October was a great month at the movies, turning out instant hits like “Gone Girl” and “Fury” just to name a couple. Awards season chatter quickly became more prevalent with some of the month’s releases. In the month of November, the number of must-see movies does not let up. Below I’ve listed the movies I believe will make the most noise at the box office and some that could easily show up at awards season time.
“The Theory of Everything”
This film tells the story of physicist Stephen Hawking’s relationship with his first wife, Jane Wilde, while both were students at Cambridge in the 1960s. It is not just a love story, however; it is partly a biopic of the famous physicist’s early life. Through early reviews, both Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones are receiving outstanding praise for their portrayals of Hawking and Wilde. The trailer for the film is extremely powerful, and I cannot think of a reason to not see this film. “The Theory of Everything” is set to be released today, though it will be expanding to more theaters over the coming weeks.
“Interstellar”
Ever since the teaser trailer was first released last year, I have been waiting for this film to come out. Directed by Christopher Nolan (The Dark Knight Trilogy), the movie stars Matthew McConaughey leading a group of explorers, through a newly discovered wormhole, to go beyond this galaxy in order to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars. The film has been kept largely under wraps up until this week when it was made available to critics for the first time. The early reviews have been mixed, but I believe, if for anything else, the visuals will be the main part of this film. I expect it to be visually amazing like last year’s “Gravity,” though it will take a lot to impress me more than that film did. The movie also stars Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, Casey Affleck and Michael Caine. “Interstellar” opens in theaters today.
“Big Hero 6”
I do love a good cartoon. This movie looks like it will be a complete blast. The big poufy white thing, known as Baymax, is really the only reason I’m here for it. However, besides the laugh-out-loud trailer, there also looks to be a great story to the movie. It involves a young robotics prodigy named Hiro Hamada who, along with Baymax, uncovers a criminal plot and pulls together a team of inexperienced crime-fighters. If that doesn’t to peek your interest, just watch the trailer and you’ll easily realize why it’s a must-see. “Big Hero 6” arrives in theaters Nov. 14.
“Foxcatcher”
Based on the true story of Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum), the film tells the story of Schultz’s relationship with his schizophrenic, millionaire sponsor John du Pont (Steve Carell). The movie also delves into Mark’s relationship with his older brother Dave (Mark Ruffalo), who is a prominent wrestling coach and Gold Medal winner himself. With his financial resources and state-of-the-art training facility at Foxcatcher Farm, du Pont appoints himself head coach of the team. The dynamic between Mark and du Pont deepens, but eventually du Pont's favoritism shifts to Dave. Eerily creepy is the only way to describe the trailer. The film may be a game changing performance for Tatum, as well as for Carell, and awards season recognition may very well be in the future. “Foxcatcher” comes to theaters Nov. 14.
“Dumb and Dumber To”
Finally! After 20 years, we’re finally getting a sequel to the hilarious 1994 comedy “Dumb and Dumber.” Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels return as Lloyd and Harry in what hopefully is a hilarious movie. Will it be better than the first? No, it probably will not, but who cares. It will be great to see these two characters back together doing God knows what. The chemistry in the first movie was amazing and I’m sure it will be no different in this one. In this new adventure, the two head out in search for Harry's long lost daughter, and Lloyd is in love again. Simple enough, but from the trailer, it’s going to be one wild ride to get to the finish line. “Dumb and Dumber To” opens in theaters Nov. 14.
“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1”
Duh. What is there really to say? Well to begin with, I cannot stand waiting another minute for this movie. Those who have read the book, though I am not one of them, say that “Mockingjay” was the worst of the trilogy. However, from what I saw in the trailer, I see nothing bad — like at all. It’s super intense, almost chill-inducing. Jennifer Lawrence has never looked better in the role of Katniss, and the whole cast shows no flaws in the trailer. It’s an oddity when I go see a film for a midnight showing, but this one may be an exception. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” hits theaters Nov. 21.
“Horrible Bosses 2”
Okay, this one may not win any awards, but it will probably be funny as hell, or at least that’s my hope. The first movie was a solid comedy, and I really enjoyed it. In the sequel, Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day), and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) decide to launch their own business. However, when a savvy investor tries to take them down, the trio decides to kidnap his son in order to put up a ransom to take back their business. The film will also see the return of supporting cast members Kevin Spacy, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Aniston. I’m especially excited for the latter. The sequel welcomes newcomers Christoph Waltz and Chris Pine to the cast as well. “Horrible Bosses 2” comes to theaters Nov. 26.
“Penguins of Madagascar”
Yes, another animated movie made the list. I don’t care who you are, if you watch the trailer for the film, you’re going to laugh. Easily the best supporting characters from the “Madagascar” films series, and at times the funniest ones in parts of those movies, it’s a well-deserved nod to the characters. “The Penguins of Madagascar” arrives in theaters Nov. 26.
