By David Seaman | Echo
This Thanksgiving, let us be grateful not only for the delicious food in front of us, but also the solid films coming out around this time. Let us be grateful for Katniss Everdeen and her fierce determination to be free of tyrannical authority. Let us be grateful for the wonderful acting talents of Benedict Cumberbatch and his rise as an A-list actor. Be grateful for the ability of film to transform actors into totally different characters, like turning a man most known for playing a bumbling boss into a disturbing and brooding maniac. And let us be grateful for the wonderful storytelling that is still present in the movie industry, producing tales such as the titanic struggle between a rising music star and his controlling mentor. So once you devour those mashed potatoes and gravy and give thanks for your family, make sure to head over to theaters and check out these inventive new films.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 (Today)
Admit it: some of us are going to braid our hair like Katniss, slap golden Mockingjay pins on our lapels and wait in line for the midnight premiere-all while holding three fingers in the air.
Even if you're not a diehard "Hunger Games" fan, you're going to see the film eventually, so why not during break? The first part of the final installment of the "Hunger Games" movie franchise has Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) rebelling against the controlling Capitol and evil President Snow.
In the underground District 13, ruled by President Coin (which this film is sure to make a lot of), Katniss makes the final push to free the other districts of Panem and save her hunky baker friend, Peeta (Josh Hutcherson). Not to mention, she'll deal with monsters, urban warfare and feelings for other friend-hunk, Gale (Liam Hemsworth). Given the general reception of the final novel, this is one film where many hope the movie is very different from the book.
The Imitation Game (Nov. 28)
Those impatiently waiting for the fourth season of "Sherlock" can satisfy their Benedict Cumberbatch craving with intelligent drama "The Imitation Game." The charismatic actor stars as Alan Turing, a haunted and brilliant British cryptologist and mathematician who cracked the German Enigma Code, helping the Allies win World War II.
Surrounded by a ragtag group of scholars, linguists and chess champions, Turing secretly races against the clock to rid the enemy of a powerful tool. Cumberbatch is the main reason to watch the film, but a strong supporting cast including Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode and the underrated Mark Strong give this historical drama incredible acting.
The screenplay for "Imitation Game" topped the annual Black List for best unproduced Hollywood script in 2011 and the Weinstein Company (known for distributing Academy Award winners) paid big bucks for the distribution rights. It's safe to say this should be a pretty good film. And do you really need another reason to see one of this generation's best actors on screen?
Foxcatcher (Released Nov. 14)
Steve Carell physically and mentally transforms himself into mentally unstable millionaire wrestling coach John du Pont in this biographical drama. Olympic gold medalist wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) jumps at the chance to train for the upcoming 1988 Seoul Olympics at du Pont's new facility.
Looking to step out of the shadow of his older brother (Mark Ruffalo), Schultz does whatever it takes to gain the favor of his mysterious but erratic trainer. But du Pont's cruel psychological games and increasingly paranoid behavior create difficulties in Schultz's struggle to be the best wrestler in the world.
There's already serious Oscar buzz for Carell's creepy and startling performance, and Ruffalo and Tatum bring their A-games. The movie is dark and unsettling and has an interesting premise. The most fascinating part? It's all true.
Whiplash (Released Oct. 10)
A massive favorite at last year's Sundance Film Festival, "Whiplash" brings a whole new intensity to the music mentor-student relationship. Rising young actor Miles Teller portrays first-year music student Andrew as he becomes a drummer in a jazz band led by abusive teacher Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons). Fletcher pushes his students to the edge with his intimidating commands. Will his incinerating drive for perfection make Andrew a star or will it drive him to musical madness? This mythological tug-of-war plays out under suspenseful direction and a great jazz soundtrack. Teller keeps getting better and better as an actor, and Simmons is guaranteed a nomination as Best Actor. Great acting, great music, great story-this is a film to see.
