No opinions, no agenda — just the basic facts you need to answer that eternal question: Is anything good playing?

Welcome to the inaugural installment of our monthly Align Movie Guide. We can’t guarantee that Hollywood will make entertainment worthy of your time and money — but we can help you get a sense of your choices.

From big-budget spectacles to Christmas warm-ups, here are some of the more promising films hitting cinemas in November

‘Here’ — Nov. 1

Director Robert Zemeckis’ attempt to recapture some of that “Forrest Gump” magic by reuniting Tom Hanks and Robin Wright for “Here” has utterly flopped with critics — and most viewers. It’s too bad, as the film takes on a relatively bold challenge: depicting centuries of drama playing out on one piece of land.

Perhaps more interesting than its story is the film’s groundbreaking effects work: it uses Metaphysic Live, a new AI technology, to face-swap and de-age Hanks and Wright in real-time while filming instead of doing the work in post.

‘Red One’ — Nov. 15

If you’re one of those people who considers “Die Hard” a Christmas movie, you might want to consider “Red One.”

When Santa Claus is kidnapped by sinister forces days before Christmas Eve, North Pole Head of Security Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson) recruits the help of Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), the world’s greatest tracker, to battle fantastical creatures and find jolly Ol’ Saint Nick in an action-packed Christmas adventure.

When it comes to blockbusters, you can’t go wrong with Chris Evans and Dwayne Johnson … or can you? Evans, a staunch Democrat, has been letting his partisan side show in recent years, broadcasting his support for Kamala Harris and lambasting fans who protested a lesbian kissing scene in Pixar’s “Toy Story” spin-off, “Lightyear.”

Neither is “The Rock” impervious to controversy. He was accused of urinating in bottles on the “Red One” set to save time after showing up hours late to set. Surprisingly entitled behavior for a man whose latest films — “Black Adam” and “Jungle Cruise,” among them — have failed to capture audiences.

Then again, nobody’s perfect, and the concept looks to be a funny, action-packed take on a Christmas movie. If that’s your cup of tea, “Red One” might be worth unwrapping.

‘Gladiator II’ — Nov. 22

Singer-songwriter Nick Cave once wrote a wild script for a sequel to the beloved “Gladiator,” which sent Maximus (Russell Crowe) on an epic time-travel quest. That idea never came to fruition, but original director Ridley Scott is about to deliver a more straightforward follow-up with “Gladiator II.” The film follows Lucius (Paul Mescal), the son of Maximus. Like his father, he must fight for his life and the whole of Rome as a gladiator. The film has been highly anticipated for its sprawling physical sets and stacked cast, which includes Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, and Derek Jacobi.

‘Wicked’ — Nov. 22

Nobody said it was easy being green. The long-awaited big screen adaptation of beloved musical “Wicked” has a built-in audience of loyal fans — probably best not to alienate them by crying “racist.” Yet that’s what star Cynthia Erivo did when one X user innocently edited the movie poster to make it resemble its Broadway counterpart.

Time will tell if this glimpse behind the DEI curtain will dissuade viewers from taking the Yellow Brick Road — but maybe Erivo’s co-stars — including Ariana Grande as Glinda (the Good Witch), Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard — will be enough of a draw.

‘Moana 2’ — Nov. 27

Perhaps the one film coming out this month with the most to prove is Disney’s “Moana 2,” sailing into theaters a scant nine months after being announced.

“Moana 2” originally took the form of an 8-episode Disney+ series; Disney CEO Bob Iger claimed he loved it so much that he decided to turn it into a feature-length film.

Nice story, but insiders claim his real motives were to replace another animated film rife with wokeness — hardly a selling point after the one-two punch failure of “Strange World” and the well-meaning “Wish.” The film was scrapped.

Even stars Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson had to renegotiate contracts and re-record lines for the film (Johnson’s cameo-sized role was expanded to a co-lead). The trailers do seem to indicate a straightforward adventure with the iconic “wayfinder,” a welcome signal that Disney is getting back to what it does best: family entertainment. Audiences — and Disney — should hope the Mouse House has another billion-dollar crowd-pleaser on its hands.

Here are a few lesser-hyped upcoming films to consider:

‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ — Nov. 8

For those who like to celebrate the most wonderful time of year early, consider bringing the family to “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a new adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s book from “The Chosen” creator Dallas Jenkins. When the Herdman siblings — who have a reputation for being the worst kids in the world — take over the local Christmas church pageant, they might just teach a shocked community the true meaning of Christmas. Starring Judy Greer, Lauren Graham, Pete Holmes, and Elizabeth Tabish.

‘Heretic’ — Nov. 8

In this horror-thriller from A24, two young missionaries become ensnared in a deadly game of cat and mouse when they knock on the door of the diabolical Mr. Reed. Trapped in his home, they must turn to their faith if they want to make it out alive. Starring Hugh Grant (in an excellent heel turn), Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Topher Grace. Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.

