current reviews as positive.

“Touch The Wall” (NR) is a documentary following Olympic swimmers Missy Franklin and Kara Lynn Joyce on their journey to the 2012 London Olympics.

“Antarctica: A Year On Ice” (PG) documents the lives of researchers living in Antarctica for a year. Anthony Powell directed the film, which promises stunning views of the Antarctic landscape.

Already In Theaters

If Thanksgiving weekend is the first time you’ve been able to get to the movie theater in a while, there is plenty to catch up on.

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” (PG-13) is the third installment of the “Hunger Games” franchise and the first part of the finale. Based on Suzanne Collins’ book, the film follows Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) as she helps lead a revolution and get Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) back from the Capitol. The movie also stars Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Liam Hemsworth, Natalie Dormer and Donald Sutherland. The film received mixed reviews, but fans of the first films will definitely want to see this. The installment earned $123 million in its opening weekend.

“Foxcatcher” (R) depicts Channing Tatum as a wrestler who trains with an older millionaire (Steve Carell). As the two become closer, their relationship grows unhealthy which ultimately, leads to a tragedy. The film has received rave reviews and is rumored to be an Oscar contender. The film is in limited release. Despite being in less than 25 theaters, the film has earned $822,000, according to Box Office Mojo.

“Interstellar” (R) is another rumored Oscar contender. Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway star as astronauts who are looking for another planet that could be home to humans. Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, Mackenzie Foy and Timothee Chalamet also star. The film has already made over $120 million in the U.S.

“Big Hero 6” (PG) is an animated film from Disney based on a Marvel comic of the same name. The plot follows Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) as he enlists the help of his robot Baymax (Scott Adsit) and their friends to solve a dangerous mystery. The film also stars T.J. Miller, Jamie Chung, Damon Wayans Jr., Genesis Rodriguez, Daniel Henney and Maya Rudolph. The film received 89 percent positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes (making it “certified fresh”) and has earned over $130 million domestically.