NOVEMBER STARTS HOLIDAY SEASON, 2
According to the current standings, Jordan Peele’s “Us” is the only movie in the U.S. box office top 10 that wasn’t part of a popular franchise or based on comic book characters. With no superhero movies scheduled for release until next spring, we will have successfully gone nearly a year without them by the time “The New Mutants” and “Black Widow” arrive.
The sheer volume of new films hitting screens in the coming month is either a reflection of a marketplace finally getting some post-blockbuster breathing room or an early play for holiday (and awards) season clean-up. With five titles coming out in the first weekend alone, November has plenty to offer no matter what category you prefer.
Here’s a look at some of the movies expected to open in the weeks ahead. Remember that all dates are subject to change, so be sure to check local listings before venturing
out to theaters.
“DOCTOR SLEEP” (NOV. 8)
Based on Stephen King’s 2013 follow-up to his classic 1977 novel “The Shining,” this horror flick stars Kyliegh Curran as Abra Stone, a psychic teenager who seeks help from grown up Danny Torrance (Ewan McGregor) when she is pursued by a dangerous cult. Writer-director Mike Flanagan previously adapted “Gerald’s Game” for Netflix in 2017.
“LAST CHRISTMAS” (NOV. 8)
Emma Thompson cowrote this holiday rom-com starring Emilia Clarke (“Game of Thrones”) as Kate, a department store elf whose streak of bad luck changes when she meets dashing Tom (Henry Golding,”Crazy Rich Asians”). The film co-stars Thompson and Michelle Yeoh and features previously unreleased music by George Michael.
“MIDWAY” (NOV. 8)
Large-scale disaster movie veteran Roland Emmerich (“Independence Day”) directs this large scale World War II epic that depicts the Battle of Midway, which took place six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The large-scale ensemble cast includes Ed Skrein, Patrick Wilson, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Woody Harrelson and Dennis Quaid.
“PLAYING WITH FIRE” (NOV. 8)
Pro wrestler-turnedfamily-movie-star John Cena (“Ferdinand”) plays a burly firefighter in charge of three rescued kids in this physical injury and bodily function-based comedy from director Andy Fickman (“Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2”). Cena’s grizzled team of dudes includes John Leguizamo, Keegan-Michael Key and Dennis Haysbert.
“CHARLIE’S ANGELS” (NOV. 15)
Written, directed by and co-starring Elizabeth Banks (“Pitch Perfect”), the latest entry in the long-running action franchise stars Ella Balinska, Kristen Stewart and Naomi Scott as private detectives working for the Charles Townsend Agency. Banks, Djimon Hounsou and Sir Patrick Stewart co-star as different Bosleys.
“FORD V FERRARI” (NOV. 15)
This biopic from “Walk the Line” director James Mangold depicts the efforts of the Ford Motor Company to build a car to compete with the Ferrari racing program at Le Mans in 1966. Matt Damon stars as American auto engineer Carroll Shelby opposite Christian Bale as British professional driver Ken Miles and Jon Bernthal as Lee Iacocca.
“21 BRIDGES” (NOV. 22)
“Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman headlines this crime thriller as an NYPD detective who puts the entire city on lockdown following the murders of several police officers. Keith David, J.K. Simmons and Sienna Miller co-star. Directed by Brian Kirk (“Game of Thrones”) and co-produced by Joe and Anthony Russo (“Avengers: Endgame”).
“A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD” (NOV. 22)
Inspired by a 1998 Esquire magazine profile by Tom Junod, Matthew Rhys (TV’s “The Americans”) plays a cynical journalist who is assigned to interview children’s television icon Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) and ends up becoming friends with him. Directed by Marielle Heller (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?”).
“FROZEN II” (NOV. 22)
The sequel to Disney’s billion-dollar 2013 hit fantasy musical explores the mysterious origins of snow queen Elsa’s (Idina Menzel) freezing powers, taking she and her sister Anna (Kristen Bell) on a high-stakes journey beyond the kingdom of Arendelle. Evan Rachel Wood, Alfred Molina and Sterling K. Brown join the cast of returning voice actors.
“KNIVES OUT” (NOV. 27)
Rian Johnson (“Star Wars: The Last Jedi”) wrote and directed this ensemble comedic mystery starring Daniel Craig and Lakeith Stanfield as expert detectives called to investigate the murder of a wealthy novelist (Christopher Plummer). The list of suspects includes Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette and Don Johnson.
“QUEEN & SLIM” (NOV. 27)
Jodie Turner-Smith (“Lemon”) and Daniel Kaluuya (“Get Out”) co-star in the debut feature from music video vet Melina Matsoukas (“Formation” by Beyoncé) and screenwriter Lena Waithe (Netflix’s “Master of None”). The “Bonnie & Clyde”-inspired thriller takes the two leading characters from romantic date night to fleeing murderous police.