It is not uncommon for big movies to come out around the same weekend, some dates are more popular than others especially around Thanksgiving or beginning of the summer. This Thanksgiving is no different. 

Wicked and Gladiator II hit theaters on November 22nd just in time for the holidays. Just like most double releases like Barbie and Oppenheimer or The Matrix and 10 Things I Hate About You, these two movies are very different. 

20 years ago, a theater-goer might have gone to see both blockbusters, but going to the movies has become much more expensive over the years. According to The Numbers, to go to the movies in 1999 to see The Matrix or 10 Things I Hate About You it would be on average $5 but today it has doubled. That’s just on average. To see a movie at Colonie Center it’s around $17 and gets more expensive after you factor in gas or bus money and concessions. These prices make it difficult to go to the movies, let alone twice.

Over Thanksgiving break I took it upon myself to see both of these movies so you don’t have to. Throughout this article I will explain the strengths and weaknesses of these two films to help you decide which of two you think is best for you. 

First Gladiator II. This movie is the continuation of the original Gladiator film from 2000. If you are a fan of great choreographed hand to hand fighting and dysfunctional governments and families then this story is for you. With some great performances by Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington and the returning talents of Connie Nielson, this movie delivers on the spectacle the original delivered. 

The atmosphere and period outfits help you feel like you have entered the world of Rome around 211 BC. The rugged feeling of the revolutionaries juxtaposed to the lavish, overindulgence lifestyle of the emperors and members of the senate make it impossible not to root for the main characters’ struggle to break away from the old ways of Rome. 

The performances of Paul Mascal and Joseph Quinn are both surprising and spectacular. Joseph Quinn plays one of the emperors ruling over Rome but you may also know him as Eddie Munson for Stranger Things. Unlike that previous role, this film shows off his ability to portray power hungry and manipulative characters. Paul Mascal shows off his ability to lead an action film and execute scenes of action passionately and with a determination that draws the audience into the story. 

This movie is not as epic or as powerful as the original film and if you are looking for a Pedro Pascal movie, you should know he is only in the film for about 20 mins of the 2 and a half hour run time. There are moments of unnecessarily violent gore and indulgent CGI, but, if you liked the original Gladiator movie, Pirates of the Caribbean, Count of Monte Cristo, Prince of Egypt or The Last of the Mohicans then this is the movie for you. 

Now Wicked. Obviously if you don’t like musicals this movie is not for you. But if you are into fun stories that have a point to make then you might be interested in Wicked. This story tells the first part of the heart strings pulling story of the wicked witch of the west’s descent into wickedness. 

With Oscar worthy performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-Butera, this film shows off the actresses ability to make an audience fall in love with these characters and their friendship with each other. This movie has the fun colors of cotton candy and is a dark commentary on society. The perfect mix of the two contrasting factors. 

A great supporting cast by critically acclaimed actors Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldbloom and introducing new actors to the screen like Marissa Bode, who plays the role of Elphaba’s (Wicked Witch of the West) disabled younger sister. Marissa Bode will be the first actress to play this role to be physically disabled. 

If you like any of these actors this movie will not disappoint, but if you were a fan of the original set design or costumes this movie goes for more of a fantasy look that almost feels like you are watching cotton candy rather than the steampunk look of the original. But it does keep all the songs from the original musical so if you are afraid they would cut your favorite song from act one, all the original numbers are included. If you liked Oz the Great and Powerful, Into the Woods, Tick Tick…Boom, or the Broadway musical you might like to give this movie a try.

Now that you have some information on both films you can make your decision as to which movie you’ll be seeing this weekend. You could always wait to see what streaming service they come out on to watch both films at home but these movies are spectacles in their own way and should be seen on the big screen. So, if you have the opportunity to go to the movies I hope I’ve helped you make the best choice for you.