This article originally appeared on our sister website, That's Shanghai.
Here are all the major international movies to catch in Chinese theaters this November.*
By Sarah Forman, Bridget O'Donnell, Katelyn Nash and Sunny Wang
Now Playing: The Predator
Image via 20th Century Fox/IMDB
The iconic sci-fi classic has been remade by director Shane Black, who acted in the original film. In this version, the aliens have managed to upgrade themselves using DNA from other species, transforming themselves into the most dangerous creatures alive. After the aliens and predators return to Earth, a couple of riffraff soldiers and brainy scientists are challenged with the task of saving the planet from an all-out invasion.
Now Playing: The House with the Clock in its Walls
Based on the spellbinding novel by John Bellairs, Jack Black, Cate Blanchett and Kyle MacLachlin face off in a wizardly battle of good versus evil. Black and Blanchett’s characters seek the help of orphan Lewis Barnavelt (Owen Vaccaro) in an attempt to save themselves and their home from the evil that is bound to strike when the clock in its walls hits its final strike. With an all-star cast, this children’s fairytale comes to life in a magical spectacle for all ages.
Now Playing: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Image via Walt Disney Studios/IMDB
Starring Mackenzie Foy, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren and Morgan Freeman, this live-action Disney spin on the Christmas classic hits theaters just in time for the holiday season. Reviews from film critics have been mixed, with IndieWire labeling it "empty but-eye-popping."
Now Playing: A Street Cat Named Bob
Image via Sony Pictures/IMDB
Based on the memoir by James Bowen, this film adaptation tells the true life story of the British author's days as a homeless recovering drug addict. When James (Luke Treadaway) attempts to restart his life by moving into public housing, he stumbles upon a cat who becomes attached to him. Realizing the cat's potential, he decides to keep him and name him Bob. After bringing Bob along to busk on the streets of London, the pair quickly become local celebrities.
Now Playing: The Hurricane Heist
Image via Entertainment Studios/IMDB
Directed by Rob Cohen, this action/disaster flick centers around a group of thieves (portrayed by Toby Kebbell, Maggie Grace, Ryan Kwanten and Melissa Bolona) who plan to rob a bank in the middle of a hurricane. Originally released in the US in March, the film was a box office bomb. It was also panned by critics, with Variety calling it "a candidate for the best-worst movie of 2018."
November 9: Venom
Marvel’s back with their newest anti-hero, Venom. Investigative journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) gets more than he bargained for when pursuing a lead at a bioengineering lab. Science-fiction, intense fight scenes, Hong Kong skylines and impressive motorcycle races ensue when Brock embraces his inner demon (and by that, we really mean an alien parasite that’s requiring him to play host). Critics claim that Marvel learned their lesson with Deadpool and have come back in full swing with this action-packed atypical good-gone-bad film.
November 9: Patrick
Image via Walt Disney Studios/IMDB
This UK-produced comedy follows Sarah (Beattie Edmondson) whose life is turned upside down after her grandmother leaves behind a spoiled little pug named Patrick to look after for reasons unknown. Adventures (and plenty of cameos by famous British actors) ensue.
November 9: Detective Conan: Zero the Enforcer
Image via Toho Company Ltd./IMDB
Directed by Yuzuru Tachikawa, this Japanese anime thriller centers around a detective who investigates the crime scene of an explosion that occurs on the opening day of a massive Tokyo resort. The film is the 22nd installment in the popular Detective Conan series.
November 16: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures/IMDB
The magical world of JK Rowling graces the big screens once again in this second installment of the Fantastic Beasts series. Directed by David Yates, the latest film follows the adventures of magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). Zoe Kravitz, Jude Law and Johnny Depp also star.
November 23: Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2
Image via Walt Disney Studios/IMDB
The sequel to the hit 2012 3D animated film follows Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) and Venellope (Sarah Silverman) on their quest across the Internet to help fix their arcade. Featuring characters voiced by Gal Gadot, Kristen Bell, Taraji P. Henson, Mandy Moore, Jane Lynch and more, the family-friendly film also boasts several cameos from classic Disney characters.
November 23: Johnny English Strikes Again
Image via Universal Pictures/IMDB
The latest film in the Johnny English spoof spy movie series sees the protagonist come out of retirement after a massive cyberattack against MI7 exposes the identities of all its undercover agents. Starring Rowan Atkinson (of Mr. Bean fame), this action comedy promises plenty of slapstick gags and special appearances by well-known Brit celebs.
November 30: Crazy Rich Asians
The Jon M. Chu-directed rom-com blockbuster, based on the bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan, finally secured its China release late last month. The plot follows New Yorker Rachel (Constance Wu) as she heads to Singapore to meet the wealthy family of her boyfriend (Henry Golding). Touted as 'the first Hollywood film in 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast,' Crazy Rich Asians also stars Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina, Ken Jeong and more. A sequel is already in the works, and it's set to be filmed in Shanghai.
November 30: Blood Father
Photo via SND Films/IMDB
John (Mel Gibson) lives in a trailer and is a tattoo artist by trade. Lydia (Erin Moriarty), his 17-year-old daughter, kills her boyfriend Jonah, a member of a Mexican drug cartel. In order to protect his daughter from reprisal, John must go to extraordinary lengths in a story filled with grit, violence and perseverance. With this film, director Jean-François Richet, successfully captures the intensity, danger and complications of gangland violence. If you liked Sicario, then this is the film for you.
* Release dates subject to change.
[Cover image via Warner Bros. Pictures/IMDB]
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This article was originally published by our sister magazine That's Shanghai. For more articles like this, visit the That's Shanghai website, or follow the That's Shanghai WeChat account (ID: Thats_Shanghai).
