Another month has arrived, and along with it, plenty of excellent new titles on Netflix, including the ninth — yes, ninth! — season of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (the little show that could), season six of “Doc Martin,” and season three of the Netflix original, “Lilyhammer.”
If it’s movies you’re after, check out “Total Recall” (the original with Arnold Schwarzenegger), Bill Murray in “Kingpin,” and that runaway train hit, “Snowpiercer.”
Let’s take a closer look at all the new releases on Netflix in November.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1:
Artifact (2012). Directed by Jared Leto, a.k.a. Bartholomew Cubbins, this riveting documentary explores hard truths about the modern music business, giving intimate access to singer/actor Leto (“Requiem for a Dream,” “Dallas Buyers Club”) and his band Thirty Seconds to Mars as they fight a relentless lawsuit with record label Virgin/EMI and write songs for their album “This Is War.” Opening up his life for the camera during months of excruciating pressures, Leto reveals the struggles his band must face over questions of art, money and integrity.
Babes In Toyland (1961; G) – OK FOR KIDS 4+. Ray Bolger, Tommy Sands, Annette Funicello, Ed Wynn and Tommy Kirk star in this classic musical that takes place on the wedding eve of Tom the Piper’s Son and Mary Quite Contrary. An evil miser, stolen sheep, and a band of gypsies all play into this film directed by Jack Donohue.
Bali: Season 1 (TV-Y) – OK FOR KIDS 2+. This animated television show is based on a series of French children’s books by Magdalena and Laurent Richard. The show follows the adventures of Bali, a modern preschool puppy, his mom and dad, and Kikou, his stuffed animal. Facing the everyday incidents of childhood with curiosity and imagination, Bali enjoys life in the city with his family.
Hell is for Heroes (1962; Not Rated). An oddball cast of Steve McQueen, Bobby Darin, Fess Parker, Harry Guardino, James Coburn and Bob Newhart star in this war story about a squad of U.S. soldiers who in the fall of 1944 must hold off an entire German company for approximately 48 hours along the Siegfried Line until reinforcements arrive.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Season 9 (TV-MA). Charlie Day, Danny DeVito, Glenn Howerton, Rob McElhenney, and Kaitlin Olson star in this FX show about four friends with big egos and slightly arrogant attitudes who are the proprietors of an Irish bar in Philadelphia.
Kingpin (1996; PG-13) – OK FOR KIDS 15+. Woody Harrelson, Randy Quaid and Bill Murray star in this Farrelly Brothers’ movie about a star bowler whose career was prematurely “cut off” and who hopes to ride a new prodigy to success and riches.
Portlandia: Season 4 (TV-14). A parade of stars traipse through this quirky sketch-comedy show conceived and written by Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein. I have a friend who lives in Portland, and she says the show is a good barometer of Portland life.
The Rocketeer (1991; PG) – OK FOR KIDS 10+. Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, and Timothy Dalton star in this Disney movie about a young pilot who stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high flying masked hero.
Trading Mom (1994; PG) – OK FOR KIDS 8+. Sissy Spacek plays four different characters in this unusual family comedy about three young siblings — Elizabeth, Jeremy and Harry — who magically banish their overworked single mom and try out several new models found at the “Mommy Market.”
Spike (2008; G) – OK FOR KIDS 4+. An elf loses the letters to Santa Claus sent by children all around the world and must attempt to retrieve them from a bank vault guarded by penguins in this cute animated tale.
Total Recall (1990; R). Paul Verhoeven’s violent (and trippy!) sci-fi adventure follows a construction worker (Arnold Schwarzenegger) who discovers a memory chip in his brain during a virtual-reality trip.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 3:
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004; G) – OK FOR KIDS 6+. As the newly crowned princess of the tiny European country of Genovia, teen Mia Thermopolis (Anne Hathaway) learns an arranged marriage may be in store for her. Garry Marshall directs this Disney sequel that’s just as good as the first movie.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 4:
Altman (2014; TV-PG).Ron Mann directs a well-crafted tribute to maverick auteur Robert Altman, whose fertile career encompasses huge hits, big misses and lots of controversy.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 5:
Fading Gigolo (2014; R). I’m usually an avid Woody Allen fan, but I completely forgot about this movie a few days after I saw it. Not that it’s a bad movie; it just doesn’t stand out in the Woody Allen catalog. John Turturro plays a guy who decides to become a professional Don Juan as a way to make money and help his cash-strapped friend, Murray (Allen). With Murray acting as his “manager,” the duo quickly find themselves caught up in the crosscurrents of love and money.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 6:
Doug Benson: Doug Dynasty (2014) – Netflix Original. Renowned stoner Doug Benson takes his relaxed yet irreverent vibe to Seattle’s Neptune Theater, where he shares advice from old ladies and more
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 7:
Virunga (2014; Not Rated) – Netflix Original. Determined to protect the last population of Africa’s mountain gorillas, Congolese wildlife officials must contend not only with outlaw poachers, but the effects of fierce combat between government forces and die-hard insurgent groups in this important documentary directed by Orlando von Einsiedel.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 8:
Louder Than Words (2014; PG-13) – OK FOR KIDS 13+. After the unexpected death of their daughter, a couple, Stephanie and John Fareri (Hope Davis, David Duchovny), work to build a state-of-the-art children’s hospital where families are welcomed into the healing process.
