One month is all that separates us from a new year, and in the month that we give thanks for all that we have and all we've been given, I felt fortunate to be given a lot of great movies to enjoy in November. That's most of the monthly recap for November, as the music industry's releases are winding down for the year. It's all good, though, because we at least got something to headbang to. Let's dig in.
What I Listened To
Like Moths to Flames - Pure Like Porcelain Despite releasing another leap forward in the form of No Eternity in Gold last year, Like Moths to Flames have stayed plenty busy, releasing their new EP in between tour legs supporting August Burns Red. Much like No Eternity, the songs on Pure Like Porcelain feel like the band cranking all their talents up to 11, but the focus on heavier material and more screams from vocalist Christ Roetter help make the EP stand out as some of their darkest material to date. Guitarists Zack Pishney and Jeremy Smith have found a groove writing together, and their improvement's have the band sounding better than ever.
What I Watched
Eternals
Marvel's most ambitious movie without Avengers in the title pays off in a lot of ways, and doesn't quite reach the heights of Chloe Zhao's ambitions in others. While it's still a superb ensemble piece that explores something completely different in the MCU, it's a dense film with lots to digest for its two-and-a-half hour runtime. Still, it opens up some really interesting doors within the MCU, and introduces us to a lot of characters I can't wait to see more of.
Spencer
In-laws really are the worst, you know? That's what we learn, over and over again, throughout Spencer, which tells the story of how the pressures of the royal family caused Diana, Princess of Wales. Kristen Stewart is pitch-perfect as Diana in this one, and there's a good chance that you'll be hearing her name at least called as a nominee for a great deal of awards when the time for those sorts of things comes. The set and costume designs are another key highlight here, as Spencer really feels like it's transporting you back into the early 90s. A simpler time. Perhaps even a better one. But not for Diana.
Belfast
Telling the story of a marriage being tested by the urge to flee the only home they've ever known in the midst of unspeakable violence through the eyes of an innocent, lovable young boy, Belfast hits emotional notes that very few movies have this year. Director Kenneth Branagh, who based this movie on his own childhood, masterfully constructs this story, which provides yet another star-making performance from Caitriona Balfe. Jamie Dornan, freed of his obligation to those horrible Fifty Shades movies, also turns in a career-best performance, while newcomer Jude Hill puts his name on the map in a big way with his whimsical portrayal of Buddy. Even at its darkest moments, Belfast was an absolute delight to watch.
King Richard
Telling the story of an individual that has sparked controversy throughout their life can be difficult, and King Richard doesn't do itself any favors by casting the uber-likeable Will Smith to play Richard Williams, infamous father of tennis stars Venus and Serena. Still, this film doesn't pull its punches, painting as full a picture as possible through the ups and downs of the sisters' turning into pro tennis players. What I really loved about how King Richard played out was that despite how the viewer may feel about how Richard Williams conducted himself, no one will walk away from the movie without understanding why he did things his way. Will Smith was able to drive that message home, which is another way to say that he's at his best in this one.
House of Gucci Speaking of complicated people, the Gucci family have arrived in the chat. Despite spewing venom at millennials whenever he gets the chance, despite the fact that many of them don't know or care who he is, Sir Ridley Scott clearly had a lot of fun with this movie, as his portrays the unraveling of the last family-run fashion empire in the world. Despite the fact that she very may well be the most insufferable person on the planet, it's difficult to not love Lady Gaga's work here, as she shows incredible commitment to her channeling of the unhinged Patrizia Gucci. Adam Driver serves as a happy middle between the chaotic acting choices being made around him, and he anchors the house with his own portrayal of Mauricio Gucci. By now, you've probably heard about Jared Leto hamming it up throughout the movie, and whether or not he was directed to mold his character that way, or if he just chose to do that, there's no denying he adds a great entertainment value to the movie. Emotionally, this film doesn't hit the highs that King Richard or Belfast did, but it certainly keeps your attention throughout.
Looking forward to next month
SPIDEY! I already have my tickets to see No Way Home, so you better believe I'm pumped for that. I'm also looking forward to seeing Licorice Pizza, The King's Man, Nightmare Alley, and even though I'm almost positive that they'll both be bad, The Matrix: Resurrections and American Underdog. Year-End Madness will be dominating this blog all month, so be on the lookout for the fun we'll be having all month recapping the year that was. See you in 2022, collectors!
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