This “In Theatres” combo edition features the best new movie releases from November as well as the highly-anticipated December films coming soon. See below for the Top 7 movies on my radar, as well as an extra list of releases for a great mix of adventure, drama, mystery and Christmas films.
1) ‘Thor: Ragnarok’
Release Date: Friday November 3
Main Stars: Chris Hemsworth (‘Thor’), Tom Hiddleston (‘The Night Manager’) and Cate Blanchett (‘Blue Jasmine’)
Director: Taika Waititi (‘Two Cars, One Night’)
Summary:
‘Thor: Ragnarok’ is an adventure superhero film that is the sequel to ‘Thor’ and ‘Thor: The Dark World’, as well as the 17th film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The story picks up two years after the events of ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’, as Thor’s (Chris Hemsworth) quest for the Infinity Stones lands him in a gladiatorial style combat prison. Thor must face off against an old friend in order to escape and return home to Asgard, as Hela the Goddess of Death has returned to seek vengeance and set off the Ragnarok. Personally, I love the entire Avengers franchise and am always excited for a new film to hit cinemas. However, I’m going into this film with an open mind as I have heard it is shifting towards the ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ style of comedy, and away from the serious and dark style of the previous films.
2) ‘Justice League’
Release Date: Friday November 17
Main Stars: Ben Affleck (‘Argo’), Gal Gadot (‘Wonder Woman’), Jason Momoa (‘Game of Thrones’) and Henry Cavill (‘Man of Steel’)
Director: Zach Snyder (‘300’)
Summary:
‘Justice League’ is an adventure superhero film based on the DC Comics superhero team of the same name, and is the fifth film of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The story begins following the aftermath of the sacrificial death of Superman in ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’. Batman bands together with his new ally Wonder Woman in search of others out there like them. After gathering The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg the team must square off against Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) and his army of Parademons in order to save the world. I’m very interested to see how the DCEU will develop with this team style film, as the Avengers franchise has set a high bar. I love Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman and am warming up to Affleck as Batman. but mostly I am intrigued to see what newcomers Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa and Ray Fisher will bring to their respective roles.
3) ‘Darkest Hour’
Release Date: Friday December 8
Main Stars: Gary Oldman (‘The Dark Knight’ Trilogy), Kristin Scott Thomas (‘The English Patient’) and Ben Mendelsohn (‘Bloodline’)
Director: Joe Wright (‘Atonement’)
Summary:
‘Darkest Hour’ is a war drama film starring Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill during his early years as British Prime Minister. Set in the 1940s, the story follows Churchill as he fights to take down Hitler’s army during World War II. I love films that dive into history by portraying what was believed to have happened behind closed doors in a time of crisis. From the trailer alone, I think Gary Oldman looks exceptional in this role as I can see his transformation into such an iconic figure. Also, I’m interested to see how Kristin Scott Thomas will perform as Mrs. Churchill as well as Ben Mendelsohn as King George VI.
4) ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’
Release Date: Friday December 15
Main Stars: Mark Hamill (‘Star Wars’ Franchise), Carrie Fisher (‘Star Wars’ Franchise), Daisy Ridley (‘Scrawl’) and Adam Driver (‘Girls’)
Director: Rian Johnson (‘Looper’)
Summary:
‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ is the second sci-fi film of the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy following ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’, and features an incredible ensemble cast in their reprising roles. The storyline of the film isn’t overtly obvious, however, the previous film ended with Rey (Daisy Ridley) finding Jedi Master Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) on the planet Ahch-To. Therefore, it is assumed that she will train with him and her fellow Resistance fighters of General Leia (Carrie Fisher), Finn (John Boyega) and Poe (Oscar Isaac) will team up with them in order to take down Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). I’m interested to see where the characters’ journey will take them and to see how this massive franchise will build towards the trilogy’s final installment.
5) ‘The Greatest Showman’
Release Date: Wednesday December 20
Main Stars: Hugh Jackman (‘X-Men’ Series), Michelle Williams (‘My Week with Marilyn’) and Zac Efron (‘Neighbors’)
Director: Michael Gracey (‘Naruto’)
Summary:
‘The Greatest Showman’ is a biographical musical film, starring Hugh Jackman as P. T. Barnum during his establishment of the Barnum & Bailey Circus in the early 1900s. I absolutely loved Hugh Jackman as illusionist Robert Angier in ‘The Prestige’, as well as saw him show off his vocal chops in ‘Les Miserables’, so I’m interested to see what he brings to this new role. The supporting cast will bring both experience and youthful excitement to the film with Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Williams, Zendaya and Zac Efron. Personally, I adore stories about the circus and have recently read The Night Circus and Water for Elephants, so to say I’m interested in this film is a severe understatement.
