Going forward, I’ll be previewing notable movies to be (wide) released within the next 30 days at the beginning of each month. I’ve always found it to be a bit of a hassle to keep track of movies that I’d like to see and when they actually get released, so hopefully this will be a helpful tool for everyone. My “intrigue” rating is on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being a hard pass and 10 being a must-see.
Joker – Friday October 4th
Intrigue: 8.5
You probably don’t need me for this one. Easily the most anticipated film this fall, and if the trailer is any indicator – with good reason. Now, I don’t have it *quite* as high on my intrigue scale as most, though that’s due to the general tone-deafness that surrounds its release (inspiration for violence, incel icon, 3rd separate portrayal of the character within the last decade or so, etc). I also just don’t think we need a Joker origin story, as I’ve always personally found that one of the most alluring aspects about him. Hopefully it’s good.
The Addams Family – Friday October 11th
Intrigue: 5
Another day, another remake. However this is one where I’m struggling to identify the target demographic, as it appears the Family has been mostly stripped of their spookiness (something that allowed it to flourish in the first place). Now it’s animated and seems more zany than anything. I’m leery but hopefully the voice acting (including Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloe Grace Moretz, Finn Wolfhard, Nick Kroll and others) helps redeem it.
Gemini Man – Friday October 11th
Intrigue: 4
That…was a trailer. I love Will Smith but this honestly feels like a movie that was written in the 1990’s but didn’t actually get made until today. Hopefully Ang Lee’s visual touch and the additional cast of Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Live Free or Die Hard, 10 Cloverfield Lane), Clive Owen (Children of Men), and Benedict Wong (Dr. Strange) can help salvage what looks like a heaping pile of garbage. I doubt it.
Jay and Silent Bob Reboot – Tuesday October 15th
Intrigue: 7
They’re back….and on a Tuesday no less! Jay and Bob return to Hollywood, this time seeking to stop a reboot of their original movie. Plenty of other familiar faces are also back (Jason Lee, Shannon Elizabeth, Rosario Dawson, and Matt Damon to name a few) and looks like there’s going to be plenty of riffs on the initial gags (plus Jay has a daughter?). I’m sure it won’t live up to the first one but anyone (like me) who adores it will definitely have to see this.
Jojo Rabbit – Friday October 18th
Intrigue: 7.5
Looks eccentric as hell and resembles a cross between Inglourious Basterds and Moonrise Kingdom. Focuses on a boy in Hitler’s youth army and is directed by (and co-stars) the one and only Taika Waititi (What We Do In The Shadows, Thor: Ragnarok). Should be loads of fun with a heartfelt message to boot. Roman Griffin Davis makes his big screen debut, with Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, and Rebel Wilson all in support.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil – Friday October 18th
Intrigue: 2
I don’t have much to say here. I know it’s a passion project of Jolie’s but I’ve never seen the first one and just don’t care to. I’m assuming this delves deeper into the world that that one established. Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Imelda Staunton, and Chiwetel Ejiofor are the other notable cast members.
Zombieland: Double Tap – Friday October 18th
Intrigue: 8
It took 10 years but we finally have the sequel to the hit 2009 comedy. Tallahasee, Columbus, Wichita and Little Rock return to stylishly fight more of the living dead with a few new jokes and characters (including Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, Luke Wilson, and Thomas Middleditch). I know the potential of this flopping is high but Zombieland is one of my guiltiest pleasures so I’m 1000% here for this no matter what.
Black and Blue – Friday October 25th
Intrigue: 5.5
Follows a young cop (Naomie Harris) who accidentally walks in on a corrupt murdering a drug dealer while her body cam catches everything. She’s in a race against time with both dirty cops and gangs doing all in their power to destroy the footage. Trailer is intense, so it’s got that going for it. Just feels like we’ve seen storylines like this many times before so I’m curious what kind of wrinkles they throw in. Frank Grillo and Tyrese Gibson highlight the supporting cast.
Countdown – Friday October 25th
Intrigue: 5.5
An (apparently) supernatural horror/thriller in a similar vein as Unfriended. Focuses on app that allows each user to see exactly when they’re going to die, most have many years but some realize (to their terror) that they’ve only got days or even hours to live. The cast is usually what carries this kind of movie, so we’ll see if Elizabeth Lail and Anne Winters can do just that. I personally think it’s more of a cheap excuse to show off new gadgets and technology, but we’ll see.