By Keith Walther
After a slow October with very few film releases, get ready for an explosion of movies in November to kick off the holiday season. Every major genre will be represented from blockbuster action films to big studio animations, from romantic comedy to horror, and from a guy coaching a horrible soccer team to a little guy on a horse trying to take over the world. Let’s dive into the most anticipated movies of the month.
November 3rd
Starting the month is a dramatic mystery that has “Cape Fear” vibes written all over it. “The Marsh King’s Daughter” is a revenge storyline of a woman after the man who kidnapped her mother. Neil Burger directs, and he’s had an up and down career with successes like “The Illusionist” and “The Upside,” as well as failures like “Divergent” and “Voyagers.” The cast features a couple of “Star Wars” alumni in Daisy Ridley and Ben Mendelsohn. Keep your eyes peeled on early reviews before buying your tickets, it could go either way.
Next up is a romantic comedy featuring a couple of old pros in the genre, Meg Ryan and David Duchovny. “What Happens Later” is not only Meg’s first movie in 8 years, but it’s also her second directorial effort, her first being the poorly received “Ithaca.” The fact that she couldn’t lure Tom Hanks to reunite for her triumphant return should be a warning sign that this movie is shaping up to be another dud. The premise of two ex-lovers being stuck alone together in an airport doesn’t do anything to raise hopes.
November 10th
Disney/Marvel Studios returns to the big screen in a big way with “The Marvels.” Brie Larson, Iman Vellani, Teyonah Parris, and Samuel L. Jackson all reprise their familiar roles from prior films and TV series to come together for the first time to save the universe. Relatively new director Nia DaCosta helms this giant project, and it remains to be seen if she can shoulder the massive responsibility, considering her last film, the sequel of “Candyman,” did not do very well. If you plan on seeing this but haven’t seen the prior collection of Marvel offerings and don’t know where to begin, simply watch the film “Captain Marvel,” and Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel,” “WandaVision,” and “Secret Invasion” if you have time.
November 17th
Just when you thought “The Hunger Games” had eaten its final box office meal, the prequel comes roaring to the big screen with a renewed appetite. “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” also based on the novel by Suzanne Collins, is set 64 years before the original and follows a young Cornelius Snow before he became the evil tyrant corrupted by power as depicted in the original trilogy. Francis Lawrence is the director, who also helmed the prior three “Hunger Games” movies, so audiences can expect a quality adaptation.
If you’re looking for more of a holiday driven storyline, than look no further than the film aptly titled “Thanksgiving.” Don’t be fooled, however, as this is the newest horror movie from Eli Roth who set a new bar in gore and debauchery with films like “Hostel” and “Cabin Fever.” This is actually based on the fake trailer he directed for “Grindhouse” back in 2007, which was shown between the double feature of “Planet Terror” and “Death Proof.” Expect plenty of bile inducing gruesome brutality that will make you think twice before enjoying some turkey.
Want something more family oriented? “Trolls Band Together” has you covered. This is the third film of the highly successful animated series from DreamWorks Animation, a subsidiary of Universal Pictures. Once again, Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick voice the main characters, so count on more feel good, catchy tunes that ensure everyone has a fun time.
How about a true sports story that is as inspirational as it is entertaining? “Next Goal Wins” may be the sleeper pick of this week, starring the highly talented Michael Fassbender and directed by Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok” and “Jojo Rabbit”). Inspired by the true story of the horrible American Samoa soccer team that notoriously lost a FIFA match 31-0 in 2001, this will no doubt be a hysterically moving retelling.
November 22nd
What better way to celebrate the long Thanksgiving weekend than with a potential Oscar contender? “Napoleon” is the theatrical movie event of the month that will undoubtedly be a must see. This is the biographical look at one of the most prolific, most ruthless conquerors the world has ever known, Napoleon Bonaparte. The gifted and eccentric actor Joaquin Phoenix plays the title role, and he’s sure to turn it into a performance that will leave no question he is the only one who could play this role. Directing this picture is the legendary Ridley Scott, who has brought audiences some of the most iconic films like “Alien,” “Gladiator,” and “Black Hawk Down.” Put this at the top of your list, it has all the makings to be an epic success.
Not to be outdone by Universal, Disney is releasing their own animated film for the Thanksgiving weekend, “Wish.” This title accurately reflects Disney’s desperation to recapture the magic of past classic animations, especially to commemorate their centennial anniversary. Will this be the next “Moana,” or will it follow the disastrous footsteps of last year’s Thanksgiving debacle, “Strange World?”
The final big release of November is also the most interesting and curious of the bunch. “Dream Scenario” is a comedy starring Nicolas Cage in one of his most unrecognizable roles. The premise is wildly creative with Cage’s character appearing in millions of strangers’ dreams in a variety of ways. As with many of Cage’s movies, especially in recent years, this has the potential for cinematic gold, or it could be a horrendous flop, but it definitely piques interest.
