Spectre

Synopsis: A cryptic message from the past sends James Bond on a rogue mission to Mexico City and eventually Rome, where he meets Lucia Sciarra (Monica Bellucci), the beautiful and forbidden widow of an infamous criminal.  Bond infiltrates a secret meeting and uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation known as Spectre. Meanwhile back in London, Max Denbigh (Andrew Scott), the new head of the Centre for National Security, questions Bond’s actions and challenges the relevance of MI6, led by M (Ralph Fiennes). Bond covertly enlists Moneypenny (Naomie Harris) and Q (Ben Whishaw) to help him seek out Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux), the daughter of his old nemesis Mr White (Jesper Christensen), who may hold the clue to untangling the web of Spectre. As the daughter of an assassin, she understands Bond in a way most others cannot. As Bond ventures towards the heart of Spectre, he learns of a chilling connection between himself and the enemy he seeks, played by Christoph Waltz.

This film is really only on my list as an obligatory deal. I’ve never seen a James Bond movie (I know, lay the shame on me), and nor have I ever really felt motivated too. But, I do have a boyfriend, and he has promised me that I will be dragged to the theatre to see this kicking and screaming. Despite my reluctance, I’ve heard good things about Daniel Craig as James Bond; and given that this may be his last run as the man, I guess I’d better check it out. Here’s hoping this one lives up to the hype!

Spectre will be in US theatres on November 6th

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 Carol

Synopsis: In an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s seminal novel The Price of Salt, CAROL follows two women from very different backgrounds who find themselves in an unexpected love affair in 1950s New York. As conventional norms of the time challenge their undeniable attraction, an honest story emerges to reveal the resilience of the heart in the face of change. A young woman in her 20s, Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), is a clerk working in a Manhattan department store and dreaming of a more fulfilling life when she meets Carol (Cate Blanchett), an alluring woman trapped in a loveless, convenient marriage. As an immediate connection sparks between them, the innocence of their first encounter dims and their connection deepens. While Carol breaks free from the confines of marriage, her husband (Kyle Chandler) begins to question her competence as a mother as her involvement with Therese and close relationship with her best friend Abby (Sarah Paulson) come to light. Carol is directed by Todd Haynes and written by Phyllis Nagy with moving performances from Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler, Jake Lacy and Cory Michael Smith.

Movies supporting LGBT themes are extremely hot-ticket right now, which is understandable, but also brings the fear that films on these topics will start becoming dime-a-dozen deals. Carol seems different, and promising. First of all, it’s been a hit with critics, and it’s won a few awards at Cannes. Secondly, the film was in development for over eleven years – so I’m sure a lot of thought has gone into it. Admittedly, I’ve never seen any of director Todd Haynes’ films before, but I’m beyond excited for this one.

Carol will be in US theatres November 20th

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 The Night Before

Synopsis: From Jonathan Levine, the acclaimed director of 50/50, comes the new comedy The Night Before. Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have been friends since childhood, and for a decade, their yearly Christmas Eve reunion has been an annual night of debauchery and hilarity. Now that they’re entering adulthood, the tradition is coming to an end, and to make it as memorable as possible, they set out to find the Nutcracka Ball – the Holy Grail of Christmas parties.

I’m probably a little too excited for this film. For those of you who don’t know, I’m a huge fan of Joseph Gordon-Levitt, so just that element would be enough to sell me on this one. BUT, there’s also the fact that Jonathan Levine is aboard as director. Levine and JGL did great work together on 50/50 (read my review here), so I’m imagining that The Night Before will be comparably fantastic. I’m certainly not expecting this one to be a cinematic masterpiece, but I’m sure it’ll be something amusing that makes us all laugh. And finally…Seth Rogen is my guilty pleasure, so sign me up.

The Night Before comes to US theatres on November 20th

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 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2

Synopsis: With the nation of Panem in a full scale war, Katniss confronts President Snow (Donald Sutherland) in the final showdown. Teamed with a group of her closest friends – including Gale (Liam Hemsworth), Finnick (Sam Claflin) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) – Katniss goes off on a mission with the unit from District 13 as they risk their lives to liberate the citizens of Panem, and stage an assassination attempt on President Snow who has become increasingly obsessed with destroying her. The mortal traps, enemies, and moral choices that await Katniss will challenge her more than any arena she faced in The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games novels came out while I was a teenager looking to fill the empty hole in my life after the final Harry Potter novel was released. I loved the books! So of course, I’ve been diligently following the films as well. A lot of people didn’t like the third book, the ending in particular. While I must say that I agree with that opinion, I also want to see the series through on the big screen. Additionally, I’m quite enamored of the cast (who doesn’t have a huge crush on Jennifer Lawrence!?). So for better or for worse, I will be in theatres to see the final Hunger Games like a faithful fan-girl.

The Hungergames: Mockingjay – Part 2 will be in US theatres November 20th

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 Victor Frankenstein

Synopsis: James McAvoy and Daniel Radcliffe star in a dynamic and thrilling twist on a legendary tale. Radical scientist Victor Frankenstein (McAvoy) and his equally brilliant protégé Igor Strausman (Radcliffe) share a noble vision of aiding humanity through their groundbreaking research into immortality. But Victor’s experiments go too far, and his obsession has horrifying consequences. Only Igor can bring his friend back from the brink of madness and save him from his monstrous creation.

I’m not a horror fan. But this movie looks incredibly fascinating. With two great actors as the leads, and a spin on the classic Frankenstein tale, Victor Frankenstein looks like a promising film. I actually don’t know too much about Frankenstein’s monster, but it will be interesting to see an exploration of what drives the monster’s creation. I kind of wish the film were coming out in October – to go with the Halloween spirit – but I guess November will have to do!

Victor Frankenstein will be in US theatres on November 25th

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So there you have it! With most of my watchlist scheduled for release at the end of November, I’ll probably be scrambling to (get to the theatre/get funds) to see them all. Wish me luck, and let me know what films you’re excited for in the coming month!