The summer’s weak movie season is officially over. The thing I love about this upcoming season is the potential Oscar bait. Studios have already begun pushing their award hopefuls front and center. Sony already moved David Ayer’s “Fury” up four weeks from November to October 17th. Coincidence? I THINK NOT (read that in the obnoxious teacher from “The Incredibles”..it sounds better) I have compiled a list of my top picks for you to see this upcoming fall (which starts September 21st through December 21st). So, yes, some November releases will make the list- technically it’s still fall. Let’s Get Crackin’:

Christopher Nolan is one of the most cutting-edge directors working in the industry today, taking the strides and risks most filmmakers can’t (like releasing this in 35mm..which is almost obsolete to this point). Nolan, co-wrote the script with his son. “Interstellar” is dare I say… ORIGINAL? Yes, you read the statement accurately. The film stars Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway. What little we do know about the plot at this point, is about wormholes and the theory of traveling through space and time. With the goal of saving humanity. The tagline reads “Mankind was born on earth, it was never meant to die here.” If that tagline alone doesn’t get you in the theater, I don’t know what will.

Speaking of innovating directors, David Fincher is no stranger to the art of amazing filmmaking. Fincher’s resume consists of “Fight Club,” “The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button,” and the remake of “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.”.Just to name a few. His next attempt “Gone Girl” based on the very popular novel by Gillian Floyd (he also wrote the screenplay)  I didn’t read the book, but the movie is filled with potential Oscar front runners. Ben Affleck looks surprisingly contained and collected, while Neil Patrick Harris looks creepy as hell. The film follows a disappearance of Amy Duane (Rosamund Pike) or “Amazing Amy” and the prime suspect is her husband-Nick (Affleck) who claims his innocence. Who did it? why?! Come October, I hope we find out.

Finally something where Robert Downey Jr isn’t stereotyped as Tony Stark. His next film, from “Wedding Crashers” director David Dobkin, follows an estranged relationship with big time lawyer Hank Palmer (Downy) and his dad; Judge Joseph Palmer (Robert Duvall). The two can’t stand each other – and after Hank’s dad is accused of Murder, they must work together to clear his name. The story itself is what get’s me. I love the whole courtroom setting, and It looks to have all the good feels of an uplifting story. This may get some Oscar contention, if all the cards fall in the right place, which I think they will.

One of the most talked about movies of the year coming out of national film festivals. A film about the confines of social media, and discovering the truth about the people you think you know. The trailer is jaw dropping, as well as visceral in an attempt to tell an intricate premise. Jason Reitman (director of Juno and Up In The Air) has assembled an incredible cast .. which includes, Adam Sandler ! Don’t quote me on this..but I think for once..Adam Sandler may actually be in a good movie. Yes, you read the correctly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OGvZoIrXpg

There should be no surprise that the film was moved from a crowded November marketplace to a more awards friendly Oct 17th slot. The film follows a crew of WWII tankers, duking it out with the hefty- Tanks that make Call Of Duty look like child’s play. Brad Pitt leads the cast, along with “Percy Jackson’s” Logan Lerman, The Walking Dead’s Jon Bernthal, Michael Pena, and Shia LaBeouf. Let’s hope the film knows how to tell a bold and passionate story. My gut is telling me yes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGXHVlEklgQ

OK, I know what you are thinking.. why?… “Dumb and Dumber” was a crucial part in my adolescence. Jim Carrey, to this day, is still one of my idols and kills me with laughter almost instantaneously. Not to mention Jeff Daniels is equally fun to watch as the duo Harry & Lloyd. It has been twenty years coming – and I can’t wait till November 14th rolls around. The title says it all, expect over the top and relentless humor. Chances are, if you’re purchasing a ticket you know what to be expecting.

ANY studio that made “Wreck It Ralph” is ok in my book. Plus it’s Disney what can go wrong? the studio is likely still riding the huge success and worldwide sensation that was “Frozen” obviously following in those footsteps will be no easy task. However, “Big Hero 6” looks to be fun for all ages, and kind of serving as an Incredible-esq film almost. Whatever your poison..if there is ever a studio to bet money on..Disney is just that studio.

Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O’ Dowd, and Naomi Watts are all headlining the upcoming comedy “St Vincent” which has just been pushed up one week from October 17th to the 10th. I don’t know if this a sign of the film’s award potential. Word out of the Toronto film festival is that the film is pretty good. Judging by the film’s tone, and trailer…I’d wager a possible Best Actor nod for Murray? ..his first since 2003’s “Lost In Translation”

I love HORROR movies with a devoted passion. Anything that reads horror will likely garner my attention (if it looks good). This seems to be the case with “Annabelle” which is serving as a prequel to James Wan’s smash hit “The Conjuring”.. you know that creepy porcelain doll, that haunted your dreams? It will be interesting to see the direction the film gears towards. More thrilling? or settle for dumb scares?. Hell, if it’s anything half of what “The Conjuring” was sign me up!

This is making the list by default. If we really dissect the film properly — it’s probably going to be all build-up, with no conclusion (because it’s the first of two parts) the first parts are always the sluggish one. Now studios are trying to get their paws more dirty; so they separate films (like this one) into two parts, when easily it could have been done with one. Still…I loved “Catching Fire”. While it’s still remain to be seen, “Mockingjay Part 1” should still prove to be an entertaining ride. Even if it leaves us with a huge cliffhanger.

What was (is) the best part about the “Madagascar” films? The penguins! Now they finally get their own movie. This is a stroke of pure genius. Finally harvesting all the creativity that these fun, furry creatures inhabit into a feature length film. If you ask me, Thanksgiving just got a whole lot better.

Share your top fall movie pick in the comments area below.

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