Welcome back to our Best Movies of the month segment. We’re gearing up for awards season, and I think some of these entries are huge contenders. This November gave us family drama, a mob epic and a lot of emotion in between. So, without further ado, here are the best movies of November:
Knives Out
Director: Rian Johnson
Starring: Ana de Armas, Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Toni Collette, Chris Evans, Lakeith Stanfield, Don Johnson, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, and Christopher Plummer
Cinematographer: Steve Yedlin
Release Date: November 27, 2019
Official synopsis via IMDb: A detective investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.
What happens when you mix a big cast, a great script and non-stop murder mystery fun? You get an epic ‘whodunnit’ from Rian Johnson! Knives Out has all the pieces in play to make for a fascinating watch as the film slowly uncovers the secrets, lies and betrayals within the Thrombey family. But more than that, witnessing all of the character interactions was among some of PCR’s favorite watching experiences of the year. So, trust us when we say to see this in theaters!
Rating: ★★★★½
The Irishman
Director: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci
Cinematographer: Rodrigo Prieto
Release Date: November 1, 2019 (limited) | 27th (Netflix)
Official synopsis via IMDb: A mob hitman recalls his possible involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa.
Martin Scorsese uses violence and mob storytelling unlike any other filmmaker. But in his latest, The Irishman, he incorporates fascinating techniques and themes: burdens and religion when faced with mortality. Additionally, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci join forces for the first time ever on the big screen with Scorsese behind the camera. Can you say… EPIC!
Rating: ★★★★★
Honey Boy
Director: Alma Har’el
Starring: Shia LaBoeuf, Lucas Hedges and Noah Jupe
Cinematographer: Lowell A. Meyer
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Official synopsis via IMDb: A young actor’s stormy childhood and early adult years as he struggles to reconcile with his father and deal with his mental health.
Shia LaBoeuf has been in the media for his talent but especially for his trouble with the law. This time around, he pens the script for Honey Boy, a story inspired by his personal upbringing that feels like a therapy session as much as a great cinematic achievement. Simply put, PCR recommends this film, but be sure to bring the tissues!
Rating: ★★★★
Doctor Sleep
Director: Mike Flanagan
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson and Kyliegh Curran
Cinematographer: Michael Fimognari
Release Date: November 8, 2019
Official synopsis via IMDb: Years following the events of “The Shining,” a now-adult Dan Torrance must protect a young girl with similar powers from a cult known as The True Knot, who prey on children with powers to remain immortal.
Mike Flanagan’s follow-up to Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining came almost 40 years after its predecessor. So, to say it had huge shoes to fill and expectations to match is an understatement. But thanks to the incredible cast and Mike Flanagan’s mix of the old & new, Doctor Sleep became one of our favorite horror films of the year!
Rating: ★★★★
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Director: Marielle Heller
Starring: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson and Chris Cooper
Cinematographer: Jody Lee Lipes
Release Date: November 22, 2019
Official synopsis via IMDb: Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.
Heller’s feature, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, captures Rogers’ magic of positive influence in a richly heartwarming way. Though there are incredible performances across the board, it’s Tom Hanks who brings Rogers’ likeness to life. The way the story, acting and direction treat its subject matter with care and affection is some of the sweetest cinema of the year. So, I highly recommend watching this one.
Rating: ★★★★
Thanks for tuning in to another month of our Best Movies countdown. Tweet us @ PopCultureRevs and tell us which films made your best of November list!
