Summer blockbusters are the most anticipated movies of the year. Yet the annual fall and winter holiday season provides quality fare for moviegoers. Try these flicks to satiate your movie appetites during the final three months of 2013, in order of release date. This year, some big-name sequels, A-list actors and a vaunted book series have notable releases to make 2013 one of the most anticipated fall movie seasons in recent memory.
“Captain Phillips” (Oct. 11)
Tom Hanks stars as titular Captain Richard Phillips of the MV Maersk Alabama who must survive after a band of Somali pirates commandeer his ship and crew. Based upon a true story from 2009, Phillips must learn to deal with his captors until help arrives in the form of U.S. Navy SEALs in this psychological thriller from director Paul Greengrass. “Captain Phillips” is rated PG-13 for sustained intense sequences of menace, some violence with bloody images, and for substance abuse. This movie will be in wide release Oct. 11
“Escape Plan” (Oct. 18)
Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger try to prove they are still viable action movie stars when they team up in “Escape Plan”, due out Oct. 18. Stallone plays Ray Breslin, one of the world’s top security experts who earns his keep by breaking out of prisons. When Breslin is betrayed and wrongfully imprisoned in the most secured facility ever built, he enlists the help of fellow inmate Emil Rottmayer (Schwarzenegger) in order to break out and seek revenge. “Escape Plan” is rated R for violence and language throughout.
“Carrie” (Oct. 18)
A remake of Stephen King’s classic “Carrie” comes out just in time for Halloween on Oct. 18. When sheltered high school senior Carrie White is pushed too far at her prom, all hell breaks loose with her telekinetic powers unleashed upon those that wronged her. The movie stars Chloe Grace Moretz as the title character and Julianne Moore as her mother. This movie is rated R for bloody violence, disturbing images, language and some sexual content.
“Ender’s Game” (Nov. 1)
Based upon the classic sci-fi book series by Orson Scott Card, ” Ender’s Game ” arrives from the final frontier Nov. 1. The futuristic piece revolves around precocious Ender Wiggins who is a gifted boy singled out at Battle School for his ingeniously successful battle strategies used in simulations. When an alien race known as the Formics decide to invade Earth yet again, Ender is called upon to save humanity. The movie stars Asa Butterfield as Ender, Harrison Ford as Col. Hyrum Graff and Ben Kingsley as Mazer Rakham. “Ender’s Game” is rated PG-13 for some violence, sci-fi action and thematic material.
“Thor: The Dark World” (Nov. 8)
Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman reprise their roles as Thor and Jane Foster, respectively, in the sequel to 2011’s “Thor.” This time, “Thor: The Dark World” takes moviegoers through the Nine Realms when Asgardians must stop Malekith, who seeks revenge upon Thor’s people and will stop at nothing to get it. This Marvel action flick comes out in theaters Nov. 8 and is not yet rated.
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (Nov. 22)
Just in time for Thanksgiving, fans of the young adult novels can feast their senses on “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” starring Jennifer Lawrence as she reprises her role as Katniss Everdeen in the sequel to 2012’s blockbuster smash “The Hunger Games.” Katniss must learn how to deal with a coming rebellion after winning the 74th annual Hunger Games as President Snow (played deftly by Donald Sutherland) prepares for the next big event. This movie comes out Nov. 22 and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language.
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” (Dec. 13)
Peter Jackson’s newest trilogy returns with its second installment Dec. 13 with “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” This time, Bilbo Baggins is compelled to seek out a treasure with his dwarven friends. The catch is that the hoard is guarded by a huge dragon deep in Lonely Mountain and Gandalf the Grey is nowhere to be found. This movie is not yet rated.
“Inside Llewyn Davis” (Dec. 20)
The quirky comedic brothers Ethan and Joel Coen return with “Inside Llewyn Davis” set for release on Dec. 20. This movie follows Llewyn Davis, a folk singer in 1961 Greenwich Village, as he tries to make a name for himself during a brutal winter. Oscar Isaac stars as the title character with support given by John Goodman and Justin Timberlake. This movie is rated R for language including some sexual references.
“47 Ronin” (Dec. 25)
Keanu Reeves’ new action flick “47 Ronin” is about the legend of 47 samurai warriors who seek revenge against a rival warlord who killed their master in 18th Century feudal Japan. This movie is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images, and thematic elements. This movie hits theaters Christmas Day.