Savannah Mailloux

Staff Writer

Considering movies are still being released for the end of the year, it would be helpful to mention a few for other fellow moviegoers. As the fall season winds down and holidays are steadily approaching, grab some popcorn and settle into the comfiest seat in the theater.

Interstellar: Directed by Christopher Nolan, the mastermind behind the Dark Knight trilogy, Interstellar is a space biopic starring Matthew McConaughey, Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway, and Michael Caine. McConaughey plays Cooper, an engineer with two children. The world is coming to an end and Cooper must be the hero with his all-American charm. Amelia (Hathaway) and Professor Brand (Caine) are using ships to search for a new place for humanity to live. Hans Zimmer created the scores for the film which is something to look forward to from his background in the Dark Knight trilogy. Interstellar has gained traction since its release on November 7 based on the stellar (I had to, I’m sorry) cast, science fiction foundation, and the musical score.

The Theory of Everything: In The Theory of Everything, Eddie Redmayne stars in a biography based on Stephen Hawking’s life in physics and his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis which led to his placement in a wheelchair. The wife of Stephen, named Jane Wilde, is played by Felicity Jones. Starting with their first meeting at Cambridge University in the 1960s, it transcends into the trials and tribulations regarding their relationship and the debilitating diagnosis of Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It came out on November 7 along with Interstellar so science and romance enthusiasts should buy a ticket soon.

Foxcatcher: Foxcatcher, based on the the Olympic wrestlers Tom and Dave Schultz (Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo) along with their sponsor John du Pont (Steve Carrell), is directed by Bennett Miller. Known for his film Moneyball, Miller produced an engaging film about the murder of Dave Schultz. Though much of the plot is under wraps until the film is officially released on November 14, it explores the complex relationships between the trio and their constant struggle for power. Many were initially concerned about the casting choices but Carrell and Tatum bring their best acting foot forward to deliver a riveting performance.

Wild: In Reese Witherspoon’s production job for Wild, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club), it tells the story of Cheryl Strayed from her book Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. Coming out December 5 in theaters, the film recounts the 1,100 mile unaccompanied trek that Strayed completed as a way to deal with personal problems following her divorce and the death of her mother. Notable cast members are Laura Dern (Jurassic Park, The Master), Gaby Hoffmann (Veronica Mars, Field of Dreams) as Aimee, and Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones) as Jonathon. In Witherspoon’s best performance since Walk the Line, the audience will be taken on a journey with her to discover the trail’s healing powers.

Exodus: Gods and Kings: Ridley Scott brings a new biblical film into theaters called Exodus: Gods and Kings about Hebrews fleeing from Egypt that is led by the ruthless leader, Moses. Moses, played by Christian Bale, challenges the Pharaoh Ramses who is played by Joel Edgerton (The Great Gatsby, King Arthur). The cast also includes Sigourney Weaver and Aaron Paul. It will be released on December 12 and is considered the first biblical epic since Noah came out. Relying heavily on digital effects to convey the interpretation of the exodus, get ready to spend approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes in the movie theater. Hoard all the popcorn and candy you can, moviegoers.

American Sniper: Clint Eastwood returns with another intriguing film titled American Sniper. Coming out on Christmas Day, it is based on Chris Kyle’s autobiography American Sniper. The movie stars Bradley Cooper (The A-Team,  Silver Linings Playbook) as a U.S. Navy SEAL named Chris Kyle. Known as an excellent sniper, he is sent to Iraq to protect fellow members of the military. The film reflects on his experience in the military, with saving many lives, and juggling fatherhood from halfway across the world. His wife, Taya Renae Kyle, is played by Sienna Miller who is known for her roles in G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and Casanova. Chris must also tackle the fact that as time goes on, a bigger target is put over his head. With an R-rated mark, American Sniper will bring the story of Chris Kyle to the box office.

Into the Woods: Based on the play of the same title, Disney presents the film version with Rob Marshall (Chicago, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides) at the helm. Stephen Sondheim, a musical genius, composed the scores. For people who have not seen the stage version, Into the Woods follows various Grimm fairy tales that correspond with certain characters fantasies and wishes. The Baker and his wife are cursed by the witch and need to find certain objects in the woods to break the spell. Morals are included throughout the film regarding accountability and the many problems stemming from a vivid imagination. Meryl Streep plays the witch, Anna Kendrick as Cinderella, Chris Pine as Cinderella’s prince, Johnny Depp as the wolf, James Corden as the Baker, and Emily Blunt as the Baker’s wife. Coming out on Christmas Day like other notable films, Into the Woods is a highly anticipated stage-to-film adaption.

Unbroken: Angelina Jolie makes her big-screen directional debut in Unbroken. The film is about Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner taken prisoner by the Japanese during World War II. Based on Laura Hillenbrand’s book Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption, it comes out on Christmas Day. Zamperini lived a bleak life based on his military service, from surviving a plane crash to living in a Japanese camp for two and a half years. Jack O’Connell, relatively unknown to most aside from his roles in 300: Rise of an Empire and Eden Lake, stars as Louis. Miyavi Mutsuhiro plays “The Bird” Watanabe, a ruthless Japanese Army sergeant who singles out Zamperini. Unbroken is an action biopic, with a PG-13 rating, to open the door to Louis Zamperini’s challenging life.

So, hopefully there are a few films (or maybe just one) that peaks your interest. What movie are you most excited to see?