Here are Eric’s picks for films to look forward to this Fall/Winter!
Some people feel that after the summer films come and go then there just aren’t any good films left for the rest of the year. Not most of the people I personally know because I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life. But with that said, here are the upcoming films left in 2015 that I am most excited for and maybe you’ll have an idea of stuff you’ll want to go see.
10.) Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II
Release Date: November 20, 2015
After being symbolized as the “Mockingjay”, Katniss Everdeen and District 13 engage in an all-out revolution against the autocratic Capitol.
It’s kinda weird, I wouldn’t really call myself a fan of the Hunger Games series but when I actually watch the films I do end up enjoying each of them overall. I suppose for me it’s more of a curiosity of how it’ll all end. Everyone I’ve ever heard talk about the books doesn’t like the third one. And from my understanding Part 1 ended right before the point in the book were people stopped liking it, so it’s fair to say it may be rather different. The previous films have been doing a good job setting up the pieces. And if none of that piques your interest then think of it this way, last performance by Phillip Seymour Hoffman… sold.
9.) Creed
Release Date: November 25, 2015
The former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Creed, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.
I wasn’t sure what to make of this idea when I first heard it. I like the “Rocky” series, and at this point there’s nowhere else to go with Rocky Balboa as a character other than having him take over the role of mentor. Some may argue they tried that in “Rocky V” and it didn’t work out but here it does seem to make more sense. It would be too much of a stretch for Stallone to be boxing again and this time we got someone that even though he’s technically a new character, he’s related to fan favorite Apollo Creed which makes it easier for us to relate to him. Any apprehension about the film is undone by the last film “Rocky Balboa”. I didn’t think that film was going to be any good but then it goes and turns out to be the best of the sequels so I’m very open to the idea of this film.
8.) The Hateful Eight
Release Date: December 25, 2015
In post-Civil War Wyoming, bounty hunters try to find shelter during a blizzard but get involved in a plot of betrayal and deception. Will they survive?
Quentin Tarantino doing another western? Yes please. I’ve been following this film through the ups and downs and yet the trailer still surprised me in how much it made me want to see it. However, what really sold it for me was the fact that it looks like Tarantino’s going back to his roots. While I’m sure this cost a fair amount, it seems like it’s going to be much simpler and back to basics like “Reservoir Dogs.” And while it has been nice to watch the progression of Tarantino’s work, it’s nice to see him take a slight step backwards, to see if he can still pull off this kind of film. After all, some of the best works of art come from artist’s going over the work again.
7.) Bridge of Spies
Release Date: October 16, 2015
…the story of James Donovan, a Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot.
Steven Spielberg directing, Tom Hanks starring, and the Coen Brothers are writing the script. How can anyone read that last sentence and not think, “hmm this is something I need to see!” But there are some other reasons to see the film. The story looks interesting by exploring a moment in history that I personally wasn’t aware of. But yes, the talent on this film is amazing and honestly the story could not have been interesting but getting three of the best in their own professions to work together is something to behold.
6.) The Peanuts Movie
Release Date: November 6, 2015
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” gang make their big-screen debut, like they’ve never been seen before, in state of the art 3D animation. Charlie Brown, the world’s most beloved underdog, embarks upon an epic and heroic quest, while his best pal, the lovable beagle Snoopy, takes to the skies to pursue his arch-nemesis, the Red Baron. From the imagination of Charles M. Schulz and the creators of the ICE AGE films, THE PEANUTS MOVIE will prove that every underdog has his day.
I realize that summary is kinda vague but all of the information we’ve had to go on is kinda vague at this point. I also know just how special many people find the “Peanuts” comic strip. I was more of a “Garfield” kid but there’s no denying how important to the medium of comics that “Peanuts” was or even how progressive it was (girls AND black kids on the same baseball team and it’s never commented on). But I’ll be honest with you, the reason this is on the list is 80% the art style. I just simply have never seen an art style like this. The film is CGI but they seem to make it look 2-D like the comics even down to lines for the mouths and eyebrows looking like they were drawn on and moving like stop-motion. The result is something not only truly unique looking but beautiful too. And even with that we have gotten so far in the trailers that the filmmakers seem to have the style of story and emotion down. Granted it’s made by Blue Sky Studios, who have certainly made many popular and successful films, I can’t say that they’ve made a truly great film yet but who knows maybe this could be it.
Click to the NEXT PAGE for the final 5 picks!
5.) Crimson Peak
Release Date: October 16, 2015
When her heart is stolen by a seductive stranger, a young woman is swept away to a house atop a mountain of blood-red clay: a place filed with secrets that will haunt her forever/ Between desire and darkness, between mystery and madness, lies the truth behind Crimson Peak.
A new film by visionary director Guillermo del Toro, you had me at del Toro. Again this is one of those I shouldn’t have to explain past the first sentence but let’s anyways. He’s one of our best directors and like Tarantino and “Hateful Eight” this is a case of del Toro going back to some familiar territory. To begin with, I personally love a good ghost story and let’s just say del Toro has a pretty good track-record so far. “Devil’s Backbone” anybody? Even his produced stuff like “The Orphanage” is really solid. Have you seen the trailers? Visually this already looks fantastic and I’d even go so far as to say the Oscar for Best Production Design is already in the bag. I’m a total target for this kind of old fashion film but if it’s del Toro I at least know that I’m in good hands.