Nebraska (2013; R). When a cantankerous old boozer (Bruce Dern) thinks he’s won a magazine sweepstakes prize, his son (Will Forte) reluctantly takes a road trip with him to claim the fortune. As they drive from Montana to Nebraska, they visit friends and relatives to whom the dad owes money.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 10:
Helix: Season 1 (2014; Not Rated) – OK FOR KIDS 15+. Summoned to an Arctic research facility to investigate a possible outbreak, a team from the Centers for Disease Control makes a shocking discovery: The outpost is host to a previously unknown virus that could wipe out every human on the planet. Billy Campbell and Jeri Ryan star.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 11:
Not Yet Begun to Fight (2012; Not Rated). After his searing experiences as a pilot in the Vietnam War, retired Marine Eric Hastings turned to fly-fishing to help his personal healing process. As captured in this documentary directed by Shasta Grenier and Sabrina Lee, Hastings now offers the same solace to today’s wounded warriors.
Quartet (2012; PG-13) – OK FOR KIDS 13+. A trio of retired opera singers’ annual celebration of Verdi’s birthday sours when their estranged fourth member shows up but refuses to sing. Tensions rise and diva drama erupts. Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins and Michael Gambon star.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 12:
La Bare (2014; R). “Magic Mike” actor Joe Manganiello makes his directorial debut with this absorbing documentary profiling the dancers at a Dallas male strip club, where elaborate choreography, demanding physical regimens and showmanship are requisites.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 13:
Small Town Santa (2013; PG) – OK FOR KIDS 10+. Already lacking any holiday spirit on the eve of Christmas, Sheriff Rick Langston (Dean Cain) sees his world turned upside down after he arrests a home intruder claiming to be Santa Claus. Will Rick find his inner elf with help from the new girl in town?
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 14:
Chelsea Peretti: One of the Greats (2014) – Netflix Original. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” star Chelsea Peretti showcases her diverse talents in this dark but silly re-imagining of the hour-long comedy special.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 15:
Doc Martin Series 6 (Not Rated). Crippled by a sudden and inconvenient fear of blood, flashy surgeon Dr. Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes) abandons his bustling London practice and sets up shop as a country doctor in this British dramedy.
Sinbad: The Fifth Voyage (2014; PG-13) – OK FOR KIDS 13+. When the Sultan’s first born is taken by an evil sorcerer, Sinbad is tasked with traveling to a desert of magic and creatures to save her. Patrick Stewart narrates this classic tale starring Shahin Sean Solimon as the title character.
Trailer Park Boys Live At The North Pole (2014; R). In a flashback to 1997, the boys celebrate the Christmas season by robbing the mall. But Bubba’s having trouble getting into the spirit of things.
Wolfblood: Season 2 (TV-PG) – OK FOR KIDS 11+. Being a teenager is hard enough. Being a Wolfblood teenager is ten times more complicated. Fourteen-year-old Maddy loves her abilities – heightened senses, being faster, stronger and more graceful – but hates the secrets that come with them.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 16:
Dream House (2011; PG-13). Abandoning high-stress Manhattan, Will (Daniel Craig) moves to a quiet New England town but learns that his new home was the site of several brutal murders. As sinister signs multiply around his family, Will searches for help.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 19:
Sabotage (2014; R). Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in this action drama about a crack team of DEA agents plotting their own heist. While they manage to make off with $10 million, the daring thieves are soon being knocked off one by one.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 21:
Lilyhammer: Season 3 – Netflix Original (TV-MA). After testifying against the Mafia, ex-gangster Frank Tagliano (Steven Van Zandt) enters witness protection and asks to be sent to Norway. Despite the peaceful surroundings, it’s not long before Frank strays from the straight and narrow.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 22:
Ida (2014; PG-13) – OK FOR KIDS 14+. Raised in a Catholic orphanage during the Nazi occupation of Poland, Anna (Agata Trzebuchowska) is poised to join the order when she learns she has a surviving aunt. But visiting the woman before taking her vows uncovers some inconvenient truths about her heritage.
