Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Ghostbusters: Afterlife is Sony Pictures’ supernatural comedy film directed by Jason Reitman, who co-wrote the screenplay with Gil Kenan. It is the sequel to Ghostbusters (1984) and Ghostbusters II (1989), both directed by Reitman’s father Ivan, who serves as producer. This is the fourth film overall in the iconic Ghostbusters franchise.
The film stars Mckenna Grace, Finn Wolfhard, Carrie Coon, Paul Rudd, Logan Kim, Celeste O’Connor, Oliver Cooper, and Bokeem Woodbine, while Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Annie Potts reprise their roles from the original films.
Synopsis: Set thirty years after the events of the second film, a single mother and her two children are forced to move to a decayed farmhouse in Summerville, Oklahoma, left to them by the children’s late grandfather, where a series of unexplained earthquakes are occurring despite not being situated on any fault and strange things are happening in an old mine which once belonged to the alleged occultist Ivo Shandor.
The children discover the history of their grandfather with the original Ghostbusters, who have since been largely forgotten by the world beyond their fan base. When supernatural phenomena relating to New York City’s “Manhattan Crossrip of 1984” occur and threaten the world, the kids, along with their family and friends, must solve the decades-old mystery of the relocation of their grandfather and use the equipment of the Ghostbusters, and become their successors to save it.
This being a film directed by the original creator’s son, makes this a special film for the legacy of this franchise and fans. Also, Jason Reitman is known for his heartfelt emotional comedies and dramas. The film was screened unannounced on August 23, during the 2021 CinemaCon event in Los Angeles. It is scheduled to be released in theatres worldwide on November 19, after being delayed four times from an original July 2020 date due to the pandemic.
The film has received overall positive reviews from critics, with praise for its performances, Reitman’s direction, musical score, and nostalgic tone. It so far holds a 76% RT score based on 38 reviews. Ghostbusters is one of the most popular franchises and this new addition is charming, heartfelt, and is a true successor to the originals. This is a must-watch for all kinds of audiences.
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Ghostbusters: Afterlife release date: November 19, 2021
Tick, Tick… Boom!
Tick, Tick… Boom! is Netflix’s original musical drama directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda in his feature directorial debut, from a screenplay by Steven Levenson, based on the semi-autobiographical musical of the same name by Jonathan Larson, who revolutionized theater as the creator of Rent. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesús, Joshua Henry, Judith Light, and Vanessa Hudgens.
The film follows Jon (Garfield), a young aspiring theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. He endures a quarter-life crisis on the cusp of his 30th birthday as he does not feel close to his dream.
Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan (Shipp), who dreams of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael (de Jesús), who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. With the clock ticking, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have? tick, tick…BOOM!
Tick, Tick… Boom! is scheduled to have its world premiere at AFI Fest on November 10 2021 and is scheduled to be released in a limited release on November 12, before streaming on Netflix on November 19. This is a must-watch film.
Tick, Tick… Boom! Netflix release date: November 19, 2021
King Richard
King Richard is Warner Bros. biographical drama directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and written by Zach Baylin based on the true story that will inspire the world. “King Richard” follows the uplifting journey of a family whose unwavering resolve and unconditional belief ultimately deliver two of the world’s greatest sports legends.
The film follows the life of Richard Williams, the father, and coach of famed tennis players Venus and Serena Williams. It stars Will Smith in the title role, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney as Venus, Demi Singleton as Serena, Tony Goldwyn, Dylan McDermott, Erin Cummings, and Jon Bernthal. Smith produced the film and Jada Pinkett Smith, Venus and Serena Williams serve as executive producers.
Synopsis: The film follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a brazen 78-page plan that will take Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons. Training on neglected tennis courts–rain or shine–the girls are shaped by their father’s unyielding commitment and their mother’s balanced perspective and keen intuition, defying the seemingly insurmountable odds and prevailing expectations laid before them.
This is one of the WB films of this year that is following the HBO Max release strategy. It premiered at the 48th Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2021, and will be followed by a worldwide theatrical release with a month-long simultaneous release on the HBO Max streaming service.
The biopic received positive reviews with Will Smith’s performance garnering universal acclaim. Smith might get in the Oscar race too. It currently holds an 89% RT score based on 36 reviews with praise for its storytelling and the lead star. This is a must-watch film.
