[IMG:L]They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so–from just sizing-up movie stills that caught our eye — here’s the lowdown on November movies at a glance!
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Adaptation
Release Date: November 7
Cast: (Voices of) Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Alec Baldwin, Bernie Mac, Sherri Shepherd, Will.i.Am
Scoop: The zoo-raised crew encounter species of their own kind for the very first time when visiting the vast African plains. While discovering their roots, they quickly find the differences between the concrete jungle and the heart of Africa.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Lions and lions and fear, oh my! Could Mad-2 mean twice the roaring fun? With Mother Africa quite the hot continent of the moment, we’re thinking why not journey back to all of our roots with the outlandish zoo-raised crew.
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 stars
KEEP READING: Repo! The Genetic Opera
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Genre: Adaptation, Satire, Musical, Fantasy
Release Date: November 7
Cast: Paul Sorvino, Paris Hilton, Alexa Vega, Bill Moseley, Anthony Head
Scoop: An epidemic of organ failures devastates the planet. Out of the tragedy, a savior emerges: GeneCo, a biotech company that offers organ transplants… for a price. Those who miss their payments are scheduled for repossession and hunted by villainous Repo Men (namely one, Anthony Head).
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Paris, is that really you? The boa, brunette locks and Raphaelite chaise, minus your usual chin-to-shoulder pose, throw us off from your ‘normal’ Hiltonian look. Are you acting this time? Actually word is out that you and your cast mates sorta rock the house in your full genetic opera drag. So keep up the good undercover work!
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 stars
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Genre: Comedy
Release Date: November 7
Cast: Seann William Scott, Paul Rudd, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Elizabeth Banks
Scoop: The behavior of two energy drink reps (Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott) forces them to enroll in a community service program where they mentor two hard-to-manage young boys (Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Bobb’e J Thompson).
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Cheer up everyone…it may not be that bad. At least the wittily deadpan Paul Rudd is headlining. Let’s hope that comedy doesn’t take a seat to the could-be-funny, could-be-cliché premise that this kid-centric fish-out-of-water tale will be delivering.
Snapshot Prediction: 2 out of 5 stars
KEEP READING: Slumdog Millionaire
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Slumdog Millionaire
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Release Date: November 12
Cast: Dev Patel, Mia Drake, Freida Pinto, Imran Hasnee
Scoop: An illiterate street-kid (Dev Patel) wins the jackpot on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the Hindi version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? He had gone onto the game show to reach his missing girlfriend, who he knows watches the show religiously. When he wins the jackpot, he is suspected of cheating.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: We know what’s about to happen next — at least we think we know what’s about to go down. Thankfully, with two eager, attractive fresh faces, courtesy of Fox Searchlight and Warner Bros., we’re brought into a romance with new flava…finally an element of surprise.
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Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 stars
KEEP READING: Pray the Devil Back To Hell
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Genre: Political Documentary
Release Date: November 7
Cast: Leymah Gbowee, Asatu Bah Kenneth
Scoop: After more than a decade of civil wars leading to more than 250,000 deaths and one million refugees, a group of women rose up to force peace on their shattered Liberia and propel to victory the first female head of state on the African continent.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Following our country’s most watched election in several generations, we owe it to pay attention to these fierce determined ladies in their eye-catching dress, as they make election history a reality overseas in this gem awarded Best Doc at this year’s Tribeca Film Fest. Go ladies!
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Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 stars
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Soul Men
Genre: Adaptation, Comedy, Satire, Music
Release Date: November 7
Cast: Bernie Mac, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Coolidge, Isaac Hayes
Scoop: Though it’s been some twenty years since they have spoken with one another, two estranged soul-singing legends (Bernie Mac, Samuel L. Jackson) agree to participate in a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater to honor their recently deceased band leader.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Take us there, Bernie. Go ‘head Sam! Tear up the stage in that old school way. It would be a shame to miss out on this final film appearance of Bernie Mac and Isaac Hayes. Between the music and the madness that Jackson and Coolidge will also bring, this might serve up some tasty food for the soul.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
KEEP READING: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Genre: Adaptation, Comedy, Satire
Release Date: November 7
Cast: Vera Farmiga, Asa Butterfield, David Thewlis, Zac Mattoon O’Brien
Scoop: An eight-year-old German boy (Asa Butterfield) sees the nearby concentration camp as a ‘farm’ and wonders why its inhabitants are always wearing striped pajamas. Eventually he becomes friends with a Jewish boy his own age who lives on the other side of the fence.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Jumping across the divide, we can always learn more than if we stay in the same place. We’re curious to step back in time with two boys who are creating a larger bridge to the other’s world than they even realize.
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 stars
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Genre: Drama
Release Date: November 7
Cast: Saffron Burrows, Paz De La Huerta, DeBankole
Scoop: One morning Mel (Saffron Burrows), a mousy, harried New Yorker with a thankless job and an even-less-appealing boyfriend learns that the tumor in her throat is cancerous; the diagnosis is terminal. Rather than lying down and dying then and there, she embarks on a self-indulgent, endless spree involving a bit of guitar-playing.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Bad news followed by a mellow introspection is expected; but how this news is dealt with makes all the difference in the world — especially when music is pulled in to convert the vibe. Amy Redford, the Sundance Kid’s daughter, brings a polychromatic tale to life that unites a few unlikely twists for a woman living out her final days.
