Top 20 Movies to Look Out For In November (2019)

According to: Cat

20 - Primal (11/8)

Production/Distribution: Daniel Grodnik Productions, The Wonderfilm Media Corporation, Imprint Entertainment, Artem Entertainment, Pimienta, Dutch FilmWorks, Lionsgate Home Entertainment

Director: Nick Powell

Writer: Richard Leder

Actors: Nicolas Cage, Famke Janssen, Kevin Durand, Michael Imperioli, LaMonica Garrett, Tommy Walker, Rey Hernandez, John Lewis

Genre: Action

Rated: R

Length: 97 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A big-game hunter for zoos has booked passage on a Greek shipping freighter with a fresh haul of exotic and deadly animals from the Amazon, including a rare white Jaguar - along with a political assassin being extradited to the U.S in secret. Two days into the journey, the assassin escapes and releases the captive animals, throwing the ship into chaos.

This movie just looks like a lot of fun. I’m interested to see how the animals play into the chaos, and Kevin Durand (Dark Was the Night, Tragedy Girls, The Strain) as a jacked bad guy is awesome. I can’t wait to see him face off (no pun intended) with Nicolas Cage (The Croods, Between Worlds, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse).

Bonus? We’re throwing Famke Janssen (Hemlock Grove, Status Update, The Poison Rose) into the mix. This could go one of two ways for her character – either casualty or heroine survivor that helps Cage’s character take down the big bad. What’s your guess for how this plays out?

As with any Cage movie, there’s an element of rolling the dice for whether or not this is one of the ‘good ones’ or one that will leave you with that cringey feeling. I’m really hoping that this is the former.

19 - Playing with Fire (11/8)

Production/Distribution: Paramount Pictures, Broken Road Productions, Nickelodeon Movies, Paramount Players, Walden Media, Viacom 18 Studios, Central Partnership, United International Pictures, Universal Pictures International

Director: Andy Fickman

Writers: Dan Ewen, Matt Lieberman

Actors: John Cena, Brianna Hildebrand, Christian Convery, Judy Greer, Keegan-Michael Key, John Leguizamo, Dennis Haysbert, Tyler Mane

Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy, Family

Rated: PG

Length: 96 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A crew of rugged firefighters meet their match when attempting to rescue three rambunctious kids.

It would seem that a comedy involving forest fires might be a bit much right now, with the current ones charring communities in California. Sometimes, however, it is a bit therapeutic to take something horrific and find a lighter spin to it just to take the edge off. The timing of this one with all things considered is really why it’s this far ‘down’ on my list this month.

Aside from the touchy topic and timing, this movie should be rather hilarious and entertaining. The cast is star-studded with many talented comedic actors. Then there’s John Cena (Ferdinand, Bumblebee, Fighting with My Family), another WWE wrestler that has transitioned to box office gold.

He’s no stranger to comedy, even in the ring. His film repertoire has been expanding of late. He’s proven he can handle a little of everything from action to voice work. Pitting him in a ‘serious’ action-type role vs a bunch of unruly kids? Let the laughs begin.

I’ve come to the conclusion that there’s a rite of passage involving movies with kids or kid-themes for our burly action-types. Look at successful actors that have come before. For example Vin Diesel (Riddick, Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk, Avengers: Infinity War) had The Pacifier (2005) and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (Pain & Gain, Moana, Skyscraper) had Tooth Fairy (2010). I think the trend may have started with Arnold Schwarzenegger (Escape Plan, Maggie, Aftermath) way back in the ’90s with Kindergarten Cop (1990). It’s a winning formula! I digress…

The trailers are hilarious for Playing with Fire and I am looking forward to all of the firehouse shenanigans.

18 - Earthquake Bird (11/1)

Production/Distribution: Scott Free Productions, Twenty First City, Netflix

Director: Wash Westmoreland

Writers: Susanna Jones, Wash Westmoreland

Actors: Alicia Vikander, Riley Keough, Jack Huston, Kiki Sukezane, Ken Yamamura, Naoki Kobayashi

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

Rated: R

Length: 106 minutes

IMDb Blurb: An enigmatic translator with a dark past is brought in for questioning after an ex-pat friend, who came between her and her photographer boyfriend ends up missing and presumed dead.

