As the green summer leaves turn to golden shades, the nights become as crisp as an apple and the pumpkin spice lattes are ordered by the dozen, fall is our favorite season to bundle up and take a trip to the cinema. Here are some films to definitely check out this season.
OCTOBER
Annabelle – With Halloween just around the corner, this prequel to The Conjuring brings another horrifying tale. This time, Annabelle, a possessed doll, terrorizes a small family. Get used to sleeping with a light on. Showing now.
Gone Girl – This fall’s most anticipated mystery-thriller is directed by the incomparable David Fincher and based on the best-selling novel by author Gillian Flynn. Ben Affleck plays Nick Dunne, a pretty-boy husband who becomes a prime suspect when his wife Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) suddenly disappears. Showing now.
The Best Of Me – Recently hailed as the next The Notebook, this film is Nicholas Sparks’ newest film adaptation from his novel of the same name. Two former high school sweethearts are brought back together by the untimely fate of returning to their hometown in this heartwarming tale. The steamy chemistry between stars James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan makes it the must-see romantic film of fall. Opens Oct. 17.
NOVEMBER
Dumb and Dumber To – Harry and Lloyd are back and more hilarious than ever, 20 years after their first movie. The two set out on another wild adventure in search of Harry’s long-lost daughter and a kidney transplant. The original dynamic duo, Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels, take the screen once again. Opens Nov. 14.
Foxcatcher – Based on a true story, this crime drama focuses on the relationship between Olympic wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum), his brother David Schultz (Mark Ruffalo) and mentally unstable sponsor and coach, John du Pont (Steve Carell). Opens Nov. 14.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part I – The first chapter of the final installment in the Hunger Games trilogy is upon us. Bona fide heroine Katniss Everdeen becomes the poster child of the Panem revolution in District 13 to end the brutal, televised circus of child-on-child violence. Opens Nov. 21.
DECEMBER
The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies – The third and final installment of this film adaptation provides a new adventure for its fans. This epic adventure brings Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and his company of dwarves to wage a war against a destructive dragon named Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch). Opens Dec. 17.
Night at the Museum: The Secret of the Tomb – The Smithsonian Museum night guard Larry Daley, played by Ben Stiller, is back in the third film of the series to embark on an international voyage to save the magic of those who inhabit our museums. The late Robin Williams makes an appearance as Teddy Roosevelt and Rami Malek co-stars as Pharoah Ahkmenrah. Opens Dec. 19.
Into The Woods – The plot lines of several fairy tales are blended together in Disney’s take on the musical play of the same name. Characters from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstack, Rapunzel, and Cinderella are taught lessons by a witch (Meryl Streep), with additional roles from Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick and Chris Pine. Opens Dec. 25.