ON THE BIG SCREEN

GLADIATOR II
R
Almost 25 years since director Ridley Scott unleashed his Best Picture Oscar-winning epic Gladiator on the world comes his sequel, with Paul Mescal taking on the titular role. He’s Lucius, the son of Lucilla (played again by Connie Nielsen), who unhappily ends up in the arena fighting for his life in this epic sequel. Roman cruelty and decadence return, with newcomers Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Joseph Quinn helping chew the scenery along the way.

MOANA 2
Not yet rated
Moana is back after eight years in a big new Hawaiian adventure, designed to delight a new generation of little ones, as well as those who grew up watching the original over and over. Much of the vocal talent from the original animated classic have returned, including Auli’i Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Alan Tudyk, and Temuera Morrison, as well as the talented writers, so this one should satisfy all Moana’s legion of fans.

EMILIA PEREZ
R
This intricate story melds Mexican cartels, musical numbers, sex changes, and more into a flick that drew raves at the Cannes Film Festival and has taken the festival circuit by storm. Together, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Karla Sofia Gascon will keep you guessing, enthralled, excited, and adoring of this audacious film from the mind of Jacques Audard.

WICKED
PG
The beloved Broadway musical Wicked is finally arriving on the big screen! With Cynthia Erivo in the role of Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, playing two witches from The Wizard of Oz, whose stories are told in a way that would have surprised L. Frank Baum, this ambitious undertaking is only the first part of the story, with the second due to arrive in November 2025.

RED ONE
PG-13
Is the world ready for another Christmas classic? Ask Red One director Jake Kasdan and he’s sure to say “Yes,” having rounded up an all-star cast for this comedic action adventure all about the time Santa Claus was kidnapped and held for ransom. He’s got Oscar winner J.K. Simmons as the jolly fat man, and Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, and Lucy Liu as the crack rescue team who are out to save Santa — and Christmas, too.