I’ve been a little on the fence with this movie and its listing here. However, it stuck with me after viewing the trailer so I can’t deny the potential for this film. The cast is interesting, and I am intrigued by the story and the mystery of it. I also like the fact that it’s set in Japan. Their culture is so rich and steeped in history, and is fascinating to me. I’m curious to see how this story unfolds.

17 - The Warrior Queen of Jhansi (11/15)

Production/Distribution: Cayenne Pepper Productions, Dune Films, Roadside Attractions

Director: Swati Bhise

Writers: Swati Bhise, Devika Bhise, Olivia Emden

Actors: Devika Bhise, Derek Jacobi, Rupert Everett, Jodhi May, Nathaniel Parker, Ben Lamb, Sonia Albizuri, Arif Zakaria, Siyaa Patil, Auroshika Dey

Genre: Historical Drama

Rated: R

Length: 102 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A tale of women's empowerment, The Warrior Queen of Jhansi tells the true story of Lakshmibai, the historic Queen of Jhansi who fiercely led her army against the British East India Company in the infamous mutiny of 1857.

This month we are in for a treat! There are multiple movies featuring badass ladies whom were women of historical significance. This is one of them.

I’ll admit that I don’t know much about India’s history, but this story is one that should resonate well even without prior knowledge. It’s the universal fight for freedom and defending one’s homeland. This time, it’s a fierce queen and an army including female warriors leading the charge into the fray.

This has all the elements for a great historical drama and action movie.

16 - Arctic Dogs (11/1)

Production/Distribution: AMBI Group, Arctic Justice Movie, Assemblage Entertainment, QMI, CJ Entertainment, Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures, Volga, Falcon Films, Film Medya

Director: Aaron Woodley

Writers: Bob Barlen, Cal Brunker, Matthew Lyon, Bryan Thompson, Aaron Woodley

Actors: Jeremy Renner, Heidi Klum, James Franco, John Cleese, Omar Sy, Michael Madsen, Laurie Holden, Anjelica Huston, Alec Baldwin

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Rated: PG

Length: 92 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Swifty the Arctic Fox (Jeremy Renner) works in the mailroom of the Arctic Blast Delivery Service, but he has much bigger dreams. He yearns to become a Top Dog, the Arctic's star husky couriers. To prove he can do it, he commandeers one of the sleds and delivers a mysterious package to a secret location. Once there, he stumbles on a hidden fortress overseen by the nefarious Otto Von Walrus (John Cleese)... [and] discovers Otto Von Walrus' villainous plan...

There were two animated movies that were vying for this position on my list. I’d have to say that the other movie would have fit in just as well here, so if you want to check out Klaus (2019), it’s opening this month as well. However, I couldn’t resist the pull to placing this movie on my list.

Why? The answer is John Cleese (Rat Race, Trolls, The Littlest Reindeer). When he’s involved in a project, that will always be my answer. Here, he’s playing the villain – and he makes for a hilariously wonderful one, at that.

Don’t get me wrong, the rest of the cast is on point. This should be a great and adorable family movie. Looking for something to do with the kids while they’re out for Thanksgiving break? This should still be in the theaters then – but it’s also one that you can enjoy right away.

15 - The Good Liar (11/15)

Production/Distribution: BRON Studios, Creative Wealth Media Finance, New Line Cinema, Warner Bros.

Director: Bill Condon

Writers: Jeffrey Hatcher, Nicholas Searle

Actors: Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen, Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson, Jim Carter, Russell Tovey, Mark Lewis Jones, Lily Dodsworth-Evans, Phil Dunster, Michael Culkin, Celine Buckens

Genre: Drama

Rated: R

Length: 109 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Career con artist Roy Courtnay can hardly believe his luck when he meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish online. As Betty opens her home and life to him, Roy is surprised to find himself caring about her, turning what should be a cut-and-dry swindle into the most treacherous tightrope walk of his life.

