Lion

Director Garth Davis

Genre Drama

Cast Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel, David Wenham.

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 23rd, 2016

“A five-year-old Indian boy gets lost on the streets of Calcutta, thousands of kilometers from home. He survives many challenges before being adopted by a couple in Australia; 25 years later, he sets out to find his lost family.”

Directed by Garth Davis, Lion is a powerful drama with a stellar cast including Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman, Dev Patel, and David Wenham. Check out the official trailer below.

Rules Don't Apply

Director Warren Beatty

Genre Comedy | Drama | Romance

Cast Steve Tom, Paul Sorvino, Peter Mackenzie, Ivar Brogger

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 23rd, 2016

“An unconventional love story of an aspiring actress, her determined driver, and the eccentric billionaire who they work for.”

“An aspiring young actress (Lily Collins) and her ambitious young driver (Alden Ehrenreich) struggle hopefully with the absurd eccentricities of the wildly unpredictable billionaire Howard Hughes (Warren Beatty) for whom they work. It’s Hollywood, 1958. Small town beauty queen, songwriter, and devout Baptist virgin Marla Mabrey (Collins), under contract to the infamous Howard Hughes (Beatty), arrives in Los Angeles. At the airport, she meets her driver Frank Forbes (Ehrenreich), who is engaged to be married to his 7th grade sweetheart and is a deeply religious Methodist. Their instant attraction not only puts their religious convictions to the test, but also defies Hughes’ #1 rule: no employee is allowed to have any relationship whatsoever with a contract actress. Hughes’ behavior intersects with Marla and Frank in very separate and unexpected ways, and as they are drawn deeper into his bizarre world, their values are challenged and their lives are changed.”

Evolution

Director Lucile Hadzihalilovic

Genre Horror | Mystery

Cast Max Brebant, Roxane Duran,  Julie-Marie Parmentier, Mathieu Goldfeld

Rating Unrated

Release Date November 25th, 2016

“The only residents of young Nicholas’s seaside town are women and boys. When he sees a dead body in the ocean one day, he begins to question his existence and surroundings. Why must he, and all the other boys, be hospitalised?”

“Nicolas is a boy living on a remote island set in the future, or another planet - or is it a dream? His village consists of white-painted houses located above the sea with a volcanic rock and black sand coastline, populated by young women and boys all of a similar age to Nicolas. Whilst swimming, Nicolas makes a discovery in the ocean, which is shrugged off my his mother, who, like all the women in the town has tied-back hair, is pale and wears a simple thin beige dress. Nicolas is curious, thinks that he is being lied to and starts to explore his environment, witnessing some unsettling scenes. He then finds himself taken to a hospital-like building where he along, with the others, undergoes a series of medical procedures by the women, dressed as nurses. He is befriended by one nurse, who becomes instrumental in the film’s denouement. The film is not easy to categorise; it is not only enigmatic but beautifully filmed with deeply poetic imagery. It reflects the fear of the unknown, ...”

Kill Command

Director Steven Gomez

Genre Action | Horror | Sci-Fi

Cast Vanessa Kirby, David Ajala, Mike Noble, Bentley Kalu

Rating Unrated

Release Date November 25th, 2016

“Set in a near future, technology-reliant society that pits man against killing machines.”

“Set in a near future, technology-reliant society is creating killing machines. Against this backdrop an elite army unit is helicoptered in to a remote, off-the-grid island training facility, to test the capabilities of the latest prototypes. They set up positions and make short work of the AI targets in the killing field. However, overnight their sentry goes missing, and when they find the corpse the next day they find themselves in the killing field and the tables have turned. The marines fight to survive on an island is overrun by an enemy intelligence far beyond their predecessors, which learns from their every move.”

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Director David Yates

Genre Adventure | Family | Fantasy

Cast Ezra Miller, Eddie Redmayne, Colin Farrell, Ron Perlman

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 18th, 2016

“The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school.”

Directed by David Yates, who also directed the last 4 Harry Potter Films, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is said to be an extension of the wizard world and not necessarily a sequel or a prequel for that matter. The is the first film in the Harry Potter universe not based on a novel and it will be the screenwriting debut for J.K. Rowling. It will release in theaters everywhere on November 18th, 2016. Check out the trailer below.

Check out the official Comic-Con trailer below.

Bleed for This

Director Ben Younger

Genre Biography | Drama | Sport

Cast Miles Teller, Katey Sagal, Aaron Eckhart, Ciarán Hinds

Rating R

Release Date November 18th, 2016

“The inspirational story of World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza who, after a near fatal car crash, which left him not knowing if he’d ever walk again, made one of sport’s most incredible comebacks.”

