Posted Wed Nov 10, 2010 at 02:35 PM PST by Dick Ward
Sure, you're a bit late for the first few, but that doesn't mean you can't observe some of November's important days with your favorite Blu-rays! In our holiday Blu-ray list we take a look at some of the best Blu-rays for celebrating some popular and obscure November holidays.
November is, among other things, National Adoption Month. The whole adoption theme can either be treated very well or very poorly in movies, but it's hard to think of a movie that deals with it better than 'Juno.' Sure it's got humor, but there's also plenty of emotion too. That and some delightful performances from Michael Cera, Ellen Page, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman, and the always entertaining J.K. Simmons.
Maybe you eat meat, eggs, cheese and honey and maybe you don't. Whatever your stance on the whole debate, we can all get behind ' Scott Pilgrim vs. the World' as one of the finest movies of the year. Even the most hardcore vegans will appreciate the fun poked at Todd Ingram and his trouble with the Vegan Police.
Election season gets a lot of people riled up. No matter what political party you fall into, you have to admit to a feeling of relief when it's all over and done with. Cut through some of that stress with 'Election,' a movie that's not only incredibly funny, but a wonderfully subtle parody of the American political system.
Remember, remember, the fifth of November. It's a day that the British celebrate and that most Americans really only know about because of ' V for Vendetta.' It may not be the best comic book adaptation around, but as a standalone movie it's solid. It stars a very bald Natalie Portman as well as the always brilliant Hugo Weaving.
When we celebrate Veteran's Day, we're celebrating the efforts of every American citizen that has helped his or her country through military service. Though the holiday was enacted just after the First World War, we tend to focus on the second. 'Saving Private Ryan' is as good as it gets for Veteran's Day. It's not only a fantastic film, but shows great respect to our veterans as well.
November 18 - Mickey Mouse's Birthday
Not only does this November mark the 82nd birthday of Mickey Mouse, but November 13th is the 70th anniversary of Disney's 'Fantasia.' The obvious way to combine these two momentous occasions is to enjoy the 'Fantasia/Fantasia 2000' four disc set which includes one of Mickey's finest performances in 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice.' You'll have to celebrate a few days late though, since the set doesn't hit until the 30th.
November 16 - National Button Day
National Button Day is, as you can imagine, a day in which we celebrate buttons. Not the kind you'd press in an elevator, but the kind you might find on your shirt, pants or jacket. When you think of buttons, pins, and pieces of flair, there's only one movie that comes to mind - ' Office Space.'
November 20 - Universal Children's Day
Though the celebration date differs depending on who you ask, the cause is the same. Children's Day exists to celebrate and promote the welfare of our children. Danny Boyle's 'Millions' and the amazing 'Stand By Me' would make excellent choices, but they lack Blu-ray releases. For a movie that captures the adventure and possibilities of being a kid though, 'The Goonies' is a fine choice.
November 21 - World Television Day
That's right, there's a holiday celebrating television. It's not even one of those phony ones created by the industries either - this was instated by the UN. We're still waiting for the Blu-ray release of 'Network,' but luckily ' Broadcast News' is available for pr-order now. It's a love story at heart, and one of the best films ever made about the industry. Even better, it's a Criterion release.
It's another twofer! Of course we're all excited to celebrate Thanksgiving on the 25th, but we also get to celebrate the birth of Charles Schulz, creator of the beloved 'Peanuts' comic strip on the 26th. Finish off the month right, with ' A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.'
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