COMIC BOOK FANS REJOICE
Justice League
Murder On The Orient Express Darkest Hour
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
Rated: PG-13
November 10
A lavish train trip through Europe quick-
ly unfolds into a race against time when
famous Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot
(Kenneth Branagh, who also directs), must
solve a murder aboard the Orient Express in
this latest remake of Agatha Christie’s mys-
tery. Everyone is a suspect when Poirot inter-
rogates the wealthy cast of international pas-
sengers and searches for clues before the
killer can strike again. Daisy Ridley, Johnny
Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Penelope Cruz, Judi
Dench, Josh Gad and Derek Jacobi are also in
the cast. Directed by Joe Wright
Rated: PG-13
November 22
This historical drama depicts the fate of
Western Europe as it hangs on Winston
Churchill (Gary Oldman) in the early days of
World War II. The newly appointed British
prime minister must decide whether to nego-
tiate with Hitler or fight on against incredible
odds. During the next four weeks in 1940,
Churchill cements his legacy as his coura-
geous decisions and leadership help change
the course of world history. The film also
stars Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn
and Lily James.
Call Me By Your Name
Justice League
T
hey’re back! Super heroes and gods
dominate the multiplexes this month
as two blockbusters from very different
universes trot out just about every comic
book character known to man. Yes, there are
some fantastic, critically acclaimed films
debuting, but it’s the tentpoles that may get
the most attention at the box office.
Thor: Ragnarock
Directed by Taika Waititi
Rated: PG-13
November 2
Third in Marvel’s stand-alone series, and
one of the more anticipated Fall releases this
season, this film finds the imprisoned Thor
(Chris Hemsworth) on the other side of the
universe in a deadly gladiatorial contest that
pits him against the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), his
former ally and fellow Avenger. Tom
Hiddleston is back as Thor’s troublemaking
brother, Loki, and Kate Blanchett joins the
fray as Hela, their previously unknown older
sister who returns to fulfill the ancient Norse
prophecy of an epic battle that will result in
the destruction of many gods. Thor's quest
for survival leads him in a race against time
to prevent the all-powerful Hela from
destroying his home world and the
Asgardian civilization. Idris Elba, Karl
Urban and Jeff Goldblum are also featured.
14 illinoisentertainer com november 2017
Directed by Jack Snyder
Rated: PG-13
November 17
Our second comic book-based film is from
DC Comics and features the flip side of the
superhero universe. Fueled by his restored
faith in humanity and inspired by
Superman's (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce
Wayne/Batman (Ben Affleck) enlists new-
found ally Diana Prince/Wonder Woman
(Gal Gadot) to face an even greater threat.
Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work
quickly to recruit an elite team to stand
against this newly awakened enemy. Despite
the formation of an unprecedented league of
heroes -- Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman
(Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and the
Flash (Ezra Miller)-- it may be too late to save
the planet from an assault of catastrophic pro-
portions. Amy Adams, Robin Wright, Connie
Nielsen, Diane Lane and Amber Heard add
more girl power - both good and bad - to the
franchise.
Directed by Luca Guadagnino
Rated: R • November 24
American audiences will finally get to see
the much-praised festival hit Call Me By Your
Name this month. Based on the 2007 novel of
the same name by Andre Aciman, this roman-
tic coming-of-age drama takes place in the
summer of 1983, where precocious 17-year-
old Italian-American Elio Perlman (Timothy
Chalamet) is spending his days with his fam-
ily at their 17th-century villa in Lombardy,
Italy. He soon meets Oliver (Armie Hammer),
a handsome doctoral student who's working
as an intern for Elio's father (Michael
Stuhlbarg). Drawn together by sexuality, their
Jewish heritage, and the beautiful landscape,
Elio and Oliver embark on a passionate rela-
tionship that will alter their lives forever.
Since its January debut at the Sundance Film
Festival and more recent screenings at Berlin,
Sydney, and TIFF, the Oscar buzz is high sur-
rounding the film, making this one to watch
come awards season.