Directed by Ben Younger, Bleed for This stars Miles Teller, Katey Sagal, Aaron Eckhart, and Ciarán Hinds. Check out the official trailer below.

The Edge of Seventeen

Director Kelly Fremon

Genre Comedy

Cast Hailee Steinfeld, Blake Jenner, Haley Lu Richardson, Woody Harrelson

Rating R

Release Date November 18th, 2016

“High-school life gets even more unbearable for Nadine when her best friend, Krista, starts dating her older brother.”

“Everyone knows that growing up is hard, and life is no easier for high school junior Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), who is already at peak awkwardness when her all-star older brother Darian (Blake Jenner) starts dating her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson). All at once, Nadine feels more alone than ever, until the unexpected friendship of a thoughtful boy (Hayden Szeto) gives her a glimmer of hope that things just might not be so terrible after all.”

A Street Cat Named Bob

Director Roger Spottiswoode

Genre Biography | Comedy | Drama

Cast Bob The Cat, Luke Treadaway, Ruta Gedmintas, Joanne Froggatt

Rating Unrated

Release Date November 18th, 2016

“Based on the international best selling book. The true feel good story of how James Bowen, a busker and recovering drug addict, had his life transformed when he met a stray ginger cat.”

Directed by Roger Spottiswoode (Tomorrow Never Dies, Turner & Hooch), A Street Cat Named Bob is based on the internationally best-selling book of the same name, written by James Bowen and Garry Jenkins. The film stars Bob The Cat, Luke Treadaway, Ruta Gedmintas, and Joanne Froggatt. It is receiving a limited release and will more than likely be available On-Demand. Check out the official trailer below.

Arrival

Director Denis Villeneuve

Genre Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

Cast Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 11th, 2016

“A linguist is recruited by the military to assist in translating alien communications.”

“When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team - lead by expert linguist Louise Banks - are brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers - and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity.”

Shut In

Director Farren Blackburn

Genre Drama | Thriller

Cast Naomi Watts, Charlie Heaton, Jacom Tremblay, Oliver Platt

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 11th, 2016

“A heart-pounding thriller about a widowed child psychologist who lives in an isolated existence in rural New England. Caught in a deadly winter storm, she must find a way to rescue a young boy before he disappears forever.”

Directed by Farren Blackburn, Shut In is a thriller starring Naomi Watts, Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things), Jacom Tremblay (Room), and Oliver Platt ( Love & Other Drugs, X-Men: First Class). Check out the official trailer below.

The Monster

Director Bryan Bertino

Genre Horror

Cast Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine, Aaron Douglas, and Christine Ebadi

Rating R

Release Date November 11th, 2016 (Limited)

“A mother and daughter must confront a terrifying monster when they break down on a deserted road.”

From director Bryan Bertino (The Strangers), The Monster looks to be an under the radar horror gem complete with quality acting, chilling atmosphere, and a strong yet simple script. The trailer has me pretty excited and I will be keeping an eye out for a release at a local art house theater or VOD. Check out the official trailer for yourself below.

The True Memoirs of an International Assassin

Director Jeff Wadlow

Genre Action | Comedy

Cast Kevin James, Zulay Henao, Andy Garcia, Kelen Coleman

Rating Unrated

Release Date November 11th, 2016 (Netflix)

“After a publisher changes a writer’s debut novel about a deadly assassin from fiction to nonfiction, the author finds himself thrust into the world of his lead character, and must take on the role of his character for his own survival.”

Directed by Jeff Wadlow (Never Back Down), The True Memoirs of an International Assassin is an action packed comedy starring one of my favorite actors Kevin James. The King of Queens is easily one of the best sitcoms to grace the television screen in my opinion and when James is used correctly he is hilarious. Check out the official trailer below.

Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

Director Ang Lee

Genre Comedy | Drama | History

Cast Joe Alwyn, Kristen Stewart, Vin Diesel, Garrett Hedlund

Rating R

Release Date November 11th, 2016

“19-year-old Billy Lynn is brought home for a victory tour after a harrowing Iraq battle. Through flashbacks the film shows what really happened to his squad - contrasting the realities of war with America’s perceptions.”

“Two-time Academy Award® winner Ang Lee brings his extraordinary vision to Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, based on the widely-acclaimed, bestselling novel. The film is told from the point of view of 19-year-old private Billy Lynn (newcomer Joe Alwyn) who, along with his fellow soldiers in Bravo Squad, becomes a hero after a harrowing Iraq battle and is brought home temporarily for a victory tour. Through flashbacks, culminating at the spectacular halftime show of the Thanksgiving Day football game, the film reveals what really happened to the squad - contrasting the realities of the war with America’s perceptions. The film also stars Kristen Stewart, Chris Tucker, Garrett Hedlund, with Vin Diesel, and Steve Martin. Lee used new technology, shooting at an ultra-high frame rate for the first time in film history, to create an immersive digital experience helping him dramatize war in a way never seen before.”

