MIXED MESSENGERS
W ith many films officially postponed or rescheduled until
2021 / 2022 , the slate for what would normally be the biggest release window of the year has definitely changed due to COVID . Theaters are still open , but many films have now made the jump to VOD and streaming services to get their product out while still trying to maximize their buck with home viewing options . Here are a few new releases for your November viewing pleasure . Just think how grateful we ’ ll be when a vaccine is found . Happy Thanksgiving !
Let Him Go Directed by Thomas Bezucha Rated R • November 6th – In Theaters
Following the death of their son ,
By Lori Vernon
The Iron Mask
retired sheriff George Blackledge ( Kevin Costner ) and his wife Margaret ( Diane Lane ) leave their Montana ranch to rescue their young grandson from the clutches of a dangerous family living off the grid in the Dakotas , headed by matriarch Blanche Weboy ( Lesley Manville ). When they discover the Weboys have no intention of letting the child go , George and Margaret are left with no choice but to fight for their family .
The Comeback Trail Directed by George Gallo Rated R • November 13th – In Theaters
Two movie producers who owe money to the mob set up their aging movie star for an insurance scam to save themselves . But they wind up getting more than they ever imagined . The period comedy stars Academy Award winner Robert De Niro , Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones , Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman , Zach Braff , Emile Hirsch , Eddie Griffin , and Kate Katzman .
Hillbilly Elegy Directed by Ron Howard Rated R • November 13 – Netflix
Ron Howard ’ s first movie for Netflix tells the story of J . D . Vance ( Gabriel Basso ), a former Marine from southern Ohio and current Yale Law student , who is on the verge of landing his dream job . A family crisis brings him back to the Appalacian home he ’ s trying to forget , and J . D . must navigate the complex dynamics of his volatile relationship with his mother , Bev ( Amy Adams ), who ’ s a struggling addict . Fueled by memories of his grandmother Mamaw ( Glenn Close ), the resilient woman who raised him , J . D . comes to embrace his family ’ s indelible imprint on his own journey .
Iron Mask Directed by Oleg Stepchenko Rated PG-13 • November 20th – VOD
Iron Mask is an action / fantasy film ( previously known as Viy 2 : Journey to China when released last year in Russia that China ) starring Hollywood action icons Jackie Chan , Arnold Schwarzenegger , and the late Rutger Hauer in one of his last roles . The film pits the two action heroes against each other in a larger than life epic that ’ s actually a sequel to a 2014 Russian film , Viy that starred Jason Flemyng and Charles Dance , who also reprise their roles in this epic adventure . To save his homeland and pass a secret talisman to his daughter that will allow her to control a mythical dragon , a kung fu master ( Chan ) must escape from crazy prison guard James Hook ( Schwarzenegger ) to send his daughter a secret talisman that will allow her to control a massive and mythical dragon .
Jungleland Directed by Max Winkler Rated R • November 20th – VOD
Bare-knuckle boxer Lion ( Jack O ’ Connell ) reluctantly travels across the country with his brother / manager Stanley ( Charlie Hunnam ) for one last fight – a no holds barred boxing match that becomes a fight for their lives .
The Happiest Season Directed by Clea DuVall Rated PG-13 • November 25 – Hulu
A modern romantic comedy about Abby ( Kristen Stewart ), whose plan to propose to her girlfriend , Harper ( Mackenzie Davis ), while spending the holidays with her girlfriend ’ s family is turned upside down when she learns Harper hasn ’ t even told her conservative parents that she ’ s gay . This soonto-be holiday classic also stars Dan Levy , Allison Brie , Aubrey Plaza , Mary Steenburgen , Victor Garber , and Ana Gasteyer .
14 illinoisentertainer . com november 2020