October was a complete bust as far as things I was actually interested in seeing in theaters, but November more than makes up for it with three solid movies that are sure to delight.
Doctor Strange – November 4
The next in the growing line of Marvel Cinematic Universe stories, this film introduces us to core Avengers member, Doctor Strange. I believe he’s also the first non-mutant magic-user introduced in the universe. (Scarlet Witch being the mutant daughter of Magneto, though her magic isn’t actually part of her mutation.) I never read much Doctor Strange growing up, though he has popped up in fanfiction from time to time, so his origin story is fairly new to me. I’m interested in seeing what Bandicoot Cumbersnatch does with the role, though as much as I adore Tilda Swinton, why’d they cast a white woman in the role of an old Asian man?
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – November 18
This Harry Potter prequel looks quite interesting. I haven’t read the book it’s based on, but I did read all of the Harry Potter books so I’m looking forward to taking a peek back in time and at the same time jumping the pond to get a look at what witches were like in the Americas. There’s a whole lot that can be done poorly (as J.K. Rowling has been showing with her “Magic in the Americas” releases) in regards to native cultures, so I expect to have a good number of cringes waiting for me. Overall, I expect it to be full of pretty magical creatures, which is 99% of what I’m going to see it for.
Moana – November 23
The Disney animated picture of 2016 introduces us to Moana, a young navigator who’s on an adventure to find a legendary island with the help of the god Maui. The recent Disney “princess” films have all been really great in terms of strong female leads and engaging stories, so I’m really looking forward to this one. Yay exploration of indigenous cultures! Yay introducing the populous to Hawaiian mythology! Bonus points if Pele shows up because she’s my girl.