Almost Christmas

Director David E. Talbert

Genre Comedy | Drama

Cast Gabrielle Union, Danny Glover, Mo'Nique, Omar Epps

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 11th, 2016

“A dysfunctional family gathers together for their first Thanksgiving since their mom died.”

Almost Christmas is a hilarious holiday comedy with a touch of emotion. The film is directed by David E. Talbert (First Sunday, Baggage Claim), and has a stellar cast including Gabrielle Union, Danny Glover, Mo'Nique, Omar Epps, J.B. Smoove, and many, many more. Check out the official trailer below. Hopefully it is as good as it looks! 

Elle

Director Paul Verhoeven

Genre Drama | Thriller

Cast Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte, Anne Consigny, Charles Berling

Rating R

Release Date November 11th, 2016

“A successful businesswoman gets caught up in a game of cat and mouse as she tracks down the unknown man who raped her.”

“Michèle seems indestructible. Head of a successful video game company, she brings the same ruthless attitude to her love life as to business. Being attacked in her home by an unknown assailant changes Michèle’s life forever. When she resolutely tracks the man down, they are both drawn into a curious and thrilling game-a game that may, at any moment, spiral out of control.”

USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage

Director Mario Van Peebles

Genre Action | War

Cast Nicholas Cage, Tom Sizemore, Thomas Jane, Matt Lanter

Rating R

Release Date November 11th, 2016

“The harrowing true story of the crew of the USS Indianapolis, who were stranded in the Philippine Sea for five days after delivering the atomic weapons that would eventually end WWII. As they awaited rescue, they endured extreme thirst, hunger, and relentless shark attacks.”

Directed by Mario Van Peebles, USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage is a drama based on true events. The cast includes Nicholas Cage, Tom Sizemore, Thomas Jane, and Matt Lanter. Check out the official trailer below.

Come and Find Me

Director Zack Whedon

Genre Drama

Cast Aaron Paul, Annabelle Wallis, Garret Dillahunt, Zachary Knighton

Rating R

Release Date November 11th, 2016

“When his girlfriend goes missing, David must track down her whereabouts after he realizes she’s not who she was pretending to be.”

Written and directed by Zack Whedon, Come and Find Me is a drama starring Aaron Paul, Annabelle Wallis, Garret Dillahunt, and Zachary Knighton. So let me pro/con this for a real quick. Pros: Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul who is starting to make quite an impact in the film world holding down the lead role. The very attractive and under the radar actress Annabelle Wallis co-starring. Cons: a rookie director with mostly writing credits thus far. The trailer leads me to believe that this could very well be a drama worth watching so consider me intrigued. We will have to wait and see what kind of a release this gets but my guess is it will be limited. Check out the trailers for yourself below.

Dog Eat Dog

Director Paul Schrader

Genre Crime | Drama  | Thriller

Cast Nicholas Cage, Willem Dafoe, Christopher Matthew Cooke, Omar J. Dorsey

Rating Unrated

Release Date November 11th, 2016

“A crew of ex-cons are hired by a Cleveland mafioso to kidnap the baby of a rival mobster.”

Directed by Paul Schrader who wrote the scripts for the hit films Taxi Driver and Raging Bull, Dog Eat Dog is a crime thriller based on the novel by Matthew Wilder. The film stars Nicholas Cage, Willem Dafoe, Christopher Matthew Cooke, and Omar J. Dorsey. Nicholas Cage gets a bad rap deservedly so but after watching the trailer I feel like this could be a genuinely entertaining film. Check out the official trailer below.

Doctor Strange

Director Scott Derrickson

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Mads Mikkelsen

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 4th, 2016

“A former neurosurgeon embarks on a journey of healing only to be drawn into the world of the mystic arts.”

My knowledge of Doctor Strange is severely lacking, that I will admit. The film is directed by Scott Derrickson who directed Sinister and The Exorcism of Emily Rose. The fact that this is a Marvel film that stars Benedict Cumberbatch and Rachel McAdams is all I really need to know. I am looking forward to it, check out the teaser trailer below.

Want more?! Check out the official full-length trailer below.

Hacksaw Ridge

Director Mel Gibson

Genre Biography | Drama | History

Cast Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey

Rating R

Release Date November 4th, 2016

“WWII American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, who served during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people and becomes the first Conscientious Objector in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.”

Directed by Mel Gibson, Hacksaw Ridge is a drama based on true events starring Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer, Sam Worthington, and Luke Bracey. So far critics are ecstatic and I can't wait to see it! Ignore all of the Mel Gibson haters and check out the official trailer below.