Why do studios save their best films for release during November and December? Probably because it’s easier for critics and Oscar voters to remember them during the end-of-year awards season.. For movie fans, this means we have some excellent movies to choose from this month., including a new James Bond adventure and the eagerly awaited Baz Luhrmann epic about Australia. Take a look at the schedule below. 

 NOVEMBER 7:

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. Those zany New York Zoo animals return to the big screen with more amusing shenanigans in this animated sequel.

Role Models. Actor Paul Rudd co-stars with Seann William Scott -- and also wrote the screenplay for-- this comedy about two guys sentenced to community service. Their assignment? Mentoring kids. Perhaps that's not a very good idea -- but it may result in some highly amusing scenes.    

Soul Men. This comedy focuses on an estranged singing duo played by Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac . The two agree to a reunion performance at the Apollo Theater. Great music and lots of laughs should ensue.     

House.  In this horror thriller, two couples are terrorized by a maniac. Cast includes Allana Bale, J. P. Davis, Leslie Easterbrook, and Bill Moseley.

Repo! The Genetic Opera. A musical about epidemics, organ transplants, biotechnology and payment plans.  Sarah Brightman, Paul Sorvino, Paris Hilton, Anthony Head and Alexa Vega appear in this futuristic fantasy.

NOVEMBER 12:

Slumdog Millionaire.  A poor Indian teen, played by Dev Patel, becomes a contestant on a "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?" type show. And why? To prove his love for a friend.  Awwww.

NOVEMBER 14:

Quantum of Solace. Daniel Craig returns for his second adventure as James Bond. Sean Connery he’s not -- but he puts a different spin on the 007 role that’s quite watchable.

Christmas Tale.  Will a reunion during the holidays heal the past wounds of an estranged famlly? Beautiful Catherine Deneuve stars in this French dramedy.

NOVEMBER 21:

Bolt. A German shepherd, who stars as a heroic dog on a TV series, thinks he has superpowers in this animated movie. John Travolta provides the voice talent for the canine hero.  Miley Cyrus, Malcolm McDowell, and Deidrich Bader are among the other voices heard here.  

Twilight. This film version of Stephenie Meyer's  popular vampire romance co-stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.  Eat your heart out, Anne Rice!

NOVEMBER 26:

Australia. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman (be still my heart) play  key roles in this sweeping epic about Australia at the beginning of World War 2. Kidman portrays a British aristocrat who inherits a large estate in Oz, and Jackman is a rough-hewn drover who tries to help her.   

Transporter 3.  Our hero, played by Jason Statham, will die if he fails to complete his mission in this third Transporter action outing.  

Milk.  Sean Penn portrays Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in America. I smell an Oscar nomination.

Four Christmases.  When a married couple has to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas, it’s not a pretty sight. Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn co-star in this holiday comedy.

Fanboys. Star Wars fans decide to break into Skywalker Ranch and steal a print of Episode 1: The Phantom Menace.  May the Farce be with them.     

Remember All Release Dates Are Subject To Change.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, MOVIE FANS! 

(Australia poster: © 2008 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All Rights Reserved.)