A Reel Preview: The Year In Film 2015, Episode X

Five months from now, when the films of 2015 are celebrated at the Academy Awards, there’s a good chance that the bulk of those little gold statues will go to the films released this October. Here are the notables for this packed month.

It all launches with…

THE MARTIAN – Sir Ridley Scott (ALIEN, GLADIATOR) returns to sci-fi with this adaptation of the popular novel. Matt Damon stars as an astronaut stranded alone on Mars, and the impressive cast includes Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Michael Pena, Kate Mara, Sean Bean, Sebastian Stan, and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

SICARIO – This crime thriller goes from limited to wide release this month. Stars Emily Blunt, Benicio del Toro, and Josh Brolin. Directed by Denis Villeneuve (PRISONERS).

THE WALK – Also going from limited to wide release this month, Robert Zemeckis (BACK TO THE FUTURE, FORREST GUMP) directs this true story about a French high-wire artist who covertly plans and executes a high-wire act in-between the World Trade Center Towers. Joseph Gordon-Levitt leads the way.

PAN – Another version of Peter Pan, with this time around serving as a prequel to the original story. Levi Miller plays Peter, Hugh Jackman (WOLVERINE) plays Blackbeard, and Garrett Hedlund plays a young Jim Hook. Also stars Rooney Mara and Amanda Seyfried. Directed by Joe Wright (ATONEMENT)

STEVE JOBS – Danny Boyle (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE) directs another version of the life and times of Apple founder Steve Jobs. Michael Fassbender (SHAME, PROMETHEUS) stars as Jobs. The script is written by Aaron Sorkin (THE SOCIAL NETWORK, A FEW GOOD MEN).

KNOCK KNOCK – If you need a break from the Oscar contenders, there’s always this erotic-thriller in which Keanu Reeves stars as a husband whose home gets invaded by horny teenage girls.

GOOSEBUMPS – Jack Black (SCHOOL OF ROCK) stars as the author of the popular children’s book series in this kid-friendly romp.

CRIMSON PEAK – Guillermo del Toro (PAN’S LABYRINTH, HELLBOY), directs this romantic horror film taking place in a mansion in the late 19^th century. Stars Mia Wasikowska (ALICE IN WONDERLAND), Jessica Chastain, Charlie Hunnam, and Tom Hiddleston (Loki from THOR).

BRIDGE OF SPIES – Steven Spielberg returns with this Cold War thriller documenting the 1960 U-2 spy plane incident. It stars Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, and Alan Alda. The script is written by Joel and Ethan Coen (THE BIG LEBOWSKI, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN).

BEASTS OF NO NATION – This West African war drama takes a look at child-soldiers. Stars Idris Elba (THOR), and is directed by Cary Fukunaga (JANE EYRE).

TRUTH – This political drama explores the controversial news report which rattled CBS News and led to the downfall of long-time anchor Dan Rather. Robert Redford plays Dan Rather, and he is joined by Cate Blanchett, Topher Grace, Dennis Quaid, and Elisabeth Moss.

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER – Another break from the Oscar stuff. Vin Diesel (FAST & THE FURIOUS) stars as an immortal witch-hunter.

ROCK THE KASBAH – Back to the Oscar stuff. Bill Murray plays a has-been rock music manager. He is joined by Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel, and Danny McBride. Directed by Barry Levinson (RAIN MAN, GOOD MORNING VIETNAM).

SUFFRAGETTE – The early members of the British women’s suffrage movement has their story brought to the big screen. Stars Carey Mulligan (DRIVE), Helena Bonham Carter, Meryl Streep, Ben Whishaw, and Brendan Gleeson.

BURNT – In this drama, Bradley Cooper (AMERICAN SNIPER) plays a chef whose drug-use leads to the loss of his restaurant. Co-stars Sienna Miller, Uma Thurman, Emma Thompson, Lily James, and Daniel Bruhl (RUSH).

*

Next month, Reel Speak previews the films of November.