With fall in full swing, we’re headed into the last quarter of this year… and this decade. This is the last chance for studios to get their films out to have them get Oscar consideration and to make the lists of all the critics whom they undoubtedly hate. What are the films I’m most looking forward to? Let’s count them down:
5. Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker
Release date: December 20th
Director: J.J. (Jar Jar) Abrams
Why am I psyched?: I mean, come on, man… it’s Star Wars. The last two films in the third trilogy happening a long time ago in a galaxy far, far… well, you know, have been really, really good. J.J. Abrams (The Force Awakens) returns to close it all out. And with the loss of Carrie Fisher, it does feel like it’s time to put this part of the franchise to rest. I think this little indie film is going to find a nice audience and just might turn a profit.
4. The Lighthouse
Release date: October 18th
Director: Robert Eggers
Why am I psyched?: I didn’t absolutely go bananas for The Witch (or The VVitch, depending on which title you choose to believe), but there’s no doubt that Robert Eggers is an exciting director who has a clear vision and does not rest until what is happening in his mind shows up on the screen. Here, he teams up with Robert “I’m Batman” Pattison and Willem “I Was A Spider-Man Villian” Defoe as two lighthouse operators slowly driving themselves (and maybe each other) to madness. It got rave reviews at Cannes, and I’m excited to it to show up in my little theater.
3. Knives Out
Release date: November 29th
Director: Rian Johnson
Why am I psyched?: When he wasn’t helping interstellar rebels fight the Empire, Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper) is a master at messing with narrative and bringing people to the edges of their confused seats. His newest film, a whodunnit, features a bananas cast with people like Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Christopher Plummer, Lakeith Stanfield, Michael Shannon, Toni Colette, and more.With Johnson, we know to expect a fun mix of mystery and humor.
2. Jojo Rabbit
Release date: October 18th
Director: Taika Waititi
Why am I psyched?: Even before he became an international success with Thor: Ragnarok, Taika Waititi was making amazing and quirky comedies like What We Do In The Shadows and Hunt For The Wilderpeople. Jojo Rabbit appears to be a return to that small comedy feel only with a much bigger cast (Sam Rockwell, Rebel Wilson, Scarlett Johannson) and Taikia Waititi himself playing Adolf Hitler as a small child’s imaginary friend.
1.Lucy In The Sky
Release Date: October 4th
Director: Noah Hawley
Why am I psyched?: Even with a weird sci-fi story (which is right up my alley) and a cast including Natalie Portman and Jon Hamm, this film takes the number one spot because of director Noah Hawley. Hawley, who has given us such amazing television shows like Legion and Fargo, makes his directorial debut as an astronaut (Portman) trying to get back into space at all costs. If it’s anything like he brings to television, Hawley will fill the film with weird and wonderful images and ideas and leave audiences talking.
Fancy Boys Club 