This fall is jam-packed with great film releases. I have a long list of films I’m interested in seeing, but I thought it would be useful to come up with a list of the top ten films I’m most excited for. These films will be or have been released within the months of September to November this year.
10. “The Walk”
Directed by Robert Zemeckis (“Back to the Future”, “Forest Gump”, “The Polar Express”), “The Walk” is a film about the true story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit, who walked between the Twin Towers on August 7, 1974. This IMAX 3D spectacle stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and features the music of Zemeckis’ long-time collaborator Alan Silvestri.
Release Date: September 30, 2015.
9. “Bridge of Spies”
Tom Hanks stars in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming Cold War thriller about Brooklyn lawyer James B. Donovan, who is sent to the Soviet Union to negotiate the release of U.S. spy plane pilot Francis Gary Powers. The film is based on the 1960 U-2 incident. This is Spielberg’s first film since “The Color Purple” in 1985 not to feature the music of John Williams. Thomas Newman has taken the musical reigns, and I’m sure he will not disappoint.
Release Date: October 19, 2015.
8. “The Peanuts Movie”
Blue Sky Studios has adapted Charles M. Schultz's beloved cartoon characters to film, and I could not be happier. With young unknown child actors cast and a team of fabulous animators (“Ice Age”, “Rio”, “Epic”), these wonderful classic characters will finally be reintroduced to a new generation.
Release Date: November 6, 2015
7. “Sicario”
This movie, directed by Denis Villeneuve (“Prisoners”, which I have yet to see) stars Emily Blunt as an idealistic FBI agent enlisted by a government task force to assist in the escalating war against drugs on the Mexican border. After the film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival this past spring, critics praised Emily Blunt for her career in portraying strong female characters. I think we’re looking at a Best Actress nomination, which reminds me of Jodi Foster’s groundbreaking female role in “The Silence of the Lambs.”
Release Date: October 2, 2015
6. “The Good Dinosaur”
This year is the first time Pixar Animation Studios will be releasing two films in the same year. Following the success of “Inside Out”, Pixar imagines what it would be like if the meteor that destroyed dinosaurs missed the earth entirely. This will be the first Pixar feature film to include their new photorealistic animation technology we saw tested in their short film “The Blue Umbrella.” From what we’ve seen in the trailers, this will probably be one of the most beautiful animated movies we’ve seen yet. Keep innovating, Pixar!
Release Date: November 25, 2015
5. “Spectre”
The next installation of the James Bond series will be exciting, adventurous, and suspenseful. With Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, and Ben Whishaw returning, we’re already in for a treat. However, with Monica Bellucci, Dave Bautista, and Léa Seydoux introduced to the picture, we’ll have an even bigger adventure to be seen. Oh, and how could we forget about Christoph Waltz! It’s definitely going to be amazing.
Release Date: October 26, 2015
4. “Steve Jobs”
Written by Aaron Sorkin (“The Social Network”), directed by Danny Boyle (“Slumdog Millionaire”), and with an all-star cast led by Michael Fassbender, this three-act interpretation of Steve Jobs' life is definitely in for a truckload of Academy Award nominations. I can’t wait to see what an amazing job this talented team has put in front of us.
Release Date: October 9, 2015
3. “The Martian”
Based on the New York Times Best-Seller, Ridley Scott (“Alien”, “Gladiator”, “Blade Runner”) adapts The Martian by Andy Weir. Matt Damon stars as an astronaut who is left behind on Mars and presumed dead. The film also stars Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Kate Mara, Donald Glover (Childish Gambino), and a truck load of other talented actors. Critics are raving about it, and I totally see a Best Actor Nomination in store for Mr. Damon.
Release Date: October 2, 2015
2. “Black Mass”
Johnny Depp is brilliant as Boston’s Whitey Bulger in Scott Cooper’s new gangster film. With Joel Egerton, Kevin Bacon, Jesse Plemons, and Benedict Cumberbatch doing a Boston accent, it’s a film I can expect will have a presence in the acting categories at the Oscars.
Release Date: September 18, 2015
1. “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2”
An obvious number one for this fall. Fans are all looking forward to the intensely emotional finale to the beloved series. There’s not much to say other than the fact that I will definitely be bringing tissues to the theater.
Release Date: November 20, 2015
Honorable Mentions:
"Everest"
Release Date: September 25, 2015
"Legend"
Release Date: November 20, 2015
"Suffragette"
Release Date: October 23, 2015
"Carol"
Release Date: November 20, 2015
"The Danish Girl"
Release Date: November 27, 2015