‘A Sudden Case of Christmas’ — Nov. 8

An American couple bring their 10-year-old daughter, Claire, to her grandfather’s hotel in Italy to tell her that they are separating. Hoping to bring them back together, Claire asks the entire family to celebrate one last Christmas together … in August. Starring Danny DeVito, Lucy DeVito, Andie MacDowell, Wilmer Valderrama, Adrian Dunbar, and Antonella Rose. Directed by Peter Chelsom.

‘Bonhoeffer’ — Nov. 22

From “Sound of Freedom” producer Angel Studios comes “Bonhoeffer,” a drama about the life of the German theologian and pastor who stood up to the Nazis during the Third Reich. Starring Jonas Dassler as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, August Diehl, Moritz Bleibtreu, Nadine Heidenreich, David Jonsson, and Flula Borg.

Complete list by date:

“Here” — Nov. 1″The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” — Nov. 8″Heretic” — Nov. 8″A Sudden Case of Christmas” — Nov. 8″Red One” — Nov. 15″Gladiator II” — Nov. 22″Wicked” (Part One) — Nov. 22″Bonhoeffer” — Nov. 22″Moana 2″ — Nov. 27

​Movies, Entertainment, Reviews, Moana 2, Gladiator ii, Vince salerno, Align movie guide 

As wars rage on all around the world, the fog of war and accusations of sabotage continue to plague international relations.

According to a Newsweek report, Nikolai Patrushev, a close ally of Putin, recently accused U.S. and U.K. intelligence operatives of past sabotage actions and plans for future attacks. Specifically, he accused the U.S. and U.K. of “intending to sabotage underwater internet cables and planning to destabilize the maritime energy trade.”

Both NATO allies and Russia have accused the other side of maritime sabotage. A September CNN article, citing U.S. officials, alleged that Russia was planning a similar plot to sabotage “underwater infrastructure by order of the defense ministry’s Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research (GUGI).”

Future attacks on fiber-optic cables and other infrastructure would have the aim of causing ‘chaos’ in global energy markets, ‘including by destabilizing maritime transportation.’

However, Crimean Wind, a Telegram channel reporting Patrushev’s comments, posted, “It would be funny, but such statements often sound like a cover for their own intentions.”

Nikolai Patrushev, a Putin aide and chairman of Russia’s maritime board, is also one of the main forces behind Russia’s war on Ukraine. On Monday, he told the newspaper Kommersant that U.S. and U.K. intelligence were “behind the September 2022 attacks on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines.”

Despite several investigations by Sweden and Denmark and an ongoing investigation by Germany, it is still unclear who was behind the Nord Stream pipelines attack.

Regarding speculations that Ukraine was behind these attacks, Patrushev said that the Ukrainian Navy had “neither the equipment nor the trained specialists to carry out a deep-sea terrorist attack” and that “only special forces units of NATO countries could carry out sabotage of this scale.”

He went on to tell Kommersant that the U.S. and U.K. would be executing these sabotage operations to “promote their economic interests.” Further, he speculated that future attacks on fiber-optic cables and other infrastructure would aim to cause “chaos” in global energy markets, “including by destabilizing maritime transportation.”

Newsweek went on: “Patrushev said this was the intention behind U.S. strikes against the Houthis in the Persian Gulf, which Washington has conducted in response to attacks by the Iranian-backed Yemeni group against shipping in the region.”

While it is difficult and will likely be impossible to discern who was responsible for these attacks, Patrushev is certainly correct about one thing: Attacks on global infrastructure will continue to sow chaos on the world stage during these already uncertain times.

​Technology, Russia pipeline, Ukraine, Putin, Nord stream, Tech 

On a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Joe Rogan and Theo Von recalled their reactions to Trump’s victory on election night. As it turns out, the two comedians watched the election together at a watch party/comedy festival at Rogan’s Comedy Mothership in Austin, Texas.

Dave Rubin plays the clip of the duo reflecting on their “crazy” night watching Trump win in a landslide.

“Yo, how fun was election night at the Mothership?” Rogan asked.

“It was baffling, man. I mean, it was crazy,” Von said, before the two erupted into laughter.

“It was so much fun,” Rogan reiterated, calling the atmosphere “so positive.”

Von then recalled the revelries that took place — “People were dancing, people were smoking weed. … Adam and Eve were in there,” he laughed.

“It felt like America is brighter,” Rogan added. “We were moving towards this insane world where we were being controlled by liars, we were just being gaslit left and right. We saw it all over the media, we saw it all over the news — things that were right in front of your face … There’s just so much craziness and then all of a sudden — poof!”

“Yes, they’re feeling what you’re feeling. America’s best days are ahead of her,” says Dave.

To watch the footage of Rogan and Von reflecting on their wild election night, watch the clip above.

Want more from Dave Rubin?

To enjoy more honest conversations, free speech, and big ideas with Dave Rubin, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

​The rubin report, Dave rubin, Blazetv, Blaze media, Trump victory, Joe rogan, Theo von 

What’s in store for the auto industry once Trump’s in the driver’s seat?

