The end of the year is coming closer and the weather is getting colder and colder. The movie theater, however, is heating up, with many highly anticipated movies finally hitting theaters. November brings in some of the year’s biggest blockbusters, and also ushers in some more Oscar contenders as the year comes to an end. From “Thor” to “The Hunger Games,” November is quite the month to be a moviegoer.

 Dallas Buyers Club – November 1 (Limited Release) (Trailer)

            I’m not ashamed to confess my love for Matthew McConaughey. He is becoming arguably one the best actors in Hollywood today, and he reassures that belief with the release with his latest creation, “Dallas Buyers Club.” Here, McConaughey stars as a working Texas macho man who suddenly becomes diagnosed as HIV-positive, which embarks him on a journey against the medical establishment and his search for better and cheaper drugs. Along with McConaughey, Jared Leto and Jennifer Garner makes “Dallas Buyers Club” an absolute must watch.

About Time – November 1 (Trailer)

In director Richard Curtis’, “About Time,” Rachel McAdams stars in another love story involving some twist involving time. Last year, McAdams starred in “The Vow” alongside Channing Tatum, where her character must regain her memory after waking from a coma. This year, “About Time” pairs her with Domhnall Gleeson, who’s character is able to time travel, creating a new twist on the classic love story. Director Richard Curtis is well known for 2003’s “Love Actually” and 1997’s “Bean”. This project, while it seems largely unoriginal, looks to be a promising, touching love story.

Free Birds – November 1 (Trailer)

With Thanksgiving season nearing, “Free Birds” provides a fun, family movie that is sure to be good fun. The movie sees adorable, animated turkeys travel back in time to change the history of the turkey, and hopefully take them off the holiday menu. The film boasts some great voice actors, with Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, and Amy Poehler headlining the film. The director, Jimmy Hayward, is also another interesting piece of the movie. Hayward also directed the popular “Horton Hears a Who!”, and has worked on a multitude of other animated hits such as “Finding Nemo”, “Monster’s Inc.” and “Toy Story.”

Last Vegas – November 1 (Trailer)

“Last Vegas” seems to be the old-man version of the “Hangover.” The movie, however, seems to have more to it than just a fun movie set in Vegas. While “Last Vegas” doesn’t seems like a must watch, it does look like a fun Vegas movie with a touch of heart. The film stars aging actors Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline. Director Jon Turteltaub helms the project, having directed other movies such as the “National Treasure” series, and 2000’s “The Kid” starring Bruce Willis. The writer Dan Fogelman also has some interesting work tied to his name. He has written such movies such as “Crazy, Stupid, Love”, “Tangled”, and “Cars.”

Ender’s Game – November 1 (Trailer)

Highly anticipated “Ender’s Game” finally hits theaters, and brings with it a slue of fans that have eagerly waited its release. “Ender’s Game” is based on the book of the same name by Orson Scott Card, and follows young Ender Wiggin, as he is recruited to lead soldiers into battle with the fate of Earth on the line. Starring young star, Asa Butterfield, as well as Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis, Abigail Breslin, and legend Harrison Ford, “Ender’s Game” promises to be one of 2013’s biggest hits. Director Gavin Hood has good track record, directing other films such as 2007’s “Rendition” and 2005’s “Tsotsi.” The only blemish would be 2009’s disappointment “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, one of the worst superhero movies ever. Yet with “Ender’s Game” look for Gavin Hood to redeem himself.

Thor: The Dark World – November 8 (Trailer)

In 2008, Marvel gave birth to what would become the world’s best cinematic universe imagined, connecting their superheroes through multiple films before assembling them together in “The Avengers.” Marvel has carefully planned and executed their movies according to a very precise plan. They have separated their movies into phases, with “The Avengers” concluding the first. “Iron Man 3” kicked off Phase Two, and now in November, the world bears witness the next superhero blockbuster, “Thor: The Dark World.” The sequel to 2011’s “Thor” pits the God of Thunder against a new enemy bent on destroying everything in his path. The film brings a new director, Alan Taylor, and stars Chris Hemsworth as the famed Avenger, Natalie Portman as the beautiful Jane Foster, and Tom Hiddleston as one of Marvel’s best characters, Loki. As expected, “Thor: The Dark World” will be a huge commercial success while promising to please the comic book faithful, and continue the series of carefully planed Marvel movies.

Nebraska – November 15 (Trailer)

There are many more reasons to recommend this movie beyond its title that bears our state’s name. “Nebraska” tells the story of aging, alcoholic father who embarks on a journey from Montana to Nebraska in order to claim his lottery prize, all while trying to better his relationship with his estranged son. Director Alexander Payne, who was born in Omaha, promises to bring such a story to life, having other hits to his name such as 2011’s “The Descendants”, and 2002’s “About Schmidt.” Bruce Dern stars as the old father attempting to claim his prize, with funnyman Will Forte joining him as his son. The black and white film looks exceedingly interesting and has some extraordinary potential.

Delivery Man – November 22 (Trailer)

            Vince Vaughn returns to the big screen once again with his latest movie, “Delivery Man.” In the film, Vince Vaughn plays a run-of-the-mill guy who finds out he has fathered 533 children, stemming from his donation to a fertility clinic years ago. Now, 142 of those children have filed a lawsuit against to reveal his identity, and establish ties with their biological father. In addition to Vince Vaughn, funnymen Chris Pratt and “Saturday Night Live” favorite Bobby Moynihan headline the cast. “Delivery Man” is not a must watch, being another unexceptional film by Vince Vaughn. While it does look like it has a touch of heart, don’t fret about missing this one.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – November 22 (Trailer)

In 2012, the world was blown away by the phenomenon that is “The Hunger Games.” Now, we have the much-anticipated sequel, “Catching Fire.” The saga that began in the first film continues as Katniss and Peeta now face a rebellion in the Districts of Panem. The movie welcomes a new director Francis Lawrence, whom you may know from the popular “I Am Legend” from 2007. The cast is truly an all-star ensemble, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, and Stanley Tucci. “Catching Fire” will undoubtedly be one of the biggest hits from 2013, igniting the fan base again as the story continues.

Old Boy – November 27 (Trailer)

“Old Boy” brings together an impressive cast and crew, as the story of a kidnapped man out for vengeance is told. Famed director Spike Lee directs the action-drama film staring Elizabeth Olsen, Josh Brolin, and Samuel L. Jackson. The film looks rather promising and perhaps is worth a watch later in the month when it hits theaters.

Homefront – November 27 (Trailer)

            Director Gary Fleder’s “Homefront” sees a former Drug Enforcement Administration office move to quiet town to escape the stress of work, only to find himself later entangled in a dangerous battle with a local druglord. Gary Fleder doesn’t have many notable works to his name, yet Sylvester Stallone is surprisingly in charge of the screenplay, or adapting a script based off the book “Homeland,” which is the basis for the film. The film boasts an impressive cast, including actors Winona Ryder, James Franco, Jason Statham, and Kate Bosworth. “Homefront” looks to be a decent thriller filled with action that could be worth a watch upon its release.