November has a little something for everyone at the box office. This movie is worth giving a shot for its cast alone. Here, we have cinematic royalty with Sir Ian McKellen (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Mr. Holmes, Beauty and the Beast) and Dame Helen Mirren (RED, Winchester, Anna) starring in this film’s lead roles.

Both are so phenomenally talented that, even though I don’t often watch pure drama, I am looking forward to this movie based on their performances alone. Now add to that the fact that they’re essentially locked in a game of wits in the story as con man and would-be victim. I am dying to find out if she is able to turn the tables on him or not.

14 - Dark Waters (11/22)

Production/Distribution: Killer Films, Participant, Focus Features, WW Entertainment, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group

Director: Todd Haynes

Writers: Matthew Michael Carnahan, Mario Correa, Nathaniel Rich

Actors: Anne Hathaway, Tim Robbins, William Jackson Harper, Mark Ruffalo, Bill Pullman, Victor Garber, Bill Camp, Mare Winningham, Louisa Krause, Chaney Morrow, Daniel R. Hill, Marc Hockl, Kevin Crowley, Scarlett Hicks, John Newberg

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Rated: PG-13

Length: Unknown

IMDb Blurb: A corporate defense attorney takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution.

Environmental issues aren’t exactly at the forefront of the concerns of our elected officials in Washington. This movie’s story is inspired by actual events. When you have something with such an impact, you have to keep putting it in the spotlight. (Yes, pun intended.)

It’s an underdog tale of every-man standing up to major corporations. When you add in the excellent cast bringing the story to life and then add a little thriller flare to it, there’s a recipe there for a satisfying movie experience.

13 - Motherless Brooklyn (11/1)

Production/Distribution: Class 5 Films, MWM Studios, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros., Karo Premiere

Director: Edward Norton

Writers: Jonathan Lethem, Edward Norton

Actors: Edward Norton, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Alec Baldwin, Bobby Cannavale, Willem Dafoe, Bruce Willis, Ethan Suplee, Cherry Jones, Dallas Roberts, Josh Pais

Genre: Crime, Drama

Rated: R

Length: 144 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, Motherless Brooklyn follows Lionel Essrog, a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome, as he ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna.

I was initially on the fence about this film. It has steadily grown on me after watching so many of the trailers airing on television. As Edward Norton’s (Leaves of Grass, The Dictator, Isle of Dogs) character says in one such clip, it ‘keeps pulling on that thread.’

At first, I thought this was going to be something along the lines of Rain Man (1988) thrust into some sort of crime drama – but it became clear after watching another trailer version that Norton’s character isn’t necessarily mentally delayed – he has Tourette’s. Further, the film is showing how his character is overcoming the challenges of his condition to be a P.I. in an era where such conditions were significantly less accepted in society than today. It seems that the subject matter was treated respectfully, considering Norton consulted with and also received the approval of Tourette's Association of America.

The rest of the cast has some heavy hitters, as well. I’m intrigued with the story and eagerly anticipate figuring out what happened to Norton’s character’s friend.

12 - Judy & Punch (11/15)

Production/Distribution: Vice Media, Pariah Productions, Blue-Tongue Films, Samuel Goldwyn Films

Director: Mirrah Foulkes

Writer: Mirrah Foulkes

Actors: Mia Wasikowska, Damon Herriman, Benedict Hardie, Eddie Baroo, Virginia Gay, Tom Budge, Amy Christian, Don Bridges, Kiruna Stamell, Terry Norris

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama

Rated: Unrated

Length: 105 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Seaside (nowhere near the sea), puppeteers Judy and Punch are trying to resurrect their marionette show in an anarchic town on the brink of mob rule.

This one hits me right in the childhood. My grandfather had a large hard-back book of classic newspaper cartoon collections. I spent a good deal of time when I was little poring over those pages. It was one of my favorite pastimes at my grandparents’ house. Punch & Judy was one of the cartoons featured in the book. I don’t have much recollection about details from the comic strips aside from the characters were puppets, and they were rather violent – whacking each other with clubs.

Imagine my surprise when a movie pops up seemingly based on those characters. I’m sold. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they’ve done with the story.

