Netflix has become an unbelievable source of entertainment for millions of Canadians. For the relatively cheap monthly subscription, users have access to countless films and television shows from various years, various genres and various cinematic tastes.
The only real problem with Netflix is deciding what to watch.
Luckily we’ve got a new feature to let you know what new programs will be debuting this month and which ones are worth checking out.
Let’s take a look at what’s new on Netflix November 2017!
Logan
Directed by James Mangold
Starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen
Superhero movies are usually seen as being more aimed at a younger crowd, but this look at everyone’s favourite X-Men character is a decidedly more serious take on comic book material. In a future when mutants are nearly extinct, Logan is living a lonely existence, caring for an ailing Charles Xavier. When he crosses paths with a young mutant being pursued by deadly forces, he finds one last chance for redemption.
Ali
Directed by Michael Mann
Starring Will Smith, Jon Voight, Jamie Foxx
A cinematic look at the historic boxing career of Muhammad Ali. Following Ali’s rise as the greatest heavyweight fighter and most charismatic athlete in the world, the film looks at not only his life inside the right, but also his involvement in the harrowing social issues of the day. Will Smith delivers a tremendous performance, virtually disappearing into the role as The World’s Greatest.
Bad Boys/Bad Boys II
Directed by Michael Bay
Starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Joe Pantoliano
Another Will Smith movie (actually, two) but considerably less serious than Ali. This action film series follows two hot-shot Miami detectives as they hunt down drug lords and destroy a whole lot of property in the process. This is far from high art, but Smith and Lawrence make a good pair and the film is great, mindless fun for any action movie fan.
Beginners
Directed by Mike Mills
Starring Ewan MacGregor, Christopher Plummer, Melanie Laurent
The heartfelt drama follows a middle-aged man in the midst of a new love, who must come to terms with his dying father confessing a long kept secret. An honest and thought-provoking look at dealing with grief and family, featuring a Oscar-winning performance by Canadian acting legend, Christopher Plummer.
Birdman
Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu
Starring Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Edward Norton
The Oscar winner for Best Picture in 2015 follows an actor best-known for playing a superhero in films, seeks prestige by writing, directing and starring in a Broadway play. In the days, leading up to opening night, he must deal with an egotistical actor, his own rebellious daughter, and the fact that he might be losing his mind. The film boasts a clever script and excellent performances, but the real treat is how the film is shot as in one continuous shot. It makes for a unique and exciting experience.
Hancock
Directed by Peter Berg
Starring Will Smith, Charlize Theron, Jason Bateman
Another unusual take on the superhero genre. Will Smith stars as Hancock, a virtually indestructible, super strong being, whose reluctant and drunk approach to being a crime fighter has caused him to be a much-hated hero in society. After saving the life of a PR rep, Hancock is given the chance to rebuild his image and save the world.
In the Heart of the Sea
Directed by Ron Howard
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson
Most of us know the story of Moby Dick, but how many know that Herman Melville was inspired by a true story? In 1820, the crew of a whaling vessel is left fighting for their life after their ship is destroyed by a massive whale.
Men in Black
Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino
Yet another Will Smith film (and still not the last). Smith plays a young New York cop who is recruited by the mysterious Agent K to join a top secret organization known as the Men In Black. Together they deal with the aliens living secretly on Earth, while trying to stop the threat of the destruction of the galaxy.
The Matrix
Directed by Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss
A ground-breaking science fiction film, whose ideas still hold up nearly twenty years later. A loner computer programmer is contacted by a mysterious group who bring him down a rabbit hole that uncovers a reality much different than the one in front of our eyes. With mind-blowing visuals and insane action, this is one that will go down as one of the all-time best.
The Pursuit of Happyness
Directed by Gabriele Muccino
Starring Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandie Newton
Yes, it’s Will Smith one more time. This time, he’s playing a much more mild-mannered man than he is usually known for. Based off a true story, it follows a man’s remarkable persistence as a man attempts to build a successful career as a stock broker while living on the streets with his young son.
The Shawshank Redemption
Directed by Frank Darabont
Starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton
This movie currently holds the title of highest ranted movie of all-time on IMDB, so that’s certainly reason enough to give it a look. A man who is sent to life in prison for a crime he says he never committed. There, he experiences all horrors prison has to offer while also finding a genuine friendship from a inmate who is terrified of life outside the prison walls.
Wall Street
Directed by Oliver Stone
Starring Michael Douglas, Charlie Sheen, Martin Sheen
Oliver Stone has made a career out of exploring some of the uglier sides of American history such as Vietnam, the Nixon presidency and, with this, the corrupt world of Wall Street. A young stock broker is willing to stretch his morals in his rise to power in the finance world, as he is taken under the wing of, Gordon Gekko, a personification of greed.
Cowboys & Aliens
Directed by Jon Favreau
Starring Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde
Two classic genres coming crashing together in this entertaining blockbuster. Outlaws, lawmen and cowboys in the Wild West are met with some new unexpected enemies as visitors from outer space come down to take over the world.
Midnight Run
Directed by Marton Brest
Starring Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, John Ashton
Buddy-action-comedies is a genre that does not always yield the best films, but this is one of the strongest entries by far. A low level bounty hunter is tasked with transporting a witness to the mob across the country. What should be an easy job turns into a nightmare as the unfriendly pair are pursued by hitmen, feds and rival bounty hunters around every turn.
Mudbound
Directed by Dee Rees
Starring Garrett Hedlund, Jason Mitchell, Carey Mulligan
Netflix has had a lot of success on the television front, but are still looking for that breakthrough film. This could be the film to do that. Two men return home from World War II to work on a farm in rural Mississippi, where they struggle to deal with racism and adjusting to life after war.
Field of Dreams
Directed by Phil Alden Robinson
Starring Kevin Costner, James Earl Jones, Ray Liotta
The quintessential film for fathers, sons and baseball fans. An Iowa corn farmer, hearing voices, interprets them as a command to build a baseball diamond in his fields; he does, and the 1919 Chicago White Sox come.
State of Play
Directed by Kevin Macdonald
Starring Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck
When a congressional aide is killed, a Washington D.C. journalist starts investigating the case involving the congressman, his old college friend.