King Richard (HBO Max & theatrical) release date: November 19, 2021
C’mon C’mon
C’mon C’mon is A24’s black-and-white drama film written and directed by Mike Mills. It stars Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann, Scoot McNairy, Molly Webster, Jaboukie Young-White, and Woody Norman.
Synopsis: A radio journalist, Johnny (Phoenix), and his precocious young nephew (Norman) forge a tenuous but transformational relationship over a cross-country trip when they are unexpectedly thrown together in this delicate and deeply moving story about the connections between adults and children, the past and the future.
The film had its world premiere at the 48th Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2021, and is scheduled for a limited theatrical release. Joaquin Pheonix might get in the Oscar race once again. The R-rated drama so far holds a 92% RT score based on 36 reviews with praise for the director, Phoenix, and Norman. This is a must-watch film.
C’mon C’mon (limited) release date: November 19, 2021
Zeros and Ones
Zeros and Ones is Lionsgate’s mystery war thriller drama written and directed by Abel Ferrara. It stars Ethan Hawke, Cristina Chiriac, Phil Neilson, Valerio Mastandrea, Dounia Sichov, Korlan Madi, Mahmut Sifa Erkaya, and Anna Ferrara.
Synopsis: Called to the city to stop an imminent terrorist bombing, soldier J.J. (Hawke) desperately seeks news of his imprisoned rebel brother, Justin (also Hawke), who holds knowledge that could thwart the attack. Navigating the capital’s darkened streets, J.J. races to a series of ominous encounters, hoping to keep the Vatican from being blown to bits.
Ethan Hawke and director Abel Ferrara join forces for this gritty, tense political thriller set on one deadly night in Rome. It had its world premiere at the 74th Locarno Film Festival in August 2021. The R-rated war thriller so far holds a 100% RT score based on 8 reviews. The film is scheduled to have a limited theatrical release as well as an on-demand release simultaneously.
Zeros and Ones (VOD & theatrical) release date: November 19, 2021
Encanto
Encanto is Disney’s computer-animated musical adventure-comedy produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The 60th film produced by the studio is directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush, co-directed by Charise Castro Smith, and produced by Clark Spencer and Yvett Merino, with songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Set in a fantasy version of Colombia, it tells the story of Mirabel Madrigal, a young Colombian girl who has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers, who must go on a journey to save her family and their house, when their magic is in danger of disappearing. The film has a very diverse cast.
The film stars the voices of Stephanie Beatriz, John Leguizamo, María Cecilia Botero, Diane Guerrero, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Carolina Gaitán, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Ravi-Cabot Conyers, Maluma, Alan Tudyk, and Wilmer Valderrama.
Synopsis: The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who lives hidden in the mountains of Colombia in an enchanted place called the Encanto. Every child but one in their magical house has been granted a unique ability such as strength, healing powers, etc. Mirabel (Beatriz), the only ordinary Madrigal, discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger and she may be the only one able to save it.
Encanto is scheduled to be released theatrically worldwide. Unlike other upcoming Disney releases which are having a 45-day window, this film will have only a 30-day theatrical run. After that Encanto will be released on Disney+ on December 24 as a Christmas special. The trailers for this promises a fun entertaining adventure. Like every Disney animated film, this is a must-watch film for all audiences.
Encanto release date: November 24, 2021
House of Gucci
House of Gucci is MGM Pictures’ epic biographical crime drama thriller directed and produced by Ridley Scott from a screenplay by Becky Johnston and Roberto Bentivegna. It is based on the 2001 book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed by Sara Gay Forden. The film is set in Italy, spanning three decades of love, betrayal, decadence, revenge.
The R-rated film has a stacked cast including Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Jared Leto, Jeremy Irons, Salma Hayek, Jack Huston, Reeve Carney, Camille Cottin, Mădălina Diana Ghenea, Mehdi Nebbou, Miloud Mourad Benamara, and Al Pacino.
Synopsis: “House of Gucci” is inspired by the shocking true story of the family behind the Italian fashion empire. It depicts the events and aftermath of the 1995 murder of Maurizio Gucci, Italian businessman and head of the fashion house Gucci, by his ex-wife Patrizia Reggiani. When Patrizia Reggiani (Gaga), an outsider from humble beginnings, marries into the Gucci family, her unbridled ambition begins to unravel the family legacy and triggers a reckless spiral of betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately… murder.
