More November Expirations (2013)

It doesn't look like I'll have a chance to write a proper post extolling the virtues of the titles expiring before month's end, but be sure to take a look at the list at the top of the page to see what's on the cutting block. Most notable is The Dick Van Dyke Show, which, despite being over 50 years old and in black-and-white, achieved a humor and freshness that keep it virtually ageless. Creator Carl Reiner made a point of not referencing the era's events or pop culture, and that—along with believable, archetypal characters, solid writing, and funny, grounded performances—make this series as entertaining today as it was in the early 1960s. All five seasons of the show expire at 12:01am on 11/29 [Update: since renewed]. If you're one of the few who have never seen it, and you enjoy traditional sitcoms, you should definitely check out a few episodes before they're gone.

Also of note: two '70s classics—Carrie and Saturday Night Fever—both of which have been mentioned here before and both featuring John Travolta—along with the tense, borderline exploitative Larry Clark thriller, Bully, which is based on a true story and, despite its tossed-off, documentary feel and casual, underage violence and sexuality, sneaks up on you by building some genuine, nail-biting tension by the time it's over.

That's all for now. Other titles worth a look can be found on the Expiring Soon list. Here's wishing you a happy, movie-filled Thanksgiving!

November 14

8 1/2 (1963)
The Bicycle Thief (1948)
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Doug Stanhope: No Refunds (2007)
Meek's Cutoff (2011)
Saturday Night Live collections (most of them)
Steven Wright: When the Leaves Blow Away (2007)

November 15

Drive (2011)
Don't Look Back (2009)
Metropia (2009)

November 18

Gainsbourg: A Heroic Life (2010)

November 19

Exterminating Angels (2006)
Novo (2002)
Russian Dolls (2005)
Sex Is Comedy (2002)

November 28

The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-65) - one of the all-time best sitcoms, still fresh and still influential

November 30

Bully (2001)
Carrie (1976) - Review
Fear City (1984) - Abel Ferrara directs the best of the '80s "they're killing strippers" movies
Kill Me Again (1989) - John Dahl (The Last Seduction) directs Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley
Open Water (2004)
Saturday Night Fever (1977) - Review
Six Degrees of Separation (1993)
Vanilla Sky (2001)
What's Eating Gilbert Grape? (1993)