What to watch in November

Maya Dennis, A&E Critic|November 7, 2017

The holidays are one of the best times of the year for movies (Oscar season! Big-budget extravaganzas!) and with students about to be on break, what could be better than sitting in those oh-so-comfy theater seats and expanding your cinema education?

Thor: Ragnarok – Nov. 3

As Marvel’s third installment of the Thor series, “Ragnarok” looks to be the best of the three. The trailers show the film has a theme similar to that of “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Things are no longer dark — both literally and figuratively. Everything looks to be bright colors, humor, and interesting team-ups. In previous movies, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) focused his energy on Earth, completely ignoring his home, Asgard. Now, however, he must forget mortals and focus on beating a new enemy, Hela (Cate Blanchett). Things don’t exactly go his way, and he soon finds himself a prisoner of an unknown planet.

Murder on the Orient Express – Nov. 10

Based on the Agatha Christie novel, “Murder on the Orient Express” holds high promises. Directed by and starring Kenneth Branagh (“Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”), the film looks to be one of the best adaptations of a mystery novel since “Gone Girl.” With its cinematography, clever use of Imagine Dragon’s “Believer” and a cast including Daisy Ridley (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”), Josh Gad (“Frozen”), Leslie Odom Jr. (“Hamilton”) and Judi Dench (“Skyfall”), this “Murder” should be intriguing.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Nov. 10

“Three Billboards” addresses a phenomenon rarely shown to the public. Focused on a grieving mother, the crime dramedy shows audiences what it’s like to lose a child and then have the police disregard it. So, to get their attention, Mildred Hayes (played by Frances McDormand) sets up three red billboards along the highway in Missouri, all with large black letters accusing the police of doing nothing. Starring Woody Harrelson (“Hunger Games” series), Sam Rockwell (“The Way, Way Back”), and Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”), the film promises heavy content with underlying sentiments.

Justice League – Nov. 17

The first trailer for “Justice League” was shown at San Diego Comic-Con this summer, and audiences weren’t disappointed. Now with new trailers, a director change, and new soundtrack composer, the film seems to put most people on the fence. Of course, that shouldn’t be a big deal with a cast that includes celebrities like Jason Momoa (“Game of Thrones”), Gal Gadot (“Wonder Woman”) and Ezra Miller (“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”). The film holds promise with its humor, and it could become one of the best DC films next to “Wonder Woman” and the “Dark Knight” trilogy.

Coco – Nov. 22

Pixar’s take on the Mexican holiday Dia de Los Muertos, “Coco” looks to be an educational experience for those not in-the-know. However, the film is eerily similar to producer Guillermo del Toro’s 2014 film “The Book of Life.” That being said, it’s always nice to have cultural representation and for a group with a limited amount of American-made films about them, it’s a breath of fresh air. The film looks to have breathtaking visuals and a culturally appropriate soundtrack. Considering Pixar’s previous films — such as “Finding Nemo” and “Up” — “Coco” is sure to be a hit.

Call Me By Your Name – Nov. 24

Based on the novel by André Aciman, the film includes all the elements that make summer, summer. With bright colors, long nights and summer flings, the romantic film grabs the attention of anyone who’s ever had a summer fling. The film has been appearing at film festivals, including Sundance and Toronto, and has received an overabundance of positive feedback.

With a light-hearted atmosphere and a romance that most wish to have — even if it’s only briefly — the film is sure to gain admiration from the public.