A dozen movies seen at the cinema this month, but which is the movie of the month?
Contagion: a multi stranded story based around the spread of an unknown and deadly virus. The ensemble cast is fantastic and the writing and direction are sublime resulting in a perfectly paced and watchable movie.
In Time: Taking the idea of “time is money”, this is a high concept Sci-Fi movie, it has its problems but it also has some great ideas and an attractive and likeable young cast.
The Help: Given the hefty subject matter of race relations in Americas at the time of the civil rights movement it is a surprisingly lightweight movie. The story is highly manipulative and contrived, however none of these things really matter as the movie is highly watchable and entertaining thanks to fantastic performances from the largely female cast.
The Awakening: an old-fashioned ghost story, if you know my thoughts on horror, you will know that “old-fashioned” is a compliment not an insult. There are a few twists and turns in the plot but nothing spectacular, the real draw is Rebecca Hall who caries the movie virtually on her own proving her star credentials.
Wuthering Heights: a dark and brooding movie that reminds us that Emily Brontë’s story is far bleaker and less romantic than popular opinion would have you believe. The photography is stunning and the acting outstanding.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1: Depending on your point of view, splitting the final twilight movie in two is either the only way to do justice to the seven hundred and something pages of the source novel or a cynical attempt to squeeze as much money as possible out of the “Twihards”. Given the way the movie drags I would suggest the latter is true.
Immortals: a silly action movie that comes somewhere between Clash of the Titans and 300. Surprising entertains and with great visuals. It is a perfect example of a disposable popcorn movie, isn’t a great and I’m not rushing to see it again but enjoyed it while I was watching it.
The Rum Diary: A Johnny Depp movie based on a Hunter S. Thompson novel and directed by Bruce Robinson; you can’t help compare it to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and Withnail & I. sadly it isn’t as good as either but Depp is as brilliant as ever and I could watch Amber Heard all day long!
Justice: If you have seen the trailer for the latest movie of the Nicolas Cage conveyor belt you have seen the movie, that’s all there is! Predicable and lightweight but not actually a bad film. Guy Pearce makes a great villain.
Moneyball: with a screenplay by Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin you expect a compelling story and snappy dialogue, I am happy to report both are present and are helped by Brad Pitt’s second great performance of the year. Reminiscent in part to The Social Network (also written by Sorkin) and that has to be a good thing.
Take Shelter: As a regular family man starts having apocalyptic visions he prepares for the impending doom and questions his own sanity in equal measure. A haunting movie that will stay with you long after it ends, elevated by the performances of Michael Shannon and Jessica Chastain.
My Week With Marilyn: The true story of 23-year-old Colin Clark’s experience on the set of The Prince And The Showgirl starring Marilyn Monroe and Sir Laurence Olivier (who also directed the movie). Directed with a light touch reminiscent of the best of Monroe movies but the best thing about it is the fantastic acting, Kenneth Branagh is brilliant as Olivier, Michelle Williams is even better as Monroe.
I was still thinking about the film I would name the movie of the month as I was putting this together, eight of the twelve movies were genuine contenders, but the movie of the month is:
Fandango Groovers Movie Blog 
I read Wuthering Heights for the first time this summer and I was surprised how dark it is – somehow I always thought Bronte was some kind of second version of Austen.
About Breaking Dawn: I know all the critics and non-fans hate it, and yes the Twilight movies are not very good filmically, but as a fan who loves the books and finds the movies okay, I think this is the best film of the series.
It’s Charlotte Bronte who’s some kind of second version of Austen; not Emily. Read Jane Eyre for a romantic/wild adventure with dashes of adultery and Hindoostani.
The Brontes, in particular Charlotte, are not “a second version of Austen”. They are literary icons who should be seen in their own light. The Brontes novels may have involved romance but that is where the similarity ends with Austen. I feel if you are think Charlotte Bronte is a second version version of Austen then you should revist both authors again.
This adapation of the film was the worst adapation of the book I have ever seen. They create Heathcliffe to be some sort of Devil when this is not the case. It also doesn’t follow the book well; it’s not a reimagining or a different perspective of the book. It’s trying hard to be artsy and to shock and as a result sacrificing plot and details.Whilst their accents are Mancunian not Yorkshire.
