IMDb Picks: November
1.
The Imitation Game
(2014)
During World War II, mathematician Alan Turing tries to crack the enigma code with help from fellow mathematicians. (114 mins.)
Director: Morten Tyldum
“ I was quite pleased to see Morten Tyldum get the call to direct this picture as his follow-up to Headhunters; he's an excellent choice to handle this script since it is shaped more as a thriller than a proper biography.
Like you (?), I am mad for Benedict Cumberbatch, and the idea of him bringing his humanity to the character of Alan Turing makes me emotional just thinking about how it will play on the big screen. And his hopeful Oscar nomination should set off an ecstatic cheer around the world.
Thinking of earlier depictions of Turning, does the idea of Cumberbatch cast in a project with Derek Jacobi -- who played the mathematician in Breaking the Code -- give you a thrill as well?
-Arno
The Imitation Game opens in theaters on November 28. ” - IMDb-Editors
Like you (?), I am mad for Benedict Cumberbatch, and the idea of him bringing his humanity to the character of Alan Turing makes me emotional just thinking about how it will play on the big screen. And his hopeful Oscar nomination should set off an ecstatic cheer around the world.
Thinking of earlier depictions of Turning, does the idea of Cumberbatch cast in a project with Derek Jacobi -- who played the mathematician in Breaking the Code -- give you a thrill as well?
-Arno
The Imitation Game opens in theaters on November 28. ” - IMDb-Editors
2.
Olive Kitteridge
(2014 Mini-Series)
A middle-school math teacher Olive and her relationship with Henry which spans 25 years. (233 mins.)
“ Cholodenko specializes in bringing uniquely complex character studies to life, as if opening tight shutter slats to allow the audience a peek into the minds and hearts of difficult souls. Her rendering of Strout's creation is spare and unblinking, and as perfect as McDormand's portrayal of Olive.
While a person probably would not want to spend much time with a real-life version of Olive Kitteridge, observing her over the course of two nights and four hours is a moving, unforgettable experience.
- Melanie
Miniseries Premiere: 9pm Sunday, November 2 and 9pm Monday, November 3 on HBO.
Read more about Olive Kittredge in our featured blog ” - IMDb-Editors
While a person probably would not want to spend much time with a real-life version of Olive Kitteridge, observing her over the course of two nights and four hours is a moving, unforgettable experience.
- Melanie
Miniseries Premiere: 9pm Sunday, November 2 and 9pm Monday, November 3 on HBO.
Read more about Olive Kittredge in our featured blog ” - IMDb-Editors
3.
Interstellar
(2014)
A team of explorers travel through a wormhole in an attempt to ensure humanity's survival. (169 mins.)
Director: Christopher Nolan
“ Coming off the Dark Knight Trilogy and Inception, director Christopher Nolan is arguably the biggest behind-the-camera name working in movies right now. His latest movie, Interstellar, seems to be his most ambitious yet: with the earth running short of natural resources, a team of explorers (led by Matthew McConaughey) travels through space to find a new home for the human race.
There’s a lot to look forward to here. Nolan is obsessed with practical effects, and is foregoing CGI as often as possible: similar to sci-fi classics Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey, the crew’s spaceship is a model, not a visual effect. As was the case with the last two Dark Knight movies, around an hour of Interstellar was shot using IMAX cameras, which allow for a brighter, clearer, larger image.
It’s also exciting that Interstellar’s story has been kept largely under wraps: there are reports that suggest the entire third act has been left out of marketing material. That’s a rarity these days, and it’s nice to know that there will be something left to discover in the theater.
What this all boils down to is that, for me at least, Interstellar is the big-screen event movie of the season (if not the entire year). I’ll be there opening weekend – will you?
-Ray
Interstellar opens in theaters on November 7. ” - IMDb-Editors
There’s a lot to look forward to here. Nolan is obsessed with practical effects, and is foregoing CGI as often as possible: similar to sci-fi classics Star Wars and 2001: A Space Odyssey, the crew’s spaceship is a model, not a visual effect. As was the case with the last two Dark Knight movies, around an hour of Interstellar was shot using IMAX cameras, which allow for a brighter, clearer, larger image.
