In Theaters
As of this writing, it appears movie theaters are back in business, albeit at a smaller capacity and socially distanced. With that in mind, November has two big films coming to the silver screen with the hopes of pulling audience members back into the recliners, popcorn and soda in hand. First, there’s the new James Bond film No Time to Die. It looks to – sorry, what’s that? Oh, they postponed it again? That’s unfortunate. Well, there’s also the new animated film Soul from Disney and Pixar. This one – hmm? You’re kidding me. So this one isn’t going to theaters and they’re just releasing it to Disney Plus later this year? Ugh, fine.
Essentially, this is the third time I’ve rewritten this and, obviously, regular movie releases are a complete mess. So, if you’re looking to hit the theaters this month, I’d go out for an older classic re-release where the schedule shouldn’t change … hopefully.
From 1990, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles returns to theaters country-wide on Nov. 5 and 7. Cowabunga! The movie features the four turtles battling their nemesis Shredder, and a young Sam Rockwell even makes an appearance.
If musical comedy is more your bag, the 1980 film The Blues Brothers is making a comeback to theaters nationwide on Nov. 29. Jake and Elwood Blues, recurring characters originally created for Saturday Night Live, set out on a “mission from God” to save (from foreclosure) the Catholic orphanage where they were raised.
At Home
If you’re looking to stay in, online options have never been greater. I thought I’d offer something a bit different in terms of content: namely, bingeable television shows.
For comedy, try Derry Girls, a show about female youth in Northern Ireland trying to navigate their teenage years during the end of ‘The Troubles’ in the late 1990s. With two seasons and only twelve episodes – television outside the U.S. tends to understand how to not waste your time – the show is brisk, fun and wonderfully acted, offering a candid look at the conflicts of the time with some well-placed dark humor. Both seasons are streaming on Netflix.
If you want something with a bit more action and intrigue, take a look at Giri/Haji, also streaming on Netflix. A crime drama about the Yakuza, gang wars, British police and a mixing of the two cultures, the show is a whirlwind of emotions. Translated to Duty/Shame in English, the show is led by Kelly Macdonald and Japanese actor Takehiro Hira. Justin Long also appears in a darkly comedic role. Good twists and turns keep this thriller moving at a fast pace and, with only eight episodes, you’ll blow through it in no time.
Lastly, Showtime is releasing a documentary about John Belushi on Nov. 22. The comedian and actor is known for being part of the original cast of Saturday Night Live, as well as his roles in the aforementioned The Blues Brothers and Animal House. Belushi looks to chronicle this actor and comedian’s career and untimely death. Directed by R.J. Cutler (who reportedly has a Billie Eilish documentary slated for 2021), the film will feature previously unheard audio recordings from Carrie Fisher and others, as well as interviews with co-stars and colleagues including Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, John Landis and Lorne Michaels.
