Major Theatrical Releases November 2015

Major Theatrical Releases November 2015

With November comes the addition of several family-friendly films, and the beginning rumblings of the Christmas season.  This November is no exception, as films from both subgenres abound, along with some strong dramatic pieces as well as the continuation (and in one case final) of two popular action franchises.

Here is the list of films being released nationally for the month of November, 2015.

November 6

Spectre

Starring Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Monica Bellucci

Directed by Sam Mendes 

Synopsis (imdb.com):
A cryptic message from Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.

Thoughts:
The James Bond film series has been in existence for over 50 years, and since Daniel Craig has taken over the titular role, they've never been better (with the exception of that awful "Quantum of Solace").  With Spectre, I have no doubts it will continue to add to Craig's cred as the most well-known secret agent in the world.

With "Skyfall" director Sam Mendes returning behind the camera, and with the addition of the wonderful Christoph Waltz as the main baddie and Monica Bellucci as the oldest (yet still very attractive) Bond girl (at 51) ever,  "Spectre" is destined to be another Bond classic for the modern era.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $40 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 1st

The Peanuts Movie

Starring Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez, Rebecca Bloom, Kristen Chenoweth

Directed by Steve Martino

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Snoopy embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home.

Thoughts:
Good grief!  Everybody's lovable boy-next-door gets the big screen treatment, and it looks absolutely stunning.  The animation appears different than most animated films, and seeing the likes of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Woodstock, Patty, Marcie, Linus and the rest of the gang will bring a sense of nostalgia.  Plus releasing it right between their annual Halloween and Christmas specials on TV is no accident.  It won't topple the behemoth that is "Spectre," but it will bring in audiences old and young alike.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $20 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 2nd

November 13

The 33

Starring Antonio Banderas, Rodrigo Santoro, Lou Diamond Phillips, Juliette Binoche

Directed by Patricia Riggen

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Based on the real-life event, when a gold and copper mine collapses, it traps 33 miners underground for 69 days.

Thoughts:
"The 33" is the harrowing true-life tale of the Chilean miners who were trapped in a mine for 69 days.  The film tells how they managed to survive for so long, as well as dealing with the family drama of those still above ground.
While it seems to offer great performances and a compelling true story, there's hardly any advertising for it, and it might fall very short of expectations.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $4 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 5th

My All American

Starring Aaron Eckhart, Finn Wittrock, Sarah Bolger, Robin Tunney

Directed by Angelo Pizzo

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Freddie Steinmark, an underdog on the gridiron, faces the toughest challenge of his life after leading his team to a championship season.

Thoughts:
Ever since "Remember the Titans" came out in 2000, Hollywood has tried desperately to bring that type of magic to the big screen again.  With "My All American," it looks like it'll once again fail.  The previews offer nothing exciting and ultimately it'll fall under the category of mediocre sports movies.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $2 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 7th

By the Sea

Starring Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Melanie Laurent, Sarah Naudi

Directed by Angelina Jolie

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Set in France during the mid-1970s, Vanessa, a former dancer, and her husband Roland, an American writer, travel the country together. They seem to be growing apart, but when they linger in one quiet, seaside town they begin to draw close to some of its more vibrant inhabitants, such as a local bar/café-keeper and a hotel owner.

Thoughts:
Ten years ago, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie appeared in the smash blockbuster "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," and sparks flew behind the scenes.  Now, the now-married couple appear in another film together, but the storyline is far removed from the action romp.  Instead, this is a very dramatic piece, Oscar bait, and something very few people will go see.  This will live or die depending on the two main names attached to it.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $9 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 3rd

Love the Coopers

Starring Diane Lane, John Goodman, Anthony Mackie, Amanda Seyfried

Directed by Jessie Nelson

Synopsis (imdb.com):
When four generations of the Cooper clan come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holiday.

