Family Activities This Week: ‘Wicked’ and ‘Out of My Mind’
The Billboard Family Hits of the Week is your ultimate guide to the latest and most engaging content for the entire family, including music, movies, television shows, books, games, and more. Stop wasting time endlessly scrolling and searching for “what to watch for family movie night” when you can find everything you need right here, consolidated into one simple and convenient list. Experience the satisfaction of crossing items off your family’s entertainment checklist!
This week at Billboard Family, we’re embracing the warmth of cozy family activities such as watching movies together and exploring online shopping for the upcoming holiday season. These moments not only foster connection but also create lasting memories that your family will cherish.
The latest buzz in family entertainment is the highly anticipated release of Wicked on November 22, 2024, in theaters nationwide, with select locations offering early screenings. Featuring the talented Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, this film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical has captured the imaginations of children and adults alike. My 9-year-old frequently brings it up at home, highlighting its impact. Rated PG and suitable for most kids capable of handling its runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes, this Wicked film is part one of an exciting two-part series, with the sequel planned for release in November 2025.
If Wicked becomes a family favorite, be sure to save the date for December 25, when an interactive sing-along version of the film directed by Jon M. Chu is set to show at approximately 1,000 theaters across North America. This unique experience will allow families to engage with the film in a fun and musical way, enhancing the viewing experience for everyone.
Are you in search of a new movie to stream at home this week? Look no further than Disney+, where you can catch the family-friendly film Out of My Mind starting November 22. Directed by Amber Sealey, this movie tells the inspiring story of an intelligent 11-year-old girl with cerebral palsy who communicates without words. Melody’s journey through sixth grade is filled with challenges that differ from her peers, yet her potential shines brightly. This poignant film is perfect for family viewing, offering valuable lessons about resilience and understanding, featuring a standout performance from young star Phoebe-Rae Taylor.
In addition to movie recommendations, we have a timely holiday shopping tip for anyone looking for the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for the Taylor Swift fan in their life. Gifts that resonate with personal interests can create memorable experiences during the festive season.
Discover more about this week’s top picks in the Billboard Family Hits of the Week:
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Catch the Excitement of ‘Wicked’ in Theaters This Holiday Season
Wicked is finally making its way to movie theaters, and it’s poised to be the ultimate family blockbuster this holiday season. Starring the incredible Cynthia Erivo alongside Ariana Grande, this film adaptation promises to be a captivating experience for audiences of all ages. Parents seeking a delightful family outing this weekend should consider this “Popular” choice for an enjoyable day at the movies.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, filmmaker Jon M. Chu has created a “captivating screen adaptation” that enriches the original Broadway musical while paying homage to the Golden Age of Technicolor MGM musicals. The film is projected to open with over $85 million, marking one of the most significant box office openings for a musical in recent history, a testament to its anticipated success.
As excitement builds, Billboard reports a remarkable 60% increase in streams of the original Broadway soundtrack, recorded by the acclaimed 2003 cast, featuring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. During the week of November 1-7, the album achieved 4.9 million official on-demand U.S. streams, surging to 7.8 million the following week. It’s safe to say that my 9-year-old daughter has been among those streaming the soundtrack as she eagerly anticipates the film’s release.
As a parent of a child who has adored Wicked since she first laid eyes on the Broadway musical poster at a train platform, I will be walking her into the theater dressed as Glinda, her Halloween costume this year. She even owns the Wicked platform heel Crocs, which she amusingly tripped over just once during trick-or-treating. With the plethora of merchandise collaborations, it’s likely that Elphaba and Glinda will find themselves on many kids’ holiday wish lists this year.
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Don’t Miss ‘Out of My Mind’ Streaming on Disney+
Out of My Mind is set to stream on Disney+ starting November 22. This heartfelt film, directed by Amber Sealey, is based on Sharon M. Draper’s beloved coming-of-age novel. It tells the story of Melody Brooks, a pre-teen with cerebral palsy who aspires to experience life just like her peers. One of my kids read the book in fifth grade and found it to be “amazing.” The movie adaptation skillfully immerses viewers into Melody’s world as she navigates the complexities of being a young person with unique challenges.
At its core, this film is a touching exploration of family dynamics, growing up, and the importance of having someone who advocates for you. Viewers will hear Melody’s thoughts, a blend of wit and emotion, yet her voice remains unheard. To find out how her journey unfolds, you’ll need to watch the movie, which offers representation for audiences with disabilities who rarely see themselves reflected in leading roles.
This film resonates with everyone, as the cast delivers grounded and heartfelt performances, including Phoebe-Rae Taylor, Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, Judith Light, and Courtney Taylor, who all contributed insights to an upcoming feature in Billboard Family. Out of My Mind is a must-watch for families, so make sure to have tissues and hugs ready for this emotionally charged viewing experience.
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Shop Unique Gifts at Taylor Swift’s Holiday Store
Taylor Swift’s official webstore has embraced the holiday spirit with a fabulous array of new merchandise across categories like clothing, accessories, home decor, and festive items. While the selection is extensive, the most sought-after items — including Folklore socks, a Folklore foil lithograph, and an Eras Tour acoustic piano ornament — are known to sell out quickly. If you’re searching for the quintessential gift for the devoted Swiftie in your life, consider signing up for the store’s email list to receive alerts on new collection launches.
Do you have an aspiring young musician at home who dreams of following in Taylor Swift’s footsteps? Consider gifting them their first guitar, like the uniquely designed Taylor Swift-themed Acoustic Epiphone DR-100, featuring album art from one of her iconic eras. My top recommendation is the Evermore guitar, priced at $399, which will surely inspire creativity and a love for music.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, there are some delightful gifts available for under $50, including an “Anti-Hero” cup set ($35), a Speak Now journal and pencil set ($35), and a Tortured Poets candle ($50). These items not only make for thoughtful gifts but also add a special touch to the holiday season.
To explore more exciting gift ideas for music fans that fit within a $50 budget, check out the recommendations here.