4.) Spotlight
Release Date: November 6, 2015
The true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.
Academy Award Nominee Michael Keaton, sounds pretty good. I thought he was just in a small supporting role but in the trailer not only is he seemingly one of the main characters, he seems to be getting all the really good/memorable lines. So if the cast wasn’t one thing, the story seems like something with a lot of dramatic potential. Plus the director is Tom McCarthy (Dr Bob from “Meet the Parents”) who directed “The Station Agent” and “The Visitor,” both of which were great character films. He also directed “The Cobbler” but… eh, we’ll just call that one a fluke. Point being is that I think this director is a major up and coming artist and this will be his biggest film yet.
3.) The Good Dinosaur
Release Date: November 25, 2015
The Good Dinosaur asks the question: What if the asteroid that forever changed life on Earth missed the planet completely and giant dinosaurs never became extinct? Pixar Animation Studios takes you on an epic journey into the world of dinosaurs where an Apatosaurus named Arlo makes an unlikely human friend. While traveling through a harsh and mysterious landscape, Arlo learns the power of confronting his fears and discovers what he is truly capable of.
As seen in one of my previous articles, the trailer seems to be hinting at a much deeper emotional story. That’s saying a lot since Pixar’s last film was “Inside Out” which is already one of the best films of the year. (I didn’t review it because I wasn’t on the site yet but rest assured if I was I would have and beat to death any of the other writers who dared try to review it before me with their own shoes.) Anywho… many may be a little worried about this film because it’s had a long history of problems during the making, including completely re-casting and re-recording all the characters. However fans would do well to remember that this is actually a common place in animation like “Shrek,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and even the original “Toy Story.” If you’ve ever seen or read about the earlier versions of those films, you might know they made the right decision. So don’t be worried, just get the kleenex boxes ready.
2.) Spectre
Release Date: November 6, 2015
A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.
Anyone who knows me knows I am a HUGE Bond fan. How huge? I can name all the Bonds films in order while completely drunk off my a@#, and I’m a notorious lightweight when it comes to drinking. But yeah, the Bond series is one of my sacred cows. Since being alive I have only missed one Bond film in theaters (stupid teenage me). The last film “Skyfall” turned out to be one of (if not) the best films in the series and we got most (if not all) of the creative people coming back. If that’s not enough then we also got the return of James Bond’s greatest enemy, S.P.E.C.T.R.E. If you’re only familiar with the newer Craig films, S.P.E.C.T.R.E. is a terrorist organization (think evil version of MI6 with all the resources of an actual country’s force). Due to legal reasons they have not made an official appearance since “Diamonds Are Forever.” Not only is it great to see the return of them but it also looks like they’re going to try and tie it in with the last three films. We had Quantum in “Quantum of Solace” which I believe was before the rights issues were sorted out so I imagine it’ll turn out Quantum IS S.P.E.C.T.R.E. or that it is only one smaller organization that is a part of S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Also there’s the fact (according to the trailer) that Bond gets into S.P.E.C.T.R.E. headquarters!!! That’s a big deal! Bond has always been a few steps behind them so to see him finally get into the real room with (maybe) Blofeld is quite a treat. If there was ANY doubt in my mind before, that moment in the trailer sealed the deal.
1.) Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Release Date: December 18, 2015
A continuation of the saga created by George Lucas set thirty years after Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983).
I thought that Spectre would had been number one for me and most years it would have but then they have to go and make Star Wars film. Well I’m sure it’s not a surprise to anyone that not only am I a “Star Wars” fan but that it makes the number one spot. I know, I did this dance before in the late 90s with “The Phantom Menace” but I can’t help it, I just so damn excited. Partly because I honestly NEVER thought we’d get another “Star Wars” film, partly because of how vague they’re being. It’s a relief not to see a trailer give away all the twists. And partly because we’re done with the prequels of the past, we can finally move forward. I’m personally sick of prequels now. We get to a point in the story of a series, then we have to stop all progress and then learn the backstory. This is always to a certain degree compromised because they have to make sure things line up with the past films. But now with Episode 7 the sky is the limit. I have no clue where we’re going but I can’t wait to begin the journey. I even really like the choice of going with J.J. Abrams as director. While I can’t say he’s ever made a great film, he is very talented and working with other really talented people. Plus while watching the newer “Star Trek” films I always got the sense the storyteller would much rather be telling a “Star Wars” story. My description of “Star Trek” (2009) was always, “it’s Star Trek as told by Star Wars,” so I think Abrams will be much more passionate here. The closest he’s come to making a great film was “Super 8” which you could feel the passion just peeling off the screen. I’ve been watching the trailers over and over and the thing that strikes me the most is how much it still feels like an original trilogy “Star Wars” film. I cannot wait for this film! December can’t get here soon enough! May the Force Be With You.