It’s also exciting that Interstellar’s story has been kept largely under wraps: there are reports that suggest the entire third act has been left out of marketing material. That’s a rarity these days, and it’s nice to know that there will be something left to discover in the theater.
What this all boils down to is that, for me at least, Interstellar is the big-screen event movie of the season (if not the entire year). I’ll be there opening weekend – will you?
-Ray
Interstellar opens in theaters on November 7. ” - IMDb-Editors
4.
Big Hero 6
(2014)
The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes. (102 mins.)
Director: Don Hall, Chris Williams
“ In the past five years, Disney Animation has arguably become the premiere animation house ahead of Disney’s own Pixar Animation. Consider each studio’s last three releases: Disney Animation put out Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph and Frozen, while Pixar produced Cars 2, Brave and Monsters University. It’s tough to argue against the Disney lineup there.
Their latest movie, Big Hero 6, seems like it could be another winner. The movie is loosely based on a Marvel comic of the same name (hurray corporate synergy!), though it appears that the filmmakers have gone to considerable efforts to put their own touches on it. Advertisements nicely mix humor and action, and early reviews suggest it’s another winner. It’s unlikely that the movie becomes a phenomenon on par with Frozen – to be fair, that’s an absurdly high bar – though it still seems like the ideal family entertainment for the penultimate month of 2014.
-Ray
Big Hero 6 opens in theaters on November 7. ” - IMDb-Editors
Their latest movie, Big Hero 6, seems like it could be another winner. The movie is loosely based on a Marvel comic of the same name (hurray corporate synergy!), though it appears that the filmmakers have gone to considerable efforts to put their own touches on it. Advertisements nicely mix humor and action, and early reviews suggest it’s another winner. It’s unlikely that the movie becomes a phenomenon on par with Frozen – to be fair, that’s an absurdly high bar – though it still seems like the ideal family entertainment for the penultimate month of 2014.
-Ray
Big Hero 6 opens in theaters on November 7. ” - IMDb-Editors
5.
The Theory of Everything
(2014)
A look at the relationship between the famous physicist Stephen Hawking and his wife. (123 mins.)
Director: James Marsh
“ While I certainly am familiar with the theories and work of scientist Stephen Hawking, I have never known much about his personal history and so I was immediately interested in seeing a biopic on his life. One of the reasons I’m most excited about the film is the fact that it focuses on the relationship between Stephen and Jane Hawking, and is based on her original book. For me, there’s nothing better than a good love story. There’s already a ton of Oscar buzz about Eddie Redmayne’s performance in the film and I already have my fingers crossed for him.
The Theory of Everything opens in theaters on November 7.
- Michelle ” - IMDb-Editors
The Theory of Everything opens in theaters on November 7.
- Michelle ” - IMDb-Editors
6.
On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter
(2014 Documentary)
Inspired by Bruce Brown's 1971 documentary, "On Any Sunday," chronicles the international sport of motorcycle racing. (90 mins.)
Director: Dana Brown
“ Dana Brown continues to pay tribute to his father, Bruce Brown of Endless Summer fame, with another update of his dad's early works; this time, the younger Brown looks at the sport of motorcycle racing and its worldwide appeal.
The style might have diversified since the days of The Wild One and The Great Escape, but star athletes like Travis Pastrana have broadened the sport's profile.
Brown certainly knows how to frame a shot as seen in Step Into Liquid, and this kind of work is better seen on the big screen.
-Arno
On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter opens in theaters on November 7. ” - IMDb-Editors
The style might have diversified since the days of The Wild One and The Great Escape, but star athletes like Travis Pastrana have broadened the sport's profile.
Brown certainly knows how to frame a shot as seen in Step Into Liquid, and this kind of work is better seen on the big screen.