I’m guessing you haven’t seen the TV version with Ian McShane, what little bit of that I saw was really bad.
Gosh darnit … that’s about the only movie on the list I DIDN’T see last month.
Guess I gotta go now…
Of course, I also did not see Breaking Dawn. And I refuse to go (unless my daughter guilt trips me into taking her!).
😉
Haha Twilight is just one of those things that takes a lot to go to 😛
It’s always the guilt trip from some relative that got me to see them as well lol
I look forward to seeing it. I’ve only heard good things. I truly enjoyed The Help, even if our small-town screen gave out at the end. 🙂 Look forward to checking out the other listed movies.
Glad top hear it confirmed. I enjoy a sports movie and love math(s)/stats. Weird, I know. Must try and chase up a viewing from these hidden fields and hills. Which way to the nearest metrop? 😉
Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite books, but I’m always afraid to see any of the movie adaptations for fear that it’ll be butchered. Do you know if this version stays close to the book?
The themes are there if not the dialogue, it also concentrates are elements of the story brushing over others, like any adaptation really.
Thanks for the reviews. I am wondering if Hugo might be a decent movie in December. It’s getting some buzz. Of the movies you reviewed I think I would like to see the Monroe movie; I hear her portrayal of Monroe is stunning.
How do guys think Pitt got his Money Ball? Man, I wish I could have Kelsy and a Money Ball like that-
I loved Moneyball! It was great to relive the magic! I’m a huge Oakland A’s fan and I remember going to those games…some of the greatest memories in sports history!
I didn’t see them all but Twilight was my favorite out of the ones I did see.
Great list!
http://valentinedefrancis.wordpress.com
“Take Shelter” looks good, im looking forward for this movie long time.. Btw. whats up with Jonah? He is fat in one movie and then skinny in another – is he taking his acting seriously?
I loved the book Wuthering Heights but I haven’t got to see the movie yet!
I so want to see Moneyball! I’m not even into baseball… but I am so into Brad Pitt…lol!
Nice choice with Moneyball. Great film. I wish I had caught Take Shelter before it left the local theater, but I guess I will have to wait for the DVD.
Thanks for the great list and reviews, my husband will be happy to have a much needed endorsement for Moneyball. I don’t know why, I’ve turned on B.Pitt. He is a good actor. I’ll go now.
Moneyball & My Week w/ Marilyn on the list now, thanks! Also curious about HUGO in December…
Of course it is! It’s one of the best movies of the year.
haven’t seen MoneyBall yet. Is it me, but is Brad Pitt a wee bit overexposed?
Congratulation Andy,you’re in Freshly Pressed 🙂 cool achievement in blogging.
I don’t like In Time and I haven’t seen the rest of the movies yet. I really want to see take shelter but it hasn’t arrived here yet.
I am in love with the book Wuthering Heights . I am hoping to watch the movie as soon as possible
thanks for this great post.
The Help came out in August, and its DVD release is this month (December). How exactly does this fit into Novemeber?
It came out in the last week of October here in England, it makes it to the November list as I didn’t see it in time for the October list. My blog, my rules! Thanks for stopping by. By the way I liked your review of The Help.
There’s something to be said for a baseball film that doesn’t entrench itself in showing us the game being played. Kudos the Sorkin and Zailian, whose abilities pull back the curtain on a traditional game going through a revolution. Powerful and interesting film.
Thanks for the reviews – nice and concise. I hardly ever watch movies, so it’s useful being pointed in the right direction.
Great post. Definitely an interesting read.
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So far, I got my eyes only at “In time”. I think it begins with a good plot, but ends there. Poor story, lot of plot holes, and Timberlake is not actor at all. I’d give a 4,5/10 score to it.
see ya
Moneyball is really Great One 🙂
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Some great picks, my friend! Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Wow. How behind am I ? I have not seen any of the movies on the list 😦
Thank you for sharing,will have to watch, at least, some of them 🙂
Nobody’s list ever gets it right for everybody, but you’ve done a great job of including something for just about everyone. Brad Pitt’s performance in Moneyball is certainly one of the year’s best…taking an essentially boring character and giving him some life and interest is a tough thing to do.
