Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
Several high profile releases aim to entertain and become Oscar eligible before the end of the year, making it a November to remember. Note: All dates subject to change.
NOVEMBER 7
Boy in the Striped Pajamas – This Holocaust drama features a childhood friendship between two boys on opposite sides played by young rising stars Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon. Vera Farmiga (The Departed) and David Thewlis also star (limited release).
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa – Funny animal foursome reunite in this animated comedy as the lion, zebra, hippo, and giraffe all try to return to New York. Ben Stiller, Jada Pinkett Smith, Chris Rock, and David Schwimmer all return to voice the leads while Sacha Baron Cohen and Andy Richter provide excellent supporting comedy as the king lemur and head penguin. Also releasing in IMAX.
Role Models – Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott star in this R-rated comedy where each fledgling professional mentors a kid.
Soul Men – Samuel L. Jackson stars with the late Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes in this comedy/drama about a music group that reunites after one of their original members passes away.
NOVEMBER 14
Quantum of Solace – James Bond, played by Daniel Craig, returns with revenge on his mind, then the agenda predictably becomes more complicated in this action-filled spy thriller. Mathieu Amalric (The Diving Bell and The Butterfly) plays the main antagonist while leading lady Olga Kurylenko stars as Camille. Dame Judi Dench also returns as Bond's superior, M.
How About You – Hayley Atwell (Brideshead Revisited, The Duchess) stars as a woman managing a house over the holidays. Brenda Fricker, Vanessa Redgrave, Joss Ackland, and Imelda Staunton also star. This European comedy/drama faces 007 in limited release.
NOVEMBER 21
Bolt – Animated feature where John Travolta provides the voice of a dog who stars in a superhero television series then gets lost in the real world. Miley Cyrus voices his owner while a hamster and cat tag along for the ride.
Twilight – Popular book adaptation about young vampires hits the big screen with rising stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.
NOVEMBER 26
Australia – Long awaited adventure drama, set during World War II, from director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge); stars Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman.
Four Christmases – Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn star in a comedy where a couple visits all four of their separated families for the holidays.
Milk – Sean Penn stars in this drama about gay rights activist Harvey Milk. Gus Van Sant directs this account of California's first openly gay elected official. Josh Brolin, Emile Hirsch, and James Franco also star (limited then wide release on 12).
Transporter 3 – Action fans can find continuing high octane thrills from returning delivery man Jason Statham. This time, the hero Frank Martin must adhere to a dangerous rule himself to defeat the bad guys and get the girl, played by Natalya Rudakova in her film debut. François Berléand also returns as the local police man who knows Frank's past.