11 - Noelle (11/12)

Production/Distribution: Walt Disney Pictures, Disney+, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Walt Disney Television

Director: Marc Lawrence

Writer: Marc Lawrence

Actors: Anna Kendrick, Billy Eichner, Bill Hader, Shirley MacLaine, Julie Hagerty, Chelah Horsdal, Alvina August, Burgess Jenkins, Michael Gross, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Anthony Konechny, Anna Van Hooft, Diana Maria Riva, Ron Funches, Lina Renna, Lisa Chandler, Alison Araya, Dakota Guppy, Kayden Magnuson

Genre: Comedy, Family, Fantasy

Rated: G

Length: Unknown

RottenTomatoes Blurb: After Santa Claus decides to retire and his son gets cold feet on Christmas Eve, it falls to his daughter Noelle to take over the family business.

I am so excited that Disney is releasing a G-rated movie for this Holiday Season. Of course, this movie is going to be among the original content releasing with the launch of Disney+ streaming platform this month. They should really get a lot of bang for their buck, considering the talented cast featuring Anna Kendrick (Digging for Fire, Table 19, A Simple Favor) as the lead.

The trailer is hilarious and I’m just going to toss it out there right now that this may become a new family holiday tradition movie to watch together.

10 - Ford v Ferrari (11/15)

Production/Distribution: Chernin Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, 20th Century Fox Argentina, 20th Century Fox Brazil, 20th Century Fox España, Forum Hungary, Imperial / Cinepix, Walt Disney Studios Japan

Director: James Mangold

Writers: Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, Jason Keller

Actors: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, Tracy Letts, Josh Lucas, Noah Jupe, Remo Girone

Genre: Action, Biography, Drama

Rated: PG-13

Length: 152 minutes

IMDb Blurb: American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

While this isn’t a NASCAR movie, there’s sure to be quite a bit of automotive action going on in this historical drama. I’m a bit of a gear-head and enjoy classic cars. This film hits all the right notes for me. I’m interested at the outset.

Then combine the cast with the story and the talent is there to get this movie to the finish line. It’s got some stiff competition this month, though.

9 - Harriet (11/1)

Production/Distribution: Martin Chase Productions, New Balloon, Perfect World Pictures, Stay Gold Features, Focus Features, United International Pictures, Universal Pictures International, Universal Pictures

Director: Kasi Lemmons

Writers: Gregory Allen Howard, Kasi Lemmons

Actors: Cynthia Erivo, Janelle Monáe, Tim Guinee, Leslie Odom Jr., Vondie Curtis-Hall, Joe Alwyn, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Clarke Peters, Tory Kittles, Alexis Louder, Henry Hunter Hall, Zackary Momoh

Genre: Biography, Drama, History

Rated: PG-13

Length: 125 minutes

IMDb Blurb: The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

I think the blurb says it all, really. I’m happy to see that this is getting a big-screen treatment. I hope to get a chance to see it in the theaters so I can show my support via the box office count.

8 - Charlie’s Angels (11/15)

Production/Distribution: Columbia Pictures, Brownstone Productions, 2.0 Entertainment, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Perfect World Pictures, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Sony Pictures Filmverleih, Sony Pictures Releasing, United International Pictures, Universal Pictures International

Director: Elizabeth Banks

Writers: Elizabeth Banks, Evan Spiliotopoulos, David Auburn, Carlo Bernard, Semi Chellas, Ivan Goff, Craig Mazin, Ben Roberts, Doug Miro, Jay Basu

Actors: Sam Claflin, Kristen Stewart, Patrick Stewart, Djimon Hounsou, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska, Nat Faxon, Noah Centineo

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy

Rated: PG-13

Length: 119 minutes

IMDb Blurb: When a young systems engineer blows the whistle on a dangerous technology, Charlie's Angels are called into action, putting their lives on the line to protect us all.

I was relieved when I realized that this wasn’t a remake, but rather a continuation of the existing stories by expanding the Angels – both by drawing in new characters and giving the organization a more fleshed out view. This is a team on the level of MI-6 or something along those lines, rather than just a handful of kickass bombshells getting missions from an intercom speaker.