The only movie on your list I saw was Moneyball. But it would take an amazing film for it surpass Moneyball, probabaly in my top 10 favourite films. I was hesitant at first when i heard Jonah Hill was in it but he did an amazing job.
I’m not into baseball and I’m rubbish at maths, but I really enjoyed Moneyball, as you can see on my blog: http://fredacooper.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/pitt-hits-a-home-run/
It’s great to see that I’m not the only one who liked it!:-)
Moneyball was a good film. I would agree with ^ fredacooper… It’s not really a baseball film. Baseball is just where the story happens to take place. I’m not a hardcore baseball fan but I still found the film to be very effective.
The book Moneyball is based on is next on my reading list. Looking forward to reading it & then comparing it to the movie!
Moneyball was the best Baseball (and perhaps one of the best movies) ever written. A script can really hit home when written properly and this movie showcases how a simple setting is all you need when the sotryline and acting/directing are superb. It’s incredible! See it if you haven’t already. If you don’t like baseball, you will like this movie! 🙂 Also, check out my noobie blog. I just started. 😛 http://4lanes.wordpress.com/
It’s nice to see Brad looking hot again.
I would have loved to have seen most of the movies listed above, but the money for entertainment is lean right now. “The Help” to me was great movie. I always loved historical or human interest stories. I also enjoyed the costumes . When I left the theater I wanted to buy a dress similar to the dresses depicted for this era.
It is the first time I visit the blog. I am Brazilian and now I always come here for the news! Many good movies to see
Perfect way to describe Contagion. It’s a film that uses less to do more, and the script is fantastic.
I reeeeally need to get to the theatre… I haven’t seen any of these DX
How come 50/50 didn’t feature in your list? I thought it was a brilliant movie, amazing how they managed to put comedy in a grim topic, while managing to somehow portray the real feelings of a person with cancer. I would’ve given that the movie of the month award.
It only came out in the last week of the month along with about four other movies. I intend to see it tomorrow so it will make the December list.
Thank you for the reviews, you have chosen them nicely. I gotta see them. Congratulations on being freshly pressed.
Nice quick snappy reviews…like it
Viola Davis is superb in The Help as are other actresses. Tear jerking movie….However, I recommend reading the book first.
Wuthering Heights is a definite must see.
The last time I saw Brad Pitt in a movie, his character?….three dimensional father of three sons….he embodied the complexities of the character very well, but the movie was very long, intense, and sad at the end…Fatherhood has intensified his talent as an actor….
hmmm……!
I agree, moneyball is so cool but I disagree with you on twilight, It doesn’t have a place in this great movies, tho I scored the film averagely.
As already mentioned it isn’t a list of just good movies, it is all the new movies I went to see in November.
Congrats on being freshly pressed!! Good reviews – short and to the point.
currently, ive only watch immortal, i like to watch twilight too bt it seems like a boring movie for me, immortal is nice ,recommended for people who loves
Breaking Dawn is #1 movie this year! I am going to see it soon! Have anyone been to Great Neck Squire Theater for CC?
Your number one movie of the year and you haven’t seen it yet, or are you saying it was so good you are going back to see it again?
It was the only film I saw in November yet it is most likely the only one I needed to see. I’m glad it is highly acclaimed in the critique world because it is truly an inspiring story.
Please… what on earth made you post TWILIGHT as movie of the month… its a 2star movie.
It isn’t a shortlist, it is all the movies I went to see in November. I have been doing this every month for a couple of years.
Breaking Dawn was meant for one whole movie. In that case, it could have been enjoyable, but then this ‘part 1’ was plainly frustraiting. They did all the means to extend the movie it shows in the movie itself.
There was indeed a good selection of movies last November! Good to know that you picked moneyball the best.
Moneyball was a good movie. I have watched this film more than twice 🙂
I like English movies. The help is nice movie.
I would have to agree with you on the movie you chose for the month. All the other ones, I didn’t see all but most, weren’t that great.
I really loved how you synthesized all the movies, now I´m dying to see all of them!! This has already been Twitted and Facebook-shared by me 😉
I really want to go and see ‘In Time’! It looks fab, and a awesome concept
Love the movie re-cap…Thank you! love your site
I think it will be very interesting the last Woody Allen’s one 🙂 A night in Paris! Can’t wait to see it!
