My bracket for November 2016 got a little screwed up. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see Lion or Bleed for This. I think I waited to long on Bleed For This and I could not find Lion anywhere. They’re on my list of movies to see as soon as I get the chance. Now that we are already in December though, I wanted to get November’s bracket results out as soon as I could. Below are the rearranged matches…

Allied vs. Hacksaw Ridge

Manchester by the Sea vs. Edge of Seventeen

Arrival vs. Nocturnal Animals

Doctor Strange vs. Fantastic Beats

     So… let’s get to it! First up we have Allied vs. Hacksaw Ridge. For me, the clear winner is Hacksaw Ridge. It was an extremely emotional movie with a very important message. Not to mention, it has some of the best and most realistic depictions of battle of any war film out there. Allied had a creative take and approach to the classic World War II drama but it wasn’t executed well enough to grab my attention. Next up, Manchester by the Sea vs. Edge of Seventeen. These are both two indie films that are getting a lot of praise with awards season coming up. To be honest, neither one fully gripped me but I have to give the win to Manchester by the Sea. Edge of Seventeen was well made but I personally didn’t resonate with any particular element of the film. On the other hand, Manchester by the Sea wasn't a home run for me but the story was so emotional and tragic. Lucas Hedges as the young teenager is definitely one of my favorite acting roles of the year. He was so authentic as his character and I enjoyed every minute of his performance. 

Let’s get to the other half of the draw. Up to bat is Arrival vs. Nocturnal Animals. Both movies really make you think but in completely different ways. Arrival is a very cerebral sci-fi film with deeper messages about the nature of humanity. Nocturnal Animals is cerebral as well but it makes you think and question specific plot elements rather than a great overarching theme or message. Because of that, Arrival beats it out. Last first round match up is Doctor Strange vs. Fantastic Beats. Both are big budget spectacles but for me Fantastic Beasts really charmed me by capturing some of the classic Harry Potter magic giving it the win.

     We are fast approaching into the semifinals! Hacksaw Ridge vs. Manchester by the Sea. They both took me on an emotional roller coaster but Hacksaw Ridge not only knocked my socks off but gave me the sense that its message was a small moment in history that shows the power of the human spirit. For that, it races its way to the finale.

     The second semifinal is Arrival vs Fantastic Beasts. Two very different movies. However, Arrival is the clear winner for me because although Fantastic Beasts was a fun ride, I am not eager to revisit it like I am with Arrival.

     The finale is here! Hacksaw Ridge and Arrival are both in my top five of the year so far. Both stuck with me long after I left the theatre and that’s the ultimate testament of a great movie for me. I want to see both again as soon as I can. The cleverness and detail of Arrival sets it over the top. It’s well thought out film making at its best. I am glad to say that Arrival is the winner of November 2016!