The movie looks like a lot of fun and should be a great way to unwind as the Holiday Season begins to ramp up.

7 - Midway (11/8)

Production/Distribution: Bona Film Group, Centropolis Entertainment, The Mark Gordon Company, Starlight Culture Entertainment Group, Starlight Culture Entertainment, RuYi Media,Salem Street Entertainment, Entertainment One, AGC Studios, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, Central Partnership, Diamond Films, Dutch FilmWorks, Eagle Pictures, Elevation Pictures, Golden Village Pictures, Kinepolis Film Distribution, Lionsgate UK, Lionsgate, Metropolitan Filmexport, Mongkol Major, Monolith Films, Noori Pictures, Pro Video Film & Distribution Kft., Ukrainian Film Distribution, United International Pictures, Universum Film, GEM Entertainment

Director: Roland Emmerich

Writer: Wes Tooke

Actors: Woody Harrelson, Luke Evans, Ed Skrein, Aaron Eckhart, Dennis Quaid, Mandy Moore, Patrick Wilson, Tadanobu Asano, Alexander Ludwig, Nick Jonas, Darren Criss, Christie Brooke, Rachael Perrell Fosket

Genre: Action, Drama, History, War

Rated: PG-13

Length: 138 minutes

IMDb Blurb: The story of the Battle of Midway, told by the leaders and the sailors who fought it.

I applaud the production team for focusing on true stories and accounts of real soldiers that served through the Battle of Midway. It appears that great care was taken in the visuals as well as the stories themselves. With the stellar cast on board for this one, it should be a memorable experience in honor of those who fought so bravely.

6 - 21 Bridges (11/22)

Production/Distribution: AGBO, Huayi Brothers Pictures, MWM Studios, STX Entertainment, Concorde Filmverleih, Golden Village Pictures, Joy n Cinema, Megogo Distribution, Metropolitan Filmexport, Monolith, Roadshow Films, The Searchers, VVS Films, Viva International Pictures, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, Film & TV House, GEM Entertainment

Director: Brian Kirk

Writers: Adam Mervis, Matthew Michael Carnahan

Actors: Sienna Miller, J.K Simmons, Chadwick Boseman, Keith David, Taylor Kitsch, Stephan James, Gary Carr, Victoria Cartagena, Jamie Neumann, Toby Hemingway

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Rated: Unrated

Length: 99 minutes

IMDb Blurb: An embattled NYPD detective is thrust into a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers after uncovering a massive and unexpected conspiracy.

Intense is the first word that comes to mind after watching the trailer for this movie. The film seems to promise heavy helpings from all of the genres it draws from for this recipe for entertainment.

I was hooked right away and am invested in seeing how this all plays out. The mind boggles at the level of coordination and manpower it would take to literally close off all the bridges and tunnels in New York City.

5 - Knives Out (11/27)

Production/Distribution: FilmNation Entertainment, Ram Bergman Productions, Media Rights Capital, Lionsgate, T-Street, 01 Distribution, Aurum Producciones, Belga Films, BfParis, CJ CGV Viet Nam, Cineplex, Concorde Filmverleih, Encore Films, Golden Village Pictures, Independent Films, Lionsgate UK, Metropolitan Filmexport, Mongrel Media, Paris Filmes, Victor Loewy, bf Distribution, Eagle Films, GEM Entertainment, JL Vision Film

Director: Rian Johnson

Writer: Rian Johnson

Actors: Toni Collette, Daniel Craig, Michael Shannon, Jamie Lee Curtis, Christopher Plummer, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Lakeith Stanfield, Don Johnson, Edi Patterson, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, Riki Lindhome, Frank Oz

Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama, Mystery

Rated: PG-13

Length: 130 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A detective investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.

I have been eagerly anticipating this movie ever since I ran across a video of some cast interviews. This cast, by the by, is absolutely bonkers in the best way. I remember being rather amused that Chris Evans (The Avengers, Snowpiercer, The Red Sea Diving Resort) mentioned having so much fun playing a person of questionable morals after so many years on the screen as wholesome and squeaky-clean roles such as his Marvel Comic superhero persona. Of course, I had to look up the info on the film to see what he was talking about. I was instantly hooked.

