10 Films to Look Forward to This Fall and Winter
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
The 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
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
H8ful (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
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
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.
