Movies Not to Miss: November 2017

Writer: Casey Lee

Which of these are you going to watch?

As we approach the end of the year, November still has a couple of major blockbusters to keep cinema seats warm but slowly and surely, the heavier movies are starting to trickle in.

While we wouldn't hold our breathes to see much of the potential Oscar contender in this month's release schedule, but there are some acclaimed award winners from this year's festival circuit that are finally making their way to our screens.

Even those who are not inclined for the artistic cinema, they will still be able to find strong doses of drama, but that doesn't leave out those who just want good escapist entertainment.

For those who are planning to get some strong performances, they will find themselves settling in to this month's schedule. So if you are looking for action, animation or serious acting, these are the movies not to miss this November.

While taking his son on a road trip to visit colleges to apply for, Brad starts to think about the life choices he has made while seeing the successes of his friends. This father-son drama adds another role that we would like to see Ben Stiller do more of since "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty". Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, this mid-life crisis meets coming-of-age story is written and directed by Mike White for his second directorial feature since 2007's "Year of the Dog". If you ever wondered what life would be like if you had taken a different path, this might be the consolation that you need to watch, perhaps with your kid.

General Release Date: 2 November

After the death of Superman who sacrificed himself in "Dawn of Justice", Batman sets out to assemble a team of superheroes to defend humanity from an impending threat of Parademons who have come to Earth in search of power devices. 2017 has been a great year for the DC Extended Universe. Making a splash with "Wonder Woman" has set it back on the good side of superhero fans, but it does put some undue expectations on the first ensemble movie of the DCEU. Even though crediting Zack Synder as the helm can inspire both concern and excitement at the same time, but perhaps the extra hand of Joss Whedon who added a few scenes of his own, during Synder's tragic absence, would help encourage some confidence for "Justice League". Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot return as Batman and Wonder Woman, while making their big-screen entry into the DCEU is Ezra Miller as The Flash, Ray Fisher as Cyborg and Jason Momoa as Aquaman.

General Release Date: 16 November

When it comes to horror movies, it is undeniable that the Thais do it best. The latest entry from the country is "The Promise" from "Ladda Land" filmmaker, Sophon Sakdaphisit. The film revolves largely around the Sathorn Unique Tower, a well-known abandon building in Thailand that the locals have dubbed Ghost Tower. The story itself has an interesting premise. First set in 1997, we see two best friends make a promise to end their lives at the Sathorn Unique Tower, but somehow one of them survives. While the surviving friend manages to continue with her life and now has a successful career, she finds that her friend has "returned" 20 years later to make her fulfil their promise.

General Release Date: 16 November

Fans of animation have much to enjoy this November with "Mary and the Witches' Flower" and "Fireworks" coming to Malaysia in the same month, but our recommendation has to go to undoubtedly the biggest animation release of the year. Pixar returns with a new original feature, this time exploring and imagining the Mexican culture of the Day of the Dead, when a little boy who aspires to be musician crosses over to the Land of the Dead for an unusual family reunion. While the premise is one that could be a little morbid for children, the theme of death and depiction of skeletons is made brighter by the colors and the festive mood that is also associated with the Day of the Dead. Wondrous visuals and heartwarming stories are truly the things that make us love Pixar, and we are expecting a dash of moving score and music from Pixar veteran Michael Giacchino ("Ratatouille") and "Frozen" songwriters Robert and Kirsten Anderson-Lopez.

General Release Date: 23 November

If superhero ensemble movies are not for you, then perhaps a superstar ensemble is what you are waiting for. This adaptation of the famous Agatha Christie mystery novel has more attractions from its big-named cast rather than the big name that is tied to the source material. But with its plot twist and compelling characters, this is a source material worthy to be directed by Kenneth Branagh, who also stars in his own theatrical adaptation. Also making up the suspect list is Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley, while Branagh works again with "Thor" cinematographer Haris Zambarloukos for some innovative visuals.

General Release Date: 30 November