As we are close to the end of summer, the approach of fall just feels kind of relaxing. Which also means there are a lot more movies to be looking forward to from September to December.
Compared to last year, I’ve been anticipating the fall movie season more than the summer. Of course, it will have its fair share of sequels most are excited about and some that might turn out to be bad, but it’s also the start of Oscar season, and I’m praying this year won’t get annoying and jump on the bandwagon on a popular movie (Green Book).
So, I decided to run down the movies that I’m excited about and a few that at least needs to be mentioned that are to be looked forward to around this time.
‘It: Chapter 2’
Release Date: September 6
Director: Andy Muschietti
Cast: James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Jay Ryan, Isaiah Mustafa, James Ransone, Andy Bean, Bill Skarsgård
With the positive reviews of its predecessor and the fact that it’s also the highest-grossing horror movie of all time currently, those edgers for It: Chapter 2 are hoping this conclusion will be amazing. Now that it takes place in the present and the Losers Club must face Pennywise again, this is the biggest film to start the season right.
‘The Goldfinch’
Release Date: September 13
Director: John Crowley
Cast: Ansel Elgort, Oakes Fegley Nicole Kidman, Finn Wolfhard, Sarah Paulson, Jeffery Wright, Luke Wilson
The Goldfinch might be the first movie of the month that has Oscar potential. Director John Crowley’s follow-up to Brooklyn and the adaptation of Donna Tartt’s novel has a personal touch that could be elevated with its ensemble talents (Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman), a powerful story, and Roger Deakins’ cinematography.
‘Ad Astra’
Release Date: September 20
Director: James Gray
Cast: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Liv Tyler, Ruth Negga, Donald Sutherland
Could James Gray’s Ad Astra be this year’s The Martian? It has the chance to be. This sci-fi adventure will have Brad Pitt travel through the solar system to search for his missing father. After hearing about this project for a couple of years, it must be worth it.
‘Rambo: Last Blood’
Release Date: September 20
Director: Adrian Grunberg
Cast: Sylvester Stallone, Paz Vega, Óscar Jaenada, Louis Mandylor
Sylvester Stallone returns as the titular John Rambo after 11 years in Rambo: Last Blood. What to possibly expect from this supposed final outing for the character is hardcore action and a fitting end.
‘Joker’
Release Date: October 4
Director: Todd Phillips
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Brian Tyree Henry
I’m still very hesitant about Joker since this is completely outside the DCEU and director Todd Phillips can smell worrisome. But after the trailer came out back in April, it could lead to a great performance from Joaquin Phoenix as the Joker and might make for an entertaining R-rated comic book movie also.
‘Lucy in the Sky’
Release Date: October 4
Director: Noah Hawley
Cast: Natalie Portman, Jon Hamm, Dan Stevens, Zazie Beetz, Ellen Burstyn
Lucy in the Sky follows the story of Natalie Portman’s astronaut returning to Earth and starts to struggle with life. Fargo and Legion creator Noah Hawley is helming this Fox Searchlight drama that will debut at TIFF early next month.
‘Gemini Man’
Release Date: October 11
Director: Ang Lee
Cast: Will Smith, Clive Owen, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Benedict Wong
Gemini Man needs to be a mulligan for Ang Lee after his last movie, Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk, was a box office bomb from three years back. But this sci-fi thriller that has Will Smith in not one, but two roles, might fit better in the ’90s, but it’s coming out now where it really could be a Looper or The One.
‘Jay and Silent Bob Reboot’
Release Date: October 15
Director: Kevin Smith
Cast: Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith, Harley Quinn Smith, Shannon Elizabeth, Jason Lee
The return of Jay and Silent Bob has finally come in a sequel that will make fun of the overabundance of sequels and reboots. Kevin Smith hasn’t had the best track record lately, but here’s hoping Jay and Silent Bob Reboot is a return to form from the cult favorite director.
‘Zombieland: Double Tap’
Release Date: October 18
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigal Breslin, Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson
It took them long enough to get Zombieland: Double Tap off the ground, and I’m pretty psyched. I absolutely loved the 2009 original, so it’s great to see the old cast and new on another adventure in this post-apocalyptic zombie world they live. Though the fear of having a sequel ten years later isn’t always a good sign, I’m hoping it will be a fun time.
‘Jojo Rabbit’
Release Date: October 18
Director: Taika Waititi
Cast: Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson, Taika Waititi, Thomasin McKenzie, Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson
Only a man like Taika Waititi would write and direct an anti-hate satirical comedy with Adolf Hitler. Jojo Rabbit has the chance to be just like other offbeat comedies (What We Do In The Shadows, Hunt for the Wilderpeople) and will be adored by his fans.