Nikita: Season 4 (TV-14) – OK FOR KIDS 14+. Nikita (Maggie Q) is one of the most highly skilled assassins on the planet, and her target is the mysterious corporation that created her. The Division, as it’s known, picks up at-risk teens to train as killers, and Nikita will do anything to bring it down. Shane West also stars.
Snowpiercer (2013; R). Earth’s remaining inhabitants are confined to a single train circling the globe as revolution brews among the class-divided cars. Based on a French graphic novel and set in a new ice age, this futuristic thriller stars a top-notch ensemble cast, including Chris Evans, Kang-ho Song, Ed Harris, John Hurt, Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer and Jamie Bell.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 23:
Happy Christmas (2014; R). After splitting up with her boyfriend just before the holidays, Jenny (Anna Kendrick) moves in with writer Kelly (Melanie Lynskey), her filmmaker husband and their child. But as she tries to climb out of her rut and start over, her self-destructive behavior gets in the way. Mark Webber and Lena Dunham also star.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 25:
Beyond the Edge (2013; Not Rated). Edmund Hillary’s 1953 ascent of Mt. Everest was an event that amazed the world and led to a new age of mountaineering and ambitious exploration. Hilary’s triumphant saga is retold in this documentary directed by Leanne Pooley, using both modern footage and recordings and photos from the time.
Running from Crazy (2013; Not Rated). Plagued by her family’s history of mental illness, including the suicides of her uncle Ernest and her sister Margaux, actress Mariel Hemingway becomes an advocate for suicide prevention and strives to find balance in her life in this thoughtful documentary.
War Story (2014; Not Rated). After being held hostage in Libya, a war photographer (Catherine Keener) struggles to cope with PTSD and takes some time off to heal in Sicily, where she tries to help a Tunisian immigrant who desperately needs an abortion. Hafsia Herzi and Ben Kingsley also star.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 26:
Bomb Girls: Season 3 (TV-PG) – OK FOR KIDS 14+. Focusing on a group of women working in a Canadian munitions factory during World War II, this ensemble drama depicts the dangers and new experiences they face. While drawn from diverse backgrounds, the women form strong bonds.
VeggieTales in the House (2014; Not Rated) – Netflix Original – OK FOR KIDS 4+. The beloved faith-based brand reignites with a fresh look and all-new adventures. Join Bob the Tomato, Larry the Cucumber, and all their veggie friends as they explore new areas of their wondrous house while singing catchy, original songs in each episode. Perfect for young families, this laugh-out-loud comedy seamlessly weaves good moral values into each episode in a fun, exciting way for Veggie lovers of all ages.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 27:
Bill Cosby 77 (2012; TV-G) – Netflix Original – OK FOR KIDS 10+. Bill Cosby invites you in to share his birthday and 77 years of laughs, wisdom and hilarious insights in his latest stand-up special. Dr. Cosby shares intimate and wildly entertaining stories from his childhood, first loves, and the endless adventure of parenthood. Directed by Robert Townsend and shot at the San Francisco Jazz Center, this special features the comedian at the top of his craft.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 29:
The One I Love (2014; R). Confronted with the potential end of their marriage, Ethan and Sophie (Mark Duplass, Elisabeth Moss) take off for a weekend together, hoping to negotiate their future. When they reach their idyllic destination, however, the couple strolls into a bizarre new brand of trouble that’ll leave you guessing til the end.
Trailer Park Boys 3: Don’t Legalize it (2014; TV-MA). The Trailer Park Boys are back, but times are tough for Ricky, Julian, Bubbles, and everyone in Sunnyvale Trailer Park. Julian is broke. With all his latest money-making plans having failed, he’s forced to concoct his greasiest scheme ever. To make it even greasier, he has to do business with his arch-enemy, Cyrus, who’s waiting in Montreal to close the dirty deal.
AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 30:
About Cherry (2012). Determined to escape her past, 18-year-old Angelina (Ashley Hinshaw) moves to San Francisco, where she becomes Cherry, an innocent-but-sexy adult film star. Her provocative new life brings fame, money, and acquaintances who have a variety of motives. James Franco, Heather Graham, Lili Tayler and Dev Patel also star.
The Grand Seduction (2013; PG-13) – OK FOR KIDS 14+. The cash-strapped burg of Tickle Cove must persuade a doctor to move to town if they want a plastics manufacturer to build a new factory there. But selling the advantages of the tiny Newfoundland village to a young professional won’t be easy. Brendan Gleeson and Taylor Kitsch star.
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