Fall means time to get cozy in a cinema to escape the chills. Hollywood rolls out the fantasy with comic book heroes, classic and new science fiction and even the dramatic story behind the creation of an icon.
Thor thunders back and he’s got Hulk smashing with him. Justice League unites. The next chapter of Star Wars and more.
Here are our comic book, fantasy and sci-fi themed film picks.
BLADE RUNNER 2049 Confession: I’ve seen every version on screen and own every version. I’m obsessed with Ridley Scott’s film based on the Phillip K. Dick story. I was nervous about a sequel. BLADE RUNNER 2049 goes beyond my hopes and imagination. Director Denis Villeneuve brilliantly expands the story, concepts and world. This sequel feels lovingly and thoughtfully crafted. This new story truly feels like this is the same world but 35 years later. Everything feels like it’s updated like a Nexus 6 updated for a new generation. The new Blade Runner (Ryan Gosling) is on a mission tracking the biggest secrets of the Replicants leading to a confrontation with Deckard (Harrison Ford). If you saw the original – in any version – you will LOVE the new follow-up. If you have not seen the first film you can should still join the incredible world of 2049 with its stunning imagery, thought-provoking science fiction, action and emotionally thrilling story. Now playing.
PROFESSOR MARSTON AND THE WONDER WOMEN A new drama about the man who co-create Wonder Woman and the women who inspired him. This is the story of Dr. William Moulton Marston, his wife and mistress, their polyamorous relationship and the controversial hero he made which became a beloved comic book icon. Luke Evans, Rebecca Hall and Bella Heathcote play the trinity in director Angela Robinson’s film. Opens October 13th.
THOR RAGNAROK The God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) is back! Oscar winner Cate Blanchett plays Hela, Goddess of Death, who banishes the Odinson to an alien world familiar to comic book fans – Sakaar. Thor is thrown into the arena forced to fight in galactic gladiator games including a fight against…the HULK! Thor, Banner Mark Ruffalo, Loki and Valkyrie take the fight to Hela to save Asgard and the Nine Realms. Taking inspiration from comic book canon (Ragnarok, Planet Hulk, Contest of Champions) director Taika Waititi turns up the humor and action. How will the Thor/Hulk team-up affect what’s next in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? With classic characters like Skurge, Grandmaster, Surtur and Fenris in the action – will Thanos make his evil presence known? Where’s Odin and will we see the final Infinity Gem? See the latest trailer here. Opens November 4th.
MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS Ok, it’s not a comic book or scifi but some publisher should do graphic adaptions of Agatha Christie mysteries. I love the book. I love the original film. Kenneth Branaugh directs the classic whounit and plays leading man Hercule Poiroit. Daisy Ridley, Michelle Pfeiffer, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp and Willem Dafoe are among the cast of suspects stranded on a lavish train with a murderer on board. Opens November 10th.
JUSTICE LEAGUE Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) search for world for metahumans Aquaman Jason Momoa, Flash Ezra Miller and Cyborg Ray Fisher against an invasion by Steppenwolf. DC’s biggest heroes unite in this follow-up to BATMAN v SUPERMAN DAWN OF JUSTICE but what about the Man of Steel? Will Superman be the hero who turns the tide or the villain from Batman’s visions in BvSDoJ? Comic fans know the villain is the General serving Darkseid – will DC Comics most powerful villain make an appearance? See the latest trailer here. Open November 17th.
COCO What’s fall without an animated film? This new Disney Pixar story is about a young musician teaming up with a trickster on a journey through the Land of the Dead to uncover his family’s secrets. Edward James Olmos is among the voices. Opens November 22nd.
THE SHAPE OF WATER Guillermo del Toro. That’s enough for me. Ok, need more? A lonely worker in a secret lab in the Cold War era discovers a horrific experiment but finds its heart. This fantasy stars Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon and HELLBOY veteran Doug Jones as the monster man. Open. December 8th.
STAR WARS THE LAST JEDI The continuing sci-fi saga of Rey, Finn and Poe Dameron. Rey continues her training under Luke Skywalker but who is the last Jedi? How will Kylo Ren and The First Order strike back? What will be General Leia’s fate in Carrie Fisher’s final role? Rian Johnson directs the next chapter of the Star Wars. See the latest trailer here. Opens December 15th.
Enjoy these and all the movie picks on your list.
By Editor