October has always been my favorite month of the year. Situated right on the cusp of the holiday season, the weather outside finally reaches a bearable temperature for a few short weeks. All of my favorite sports seasons temporarily overlap (with the Astros finally being put out of their misery and the Texans’ season being young enough that my soul hasn’t yet been fully crushed). But as a huge movie buff and/or snob, depending on whom you ask, I’d tell you that October is the best because it’s when all the good movies start coming out. So, here are the movies you should be seeing this month:
Gravity (Oct. 4):
I’ve yet to find a horror film that has truly scared me, but watching the trailer for “Gravity” is honestly terrifying. The movie features Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as two astronauts who get lost in space. That’s the whole premise. The trailer tells you nothing about what’s going to happen, and that’s just the way I like it. “Gravity” is written and directed by Alfonso Cuarà³n of “Children of Men” fame, so be on the lookout for dramatic cinematography with Cuarà³n’s hallmark long shots”” the opening sequence is 17 minutes of one interrupted cut.
Machete Kills (Oct.11):
All right, this is a joke. But seriously, have you seen the cast? Mel Gibson as a crazed billionaire terrorist? Charlie Sheen as the President? Lady Gaga, Antonio Banderas and Cuba Gooding Jr. ,all as the same character? Sign me up.
12 Years A Slave (Oct. 18):
If a scary man in a dark alley approached me and told me to pick a movie to win Best Picture in March, and that only a correct prediction would save me from a gruesome and painful death, I wouldn’t even hesitate a second before answering, “12 Years A Slave. Can I please go now? I’ve got a bunch of schoolwork to think about not doing.” This movie screams Oscar Bait, and according to literally everybody who has seen it so far, is a masterful work. With the historical authenticity of “Lincoln,” the racial overtones of “Django Unchained,” and an absolutely stacked cast, you should go see this movie now, so that when 2014 rolls around you can elevate yourself from the lamestreamers who have “heard it was really good but haven’t seen it yet.”
The Counselor (Oct. 25):
The moment I heard that Cormac McCarthy (my favorite novelist) was writing an original screenplay to be directed by Ridley Scott and starring Michael Fassbender, Javier Bardem and Brad Pitt, I thought the concept was almost too good to be true. I have only the highest hopes for this film based on its pedigree, but the question of how much of McCarthy’s distinctive style will be carried over to the big screen remains to be answered. His two most recent novels, “The Road” and “No Country for Old Men” were both adapted into fine films, the latter of which won Best Picture back in 2008. However, the lack of any real buzz surrounding this film leaves me worried. Hopefully it’s the sleeper film of the fall.
