Thanksgiving Weekend Movie Openings: Five Films To Catch

Photo: Weinstein Company

Silver Linings Playbook

Following its accalimed debut at the Toronto International Film Festival, "Silver Linings Playbook" has been poised for Oscar glory. Bradley Cooper stars as a former teacher who moves in with his parents (Jacki Weaver and Robert DeNiro) after undergoing treatment at a psychiatrict facility. When he meets a young widow (Jennifer Lawrence), the two find themselves in the midst of a complecated relationship. The films marks the highly awaited return of director David O. Russell. "Silver Linings Playbook" hit limited theaters on Nov. 16, and widened its release on Wednesday. 

Photo: Focus Features

Anna Karenina

"Anna Karenina" is a bold reimagining of the classic Tolstoy novel. Keira Knightley stars in the title role as a wife and mother who embarks on an affair with a dashing officer (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). The film is the latest colaboration between Knightley and director Joe Wright. The two previously worked together on the inventive 2006 adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" and the moving World War II drama "Atonement." Jude Law, Kelly Macdonald, and Matthew Macfadyen also star. "Anna Karenina" hit theaters in limited release on Nov. 16.

Photo: Sony Pictures

Rust and Bone

Foreign film lovers will find much to enjoy about the poignant French drama "Rust and Bone." Directed by Jacques Audiard, the film focuses on a whale trainer (a magnificent Marion Cotillard) who loses her legs in a horrific accident. As she struggles to adjust to living life with a disability, she forms a friendship with a struggling boxer and single father (Matthias Schoenarts). "Rust and Bone" hits theaters on Nov. 23.

Photo: FOX

Hitchcock

"Hitchcock," directed by Sacha Gervasi, chronicles the making of Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 horror film "Psycho." Fighting the studio, MPAA standards, and public disfavor, the "master of horror" (Anthony Hopkins) works to produce one of the most notable films of all time. Largely focusing on the director's relationship with his patient wife and creative partner Alma Reville (Helen Mirren), "Hitchcock" presents a rare glimpse into the life of the legendary auteur. Scarlett Johansson, Danny Huston, Toni Collette, and Jessica Biel also star.

Photo: FOX

Life of Pi

The latest film from Oscar-wining director Ang Lee, "Life of Pi" is a beautifully shot epic that a wide range of audiences can enjoy. Based on the best-selling novel, the film tells the story of a young man (Suraj Sharma) who survives a disastrous shipwreck and must share a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. "Life of Pie" hits theaters on Nov. 21.