Thoughts:
"Love the Coopers" is the first Christmas film to be released, and it may be too soon for most moviegoers.  Typically, Christmas films don't fare too well in the theaters, and this one seems like no exception, even with big names such as Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Amanda Seyfried and Ed Helms.  It looks like this will be a bah humbug instead of a go go go.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $5 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 4th

November 20

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Julianne Moore

Directed by Francis Lawrence

Synopsis (imdb.com):
As the war of Panem escalates to the destruction of other districts by the Capitol, Katniss Everdeen, the reluctant leader of the rebellion, must bring together an army against President Snow, while all she holds dear hangs in the balance.

Thoughts:
"The Hunger Games" series has grossed  over one billion dollars domestically alone.  There's absolutely no doubt the final installment will add greatly to its cume, and will bring the action nonstop.  This is what every Young Adult book adaptation wants to be, but there will be none that will ever compare.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $60 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 1st

Secret in Their Eyes

Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Joe Cole

Directed by Billy Ray

Synopsis (imdb.com):
A tight-knit team of rising investigators, along with their supervisor, is suddenly torn apart when they discover that one of their own teenage daughters has been brutally murdered.

Thoughts:
"Secret in Their Eyes" looks like an amazing dramatic/thriller featuring three of the most acclaimed actors in cinema today.  Julia Roberts especially takes full control of the film as the grieving mother who will stop at nothing to extract supreme revenge.  This looks like a riveting, exciting revenge film and one I can't wait to see.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $20 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 3rd

The Night Before

Starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie, Lizzy Caplan

Directed by Jonathan Levine

Synopsis (imdb.com):
In New York City for their annual tradition of Christmas Eve debauchery, three lifelong best friends set out to find the Holy Grail of Christmas parties since their yearly reunion might be coming to an end.

Thoughts:
Here we got another Christmas caper, but this time delivered with all the gleeful R-rated comedy you can muster.  Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt reunite with their "50/50" director Jonathan Levine to bring a comedy perfect for the holidays, at least for the adults.  It looks like another laugh-out-loud comedy adventure as big as Santa's belly.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $25 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 2nd

November 25

The Good Dinosaur

Starring Raymond Ochoa, Jeffrey Wright, Steve Zahn, Anna Paquin

Directed by Peter Sohn

Synopsis (imdb.com):
An epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend.

Thoughts:
It's Pixar.  I mean, come on.  Coming off their rousing success "Inside Out," there's nothing that can stop this juggernaut from achieving another pitch-perfect family animated film (alright, there was "Cars 2," but we won't get into that).  With this being the first time Pixar releases two films within the same year, it'll also be the first time Pixar grabs two hits in the same year - and possibly two films vying for Oscar gold as well.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $40 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 1st

Victor Frankenstein

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, James McAvoy, Andrew Scott, Jessica Brown Findlay

Directed by Paul McGuigan

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Told from Igor's perspective, we see the troubled young assistant's dark origins, his redemptive friendship with the young medical student Viktor Von Frankenstein, and become eyewitnesses to the emergence of how Frankenstein became the man - and the legend - we know today.

Thoughts:
Even though it boasts big names such as Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy, "Victor Frankenstein" will fall the way of previous movie monster bombs "I, Frankenstein" and "The Last Witch Hunter" as a film that was entirely unnecessary and pointless.  The previews don't do it any favors, and it being released on Thanksgiving - when people are typically far removed from horror - will grant it no favors.  This will be one creature that won't rise from the dead.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $7 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 4th

Creed

Starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad

Directed by Ryan Coolger

Synopsis (imdb.com):
The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.

Thoughts:
While not a direct sequel to the "Rocky" franchise, "Creed" still stars Sylvester Stallone, but in a more limited role.  This time, the limelight is on his former rival Apollo Creed's son, brilliantly portrayed by rising star Michael B. Jordan.  This looks like another bonafide hit, one that will bring old "Rocky" fans and new Michael B. Jordan fans together for a rousing dramatic piece.

My Projected Weekend Gross: $30 million
My Projected Weekend Ranking: 2nd


So there are the major releases for November, 2015.  Here is a list in order from what I think will be the best, to the worst.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2

Spectre

The Good Dinosaur

Creed

Secret in Their Eyes

The Night Before

The Peanuts Movie

By the Sea
The 33
Love the Coopers
My All American
Victor Frankenstein