Friends, movie goers, assembled geeks, the summer movie season has passed. We had some good times and some disappointments, but now it’s time for the prestige season. It is a time of Oscar bait, lofty tent poles, and some pretention here and there. With all the award season hype, sometimes it’s hard to tell if a movie is going to be good even when the reviews start rolling in… if they come in time for you to make your decision at all. Luckily, we’re here to help you with your decision.
In this installment of the ongoing movie guide, we’re going over all the November releases to figure out if they’ll be worth your hard earned cash and, more importantly, your time. Be sure to check out our comics, TV, games, and October movie guides if you’re worried you’ve missed the newest in geek culture.
The Peanuts Movie
- Release Date: November 6th
- Director: Steve Martino
- Writers: Bryan Schulz, Craig Schulz, and Cornelius Uliano.
Will it be Good? Early reviews have been mostly positive, with many confirming the film captures the tone of the original comic strip.
Verdict: If you have kids, are a Peanuts fan, or have no desire to see SPECTRE it seems like it’ll be worth your time. Check it out if you’re interested.
SPECTRE
- Release Date: November 6th
- Director: Sam Mendes
- Writers: John Logan, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Jez Butterworth.
Will it be Good? Thus far, the reviews have been mostly positive. Even those who don’t seem to like it as much as Skyfall seem to enjoy it to a certain degree. Word on the street of the detractors is the first half is amazing and the second half is messy.
Verdict: See it, though don’t expect the best Bond film ever. If you’re on the fence or aren’t a Bond fan, this may not be quite the appointment film that requires you see it ASAP.
The 33
- Release Date: November 13th
- Director: Patricia Riggin
- Writers: Mikko Alanne, Craig Borten, and Michael Thomas.
Will it be Good? Despite having an amazing cast, it seems this film didn’t quite hit the mark. Currently at 44% on Rotten Tomatoes, many complaints with the film center on it being emotionally manipulative.
Verdict: If the subject matter interests you, you may want to wait for on demand or cable.
By the Sea
- Release Date: November 13th
- Director: Angelina Jolie
- Writer: Angelina Jolie
Will it be Good? While it’s great to see Jolie and Pitt as an on screen couple again, Jolie’s work as a director hasn’t been particularly strong. While it looks like the film is really trying to do something edgy, we’re a little worried it’ll descend into melodrama.
Verdict: If you’re really interested, wait for the reviews. Otherwise skip it.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2
- Release Date: November 20th
- Director: Francis Lawrence
- Writers: Peter Craig and Danny Strong
Will it be Good? The Hunger Games has been a consistently strong series with top notch writing, acting, and directing. We don’t see any reason why the final installment of the series will be any different.
Verdict: If you’ve seen the others, there’s no reason not to finish the story. See it in the theater.
The Night Before
- Release Date: November 20th
- Director: Jonathan Levine
- Writers: Jonathan Levine, Kyle Hunter, Ariel Shaffir, and Evan Goldberg.
Will it be Good? Jonathan Levine has thus far turned out some fantastic work. Warm Bodies and 50/50 have both been very solid films and the cast is excellent, so we’re looking forward to seeing what he comes up with next.
Verdict: See it.
Secret in Their Eyes
- Release Date: November 20th
- Director: Billy Ray
- Writer: Billy Ray
Will it be Good? It’s hard to say. The trailer is a little lackluster, but Billy Ray has an incredibly strong resume of writing credits to his name. The problem is screenwriters don’t always make the transition to the director’s chair well… but we’re more than willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Verdict: If the reviews hold, see it. It’s most likely going to be an effective thriller.
Creed
- Release Date: November 25th
- Director: Ryan Coogler
- Writer: Ryan Coogler and Aaron Covington
Will it be Good? Fruitvale Station is a spectacular film, so seeing Coogler reteam with Michael B. Jordan for a Rocky spin off is a dream come true. With a team like this behind the film and a great trailer to back it up we think this one has a high likelihood of being a home run.
Verdict: See it, especially if you’re a Rocky fan.
The Good Dinosaur
- Release Date: November 25th
- Director: Peter Sohn
- Writer: Meg LeFauve
Will it be Good? It’s a Pixar movie. Despite some behind the scenes shake ups we doubt it’ll be anything below “very good.”
Verdict: It’s a Pixar movie. See it.
Victor Franksenstein
- Release Date: November 25th
- Director: Paul McGuigan
- Writer: Max Landis
Will it be Good? While we love the cast, Max Landis has missed more times than he’s hit when it’s come to his writing. Paul McGuigan also doesn’t have the best credits to his name.
Verdict: Unless the reviews are outstanding, skip it. With Creed and The Good Dinosaur coming out the same weekend there’s not much reason to check this one out.
The Danish Girl
- Release Date: November 27th
- Director: Tom Hooper
- Writer: Lucinda Coxon
Will it be Good? Tom Hooper is a strong director and the cast is excellent. The early reviews have also been generally strong. We suspect given the talent and subject matter it’ll be up for a few Academy Awards next year.
Verdict: The film probably won’t be for everyone, but it’s definitely worth checking out.