6) ‘Pitch Perfect 3’
Release Date: Friday December 22
Main Stars: Anna Kendrick (’50/50′), Rebel Wilson (‘Bridesmaids’) and Brittany Snow (‘American Dreams’)
Director: Trish Sie (‘Step Up: All In’)
Summary:
‘Pitch Perfect 3’ is a musical comedy film that is the final installment of the ‘Pitch Perfect’ trilogy, where the girls come together for one final acapella throw down. The film is set after the Barden Bellas graduate from college and are struggling to figure out what to do now that they are in the real world. Aubrey (Anna Camp) proposes they reunite for a final performance tour in Europe, but little do they realize that all the other competitors are using actual musical instruments versus just their voices. As you probably already know from previous posts, I love the Pitch Perfect ladies and all the female-driven comedy (click here for a Pitch Perfect 2 recap). Therefore, I’m excited to see what the Bellas have in store for us, as well as to hear another killer soundtrack.
Extra Film Releases – November 2017
‘A Bad Moms Christmas’
Release Date: Wednesday November 1
‘A Bad Moms Christmas’ [Credit: STXfilms]
Summary:
‘A Bad Moms Christmas’ is a Christmas comedy film sequel to the ‘Bad Moms’ original, with Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn reprising their roles as a trio of moms who have had enough with always being perfect. This time around the women have to deal with the pressure of the holidays, as well as the unexpected challenge of their mothers coming to town.
‘Daddy’s Home 2’
Release Date: Friday November 10
‘Daddy’s Home 2’ [Credit: Paramount Pictures]
Summary:
‘Daddy’s Home 2’ is a Christmas comedy film sequel to the ‘Daddy’s Home’ original, with Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell reprising their roles as dad Dusty and step-dad Brad as they work through the challenge of co-parenting. Similar to ‘A Bad Moms Christmas’, Dusty and Brad will have to work through everything the holidays entail, as well as the extra obstacle of their fathers (Mel Gibson and John Lithgow) visiting.
‘Murder on the Orient Express’
Release Date: Friday November 10
‘Murder on the Orient Express’ [Credit: 20th Century Fox]
Summary:
‘Murder on the Orient Express’ is a drama mystery film based on the novel of the same name by Agatha Christie. Set in the 1930s, Detective Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is on his way to solve a case in France when he is tasked with uncovering the truth of who murdered one of the passengers before the train arrives. The film has an impressive ensemble cast including Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
‘Wonder’
Release Date: Friday November 17
‘Wonder’ [Credit: Lionsgate]
Summary:
‘Wonder’ is a family film based on the novel of the same name written by Stephen Chbosky. The story follows young Auggie Pullman, played by the incredible ‘Room’ star Jacob Tremblay, as he learns to embrace his facial deformity and to enjoy the ups and downs of elementary school. Auggie’s mother is played by Julia Roberts and father is portrayed by Owen Wilson, which is the perfect duo to compliment this beautiful story about being kind and highlighting that it’s what’s on the inside that counts.
‘Coco’
Release Date: Wednesday November 22
‘Coco’ [Credit: Walt Disney Studios]
Summary:
‘Coco’ is the latest Pixar film that follows young Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) as he goes on a journey to uncover the musical ban connected to his family heritage. Miguel is an aspiring musician so he will go to the end of the world, literally, to solve this mystery. The overall theme of the film is based on the Mexican holiday Die de Muertos, a.k.a. The Day of the Dead, which provides an excellent background of colours and cultures to support a fun adventure.
Extra Film Releases – December 2017
‘Wonder Wheel’
Release Date: Friday December 8
‘Wonder Wheel’ [Credit: Amazon Studios]
Summary:
‘Wonder Wheel’ is a drama thriller film set in the 1950s at an amusement park on Coney Island. The film is directed by Woody Allen and follows Ginny, played by the stunning Kate Winslet, as she begins falling for the local lifeguard Mickey (Justin Timberlake). However, her blissful romance is quickly derailed by the arrival of her husband’s estranged daughter Carolina (Juno Temple) who is also smitten with Mickey.
‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’
Release Date: Wednesday December 20
‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ [Credit: Sony Pictures Entertainment]
Summary:
‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle’ is an adventure film that is the sequel to the 1995 ‘Jumanji’ movie starring Robin Williams. Set 20 years after Alan Parrish’s original adventure, the game has evolved into a virtual version and physically sucks four teenagers into the jungle. The majority of the film the teens are played by avatars from the hilarious group of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black and Karen Gillan.
‘All the Money in the World’
Release Date: Friday December 22
‘All the Money in the World’ [Credit: TriStar Pictures]
Summary:
‘All the Money in the World’ is a biopic crime film directed by Ridley Scott and features Michelle Williams, Mark Wahlberg and Christopher Plummer. Set in the 1970s, the story follows J. Paul Getty’s refusal to pay the $17 million ransom set by the kidnappers of his 16-year old grandson John Paul Getty III.
‘Downsizing’
Release Date: Friday December 22
‘Downsizing’ [Credit: Paramount Pictures’]
Summary:
‘Downsizing’ is a comedy drama film following a middle-aged couple as they decide to make the life-altering decision to undertake a shrinking surgery that has been promoted as the world’s overpopulation solution. The film features an exceptional cast of Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig, Christoph Waltz and Jason Sudeikis.
What Movie Are You Most Excited About?
