Film and Theater by Don Gibble - November 2019

This is the month most of you celebrate Thanksgiving with your families. There are twelve movies hitting your local theater worth seeing.

First we have “The Irishman” opening November 1st. It stars. Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro and Harvey Keitel. Directed by Martin Scorsese. It's about a mob hitman recalling his involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa. You can imagine the Oscar nominations coming their way.

Also opening November 1st is “Harriet”. Based on the story of iconic freedom fighter Harriet Tubman, her escape from slavery and subsequent missions to free dozens of slaves through the Underground Railroad. Starring Cynthia Erivo who will definitely be nominated for an Oscar.

Also opening November 1st is “Motherless Brooklyn” directed and starring Edward Norton who will be nominated for both acting and directing. I saw it at the Mill Valley Film Festival where everyone there gave a standing ovation. It follows Lionel Essrog (Norton), a lonely private detective living with Tourette Syndrome. It also stars Bruce Willis and Alec Baldwin.

Also opening November 1st is “Terminator: Dark Fate”. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton return in their iconic roles. James Cameron also returns as producer.

Opening November 8th is “Doctor Sleep”. Danny Torrance is a middle-aged man drifting through America in order to shed his father's alcoholism which was passed down to him in order to forget the events of “The Shining”. Stephen King fans will be excited to see this!

Opening November 8th is “Playing With Fire” starring John Cena and John Leguizamo. It's about a crew of rugged fighters who meet their match when attempting to rescue three rambunctious kids. Perfect for the whole family!

Also opening November 8th is “Midway”. It centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater duringWWII. Starring Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid and Patrick Wilson.

Also opening November 8th is “Last Christmas” starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Gooding, star of last year's “Crazy Rich Asians”. It's a modern day romance Christmas movie set in London.

Opening November 15th is the very anticipated “Ford V Ferrari” starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and fearless British race car driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary vehicle for the Ford Motor Co.

Also opening November 15th is “Charlie's Angels”. Elizabeth Banks directs a fresh new contemporary take on the franchise. Starring Kristen Stewart.

Opening November 22nd is “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”. It stars Tom Hanks as Mister Rogers, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism. Look for Hanks to get an Oscar nomination.

Opening November 27th is “Knives Out”. This is a modern day Agatha Christie mystery starring Daniel Craig and Chris Evans.

One of my favorite film festivals opens in Napa November 13th through November 17th. Opening night is “Just Mercy” starring Jamie Foxx. The amazing “Clemency” starring Alfred Woodard premiered at the Mill Valley Film Festival and it was well received. Another highlight is “Standing Up, Falling Down” starring Billy Crystal. Email info@napavalleyfilmfest.org or go to napavalleyfilmfest.org for more information.

Still in theaters is the documentary “Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice”. It should be seen in theaters.

For my live theater fans there are two amazing shows not to be missed. First is “Oliver!” at the 6th Street Playhouse in Santa Rosa. It opens November 15th and closes December 15th. My favorite songs include “Consider Yourself” and “I'll Do Anything”. Perfect for the whole family. Call 707 523 4185 for more information.

At the Curran Theater in San Francisco, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is running through the end of November. It is the most awarded production in the history of Britain's Olivier Awards, winning a record-breaking nine awards including Best New Play. Call 415 358 1220 for more information.