Happy December! What I Watched in November 2023 + My Pick of Movie Of the Month – beragampengetahuan FILM BLOG – Beragampengetahuan

Happy December! Wow, we’re already in the last month of the year, can you believe it? Thanks to El Niño, it’s been a pretty mild Winter with not much snow so far, not that I’m complaining. I know folks who are into Winter sports might not enjoy this, but I’m glad temps will still be mild even looking at a two-week forecast. Looks like we’ll still be in the 40s in mid-December!

I had a pretty hectic November for some odd reason so I only watched a dozen new movies. Well, I’ll be starting December with a quick weekend getaway trip to Vegas very early morning tomorrow, and I usually spend my time on flights catching up on newer releases I’ve missed.

Here’s what I watched last month:

NEW MOVIES

(films indicated with * are directed by women)

What Happens Later* – my review

Quiz Lady* – my review

Meg 2: The Trench

I enjoyed the first one, which was preposterous, expectedly dumb, but entertaining. Well, this one is even dumber and more preposterous, but only somewhat entertaining. Of course, Jason Statham is the master in destroying the most unkillable beings, but it’s actually Jing Wu and Cliff Curtis who are the scene stealers, there are a couple of hysterical scenes featuring both of them. At nearly two hours, it’s way past my welcome though.

Next Goal Wins – my review

The Pigeon Tunnel (doc)

I stumbled upon an older interview of John le Carré on MPR’s Fresh Air with Terry Gross as a promo for this documentary, so of course I had to see it right away. I’m not much of a reader but I love so many movies/series based on Le Carré’s aka David Cornwell’s works. Directed by Errol Morris, it’s partially based on the celebrated author’s own novel. I had no idea that his personal life was equally fascinating and it explains why he knew what it takes to make a good spy.

Maestro

review upcoming

Dream Scenario – my review

The Crime is Mine

review upcoming

Nimona

I actually found out about this movie about a shape-shifting character because Netflix sent me a poster as part of the FYC (For Your Consideration) campaign. I’m glad they did as it’s one of the best looking animated films I’ve seen recently. Love the innovative animated visual style and it’s notable for its LGBT representation. Voiced by Chloë Grace Moretz and Riz Ahmed, the story is pretty inventive and Nimona is a refreshingly fun character. The mature themes about celebrating one’s unique identity and accepting the ‘other’ are timely, but the movie is perhaps more suitable for older tweens.

Wish* – my review

Saltburn* – my review

Full Time

review upcoming

TV SERIES

The Gilded Age S2

Netflix LUPIN S3

I love the first season of The Gilded Age which I think is even more watchable than Downton Abbey, also created by Julian Fellowes. Yes it’s kinda soap-opera-ish as the old and new money are competing, but the setting in a period of immense economic change in the United States amps up the stakes. The set pieces, costumes, etc. are pure eye candy, I sure hope there’ll be season 3 and beyond!

As for LUPIN, it’s definitely one of my fave Netflix shows, and you can read about why here. I immensely enjoy the Parisian setting and Omar Sy is effortlessly charming and playful as France’s most-wanted gentleman thief. I’m only three episodes in so far and things get more personal for Assane Diop in S3. I also hope they’ll keep renewing this series!

I’ve already completed the 52 Films By Women challenge last month. But I saw four movies #directedbywomen in November: What Happens Later, Quiz Lady, Wish, and Saltburn, which brings the total 2023 tally so far to 60!

Per Women In Film (WIF) organization, the basic rules are simple: watch 52 films directed by women within the course of one year and share what you watched on social media, using the hashtag #52FilmsByWomen to spread the word, and get more people talking about the women filmmakers that don’t always get attention.

NOVEMBER 2023 MOVIE OF THE MONTH

I love A Star Is Born so I was looking forward to seeing Bradley Cooper’s sophomore feature in which he also stars. He delivered once again… it’s been Cooper’s lifelong passion project about his own artistic hero Leonard Bernstein and let’s just say he does the musical legend justice.

So what did you see in November and which one(s) are your favorites?

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