“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”
Possessing the same visual grandeur as its predecessor, Ryan Coogler returns to direct the “Black Panther” sequel, “Wakanda Forever,” for Marvel in the wake of the death of actor Chadwick Boseman. In the wake of King T’Challa’s death, Queen Ramonda, Shuri, M’Baku, Okoye, and the Dora Milaje must fight to protect their nation, especially in the face of a new potential threat. Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, and Danai Gurira all return, joined by newcomers Tenoch Huerta as Namor and Dominique Thorne as Ironheart.
Release Date: November 11 in theaters via Walt Disney Studios/Marvel.
“The Fablemans”
Refusing to slow down, director Steven Spielberg is back again this year following 2021’s “West Side Story” adaptation with “The Fablemans.” Starring Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, and Gabriel LaBelle, the coming-of-age story, loosely based on Spielberg’s own early life, follows Sammy, a young aspiring filmmaker, and his family. Written by Spielberg and Tony Kushner, the film premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, where our critic wrote, “It’s Spielberg’s most personal film, one that gorgeously revives the memories of his childhood and youth with a lavish sense of wistfulness and an aptly Hollywood-ized, fable-like touch.”
Release Date: November 11 in theaters via Universal Pictures.
“She Said”
There’s been plenty of conversation since the rise of the #MeToo movement regarding just how much has changed in the industry, especially since the rotten truth of Harvey Weinstein’s multiple cases of abuse were pushed to the spotlight. “She Said,” directed by “I’m Your Man” filmmaker Maria Schrader and starring Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kasan, “She Said” follows the two New York Times journalists who broke the story. Samantha Morton, Ashley Judd, Andre Braugher, and Patricia Clarkson also star, with our critic writing, “Mulligan and Kazan make for a believable pair of reporters, and they give the two heroic characters they’re tasked to portray their all; subtly, sophisticatedly so.”
Release Date: November 18 in theaters via Universal Pictures.
“The Menu”
Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Ralph Fiennes, and Hong Chau star in “The Menu,” from director Mark Mylod, best known for his work on HBO’s “Succession.” Written by Seth Reiss and Will Tracy, the horror black-comedy follows a young couple who have traveled to a remote island to dine at an exclusive restaurant run by a celebrity chef. Once ready for their meal; however, the two and the other wealthy guests realize they’ve signed on for more than they bargained for. Our critic commended the Adam McKay-produced film for hitting “… its target in the notion that rich people have a far more expensive version of the same bad taste as anyone.”
Release Date: November 18 in theaters via Walt Disney Studios.
“The Inspection”
In his debut feature-length film, director Elegance Bratton follows the story of a young gay man who, after being rejected by his mother, finds surprising strength and support after joining the Marines. Jeremy Pope, Raúl Castillo, Gabrielle Union, and Bokeem Woodbine star. Our critic complimented Pope’s star-making turn, writing, “His expressive eyes, which can sell a sight gag and translate a page of dialogue in a flash, grab you.”
Release Date: November 18 in theaters via A24.
