Click on the month to read the previous previews for September and October.
INTERSTELLAR
The Good: Christopher Nolan, the director of the millennium, Matthew McConaughey on a high, spectacular supporting cast, Visual feast
The Bad: Audience expectations this high led to The Dark Knight Rises being too bloated and overreaching.
Prediction:
Much like Gravity, this film will dazzle the eyes and provide complex superb emotions and questions. Nolan will prove that the Dark Knight Rises was a blip.
BIG HERO 6
The Good: Disney Animation has been on a roll (Wreck-It-Ralph, Frozen), cool modern story, Marvel background
The Bad: Might cross the too cute line with the Stay Puffed Marshmallow Man robot.
Prediction:
Disney Animation seeks its throne back from Pixar, and moves one step closer to doing so.
THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
The Good: Stephen Hawking is a fascinating man, Director with strong understanding of real life adaptations, excellent buzz
The Bad: Unproven writer and leads (especially Eddie Redmayne as Stephen Hawking)
Prediction:
The Leads deliver, and this becomes a giant Oscar contender; at worst it will please the heart.
ROSEWATER
The Good: Real life compelling tale, strong lead, Jon Stewart’s writing ability and editing.
The Bad: Jon Stewart is unproven as a director
Prediction:
I’m slightly nervous, but Jon Stewart gives me no reason to think he won’t treat the material with the utmost respect and thought. Should be powerful and optimistic.
FOXCATCHER
The Good: Talented director and cast, compelling morality tale, buzz is off the charts
The Bad: Leads are playing against type
Prediction:
American dream gone amok is a theme this year, and this one will be leading the charge. Expect an Oscar juggernaut, with a dark Steve Carell leading the charge.
DUMB & DUMBER TO
The Good: Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels are funny guys, and the Farrellys are directing.
The Bad: Many, many writers; changing comedy trends; comedy sequel
Prediction:
There will be some laughs, but like American Reunion, time has caught up do the Dumb & Dumber brand of comedy.
THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY – PART I
The Good: This young adult series is a good one, Jennifer Lawrence owns the world, same creative team as the last film, source material is compelling
The Bad: The split of the third book is more cash grab that creative decision.
Prediction:
It’s hard to screw up a movie with so many talented people involved. It will feel like its losing steam a little though.
THE IMITATION GAME
The Good: A WWII film with a fresh spin, British influence, Benedict Cumberbatch, buzz is solid, fascinating central character
The Bad: War movie with little violence, Little known director
Prediction:
More of a character study than war movie about mathematician Alan Turing; will be well acted and generate Oscar Buzz.
HORRIBLE BOSSES 2
The Good: Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, and Jason Bateman are back, as well as Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Spacey
The Bad: The ending of the first movie was pretty final, meaning this one is purely for cash considerations. There are also 7 writers. And its a comedy sequel.
Prediction:
Too many writers on a story with nowhere to go. It will be mildly funny at best, probably with one great set piece.
PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR
The Good: The colors will pop, and the penguins are kinda funny, Madagascar team is onboard.
The Bad: Penguins relegates the rest of the Madagascar gang to cameo status, wasting prime voice talent, and the story is geared for kids
Prediction:
Kids can spend their days off around Thanksgiving seeing this cash grab. Have some harmless family fun.