The lineup of films scheduled for November release brings a diverse but exciting variety of entertainment options for cinema audiences. From a new holiday romantic comedy to an animated Disney flick to heroes from futuristic worlds and more, the box office should have a strong performance over the next four weeks. Although these films are making their debut late in the year, none of them appear to be strong competitors for the awards season. Rather, they’re reasons to just enjoy quality time with family and friends at the movies. Here’s a preview of the films arriving in theaters this month.
About Time
In theaters: Nov. 8
Ten years ago, audiences were treated to a pleasant holiday gift in theaters with the release of “Love Actually,” a memorable narrative of British citizens preparing for the Christmas season. The same filmmakers are back with the release of “About Time,” a story about Tim, played by Domhnall Gleeson (“Anna Karenina”). He learns of his ability to time travel and uses it to pursue a relationship with Mary, played by Rachel McAdams (“Midnight in Paris”). The film also stars audience favorite Bill Nighy (“The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel”) as Tim’s father. This film is a treat that celebrates the holidays in a warm, welcoming fashion, embracing the wintertime just like “Love Actually” and jumpstarting the Christmas/New Year’s season a little early.
Thor: The Dark World
In theaters: Nov. 8
Thor has returned from his adventures with The Avengers and saving the Earth. In this sequel, he must now face an enemy threatening his own world. With Thor played by Chris Hemsworth (“Rush”), the film brings back Natalie Portman (“Black Swan”) as Jane Foster to assist him. Additionally, Avengers villain Loki, played by Tom Hiddleston (“War Horse”) also makes an appearance in order to help his half-brother. The first “Thor” came out in a rush as the last film in a string released before “The Avengers.” With only an Iron Man sequel released since “The Avengers,” Marvel has had time for creative development, so the sequel should be an improvement from the first “Thor” and help to continue the excitement of the Marvel story.
The Book Thief
In theaters: Nov. 8
Based on the popular novel of the same name, “The Book Thief” tells the story of a young girl, Liesel—played by up-and-coming actress Sophie Nelisse—adopted by new parents in Germany at the dawn of World War II. While trying to survive the horrors of the war, she finds comfort in stealing books and sharing them with others, including a Jewish refugee her parents are hiding in their cellar. Her parents are played by renowned actors Geoffrey Rush (“The King’s Speech”) and Emily Watson (“War Horse”). The film is a special story for the whole family to enjoy as Liesel’s family fights for culture during the war. Although it’s a small independent film, “The Book Thief” is beginning to make large noise and could be the one film from November that makes a strong push for the upcoming awards season.
Delivery Man
In theaters: Nov. 22
Vince Vaughn (“The Internship”) plays David Wozniak in “Delivery Man,” an individual living his daily life with no motivation or ambition. However, he is thrown a curveball when he learns that, through an anonymous donation to a fertility clinic 20 years earlier, he is the father of 533 children, and now 142 of them have filed a lawsuit to learn his identity. He’s not ready to come clean yet, but he does manage to get files on the children. He starts to place himself into their lives even though they are not fully aware of it. The film will face competition at the box office from other blockbusters scheduled for release this month, but it offers an interesting story and what looks to be a delightful role from Vaughn.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1lZKDNJ4aQ
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
In theaters: Nov. 22
After a strong performance in the box office, the second installment of “The Hunger Games” series arrives in theaters for the Thanksgiving holiday. Star Jennifer Lawrence was thrust into the spotlight with the first film of the series, as well as an Academy Award-winning performance in “Silver Linings Playbook.” In “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” Katniss (Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson, “Red Dawn”), return from the games for their victory tour. Many familiar faces also return, including Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Woody Harrelson and Elizabeth Banks. The film also welcomes series newcomers including Philip Seymour Hoffman (“Moneyball”) and Sam Claflin (“Snow White and the Huntsman”). It’s been a long wait, but the “Mockingjay” tune will arrive in theaters soon.
Frozen
In theaters: Nov. 27
In a new Disney animated film to pump up excitement for the winter season, Anna (Kristen Bell, “Burlesque”) and Kristoff (Jonathan Groff, “Glee”) join together to help protect their kingdom from Anna’s sister, Elsa (Idina Menzel, “Enchanted”), who has declared that they should live in an eternal winter. Along the way, they get help from a cheery snowman, Olaf, voiced by Josh Bad (“Jobs”). The teaser trailers for the film have been in theaters since July, and the film will probably be the only animated film to compete against Pixar’s “Monsters University” for the award season. The film looks like pure fun and a reminder of the Disney classics that audiences cherish.