The film will hold its world premiere at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles this month. It is scheduled to be released in theatres worldwide. It will be released in the US on November 24, by United Artists Releasing and in the UK on November 26. It will be released internationally by Universal Pictures.
Following its theatrical release, it will also be available to stream on Paramount+. Ridley Scott is a renowned director and the film stars A-list actors, making this a must-watch film.
House of Gucci release date: November 24, 2021
Resident Evil: Welcome to Racoon City
Resident Evil: Welcome to Racoon City is Sony Pictures’ survival action horror mystery film written and directed by Johannes Roberts. Adapted from the stories of the first and second Resident Evil games by Capcom, it serves as a reboot of the Resident Evil film series and will be the seventh live-action film overall, which was loosely based on the popular video game series of the same name.
The film stars Kaya Scodelario as Claire Redfield, Hannah John-Kamen as Jill Valentine, Robbie Amell as Chris Redfield, Tom Hopper as Albert Wesker, Avan Jogia as Leon S. Kennedy, Donal Logue, Lily Gao, and Neal McDonough.
Synopsis: Once the booming home of pharmaceutical giant Umbrella Corporation, Raccoon City is now a dying Midwestern town. The company’s exodus left the city a wasteland… with great evil brewing below the surface. When that evil is unleashed, the townspeople are forever… changed… and a small group of survivors must work together to uncover the truth behind Umbrella and make it through the night.
The reboot was described as serving as an origin story set in 1998. The R-rated action film is scheduled to be released in theatres worldwide. Resident Evil is one of the most popular video-game franchises. So this film is not to be missed by the fans of the games.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Racoon City release date: November 24, 2021
Bruised
Bruised is Netflix’s original sports drama film directed by Halle Berry, in her directorial debut, from a screenplay by Michelle Rosenfarb. It is a triumphant story of a fighter who reclaims her power, in and out of the ring, when everyone has counted her out. It stars Berry, Shamier Anderson, Adan Canto, Adriane Lenox, Sheila Atim, Valentina Shevchenko, Danny Boyd Jr., and Stephen McKinley Henderson.
Synopsis: Jackie Justice (Berry) is a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who leaves the sport in disgrace. Years after walking away from her promising career, the aging fighter is coaxed into accepting an offer, to fight the top female MMA fighter in an unsanctioned bout, by her manager and boyfriend Desi (Canto) and grabs the attention of a fight league promoter (Anderson) who promises Jackie a life back in the octagon. But the road to redemption becomes unexpectedly personal when her 6-year-old son, Manny (Boyd, Jr.), whom she gave up for adoption as an infant shows up at her doorstep.
The film had its world premiere at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2020. The R-rated film is now scheduled to have a limited theatrical release on November 17, 2021, and will be released on Netflix on November 24.
Bruised Netflix release date: November 24, 2021
The Humans
The Humans is A24’s drama film written and directed by Stephen Karam in his directorial debut, and based on his one-act play of the same name. It stars Richard Jenkins, Jayne Houdyshell, Amy Schumer, Beanie Feldstein, Steven Yeun, and June Squibb.
Synopsis: Erik Blake gathers three generations of his Pennsylvania family to celebrate Thanksgiving at his daughter’s apartment in lower Manhattan. As darkness falls and eerie things go bump in the night, the group’s deepest fears are laid bare.
It had its world premiere at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2021. It currently holds a 90% RT score based on 31 reviews. The R-rated drama will be released both in limited theaters and on Showtime.
The Humans (limited) release date: November 24, 2021
8-Bit Christmas
8-Bit Christmas is an HBO Max original Christmas comedy film directed by Michael Dowse, from a screenplay by Kevin Jakubowski based upon his novel of the same name. It stars Neil Patrick Harris, Winslow Fegley, June Diane Raphael, David Cross, and Steve Zahn. It is scheduled to be released on HBO Max.
Synopsis: A humorous and heartfelt look back at the adventures of childhood. Set in suburban Chicago in the late 1980s, the story centers on ten-year-old Jake Doyle’s (Fegley) herculean quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas.
8-Bit Christmas HBO Max release date: November 25, 2021
Which November movies are you most excited about? Which movies will you be seeing during the month of November? Let us know in the comments below or on our social media and be sure to come back to The Illuminerdi for more movie news!
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