The Oscars seem far away, but many of these movies are already generating a lot of buzz.
Sully
It’s taken the number one spot in the box office three weeks in a row and received two standing ovations at its Telluride Film Festival screening. Helmer Clint Eastwood notes that the story, which is based on the true story of Chelsey Sullenberger (a pilot who heroically glided his plane along the Hudson River, saving the entire crew and passengers) took four tries to get made. In theaters now.
The Girl on the Train
Based on a novel by Paula Hawkins, The Girl on the Train stars Emily Blunt as an unstable alcoholic who becomes entangled in a missing–persons case. Produced by Marc Platt, this film will be released October 7th. See this psychological thriller if you’re not going to Vegas over fall break, so you have something to talk about when your CINE professor asks the class for any movie recommendations. In theaters October 7th.
The Birth of a Nation
The Birth of a Nation has already had a lot of ups and downs. Directed, written, produced by and starring Nate Parker, the remake of D. W. Griffith’s 1915 film based on a Civil War slave rebellion made history at the Sundance Film Festival with a record $17.5 million world rights deal with Fox Searchlight. Ever since news broke that Parker and his college roommate were charged with rape at Penn State 17 years ago (found not guilty), and the alleged victim committed suicide 13 years later, many are talking about whether this is going to tarnish the hopes and potential success in the Academy race. Despite the controversy that may continue to haunt the film throughout the race, the film went on to debut at Toronto International Film Festival, receiving a lukewarm welcome. In theaters October 7th.
Loving
Jeff Nichols’ latest film that premiered at Cannes has been getting a lot of love ever since. Based on 1967 Supreme Court ruling for Loving v. Virginia which invalidated state laws that prohibited interracial marriage, the film stars Joel Edgerton and Ruth Negga. It was a standout at Cannes, receiving standing ovations, and has continued getting love ever since. In theaters November 4th.
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk
Ang Lee’s upcoming film is set to premiere at the New York Film Festival. It is the first full–length narrative shot in 4K, native 3D at the ultra–high rate of 120 frames–per–second. This film takes the audience behind the scenes as war veteran, Billy Lynn, confronts post–traumatic stress and attempts to come to terms with war being over. Ang Lee took home Best Director in 2012 for Life of Pi, and who knows if he’ll be a contender again this year. In theaters November 11th.
The Edge of Seventeen
Starring Hailee Steinfeld, STX’s coming-of-age comedy The Edge of Seventeen closed the Toronto International Film Festival, suggesting the the lineup saved the best for last. It began receiving buzz after it previewed scenes at Cinemacon. After pushing its release back seven weeks, the film will be released in November alongside many other potential contenders. Despite its title, it looks like it won’t be brushed off as just another “teen film”. In theaters November 18th.
La La Land
Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, Damien Chazelle’s upcoming film La La Land has already landed some big wins in the film festival circuit including the Audience Award at Toronto International Film Festival and Best Actress at Venice. Produced by notable Penn alum Marc Platt, La La Land is a musical dramedy that is bound to capture the hearts of many––so much so that Tom Hanks even interrupted his own Sully Q & A at Telluride to praise the film. In theaters December 9th.
Passengers
JLaw is back again. Starring Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, this Sci-Fi Romance adds a serious twist when the two wake up in hibernation pods in a 5,259 person space ship that’s headed towards a distant planet colony ninety years before anyone else wakes up. They soon discover that their ship is collapsing. In theaters December 21st.
Hidden Figures
After last year’s #OSCARSSOWHITE, the true story about three African–American female NASA scientists who played critical roles in sending the first American into orbit may help diversify the Oscar race this year. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae, Hidden Figures also includes Pharrell Williams, who adds more to the mix as he produced, wrote and created original songs for the film. After the first trailer was released, the marketing campaign continued with a screening of twenty minutes of footage at Toronto followed by an open air concert by Williams. In theaters January 13th.