I’m intrigued by Take Shelter. I haven’t heard of it before, but enjoyed your description. Those are the kind of movies I like. Really loved Moneyball, I’m glad it’s your movie of the month.
Can’t wait to see it. You did have a lot of contenders this month. Thanks for helping us decide what to spend to see!
Moneyball was awesome
add PUSSY IN THE BOOTS please
Nice Blog
I have heard a lot of good things about Money Ball and I have been meaning to watch it but I always seem to forget about it when it comes time to pick a movie. Justice and In Time are both movies I have never heard of until I read this blog post, I know that more than likely sounds weird but I don’t have a TV and I don’t usually go to big theaters to see movies, I like the small 2 screen theaters, so it is not that unlikely that I have never heard of them. Now I have 3 movies that I want to see thanks to your list.
Smart choice. December will be a hard month to pick. SO far it looks like Hugo, but anything can change.
I loved “In Time” had such a great concept, time is money even in our world and such lovely actors. After watching it I felt it might not be appreciated or well-received so I am happy to see it on your list. I completely agree with your review of “The Help”, it was light-weight and rather light-hearted for the incredible intense tone of the time period but such an enjoyable movie. I can’t wait to see some if not all of the other’s on the list (except for Twilight). I love Michelle Williams but have trouble envisioning her as Marilyn, but still looks like it will be worth seeing. Thanks for the great information!
Wow. There’s just too much good movie info on this blog for me to take in all at once. I’ll be back.
love the short reviews! hate reading paragraph after paragraph of a review that gives the entire movie away and then leaves me with no real opinion. thanks!
You can never have too many movie critics! Thanks for that =)
i agree! loved this movie and stands out from the rest. total must see and it gets you thinking..
Good reviews! Makes me want to see ALL these movies.
Moneyball was a great book. Brad Pitt did an excellent job portraying Billy Beane. It is too bad that Oakland has not been able to match the success they had at the turn of the century.
Excited to see Money Ball . Can’t wait to watch that movie!!!
well done getting Freshly Pressed andy!
thanks Ross, its only taken me 3 years!
Congratulations for getting on to the Freshly Pressed page, My Week with Marilyn is showing at the Dubai Film Festival at the moment, maybe your readers would like to read about the great selection of international films being shown in the desert.
Here is the link :
http://doindubai.com/2011/12/04/diff-dubai-international-film-festival-2011/
Thanks, Monica, film buff in Dubai,
Have you ever seen any Bollywood films, reviews of Delhi Belly and Tannu Weds Mannu on the site, I think you’d be pleasantly surprised, plse let me know what you think.
While Moneyball ultimately has a conventional story arc, it is not your typical sports movie. It is measured and academic, dry and contemplative, feeling every bit as long as its 133-minute run time. This is not surprising given that it’s directed by Bennett Miller, in his first film since the Oscar-winning Capote, and adapted for the screen by Oscar-winning screenwriters Steven Zaillian (Schindler’s List) and Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network). The crackling dialogue of the first half gives way to a more subdued second half, putting the audience through a much lengthier “rough patch” before the inevitable victory than just about any other sports film I’ve seen.
I’ve seen Breaking Dawn and I enjoyed it. I don’t mind if they drag it. It’s the last book, so its only expected. I heard In Time was good, but I have yet to see it & the remaining movies.
it’s a good resume and very attractive point out,well done!!
I liked Money Ball, but the exemption of Barry Zito, Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson was a major departure from the reality. “The Big Three” has as much (or more) to do with the As success that season than any of the story lines the movie followed – but, they didn’t serve the movie’s purpose, so they were dumped.
http://creativejamie.com/2011/11/19/moneyball-movie-review/
I am surely going to watch all these movies… 🙂
Thanx for sharing the list…..
Great review – new to this world of word press so would love if you guys could check out my page and tell me your thoughts 🙂
I really enjoyed watching the Help, very touching.
That’s probably an obvious comment, but still, thanks for the list, it’s really useful!
Damn, I still gotta see the muppets haha
Great post! Nice miniature reviews on a wide range of films, many of which I’d now like to go and see 🙂
i like breaking dawn hahahaha
Whuthering Heights and Twilight Saga are awesome movies
nice movies esp immortals lets go…!
twilight is my favourite!