The Oscar race is on for 2014 as studios release their biggest and most ambitious films of the year. With so many to choose from, where do you start? Here are 10 films that we think will capture your attention, your hearts, and your minds.
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The Skeleton Twins – 9/12
Siblings Maggie (Kristen Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader) are brought together after Milo’s suicide attempt. A departure from the sketch and broad comedy these two actors are known for.
This is Where I Leave You – 9/19
Fans of Jonathan Tropper’s book should not be disappointed with this film, with Jane Fonda as the controlling matriarch and Corey Stoll (House of Cards), Jason Bateman, Tina Fey and Adam Driver (Girls) as the siblings reunited for their father’s funeral. Read the book by Jonathan Tropper.
Gone Girl – 10/3
Rumor has it that the book, written by Gillian Flynn, has been completely re-worked for the film, but we still want to see it. Starring Ben Affleck and Rosamunde Pike, with a supporting cast that includes Neil Patrick Harris and Tyler Perry. On Oscar watch by Entertainment Weekly.
Don’t miss the book. Word is the ending of the movie will be different.
The Judge – 10/10
Robert Duvall and Robert Downey Jr. play the estranged father and son who practice law in very different ways. With these two actors in the leads, the film promises to be electric.
Birdman – 10/17
The immensely talented but not-much-seen Michael Keaton stars as a has-been actor trying to revive his career. With Emma Watson, Zach Galifianakis. This one is on Oscar Watch by Entertainment Weekly. The trailer is trippy, having some things in common with Keaton’s real life.
St. Vincent – 10/24
A newly single mother (Melissa McCarthy) moves in next door to a cranky old gambler (Bill Murray). She hires him to watch her 11 year old son. What could possibly go wrong?
Foxcatcher – 11/14
A huge favorite at the Canne Film Festival, Steve Carrell stars as John du Pont, who murdered an Olympic wrestler, Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum), who he had financially supported during his training for the Olympics. On Oscar Watch by Entertainment Weekly.
Wild – 12/5
Reese Witherspoon stars in this film adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s best-selling book. Read the book!
Into the Woods – 12/25
The highly anticipated film version of Stephen Sondheim’s cracked fairy tale Broadway show. Directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago), the cast includes Anna Kendrick, Chris Evans and Meryl Streep. On Oscar watch by Entertainment Weekly. You can view or purchase the original recording of the stage production on Amazon right now.
Unbroken – 12/25
Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut, the story of World War II hero Louis Zamperini. On Oscar watch by Entertainment Weekly. Read the source material for the film, the biography by Laura Hillenbrand.
Looking forward to these films? Tell us which ones in a comment!
Tracey@WhatsforDinnerDoc.com
Thursday 4th of September 2014
Thanks for keeping me up to date Sharon. I might actually go to the theater to see these films. The Judge looks amazing. Those relationships between adult children and parents are so complicated. Glad to see Jane Fonda on the big screen. What an inspiration. Be well, Tracey
Deborah Pucci
Tuesday 2nd of September 2014
I love to go to the show. Try to go at least once a week. Thanks for sharing this movies. I am stopping over from Kendra/Headless Mom who shared you in a blog post!
Anne Louise Bannon
Tuesday 2nd of September 2014
I saw a billboard for This is Where I Leave You and definitely smelled Oscar bait. In fact, all these films have terrific casts. We'll have to see about the writing. That's what it all comes down to. Even the best actor can't make bad writing work.
penpen
Tuesday 2nd of September 2014
'Tis the season for films for grown ups. Thanks for whetting my appetite for fall film going. these all look terrific.