Knives Out promises to be a wild ride of dark comedy and the thrill of mystery. I can’t wait for the tale to unravel and the culprit’s reveal. Give the trailer a peek and see if you have any initial guesses.

4 - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (11/22)

Production/Distribution: Big Beach Films, Tencent Pictures, TriStar Pictures, Affirm Films, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Pictures Releasing, United International Pictures, Universal Pictures International

Director: Marielle Heller

Writers: Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster

Actors: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Tammy Blanchard, Wendy Makkena, Enrico Colantoni, Christine Lahti, Susan Kelechi Watson, Maddie Corman, Maryann Plunkett, Noah Harpster, Kevin L. Johnson, Carmen Cusack, Rebecca Watson

Genre: Biography, Drama

Rated: Unrated

Length: 107 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod... After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America's most beloved neighbor.

I am ridiculously excited to see this movie. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (1968–2001) was such a wonderful and warm part of my childhood, and holds such a dear place in my heart. Fred Rogers (1928–2003) was such a special person that brought much kindness, understanding, and hope to multiple generations through his television shows, personal appearances and just him being himself.

On top of that, Tom Hanks (A Hologram for the King, Inferno, The Post) was the perfect actor to portray Mr. Rogers on the screen. I honestly don’t know of anyone else that could even come close to filling those shoes. Hanks is able to capture that warm-fuzziness and radiated kindness in a way that few can.

While this film isn’t a biopic focusing solely on Rogers, it does seem to revolve around the bigger picture – his legacy. The movie tells the story of how he befriended a critic – it’s a testament on how his kind heart and inclusive world-view changed and enriched lives.

This is a definite must-see for me.

3 - Frozen II (11/22)

Production/Distribution: Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, B&H Film Distribution, Walt Disney Studios Japan, Walt Disney Studios Sony Pictures Releasing, Forum Hungary

Directors: Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck

Writers: Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Robert Lopez, Marc Smith

Actors: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood, Jason Ritter, Alan Tudyk, Rachel Matthews, Jeremy Sisto, Ciarán Hinds, Martha Plimpton, Alfred Molina, Santino Fontana

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Rated: PG

Length: 103 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their kingdom.

Frozen (2013) was a refreshing spin on the usual fairytale tropes. It was one of the first movies to buck the fantasy cartoon princess love at first sight trend. Then there’s Olaf. All the Olaf.

I’m excited that we’re re-visiting this enchanted story-verse to share more adventures with the royal sisters. I am hoping this sequel fares better than the majority of Disney-hit follow-ups.

Even if it’s not as brilliant as the first movie, it will provide lots of wonderful family fun just in time for the beginning of the Holiday Season.

2 - Terminator: Dark Fate (11/1)

Production/Distribution: Tencent Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Lightstorm Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox, Skydance Media, TSG Entertainment, 20th Century Fox Argentina, 20t h Century Fox Brazil, 20th Century Fox de Venezuela, Big Picture 2 Films, Cinecolor Films, Forum Hungary, Galaxy Distributors, Hispano Foxfilms S.A.E., Imperial / Cinepix, Nordisk Film, Odeon, Press Play Pictures, Ukrainian Film Distribution, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Director: Tim Miller

Writers: James Cameron, Charles H. Eglee, Josh Friedman, David S. Goyer, Justin Rhodes, Billy Ray, Gale Anne Hurd

Actors: Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, Diego Boneta, Ferran Fernández, Tristán Ulloa, Tomy Alvarez, Tom Hopper, Enrique Arce, Manuel Pacific, Fraser James, Pedro Rudolphi, Diego Marínez, Kevin Medina, Steven Cree

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Rated: R

Length: 128 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Sarah Connor and a hybrid cyborg human must protect a young girl from a newly modified liquid Terminator from the future.

