It looks like it’s that time of year again – the time where we find ourselves going back to theaters. So far, 2016 has had films that were mega-hits, mega-misses, or even films that caused mega fanboy rage all over the Internet. Without further-ado, here is my list of the Top 5 Fall/Winter 2016 Movies to Check Out.
- Doctor Strange (November 4th)
Ever since 2008 with Iron Man, Marvel Studios has been the champion with comic book movie universes with many hits like The Avengers, its sequel Age of Ultron, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy, and recently Captain America: Civil War. Now they bring us the story of a famous neurosurgeon getting into a car accident and setting out on a twisted journey of healing. With a cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, and another cameo appearance of Stan Lee, Doctor Strange looks to be an interesting entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that will once again put the DC Extended Universe to shame. See it in IMAX 3D on November 4th.
- Assassin’s Creed (December 21st)
Based on the acclaimed Ubisoft video game series of the same name, Assassin’s Creed follows career criminal Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) forced to relive the memories of his ancestor Aguilar de Nerha (also Fassbender) to gain knowledge and skills confront the Templars, enemies of the assassins, in the present day. Directed by Macbeth (2015) director Justin Kerzel, Assassin’s Creed will maybe break the infamous trend of bad movies based on popular video games. The film will be released in theaters on December 21st.
- Moana (November 23rd)
So far this decade, Walt Disney Animation Studios has been the kings of animated features. After hits like Tangled, Wreck-it Ralph, Frozen, Big Hero 6, and Zootopia, Walt Disney Animation Studios invites you on their next animated musical adventure Moana. Directed by legendary Disney directors John Musker and Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid, Aladdin), Moana follows the titular 16 year old daughter of a chief of navigators on a mystical Polynesian island searching for a mysterious island while teaming up with the demigod Maui. Featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Opetaia Foa’i, and Mark Mancina, Moana is sure to be another hit from the masters of animation. See it in 3D on November 23rd.
- Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (November 18th)
This spin-off/prequel to the beloved Harry Potter series looks to be another hit in J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World. Directed by David Yates of the last 4 Harry Potter films and written by J.K. Rowling herself, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them follows wizard and author Newt Scamander heading to 1926 New York City to research magical beasts in New York for the titular book he is writing. With a cast that includes Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler, Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller, and Jon Voight, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them appears to be a thrilling start to a series of Harry Potter spin-offs. See it in IMAX on November 18th.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (December 16th)
I think at this point for the rest of the decade, the number 1 movie to see during the holidays will most likely be a Star Wars film, and Rogue One is no exception. Taking place between Episode III and Episode IV, the film follows the Rebel Alliance recruiting Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), and a team of rebels to steal the Death Star plans. We all hope for Rogue One to be great after the extensive reshoots that happened over the summer with 40% of the movie reshot. So let’s pray we won’t have another Suicide Squad on our hands to rage on the Internet about. Directed by Godzilla (2014) director Gareth Edwards, and also an appearance by Darth Vader, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story should be yet another great Star Wars film next to the original trilogy and The Force Awakens. Go see it in IMAX 3D on December 16th!