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 stars
KEEP READING: Assassination of a High School President
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Assassination of a High School President
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: November 14
Cast: Mischa Barton, Bruce Willis, Reece Daniel Thompson, Nick Blaemire
Scoop: When attractive senior (Mischa Barton) solicits a classmate’s (Reece Thompson) help in tracking down a set of stolen SATs, they uncover a story. Suspicion falls on the school president for the crime, and the duo become of the most popular kids at St. Donovan’s High School.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Yup, glossiness aside, isn’t that pretty much the way you remember Catholic high school too: duplicity, short-short mini-skirts and strange hijinx going down in the nurse’s office?? This SAT thriller should at least get a descent score.
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 stars
KEEP READING: Quantum of Solace
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Genre: Action, Adventure, Suspense, Thriller
Release Date: November 21
Cast: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Jeffrey Wright, Olga Kurylenko, Mathieu Amalric, Jesper Christensen
Scoop: Agent 007 (Daniel Craig) fights the urge to make his latest mission personal. Pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, James Bond and M (Judi Dench) interrogate Mr. White who reveals the organization is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: His name is Bond, James Bond. And even more important than his draw to the ladies, is his attachment, um addiction, to his toys, namely his weapons. While the last Craig-starrer was a sure-fire hit, we’re superstitious that lightening doesn’t strike twice in the same place — unless you’re 007, that is.
Snapshot Prediction: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Genre: Animation, Children, Family
Release Date: November 21
Cast: (Voices of) John Travolta, Thomas Haden Church, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton
Scoop: Bolt (John Travolta), a German Shepherd, has lived his whole life on the set of his action TV show, where he believes he has superpowers. When he’s accidentally shipped from Hollywood to New York City, he has a rude awakening.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Oh my, even Snoop Dog could school this green German Shepherd that there’s always a lil’ East Coast/West Coast tension when it comes to the biz. Clearly Mittens, the black cat, knows what lies ahead: not wanting to be dragged 2,000-plus miles to that Botox-filled, dog-eat-dog, city of madness. But Bolt knows who’s his daddy — that fantasy place they call Hollywood! We’re down to tag along.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Twilight
Genre: Adaptation, Action, Horror
Release Date: November 21
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Nikki Reed, Billy Burke, Robert Pattinson, Edi Gathegi, Cam Gigandet, Rachelle Lefevre
Scoop: Seventeen-year-old Isabella “Bella” Swan (Kristen Stewart) finds herself drawn to a mysterious classmate, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), who is revealed to be a 108-year-old vampire, but is physically age 17. Although Edward discourages the romance at first, they soon fall deeply in love.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Look out girl. More often than not, old men always want a piece a young stuff so they can distract themselves from their own pending mortality — and it’s no different in the vampire world, even when they play demure at first. Can’t wait to see this adaptation finally come to life in this dark teen tale of conquest, love and neck bites.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 stars
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Australia
Genre: Romance, Action, Adventure
Release Date: November 26
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman
Scoop: During World War II, an English aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) is left in control of a chaotic cattle station in Australia. She is assisted by an Australian drover (Hugh Jackman), in whom she becomes romantically interested.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Hmmm? Nicole and Hugh are looking somewhat ‘forced’ together, but it may just be an over-produced movie still — let’s hope. Either way, it’ll be a treat to see these two acclaimed Aussies pull off a raunchy ranch romance while giving it their Oscar-caliber best.
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 stars
KEEP READING: Four Christmases
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Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: November 26
Cast: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Kristin Chenoweth, Jon Favreau, Jon Voight, Robert Duvall, Sissy Spacek, Mary Steenburgen
Scoop: The story of a young couple (Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon), whose respective parents divorce and then marry other people. This leaves the harried newlyweds with four parental households to visit over the course of Christmas Day.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Is it an age gap thing? Her suspicious knowing look? That perturbed vibe Vince is giving off? Non-couple chemistry? For some reason, we’re already getting the vibe that this season-timed holiday release may wear itself a bit thin before December descends.
Snapshot Prediction: 2.5 out of 5 stars
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Milk
Genre: Political, Drama, Biopic
Release Date: November 26
Cast: Sean Penn, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, James Franco, Diego Luna, Alison Pill, Victor Garber
Scoop: The story of California’s first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk (Sean Penn), a maverick San Francisco Supervisor who was assassinated along with Mayor George Moscone (Victor Garber) by San Francisco Supervisor Dan White (Josh Brolin).
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Here, here — a toast — to this much anticipated movie finally arriving after years of struggle to get it onscreen! Super timely in a month where the American political stage just got a full-on courageous make-over, and yet Proposition 8, a gay marriage ban in California just got passed. Harvey would be so energized for his story to emerge right about now! And we’ll also boldly sip for Penn‘s sure-to-come Oscar nom.
Snapshot Prediction: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Transporter 3
Genre: Action, Sequel
Release Date: November 26
Cast: Jason Statham, Robert Knepper, Francois Berleand, Natalya Rudakova
Scoop: Ex-Special Forces operator Frank Martin (Jason Statham) hires himself out as a mercenary “transporter” who moves goods–human or otherwise–from one place to another. No questions asked.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Hmm? This scene is giving a bit of retro Matrix 3 flavor, without the special effects. Are we down with believing that Statham is really that bad ass that he can sigle-handedly deal with multiple karate-choppin’ goonies?! Oh yeah, it’s just the movies; and think back not too hard to Transporter and Trans-2.
Snapshot Prediction: 2.5 out of 5 stars