-Arno
On Any Sunday: The Next Chapter opens in theaters on November 7. ” - IMDb-Editors
7.
National Gallery
(2014 Documentary)
A documentary that goes inside one of the great museums of the world: The National Gallery in London. (180 mins.)
Director: Frederick Wiseman
“ At 84 years old, national treasure Frederick Wiseman is as productive as ever with his wonderfully non-intrusive approach to making documentaries. The idea of his camera trailing people as they observe art is the sort of work that makes me want to pour a little booze in my coffee and head out to the Roxie Theatre on a drizzly November night in San Francisco.
-Arno ” - IMDb-Editors
-Arno ” - IMDb-Editors
8.
The Comeback
(2005 TV Series)
An ex A-list celebrity attempts to rekindle the flame of her once prominent acting career with nothing but a camera crew and some determination. (30 mins.)
“ As Valerie Cherish will tell you, it's never too late for a second act. Or a third, fourth or fifth.
"The Comeback's" last new episode aired in September 2005. Though the series did not receive overwhelming critical praise at the time, it has since been reconsidered as a cult favorite. With its theme of a fading starlet attempting to resurrect her career via a paint-by-numbers sitcom, the mortifying process of which was chronicled in her own reality television, the comedy also has proven to be a bit prescient in its portrayal of the industry's fame machine.
"The Comeback" is one of two series featuring Lisa Kudrow on this fall's schedule. She also stars in Showtime's very funny "Web Therapy," which premiered October 22. But I find the idea of laughing at Valerie's misadventures, equally as satisfying, if not moreso.
Season Premiere:10pm Sunday, November 9 on HBO.
-Melanie ” - IMDb-Editors
"The Comeback's" last new episode aired in September 2005. Though the series did not receive overwhelming critical praise at the time, it has since been reconsidered as a cult favorite. With its theme of a fading starlet attempting to resurrect her career via a paint-by-numbers sitcom, the mortifying process of which was chronicled in her own reality television, the comedy also has proven to be a bit prescient in its portrayal of the industry's fame machine.
"The Comeback" is one of two series featuring Lisa Kudrow on this fall's schedule. She also stars in Showtime's very funny "Web Therapy," which premiered October 22. But I find the idea of laughing at Valerie's misadventures, equally as satisfying, if not moreso.
Season Premiere:10pm Sunday, November 9 on HBO.
-Melanie ” - IMDb-Editors
9.
Foxcatcher
(2014)
The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team joins Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances. (134 mins.)
Director: Bennett Miller
“ For the longest time, it looked like Foxcatcher was going to be a late 2013 release: the movie had a December release date, and was set to premiere at the 2013 AFI Film Festival in early November. Distributor Sony Pictures Classics opted to hold it back a year, though, and its finally slated to open this month.
Fortunately, the delay doesn’t appear to be tied to any quality issues: the movie was met with raves when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival back in May. In particular, there’s a ton of awards buzz surrounding the three main performances from Mark Ruffalo, Channing Tatum and Steve Carell.
While the movie has three big stars, it isn’t the most commercial fare: it tells the unsettling true story of a murder within the U.S. Men’s Olympic wrestling team in the 1990s. Still, along with The Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything, this seems like a November release that can’t be missed ahead of the awards season.
-Ray
Foxcatcher opens in theaters on November 14. ” - IMDb-Editors
Fortunately, the delay doesn’t appear to be tied to any quality issues: the movie was met with raves when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival back in May. In particular, there’s a ton of awards buzz surrounding the three main performances from Mark Ruffalo, Channing Tatum and Steve Carell.
While the movie has three big stars, it isn’t the most commercial fare: it tells the unsettling true story of a murder within the U.S. Men’s Olympic wrestling team in the 1990s. Still, along with The Imitation Game and The Theory of Everything, this seems like a November release that can’t be missed ahead of the awards season.
-Ray
Foxcatcher opens in theaters on November 14. ” - IMDb-Editors
10.
