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Friday, November 1, 2013

Upcoming Movie Roundup -- November

Ender's Game
Nov 1, PG-13
The first of two movies based on books releasing this month that interested me into reading the stories before their movies came out. This one caught my attention with it's cast full of favorites; Asa Butterfield, Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Hailee Steinfeld and Abigail Breslin, and after reading the book (which I recommend -- it was very good) my interest has been holding steady. Since it came out today I already know what critics generally think. They say it's not quite as good as the book, but still faithful to it. So I'll probably enjoy it and forgive any little slip-ups, but I'm hoping the visual side will be spectacular if nothing else. I'm already sure the acting will be great though -- with a cast like that, it could hardly be otherwise. Definitely seeing this. The only question is, "when?"




Thor: The Dark World
Nov 8, PG-13
Finally Loki gets his own movie... What? Never mind that title! Okay, okay, so Chris Hemsworth is still the title hero here. And we all know for sure that the Ninth Doctor, Chrisopher Eccleston is the baddie, Malekith. So the question is, which side will Tom Hiddleston's Loki fall to this time? Mostly I'm just worried he won't make it to the end alive... But, besides my pessimistic fangirly conjecture, this movie is looking great -- visually and scope-wise, several steps above the first, with an intriguing plot (particularly for Loki fans) and promises of lots and lots of action, drama, and comedy. I doubt we'll see anything groundbreaking though... besides Thor's hammer in many cool action sequences that is. Hugely anticipated, absolutely-must-see, and I expect very much to love it.




The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Nov 22, PG-13
Do I even really need to say anything? This looks crazy good. Crazy. I loved the first one, and I'm prepared to love this one even more. The trailer looks fantastic, breath-taking, and everything seems to be in order for this to be one of the biggest blockbusters of the year. The returning cast led by Jennifer Lawrence promises to be better than ever, and the and the new characters appear to be adapted flawlessly. I have one tiny reservation, and that is Sam Claflin as Finnick... I have yet to be impressed with his acting skills, but, I cannot deny he looks the part, and movies like Pirates 4 and Snow White and the Huntsman aren't exactly where you'd expect to find great acting anyway, so I'm hopeful. All I can do now is wait with anxious excitement. And maybe read the book one more time...




Frozen
Nov 27, PG
This movie reminds me very much of Tangled. Which is what they were going for I'm sure. (The titles are even similar.) So if you've read my review of Tangled you know that I love it, but you'll also know that I had absolutely no desire to see it based on it's horribly boring and stupid first trailer. That's pretty much the case here, except that now that I know the movie will likely be better than the trailer, I'm more willing to reserve judgement. Starring Kristen Bell, with the awesome Idina Menzel and Alan Tudyk, with a plot that mixes Disney Princesses with Narnia (eternal winter anyone?) and cheesiness and apparently a love triangle, (and the strangest "animal" sidekick EVER) it looks almost unbearably silly, but I can still hope this animation flick will follow in Rapunzel's footsteps.




Bonus: Television!

Almost Human
Series Premiere: Nov 4th
One of New Zealand's finest, Karl Urban stars in this new FOX series set in a futuristic world where cop are assigned robots for partners. And Karl is ah... a Renaissance man -- he doesn't like robots, ever since they were the cause of his human partner's death and his own robotic leg. So he gets assigned to a weird one that acts like a regular, emotional human (Michael Ealy). Do you get it? They're both almost human. Since this is a FOX series I'll try to not let myself get too attached, but in my opinion, Karl Urban in a weekly futuristic crime drama is a must-see.
Note: Well, the premiere date was the 4th, but now is pushed back to the 17th (Sun, after football to draw in more viewers) with the next episode in its normal slot on the 18th. They're calling it a "2-night series premiere."




Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Special: The Day of The Doctor
Nov 23rd
Matt Smith and the Eleventh Doctor say "goodbye." David Tennant and Billie Piper say "hello again," (and "did you miss me?" for extra awesome. (Oh, yes.)) and then "goodbye again" as the Tenth Doctor and Rose. And Jenna Coleman as Clara says "hello" to Peter Capaldi as Twelve (hopefully). I don't know what John Hurt is gonna be doing, or saying. And I don't know what the plot is gonna be. But I am way beyond excited. But also way beyond dreading, because Sarah will have to say "goodbye" to her two favorite Doctors at once, and she's not sure she can handle it. She might be going crazy already -- she's talking about herself in the third person...



What are you most excited to see this month?

13 comments:

  1. The Dark World is my top movie of the month for sure, and the only one that I will probably watch in theaters this month. I kind of liked the first Hunger Games, but I have never read the books and the directing could have been much better. I am optimistic that they have a new director though.

    I am most definitely watching Almost Human. I hope it is going to be great, we need a good sci-fi. Other than Doctor Who and Sword Art Online, there are not many good sci-fi shows still around.

    Of course I am majorly excited for The Day of The Doctor!!!!! I cannot wait, it is going to be awesome!

    -James

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    1. Oh yeah I can tell already that Catching Fire is gonna be better than The Hunger Games, mostly due to the new director and a much bigger budget, and I guess being a fan of the books helps a lot with my excitement over it too!

      Good, I hope so too!

      Yes it is!!

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  2. Thor the Dark World has already come out in the UK so I've already seen it! Honestly, I think the first movie is better but it's still very enjoyable.

    I'd really like to see Ender's Game but I haven't read the book yet and I always try to read books before I see their adaptations. I'm definitely seeing Catching Fire & Frozen though! I'm really excited about those! And I'm excited about The Day of the Doctor as well of course but I'm seeing that one at home

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    1. And BTW did you know that Matt Smith won't actually be leaving until the end of the 2013 Christmas special? It's just I've read your post again and I get the impression that you think he's leaving in The Day of the Doctor.

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    2. That's awesome! I was hoping to like it better than the first, but right now I'm just happy that it didn't flop or something. Can't wait to see it!

      That's a good idea, I thought the books was very great, different and thoughtful, and am definitely glad I read it first. Yeah, I'll most likely see the Day of the Doctor at home too. :)

      I didn't realize that! Wow, I must have mixed up the 50th and the Christmas special... or combined them I guess. Thanks for setting me straight! Now I'm not dreading the 50th quite as much. :D

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  3. I'm also very worried Loki won't make it out of Thor: The Dark World alive. My sister and have been theorizing on how Thor will be on the point of dying and Loki will step in, and finally turn to the good side, but die in the place of Thor. *big sad face*
    I just saw the trailer for Frozen and yeah, it looks like Tangled! The snowman is a little strange.... :)

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    1. Haha, me too, me too... except for my version replace Thor with Jane. ;) If Frozen turns out to be as good as Tangled is too that would be awesome! But yeah, I don't know about that snowman...

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    2. Yeah, or Jane. That would be even more...what's the word...powerful for Thor (does that make sense?), to have Loki save Jane and give his life in the process.

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    3. Exactly, and that does makes sense. Although I think it'd probably be TOO meaningful for a superhero movie like this. ;)

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  4. Isn't it amazing how many great movies and tv are in this one month? Some of them will have to be watched on DVD I'm afraid, I simply don't have enough time!

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    1. I know, it's a busy month! I think I'll have to wait for the DVD for a few too!

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  5. Bring on Thor 2, Catching Fire and Frozen! Cannot wait. :)

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    1. Me either Rissi! The combined anticipation is killing me. ;)

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