‘Terminator: Dark Fate’
Release Date: November 1
Director: Tim Miller
Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Diego Boneta, Gabriel Luna
Is there any chance for Terminator: Dark Fate to redeem the franchise from obscurity? I don’t know, and frankly, I couldn’t care less about this sixth installment. Linda Hamilton reprising her iconic role as Sarah Connor is a huge plus, but after the last three left a sour taste in our mouths, who knows if this can do something different we haven’t seen before.
‘Harriet’
Release Date: November 1
Director: Kasi Lemmons
Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Jow Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles
All heroes deserve to tell their story on the big screen. Harriet Tubman’s story about how she helped hundreds of slaves to freedom on the Underground Railroad. Harriet could be great, or it could be a prime example of Oscar-bait? But who knows? Cynthia Erivo is already a contender in the Best Actress race.
‘Doctor Sleep’
Release Date: November 8
Director: Mike Flanagan
Cast: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, Kyliegh Curran
Two Stephen King movies in the fall? We aren’t worthy of these, especially Doctor Sleep. Director Mike Flanagan already has proven himself in the horror genre with The Haunting of Hill House (still need to watch) and Gerald’s Game and his adaptation of King’s novel (a sequel to The Shining) will be creepy based on the teaser. Plus, Ewan McGregor as an adult Danny Torrance is perfect casting.
‘Last Christmas’
Release Date: November 8
Director: Paul Feig
Cast: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson, Michelle Yeoh
November is always the best time to release a holiday movie on the calendar. Last Christmas could be one that’s heartwarming and funny considering Paul Feig is directing and the star power of my girl Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding. The recent trailer has my mind thinking it will go one way, but who knows.
‘Honey Boy’
Release Date: November 8
Director: Alma Har’el
Cast: Lucus Hedges, Noah Jupe, Shia LaBeouf
Knowing that Shia LaBeouf is trying his hardest this year with well-receiving dramas, Honey Boy, which he wrote about his life growing up, might be his comeback. This sounds like an interesting autobiography, which also stars Noah Jupe and Lucus Hedges.
‘Ford V. Ferrari’
Release Date: November 15
Director: James Mangold
Cast: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Tracy Letts, Caitriona Balfe, Jon Bernthal, Noah Jupe
There’s a lot to be excited about Ford V. Ferrari: It’s being headed by the likes of Matt Damon and Christian Bale, James Mangold is behind the camera, and it’s about these two companies competing to see which car is the fastest. We require a good racing movie, especially around this time.
‘Charlie’s Angels’
Release Date: November 15
Director: Elizabeth Banks
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott, Ella Balinska, Elizabeth Banks, Djimon Hounsou, Noah Centineo
If this reboot of Charlie’s Angels is going to be any different from the horrible television remake, we should be good. The action-comedy from Sony might be cool, but it could be lame and nothing special. But maybe Elizabeth Banks, her follow-up to the box office success of Pitch Perfect 2, could bunk some potential with this new interaction of Charlie’s Angels.
‘The Good Liar’
Release Date: November 15
Director: Bill Condon
Cast: Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen, Russell Tovey, Jim Carter
I may be a millennial, but when there’s a drama with both Ian McKellen, and Helen Mirren, consider me sold. The Good Liar could offer some surprises that are surrounded by an interesting story.
‘Frozen 2’
Release Date: November 22
Director: Chris Buck/ Jennifer Lee
Cast: Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad
Do I love 2013’s Frozen? Yes. Am I anticipating this upcoming sequel? Yes. Frozen 2 will be a massive hit because of the popularity, and it’, from Disney, of course. If this gives us beautiful animation, great new music, and a story to grab onto, we shall be happy.
‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’
Release Date: November 22
Director: Marielle Heller
Cast: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Susan Kelechi Watson, Chris Cooper
The world is in desperate need of more Fred Rogers after the release of Won’t You Be My Neighbor?. Though A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood won’t be treated as a biopic, having Tom Hanks portray Rogers will be levity a lot would need with what could standout as a moving story between him and Matthew Rhys’ Tom Junod. Can You Ever Forgive Me?‘s Marielle Heller directs my most looking forward movie that weekend.
‘Knives Out’
Release Date: November 27
Director: Rian Johnson
Cast: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Jamie Lee Curtis, Toni Collette, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Lakeith Stanfield, Katherine Langford, Jaeden Martell, Christopher Plummer
After the unneeded hate Rian Johnson received in the Star Wars community, he returns to something smaller, or in this case, a modern mystery in Knives Out. With a huge ensemble and a great trailer, Johnson will harken back to the classic mysteries like Clue and the Agatha Christie novels to showcase an unpredictable experience.