Beyond the Lights
(2014)
The pressures of fame have superstar singer Noni on the edge, until she meets Kaz, a young cop who works to help her find the courage to develop her own voice and break free to become the artist she was meant to be. (116 mins.)
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
“ At first glimpse I dismissed this film as a Lifetime version of The Bodyguard. But after watching the emotional first trailer I was pleasantly surprised to discover the film was written and directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. I was a big fan of both Love & Basketball and The Secret Life of Bees, and so I'm looking forward to seeing her latest film after a six-year break. I'm confident Gina's strong storytelling will take this familiar concept to a new level.
Beyond the Lights opens in theaters on November 14.
- Michelle ” - IMDb-Editors
Beyond the Lights opens in theaters on November 14.
- Michelle ” - IMDb-Editors
11.
The Homesman
(2014)
Three women who have been driven mad by pioneer life are to be transported across the country by covered wagon by the pious, independent-minded Mary Bee Cuddy, who in turn employs low-life drifter George Briggs to assist her. (122 mins.)
Director: Tommy Lee Jones
“ From here on I will have a hard time looking at Tommy Lee Jones in this kind of movie without thinking about Kristen Wiig and Will Ferrell's "sassy sheriff" parody of Hope Springs at the Golden Globes in 2013 , but Jones in Western mode is undeniably appealing. Aspects of this story bring The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada to mind -- and that's a very good thing.
And I feel it's time to start rooting for Hilary Swank again. By the way, around here we spell her first name like this: "It's Hilary -- one L, two Oscars."
-Arno
The Homesman opens in theaters on November 14. ” - IMDb-Editors
And I feel it's time to start rooting for Hilary Swank again. By the way, around here we spell her first name like this: "It's Hilary -- one L, two Oscars."
-Arno
The Homesman opens in theaters on November 14. ” - IMDb-Editors
12.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1
(2014)
Katniss Everdeen is in District 13 after she shatters the games forever. Under the leadership of President Coin and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss spreads her wings as she fights to save Peeta and a nation moved by her courage. (123 mins.)
Director: Francis Lawrence
“ Calling The Hunger Games a phenomenon feels like a bit of an understatement: it’s the first franchise ever in which the first two entries earned over $400 million in the U.S. More importantly, though, both movies have been legitimately good pieces of pop entertainment packed with strong characters, exciting action, and thought-provoking storylines.
The last installment, Catching Fire, had the type of game-changing cliffhanger ending that practically demands that you show up for the next movie. And show up we will for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, which is the penultimate chapter in the franchise.
As was the case with the Harry Potter and Twilight series, the final book in Suzanne Collins’ trilogy has been split in to two. While that is a bit frustrating – shouldn’t one book equal one movie? – fans seem to be okay with spending more time (and money) on Katniss, Peeta and company. Ultimately, the split could be beneficial to the Mockingjay story, which is largely considered the weakest in the series.
Still, this installment has a lot going for it. The action finally moves outside the arena, and the star-studded cast is joined by Julianne Moore and Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer, among others.
What we're saying is: bring on The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.
-Ray
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 opens in theaters on November 21. ” - IMDb-Editors
The last installment, Catching Fire, had the type of game-changing cliffhanger ending that practically demands that you show up for the next movie. And show up we will for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, which is the penultimate chapter in the franchise.
As was the case with the Harry Potter and Twilight series, the final book in Suzanne Collins’ trilogy has been split in to two. While that is a bit frustrating – shouldn’t one book equal one movie? – fans seem to be okay with spending more time (and money) on Katniss, Peeta and company. Ultimately, the split could be beneficial to the Mockingjay story, which is largely considered the weakest in the series.
Still, this installment has a lot going for it. The action finally moves outside the arena, and the star-studded cast is joined by Julianne Moore and Game of Thrones actress Natalie Dormer, among others.
What we're saying is: bring on The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.
-Ray
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 opens in theaters on November 21. ” - IMDb-Editors