This is shaping up to be a very promising and well-rounded season at the movie theaters. Selected according to production quality, cast, and projected audience satisfaction, this list of best movies has something for everyone whether you love animation, fantasy, drama, or comedy.
Opening Friday, Nov. 22
“Philomena”: Although a limited release, Philomena promises to appeal to a wide audience with a story about an older woman who decides to take fate back into her own hands. Philomena Lee, accompanied by a political journalist, is looking for her son who was taken away from her in the ‘50s when she joined a convent.
Starring: Judy Dench and Steve Coogan
For those who enjoy a good investigation, plucky women, British humor, and the combination thereof.
Opening Friday, Nov. 29
“Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom”: Based on the true life events of South African president Nelson Mandela and those close to him, this feature follows the revolutionary legend from childhood to his days as a president.
Starring: Idris Elba, Naomie Harris, Terry Pheto
For those who believe in the power of one person to change the world, and those who enjoyed “12 Years a Slave.”
“Frozen”: A heartwarming comedy adventure about Anna, who’s on a mission to save the world from her kingdom freezing over in eternal winter. Including holiday-themed characters like a clumsy reindeer, a goofy snowman, the evil Snow Queen, as well as a little holiday magic, the film is this season’s pre-holiday animation by Disney.
Voices of: Kristen Bell and Chris Buck
For families, little kids, and big kids.
Opening Friday, Dec. 6
“Out of the Furnace”: A gritty drama about a steel mill worker who sets out to seek vengeance for his brother’s disappearance. When Rodney Baze, a returning Iraq veteran gets involved in a crime ring back home and goes missing, brother Russell goes against all reason for redemption.
Starring: Christian Bale, Forrest Whitaker, Woody Harrelson, and Zoe Saldana.
For those who like a good-hearted protaganist going against great odds, tough talking, and dangerous situations.
“Inside Llewyn Davis”: A story about a young folk singer who tries to make it in the local folk scene in 1961. Directed by the Coen brothers, the film follows the jinxed musician and his orange-furred cat for one week of their journey as they navigate the mean streets of New York in winter.
Starring: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, and Justin Timberlake.
For those who enjoy dark, serious films, amazing cinematography, and the artist’s lifelong struggle.
Opening Friday, Dec. 13
“The Hobbit”: Desolation of Smaug: The second film in The Hobbit trilogy continues on the story of Bilbo Baggins who’s out to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. All the mystical creatures, elves, dwarfs, and wizards as well as a fire-breathing dragon come together for this adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien masterpiece.
Starring: Martin Freeman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, and many more.
For those who want to be swept away into a fantasy world and who can forgo bathroom breaks. Best to have seen the prequel.
“Saving Mr. Banks”: The story behind how Walt Disney spent some 20 years trying to obtain rights of the P.L. Travers’ famous novel “Mary Poppins,” to make it into a motion picture. The stubborn writer tries to protect her work from Hollywood, but eventually folds as a determined Disney pulls on her heartstrings and the two come up with some of the most memorable works in the history of film.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, and Paul Giamatti
For those who enjoy classics and the human elements of TV magic.
Opening Friday, Dec. 20
“Anchorman 2”: The Legend Continues: The Channel 4 News team are back in this sequel to the popular comedy as they once again take the news world by storm. Set in 1970s San Diego, Ron Burgundy doesn’t shy away from his unequivocal talent of making headlines along with his coveted news team, especially when his wife and co-anchor enters the scene.
Starring: Will Ferrell, Steve Carell, Christina Applegate, and Paul Rudd
Good for laughs and a dudes-night-out. Not necessary to have seen the prequel.
Opening Wed. Dec. 25
“The Wolf of Wall Street”: Based on a true story of Wall Street banker who made headlines in the ‘90s as one of the most successful stockbrokers and his scandalous lifestyle. Director Martin Scorsese shows the pitfalls of Jordan Belford as he rises to fame and gets involved in crime, corruption, and the federal government.
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Matthew McConaughey, and Jean Dujardin
For viewers who want to gawk at material excess and rejoice at karmic retribution.
“47 Ronin”: A tale of 47 samurai warriors who were cast out during one of Japan’s dynasties. They seek revenge for their master who was killed by a treacherous warlord, and want to restore honor to their kind. Mythic beasts, shape-shifting witchcraft, wondrous settings, are all part of this fantasy adventure.
Starring: Keanu Reeves and Hiroyuki Sanada
For samurai sword collectors and thrill seekers who enjoy underdogs gaining the ultimate victory.
