New Movie Releases This Weekend in USA: November 21-23, 2025 – Full Reviews & Ratings

The weekend of **November 21-23, 2025**, brings one of the biggest theatrical releases of the year: **Wicked: For Good**, the highly anticipated conclusion to Jon M. Chu’s two-part adaptation of the Broadway musical. This emotional, visually stunning sequel picks up right after the iconic “Defying Gravity” moment, delving deeper into the fates of Elphaba and Glinda amid rising fascism in Oz.

While Wicked: For Good dominates wide release, a few limited/indie films also hit select theaters, including the Brendan Fraser dramedy **Rental Family** and action sequel **Sisu: Road to Revenge**. Note: Major holdovers like Gladiator II (from last week) and upcoming Thanksgiving titles (Zootopia 2 on Nov 26) are still drawing crowds, but here’s the complete guide to **new openings this weekend**.

Wicked:

For Good (Wide Release – November 21, 2025)
– **Genre**: Musical, Fantasy, Adventure
– **Director**: Jon M. Chu
– **Cast**: Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang
– **Runtime**: 2 hours 18 minutes
– **Rating**: PG
– **Rotten Tomatoes**: 70% (Critics) | Audience Popcornmeter High
– **Box Office Projection**: Massive opening, potentially topping charts with strong pre-sales as the highest-ever for a PG musical adaptation.

**Complete Review**:  
Wicked: For Good delivers a darker, more emotionally resonant conclusion to the Oz origin story, exploring themes of friendship, oppression, and identity in a fascist-rising Land of Oz. Cynthia Erivo shines brightest as the green-skinned Elphaba, delivering powerhouse vocals in showstoppers like “No Good Deed” and bringing raw intensity to her outlaw arc. Ariana Grande holds her own with dramatic depth in new song “The Girl in the Bubble,” while the central friendship between Elphaba and Glinda remains the heartfelt core – their bond’s fracture and enduring impact will leave audiences tearful, especially in the poignant finale duet “For Good.”

Visually, Jon M. Chu’s maximalist style explodes with elaborate sets, costumes, and effects that make Oz feel alive and wondrous. The production design and choreography are Oscar-worthy, building on Part 1’s spectacle. However, some critics note it feels slightly bloated as a standalone film – the plot leans heavier on political allegory (oppression of talking animals mirroring real-world issues) and less on catchy new bangers compared to the Broadway score or Part 1’s hits.

Pros: Stellar performances (Erivo is a revelation), emotional depth, stunning visuals, mature themes handled with heart.  
Cons: Not all new songs land memorably; pacing dips in the middle; assumes familiarity with Part 1.  
**Verdict**: A triumphant, tear-jerking finale that’s essential for fans. While not quite surpassing the first film’s magic, it’s a dazzling musical event. **Rating: 8.5/10** – Must-see on the big screen for the immersion!

### Rental Family (Limited Release – November 21, 2025)

– **Genre**: Comedy-Drama
– **Director**: Hikari
– **Cast**: Brendan Fraser, Takehiro Hira, Mari Yamamoto
– **Runtime**: TBD
– **Rating**: TBD (Likely PG-13)

**Review Summary**: Brendan Fraser stars as a struggling American actor in Tokyo who joins a “rental family” agency, posing as stand-in relatives for clients. This quirky culture-clash dramedy explores belonging, identity, and human connection with warmth and humor. Fraser’s charming performance anchors the film, earning praise for its heartfelt take on loneliness. Early buzz calls it a hidden gem for indie fans. **Rating: 7.8/10** – Sweet and insightful; seek it out in arthouse theaters.

Sisu: Road to Revenge (Limited Release – November 21, 2025)

– **Genre**: Action, War
– **Director**: Jalmari Helander
– **Cast**: Jorma Tommila, Stephen Lang, Richard Brake
– **Runtime**: TBD
– **Rating**: R

**Review Summary**: A brutal sequel to the 2023 hit Sisu, following the unstoppable Finnish commando in a new revenge-fueled WWII-era rampage. Expect over-the-top violence, gritty action, and one-man-army heroism. Fans of the original love the relentless pace, but it’s niche for extreme action lovers. **Rating: 7/10** – Bloody good fun if you crave unapologetic mayhem.

### Other Notable Limited/Openings
– Smaller indies like **Cactus Pears** (romance) and animated **David** (biblical tale) hit select screens, offering diverse options for niche audiences.

This November 21-23 weekend is ruled by Oz’s magic with Wicked: For Good – a perfect holiday-season spectacle for families, musical lovers, and anyone craving big emotions and bigger production numbers. Grab tickets early, as showtimes are selling out fast nationwide! Whether you’re defying gravity or exploring limited gems, theaters are the place to be this weekend. Stay tuned for box office updates and more reviews.