It’s that time of year again. At this point in the semester, you’re drowning in homework and test papers, and the only thing keeping you motivated to get through the week is the light at the end of the tunnel: Thanksgiving break. This break is a week of nothing but lazy days with family and endless plates of turkey-day goodness. However, with the freedom of doing nothing, boredom comes easily. But, thanks to Hollywood, that wasted time can easily be used seeing one of the countless movies premiering this month.
The Science Fiction Thriller: “Arrival”
Release Date: Nov. 11
Why you should see it: With “Arrival,“ director Denis Villeneuve brings to the big screen the retelling of Ted Chiang’s short story, “Story of Your Life.” The film focuses on the linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) and physicist Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner), who have been called in to attempt communication with aliens whose ships have mysteriously appeared in different places throughout the world. Because of her great fascination with the visiting humanoids, the two may come to unveil revelations about not only the otherworldly intruders but about mankind as well. Diving into themes about the importance of communication with other and all groups of our society and how simply taking the time to learn can make a huge difference across the board definitely hits home, especially during a year like 2016. This sci-fi thriller will surely get you thinking.
It's time to learn the truth about our existence. #Arrival, in cinemas now: https://t.co/dkzmg67i45 pic.twitter.com/3Tgx12SFle
— Arrival (@whyaretheyhere) November 13, 2016
The Angsty Teenager: “The Edge of Seventeen”
Release Date: Nov. 18
Why you should see it: If there’s one thing we can all relate to, it’s that terrible, horrendous period in high school we would rather forget happened. Zits, hair catastrophes and broken hearts happen to us all. And for high-schooler Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), it seems that life just won’t give her a break from this constant turmoil that is adolescence. After her best friend, Krista (Haley Lu Richardson), commits the ultimate betrayal and begins seeing Nadine’s older brother, it seems the universe is truly out to get her. “The Edge of Seventeen” is a comedy-packed film that brings out the awkward teenager in us all, as we watch Nadine try to take on the world one awkward mistake at a time.
The Anticipated Return: “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”
Release Date: Nov. 18
Why you should see it: It’s hard to believe that it has already been five years since the magic of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter last graced the silver screen when it feels like just yesterday. But not to worry, because the long drought is over. The much-anticipated spin-off movie from the World of Harry Potter is finally here and promising to leave audiences stunned. “Fantastic Beasts“ tells the story of magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), who comes to the United States in the year 1926. He has brought some interesting luggage with him. What Newt carries in that small suitcase hides a great secret, and it’s one about which the Ministry of Magic is very uneasy. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a magical, and rather dark, take on Rowling’s wonderful world of witchcraft and wizardry that we can only hope will stun.
The wizarding world of @jk_rowling lives on in #FantasticBeasts – Arriving in theaters November 18. Watch the final trailer now. pic.twitter.com/C4hWAGBVvB
— Fantastic Beasts (@FantasticBeasts) September 28, 2016
The Brutal Biopic: “Bleed for This”
Release Date: Nov. 18
Why you should see it: After a devastating car accident, champion boxer Vinny Pazienza (Miles Teller) is expected to never be able to walk again, let alone step back into the ring. But with persistence, brutal training and the encouragement of those around him, Pazienza beats all the odds. “Bleed for This“ tells the awe-inspiring story of perhaps the most amazing comeback in the history of the sport.
It’s not win or lose. It’s live or die. #BleedForThis is in theaters November 18. pic.twitter.com/XJPbhQG806
— BleedForThis (@BleedForThis) November 10, 2016
The New Disney Princess: “Moana”
Release Date: Nov. 23
Why you should see it: From the creaters of “Frozen” and “Zootopia,“ and an incredible soundtrack from the great mind of “Hamilton” creator Lin Manuel Miranda, comes the new film, “Moana.” The story follows a young girl who has a particular bond with the ocean and a great talent for navigation. Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) sets off on a journey to a mystical land and gains the help of demi-god hero, Maui (Dwayne Johnson) along the way. Together, the two impart on a voyage like no other, taking on the great wonders the ocean has to offer.
Gramma Tala knows best. Watch a sneak peek of Disney's #Moana now! pic.twitter.com/O56NUJHDim
— Moana (@DisneyMoana) November 10, 2016
The Historical Drama: “Allied”
Release Date: Nov. 23
Why you should see it: Set in the era of WWII, “Allied” is an action-packed drama that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat with anticipation. The story focuses on Max Vatan (Brad Pitt), an American intelligence officer who sinfully allows his heart to fall into the hands of Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard), a fighter in the French Resistance. Together they fight a great enemy and complete a deadly mission. Once the battle is done and all seems well, Vatan cannot seem to bring himself to shake the fear of betrayal from his wife, Marianne. The star-studded cast and constant woes of drama in this movie will certainly make buying a ticket worthwhile.
Nothing is as it seems. Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard star in #Allied November 23rd. Watch the new trailer now. pic.twitter.com/fRoV3apCyF
— Allied Movie (@AlliedMovie) October 5, 2016