A lot of automakers are hoping the country can switch lanes. Under Biden, it’s been a bit of a road to nowhere, with current regulations mandating strict fuel efficiency and emissions standards by 2030.

This year’s election promises to be more consequential to the automotive industry than any previous election.

These standards, of course, are meant to steer the industry toward electric vehicles. One problem: The consumer demand just isn’t there, at least in the near term. Factor in the substantially higher production cost of EVs compared to traditional gasoline and hybrid models, and the government is asking these companies to take a huge financial risk.

Volkswagen Group and Stellantis are two automotive giants already feeling the pain of too much investment in EVs, as their recent cost-cutting measures demonstrate.

Shifting gears

Expect the Trump-Vance administration to shift away from the electric vehicle mandates, though the degree of pullback is unknown. Given the level of resources both domestic and foreign automakers have already invested in EV production and the multi-year timeline required to change product plans, a substantial reduction in EV incentives and sales will still prove costly for the industry.

The uncertainty surrounding political shifts has long been one of the most challenging aspects of running a successful car company. This year’s election promises to be more consequential to the automotive industry than any previous election.

An impossible path

The disconnect between current electric vehicle regulations and real-world consumer demand has put traditional automakers on an impossible path. They’ve invested billions in rapid EV development even as sales have lagged and cars have piled up on dealer lots.

We expect the Trump administration to carefully assess and ultimately replace the existing MPG mandates (a de facto EV mandate) with a policy that better recognizes market reality.

While this will be a net positive for traditional automakers, it could mean even slower growth in EV sales and a tougher road ahead for electric vehicle brands like Lucid, Rivian, and Tesla.

We wonder if Trump’s new BFF, Elon Musk, will have anything to say about that. Perhaps Tesla’s market dominance — as well as its exemption from tariffs as an American-made car — will let it continue to thrive. Musk is nothing if not resourceful.

CARB cutting

Once Trump takes office in January, he could quickly roll back these onerous emissions standards by executive order.

Some questions remain: How soon until the automaker CEOs make formal requests to Trump to abolish the EV mandate? Can we finally abolish the California Air Resources Board?

California has long had outsized power to drive the national EV agenda. The state not only leads the country in EV adoption, it is also responsible for creating the Zero-Emission Vehicle program, which requires new vehicles to reach 100% zero-emission and clean plug-in hybrid-electric status in California by the 2035 model year.

So far, 16 other states have adopted the ZEV program; the average number of EVs per 10,000 residents in those states is more than double what it is in non-ZEV states.

But with Trump’s advisers already planning to revisit the Clean Air Act waivers that allow California to enforce its own, stricter pollution standards, the Golden State’s grip on the kind of cars Americans get to drive could be weakening.

We will be watching all the new rules and regulations and will keep you posted.

​Donald trump, Election 2024, Ev mandates, Joe biden, Stellantis, Lauren fix, Business, Lifestyle, Align cars 

Disgraced Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo explained why he believed the Democrats lost the election and gave a warning to Democrats going ahead to stop the skid.

Cuomo made the comments while being interviewed by journalist Mark Halperin on the “2WAY Tonight” show.

‘What we did talk about was bizarre to these people! It was not about gender change operations for criminals! That’s not where they were at!’

“The first thing the Democratic Party has to realize is when you’re in a hole, stop digging,” Cuomo said. “I think we really have to come to grips with what happened here, and I don’t think that happens overnight.”

He said that some were arguing that the party didn’t go left enough, but he disagreed with that estimation and argued against it.

“That believe it or not, is going to have to be litigated. And it’s shocking to me that anyone could maintain that position after the election. But that is going to have to be sorted through. Because you’re gonna have the extreme left saying the problem was that we were not left enough. As bizarre as that appears to be,” said Cuomo.

“What happened is, in this election people had two bad choices,” he continued. “And President Trump was the better of two bad choices.”

He went to say that Democrats were “disconnected” from “reality” because of their hatred for Trump.

“We were so blinded by our hate for Trump and assume that everybody was gonna see that we were right and that he was bad and we were so consumed with making the negative on Trump, we never made the positive case for the Democratic party. And what the Democrats would do for you,” Cuomo continued.

“Government is about doing for you. I also don’t think it was clear what the Biden administration had done for you. You weren’t convinced that that administration worked for you so there was a double burden on Harris to make the case we were working for you, we did actually accomplish something, and we have a plan for your future. We didn’t do that!” he added.

“And what we did talk about was bizarre to these people! It was not about gender change operations for criminals! That’s not where they were at!” Cuomo concluded. “And we had this elitist arrogant extremist left that dictated an agenda that predominated the campaign, and i think that was the root cause of what happened.”

Cuomo stepped down from his governorship in 2021 after numerous accusations of sexual harassment. His interlocutor, Halperin, was similarly fired from SNBC in 2017 after several accusations of sexual harassment.

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​Andrew cuomo on election, Leftists blame for election, Cuomo vs far left, Cuomo blames bizarre left, Politics