As we look back to our original list of the most anticipated movies of 2015, published in January, we see that quite a bit has changed over the last 8 months. Movies that we thought would be very relevant at this time of year — such as Jeff Nichols’ Midnight Special or Terrence Malik’s Knight of Cups — have been pushed out of the 2015 release window entirely. And of our top 10 from the beginning of the year, we found ourselves fairly disappointed several times (we’re looking at you, Self/Less, Avengers: Age of Ultron and Jurassic World). But we did get Ex Machina right, which came in at #3 on our list and has since been one of the best reviewed films we’ve seen in 2015.
As we enter the final movie season of the year — one that involves a mix of end of the year blockbusters and prestige pics chasing awards — it’s clear that the Film School Rejects braintrust has evolved a bit. Some of the movies you’ll find on this list were nowhere near our big list at the beginning of the year. Some were ranked lower and have since moved up the charts. Others have seemingly come out of nowhere. It’s true that our excitement can evolve over time, especially when we are given more information, usually in the form of trailers. With that in mind, we’re pleased to present our list of the most anticipated movies hitting theaters between now and the end of 2015. Get ready for action, drama, comedy and whatever the hell Vin Diesel is doing in a movie about hunting witches…
25. The Last Witch Hunter
In Theaters: October 23
A predictive list of this nature is bound to make mistakes. We’re using trailers, guesswork and marketing machine-generated hype to determine what will or won’t be good enough to earn our hard-earned money. Movies like The Last Witch Hunter present the greatest risk, but also the greatest potential for reward. Vin Diesel plays a witch hunter in modern day New York. It involves him doing more than just the grunting and growling required in the Fast & Furious movies. That could be a disaster. But the trailer looks… interesting. And the movie also features Elijah Wood and Michael Caine. We’ve got our fingers crossed for a Vin-sane surprise.
24. Sleeping with Other People
In Theaters: September 11
Here’s a movie that we can confirm, without a doubt, will be one of the better movies of the fall and winter seasons. We know this because it made our Best of Sundance list back in January after we reviewed its debut. It’s a somewhat raunchy romantic comedy that is anchored by two splendid performances from Alison Brie and Jason Sudekis. As our own Kate Erbland pointed out at the time, “Chemistry is hard, but it’s worth it – and you know it when you see it.” Sudekis and Brie have that kind of chemistry. That alone makes their movie worth seeing.
23. Macbeth
In Theaters: December 4
Have you seen this trailer? Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, two of today’s finest working actors, play Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respectively in what appears to be a wild vision of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. It’s going to have plenty of action, a feast of gorgeous visuals and based on the cast alone, some strong performances. Finally, a costume drama with a little death and destruction.
22. Creed
In Theaters: November 25
The Rocky franchise, even more so than Stallone’s Rambo franchise, has found a good rhythm in continuing to churn out new ideas to keep the story alive. And even though it’s been almost a decade since Stallone last played the beloved boxer from Philly, there’s still some cache left. Only this time the story turns toward the son of Apollo Creed, played by Michael B. Johnson. The film, which is directed by Ryan Coogler, with whom Jordan gained acclaim with their 2013 film Fruitvale Station, puts Balboa in the background and brings Creed to the center of the ring. It’s a fascinating spin and if the trailer is any indication, it will be a fresh story with that familiar, inspirational Rocky vibe.
21. The Walk
In Theaters: October 2
Robert Zemeckis’ remake of the story behind the documentary Man on Wire promises to be a visual onslaught, that we know from the trailer. We were huge fans of Man on Wire and the mad man that is Philippe Petit, the tightrope walker who in 1974 strung a cable between the two towers of The World Trade Center and walked between them for the better part of an hour. We know how this movie ends because we’ve seen the documentary, but that’s not the draw here. It will be eerie to see a recreation of The World Trade Center’s towers, just as it is when you see it in archival footage. Also, the fact that it’s going to be an IMAX 3D extravaganza has my fear of heights kicked into high gear. Maybe you guys should all go see this one without me…
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