By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
“Anora,” the Best Motion Picture of the year according to Oscar, was released last October, so will this year’s best film come out this month? With the lineup of films slated for release this month, it is not only possible, but it is likely there will be several Oscar contenders for audiences to feast their eyes on. There may even be a blockbuster or two hidden among them, and of course horror will be represented for Halloween. Let’s dive into the variety of choices that await you at the theater.
October 3rd
First up is a film based on a true story that is destined to pack a punch. “The Smashing Machine” features Dwayne Johnson as you’ve never seen him…with hair. He portrays the UFC champion, Mark Kerr, and there is a lot of early buzz about him earning his first Oscar nomination for this performance. With the inclusion of his “Jungle Cruise” co-star Emily Blunt and writer/director Benny Safdie (“Uncut Gems”), this movie is poised for greatness.
October 10th
In 1982, “Tron” became an iconic classic of the sci-fi genre. It wasn’t until 2010 its sequel arrived, titled “Tron: Legacy.” 15 years later and the third installment is finally here, called “Tron: Ares,” and Jeff Bridges stars in all three of them. Unlike the previous two PG rated films, this one will be getting a PG-13 rating, so expect more intense action sequences with state-of-the-art special effects, not to mention new music from Nine Inch Nails. You’ll probably want to see it in an IMAX theater if you can.
If science fiction is not your bag, then “Roofman” might be the alternative for you. This movie is based on the wild true story of Jeffrey Manchester who had escaped prison and lived for six months at a Toys R Us in North Carolina. This features an impressive cast of Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, and Peter Dinklage, and promises to be funny, dramatic, and even romantic.
Looking for more of a deeply serious drama instead? Then check out “Anemone,” which features one of the best actors of all time in the starring role. That’s right, three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis has come out of retirement to star in his son’s directorial debut. He could singlehandedly make a two-hour meditation look interesting, so don’t miss the opportunity to see this brilliant actor on the big screen one more time.
October 17th
Another icon lights up the silver screen this week. Julia Roberts stars in “After the Hunt,” a psychological drama from Luca Guadagnino, who received a lot of praise for “Challengers” last year. Luca has been guilty multiple times of favoring style over substance, so despite the star power of Roberts, it’s better to wait for reviews before committing to this film.
With Halloween fast approaching, it’s time for a horror film. “Black Phone 2” is the unlikely sequel to the 2021 success. Even though a sequel featuring Ethan Hawke back as the same antagonist seems far-fetched, it’s happening. Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, and Jeremy Davies also reprise their same roles. Count on this one to be more of a representative of the supernatural style of horror. Hopefully, this is a quality horror sequel and not just another cash grab.
If you happen to be a fan of stand-up comedian Aziz Ansari, then “Good Fortune” is the film for you, because he writes, directs, and stars in this new comedy. Along with Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, and Keanu Reeves as a low-level angel, this is sure to generate some quality laughter. However, it remains to be seen if the story can stand on its own, or if it’s just another redundant rip-off of 1983’s “Trading Places.”
Rounding out the week is a true World War II story that is certain to captivate. “Truth & Treason” is based on Helmuth Hübener, a teenage German who had the courage to oppose the Third Reich. The director is Matthew Whitaker, the filmmaker responsible for the powerful documentary of this story in 2002, “Truth & Conviction.” One thing is for certain, his commitment to telling this story accurately is unquestionable.
October 24th
One of the more anticipated films of the month releases this week. “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” is the music biopic of The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, and stars the incredible talent of Jeremy Allen White in that title role. With Scott Cooper directing (“Crazy Heart”), this has the potential to take the awards season by storm.
In a biography showdown, Oscar nominee Richard Linklater (“Boyhood”) comes out with his own biopic called “Blue Moon.” This one tells the story of Lorenz Hart, a prominent Broadway songwriter during the early 20th century. Once again, Ethan Hawke is in a starring role, and he’s joined by Margaret Qualley and Bobby Cannavale. This could be as darkly depressing as it is hilarious, so don’t go to sleep on this one.
October 31st
Halloween will ring in what is sure to be the oddest film of the month. “Bugonia” is the newest film from director Yorgos Lanthimos, who has five Oscar nominations to his name including ones for “Poor Things” and “The Favourite.” The concept of an influential CEO being kidnapped by conspiracy theorists who think she’s an alien with designs to destroy Earth is certainly out there, it could be the kind of creative genius that made “Poor Things” one of the best films of 2023. Or it could fall flat like Yorgos’ film last year, “Kinds of Kindness.” At least it will be well-acted with the likes of Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons in the starring roles.
