With the fall comes the rise of Oscar worthy films. Much like the summer of 2015, the movie theater is where I’ll be spending most of my free time these coming months. Here are just a few of the films I’m looking forward to.
Captain Phillips: This seemingly built-for-film true story is one of survival, desperation, and sacrifice. While the Oscars are no stranger to films “lost at sea” (see Life of Pi or Titanic), this tale of one man’s journey to keep him and his crew free from the harm of pirates is one that won’t be overlooked when it comes to the awards time. Also, having Tom Hanks in the film certainly doesn’t hurt it’s chances.
Romeo and Juliet: While there may not be a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo, the cast assembled for this film brings an aura of excitement more than sorrow. Hailee Steinfeld, someone not foreign to classic dialects (see: True Grit) stars as Juliet, while Douglas Booth is Romeo. The film relies on the chemistry between these two and it’s tough to judge from the trailer. I’d put my money on Damian Lewis, Lord Capulet, giving the stand-out performance in this film. This one poses many challenges, (it's quite the period piece, there've been many adaptations already made, and Shakespeare doesn't exactly scream blockbuster) which makes it one of the most interesting films coming out this fall.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Having read the Hunger Games series, I can’t help but be extremely excited, yet cautious about this film. Easily the best one in the series, “Catching Fire” poses a large amount of hurdles to conquer. With that being said, the casting seems incredibly on point, Francis Lawrence (director) is used to conquering big hurdles (see: I Am Legend), and they’ve got the source material. Plus, Jennifer Lawrence is impossible not to like. You won’t see me at the midnight showing, but I’ll be sure to catch this one opening weekend.
Ender’s Game: Another big budget book adaptation, “Ender’s Game” could go one of two ways. It could be Summit Entertainment’s “Lone Ranger”, or it could end up being a smash hit at the box office. I haven’t read Ender’s Game, but I know enough about Asa Butterfield to say he’s the man for the job. Hugo was one of my favorite films of 2011, and a big portion of that was the faith put into a relatively unknown child actor, much like “True Grit” with Hailee Steinfeld, also in this film. He delivered, she delivered, and I’m sure they’ll deliver again. Plus, with an all-star group of actors like Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley, Viola Davis, and Abigail Breslin, this makes “Ender’s Game” one of the many films I’m looking forward to this Fall.
Frozen: While there’s not much to know about “Frozen”, it looks plenty like it could be Disney’s rebound from Planes. The trailer shows a rivalry that’s later to be revealed as a friendship between a snowman and a moose. I’m hopeful about this non-Pixar animated film, but relatively cautious. With enough focus on the storytelling, I think Disney could have a terrific Christmas film on their hands.
Saving Mr. Banks: Speaking of Disney, what would be better than a holiday film about Mr. Walt Disney himself? More specifically, the making of “Mary Poppins,” one of the most famous Disney films ever made. Emma Thompson stars as P.L. Travers, the author of the book, and the person Walt must convince to let Disney studios make her beloved book into the Hollywood hit it would become. This seems to be the season of Tom Hanks, and I’m certainly not complaining. If I had to choose one film to see this Christmas, it would be “Saving Mr. Banks”.
The Wolf of Wall Street: There have been three trailers that floored me for this fall. “Don Jon”, “Gravity”, and “The Wolf of Wall Street”. “The Wolf of Wall Street” trailer is harsh, loud, and visually satisfying, making it right up my alley. With the Oscar starved Leonardo DiCaprio starring as a stock-broker with more money than he can deal with, and Scorsese directing, you’d be hard pressed to find a more captivating duo. I can’t wait for this one.
Gravity: This year I, like many other lucky fanboys and girls, made the trek down to San Diego for Comic-Con 2013. One of the most surprising films to receive a raving response from the masses was Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity”. They showed about six minutes of footage from the film and I was absolutely floored by it. What I saw wasn’t a science-fiction/horror film with Sandra Bullock screaming and George Clooney mugging. No, I got an intimate, intense, and irresistibly gorgeous journey. With the already growing Oscar buzz surrounding it, I’m anxiously anticipating the release of this one. (Sidenote: There is no sound in the vacuum of space, and Alfonso Cuaron intends to keep it that way. That’s right, no sound effects.)
12 Years a Slave: A cast of incredible people can’t save a film, and it certainly doesn’t mean the film will be good. A cast of incredible people, however, does not hurt a film when it comes time for Oscar buzz. “12 Years a Slave” has just that. Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Paul Giamatti (who seems to be the Pharrell Williams of film this year, in that he’s in every hit), this story about a man sold back into slavery is already getting incredible reviews. While there hasn’t been a shortage of films focusing on slavery in the past few years, this one is the most intriguing to me. Don’t be surprised if multiple actors in this film get nominated for Oscars.
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