Sunday, November 1, 2009

At the Movies – November 2009

Must See in Theatres:

1. Fantastic Mr. Fox (Dir. Wes Anderson) – Animation – Nov 13
Wes Anderson’s maiden effort into the world of animation finds its form in the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book about a sly fox that tries to get rid of angry farmers infringing on his home. The film features stop-motion animation; and while it is Anderson’s first animated project, the filmmakers style is very much apparent. Anderson also worked with Henry Selick (Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas) on the initial animation ideas. The film boasts a fantastic voice cast including: George Clooney, Bill Murray, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, and Adrien Brody.

Worth Checking Out (if not in theatres then at home):

1. The Box (Dir. Richard Kelly) – Thriller – Nov 6
Richard Kelly’s anticipated return to cinema, following the poorly received Southland Tales, materializes itself as a thriller involving a small box, push the button and you become instantly wealthy, at only the cost of a random human life that you do not know; would you do it? The film features the wonderful Frank Langella and also stars Cameron Diaz and James Marsden.

2. The Men Who Stare at Goats (Dir. Grant Heslov) – Comedy – Nov 6
Actor Grant Heslov makes his feature debut with a twist on the consent stream of Iraqi War films. Based on a “true” story, the comedy is about psychic soldiers, warriors that kill with their minds!, as told through the perspective of a reporter following one of said telepathic fighting persons around. The film is headlined by George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Bridges, and Kevin Spacey.

3. The Damned United (Dir. Tom Hooper) – Sports – Nov 13
After his work on the John Adams HBO mini-series, Tom Hooper returns to features with his sports biography of Brian Clough’s 44 days as manager of Leeds United football club, and his competition both with prominent manager Don Revie and within. The film was written by busy English screenwriter Peter Morgan (Frost/Nixon and The Queen) and stars Michael Sheen, Colm Meaney and Timothy Spall.

4. The Road (Dir. John Hillcoat) – Thriller – Nov 27
John Hillcoat’s look at post-apocalyptic America is the setting for a family’s journey to find a warmer climate and a better home. On the journey, father and son must do all in their means to survive any and everything that awaits them. The film is based on Cormac McCarthy’s (No Country for Old Men) novel. The film features a standout cast including: Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Robert Duvall, and the always good Garret Dillahunt.

Good for Dates:

1. The Fourth Kind (Dir. Olatunde Osunsanmi) – Thriller – Nov 6
Milla Jovovich stars in a thriller about a town in Alaska that has the largest amount of unexplained unsolved disappearances over the last 40 years in the United State. Jovovich plays the Chapman University professor that goes to investigate. The film is Olatunde Osunsanmi’s second effort. For those couples looking for a good fright-night, look no further in November.

Fun Movies:

1. Gentlemen Broncos (Dir. Jared Hess) – Comedy – Nov 20
The third film from Napoleon Dynamite writer/director Jared Hess, Gentlemen Broncos is about a young fantasy writer, played by Michael Angarano, who discovers that his best story idea has been stole by famed fanboy writer Chevalier, Flight of the Conchords’ Jemaine Clement. While the film will likely not be good, in the classical sense, those that enjoy fun light comedies should be entertained.

2. Ninja Assassin (Dir. James McTeigue) – Action – Nov 25
James McTeigue (V for Vendetta) returns with an action film about a young ninja who turns his back on his clan and the ensuing multitude of (hopefully) awesome fight sequences.  The film features South Korean pop-star Rain and Naomie Harris. Ninja Assassins is likely best suited for fans of the genre.

Art-House Watch:

1. The Messenger (Dir. Oren Moverman) – Drama – Nov 13
Oren Moverman makes his directorial debut with a drama about two soldiers, state-side, whose duty it is to inform the next of kin of the passing of their loved-one. The film focuses on Ben Foster’s character, how he deals with interacting with the families, especially after being in combat himself. He becomes involved with a widow and must struggles with the ethical quandary that arises from the relationship.  The film also stars Woody Harrelson and Samantha Morton

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