‘Queen & Slim’
Release Date: November 27
Director: Melina Matsoukas
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Chloë Sevigny, Flea, Bokeem Woodbine, Indya Moore
Looks like we have this generation’s answer to Bonnie and Clyde or Thelma & Louise in Universal’s drama Queen & Slim. Melina Matsoukas makes her directorial debut as Lena Waithe’s script tells the story of Daniel Kaliuuya and Jodie Turner-Smith on the run from the law. A film like Queen & Slim has potential to recognized as important in our society.
‘The Irishman‘
Release Date: November 27 on Netflix
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, Harvey Keitel, Bobby Cannavale, Anna Paquin
There’s only one original movie on Netflix that matters the most: The Irishman. Martin Scorsese’s long-awaited crime drama is finally coming out about the life of Frank Sheeran, and knowing that it cost around $200 million (de-aging technology) says something. It also has Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and freakin’ Joe Pesci in a film that might out beat Goodfellas.
‘Marriage Story’
Release Date: December 6 on Netflix
Director: Noah Baumbach
Cast: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Alan Alda, Laura Dern, Ray Liotta, Merritt Wever
Nobody likes to see people get divorced, but indie favorite Noah Baumbach will show the rise and fall of a relationship in Netflix’s Marriage Story with Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson as a married couple on the verge of divorcing. Never seen a Baumbach film in my life, but because of who is involved, the chances of this becoming the next Blue Valentine might be high.
‘Jumanji: The Next Level’
Release Date: December 13
Director: Jake Kasdan
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Danny Glover, Danny DeVito
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, and Karen Gillan are back for another round of Jumanji in the sequel Jumanji: The Next Level. Seeing how its 2017 predecessor turned out to be Sony’s biggest movie, as well as being enjoyable, it’s going to be another memorable adventure filled with laughs along the way.
‘Uncut Gems’
Release Date: December 13
Director: Josh and Benny Safdie
Cast: Adam Sandler, Lakeith Stanfield, Idina Menzel, Judd Hirsch, Eric Bogosian, Pom Klementieff
Does it sound weird to look forward to an Adam Sandler movie? Totally, but it’s not from Netflix. Uncut Gems comes from Good Time directors Josh and Benny Safdie and it night putt a great performance from Sandler, which hasn’t happen in 10 years.
‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’
Release Date: December 20
Director: J.J. Abrams
Cast: Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Domhnall Gleeson
When a Star Wars movie is released before Christmas, fans will be there opening night (including me, hopefully). Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the last film in this new trilogy, and I think we can trust J.J. Abrams will deliver greatness. Yes, The Last Jedi divided many, but let’s hope there isn’t more annoyance and it’s another knockout. Expectations are kept at a high for me, and no one will ruin it for me.
‘Cats’
Release Date: December 20
Director: Tom Hooper
Cast: James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, Francesca Hayward
My anticipation for Cats, based on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway musical, dropped very low after the trailer came out, and the rest of the Internet agrees so. With that said, Cats could be a good movie in the same vein as director Tom Hooper’s previously helmed musical Les Misérables. But I can’t get over these actors looking like nightmare-ish versions of cats. I’m walking into this with low expectations.
‘Little Women’
Release Date: December 25
Director: Greta Gerwig
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep
Fans of Greta Gerwig have been anxious to see her follow-up to the Oscar-nominated Lady Bird, which is the adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. With a cast like this, how can no one be looking forward to this?
‘1917’
Release Date: December 25 (Limited)/ January 10 (Wide)
Director: Sam Mendes
Cast: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Richard Madden, Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch
Any war movie is appropriate around Oscar season, and 1917 looks like it from the first trailer alone. Tales of World War I haven’t been getting much attention on film, now Sam Mendes will present a captivating race against time story.
‘Just Mercy’
Release Date: December 25
Director: Destin Daniel Cretton
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, O’Shea Jackson Jr.
Destin Daniel Cretton will tackle the story of Walter McMillian, a man accused of murder and is helped with Attorney Bryan Stevenson. Just Mercy‘s talented cast that includes the likes of Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx, Brie Larson, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. and a true story like this can be another strong Oscar contender here.
Which film that’s coming out later on during the year are you looking forward to the most? What will be the highest-grossing film from each month?
My Predictions:
- September: It: Chapter 2
- October: Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
- November: Frozen 2
- December: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
DC's Take 