The Terminator (1984) franchise is one of those that has just permanently etched itself into my personal cinematic landscape. I love the movies, even if some were better than others. It’s one of those iconic brands that has filtered into our every-day lives. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard or have said a comment regarding the ‘rise of the machines.’  This is, after all, the franchise that coined the immortal phrase ‘I’ll be back.’

I am even more excited that this new movie is going old-school and bringing back the cast combo that started it all with Linda Hamilton (Chuck, Bad Behavior, Curvature) joining Arnold Schwarzenegger (The Expendables, Sabotage, Killing Gunther). Not only that, but with this film ret-conning all the movies from 3 forward, assigning them to alternate timelines; this story picks up as the direct sequel to Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).

That really feels like a great move on James Cameron’s (True Lies, Titanic, Avatar) part. It seems some of the more successful elements from the other movies may be incorporated with this one, given the few nuggets of information given by the trailers and promotional interviews. Whether that’s so or not, I have to give kudos to the Terminator saga for giving us some wonderful badass female roles. Director Tim Miller (Rockfish, Deadpool, Love Death & Robots) has some big shoes to fill, but I have faith in him. Even though this is only his second full-length feature film, he has made quite the impression with his body of work to-date. He also has Cameron in his corner on the production team, so I’m expecting good things.

For anyone who is just joining the adventure of this series, you can catch up with The Terminator available to watch for free on YouTube, as well as listed with other streaming services such as Netflix, VUDU, and Amazon. T2: Judgement Day is also available via the same services, but also via Xfinity cable subscription. I’m probably going to have a mini-marathon before going to see this new movie, just for fun. I can’t wait!

1 - Doctor Sleep (11/8)

Production/Distribution: Warner Bros. Pictures, Intrepid Pictures, Vertigo Entertainment, Warner Bros., Karo Premiere, Nos Lusomundo Audiovisuais

Director: Mike Flanagan

Writers: Stephen King, Mike Flanagan

Actors: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Jacob Tremblay, Carel Struycken, Emily Alyn Lind, Zahn McClarnon, Cliff Curtis, Bruce Greenwood, Chelsea Talmadge, Alex Essoe, Carl Lumbly, Jocelin Donahue

Genre: Horror

Rated: R

Length: 151 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Years following the events of "The Shining," a now-adult Dan Torrance meets a young girl with similar powers as his and tries to protect her from a cult known as The True Knot who prey on children with powers to remain immortal.

I practically had to flip a coin to decide which movie to list as my #1 this month. Doctor Sleep won by a narrow margin. I have been dying to see this sequel, and also quite intrigued when I realized that the film references the Stanley Kubrick (2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Full Metal Jacket) version of The Shining (1980). Stephen King (The Stand, The Green Mile, Castle Rock) is well known for his distaste for that adaptation – so much so that it’s become a piece of pop culture, itself. (Prime example: Ready Player One (2018).)

Doctor Sleep’s director apparently convinced King that audiences view that version of The Shining as an iconic piece of cinema, and would find the sequel amiss without references thereto. Bravo good sir.

The little tidbits that nodded to Kubrick’s film were spine-tingling when intermingled with the ‘current time’ experiences of Danny Torrance. I, as well as many fans, have long wondered what happened to The Shining’s characters after-the-fact. The novel version of the sequel is, of course, on my infamous to-read list. One of these days, my precious… I digress.

My point is that I can’t comment as to whether or not this seems like it’s following events faithfully, but I’d say that if the movie has King’s blessing it must be pretty close. Both the cast and trailers have me very excited. I hope to see this one in a theater so I won’t have to wait so long for it to hit a streaming service. 

Movies to Look out For

According to: Selina

Ford v Ferrari .20

Midway .19

Honey Boy .18

Klaus .17

The Shed .16

The Warrior Queen of Jhansi .15

Motherless Brooklyn .14

Noelle .13

To Be of Service .12

Judy & Punch .11

The Irishman .10

Knives Out .9

Terminator: Dark Fate .8

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood .7

Charlie's Angels .6

I Lost My Body .5

21 Bridges .4

Harriet .3

Frozen II .2

Doctor Sleep .1

FAQ:

              What makes a movie eligible for Trust the Dice’s Top 20?