12 Movies We're Most Excited To See At The 2015 Toronto Film Festival

Keith Richards, Johnny Depp and "The Danish Girl" are on our radar.
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courtesy of TIFF

The most enticing time of the year for movies has finally arrived. As the fall season approaches, a slew of what are bound to be 2015's best films are debuting at the biggest festivals. The holy triumvirate of festivals began with Telluride and Venice last week, where "Steve Jobs" and "Carol" made waves, and it continues with the Toronto International Film Festival, which runs from Sept. 10 - 20.

You can follow Entertainment editors Matthew Jacobs and Erin Whitney on Twitter for continuous TIFF updates. But before they head to Canada for the fest, here's what they're most looking forward to seeing, and what you'll definitely be hearing more about come awards season.

Likely to Garner the Most Oscar Buzz: “The Danish Girl”
Courtesy of TIFF

Not only is “The Danish Girl” prime awards bait because of the names attached -- director Tom Hooper and last year’s Best Actor Oscar winner, Eddie Redmayne -- but the film also brings transgender storytelling into the mainstream. Based on David Ebershoff's 2000 novel of the same name, “The Danish Girl” tells the story of transgender pioneer Lili Elbe, the first person to undergo successful gender confirmation surgery. Variety has already called Redmayne's portrayal as Elbe the greatest performance of his career, regardless of the controversy surrounding his casting. By the looks of the powerful trailer, it will surely be one of the most poignant historical dramas of the year, and one which gets this year’s breakout actress, Alicia Vikander, more acclaim. -- EW

Best Pairing: Drew Barrymore and Toni Collette in “Miss You Already”
COURTESY OF TIFF

How have these two not already shared the screen? Was it just our fan fiction where Barrymore appeared in “In Her Shoes” and Collette was part of “Boys on the Side?” Well, now is better than never, especially with Catherine Hardwicke (“Thirteen,” “Twilight”) at the helm. This dramedy looks at two lifelong best friends whose lives are interrupted when one of them is diagnosed with cancer. We are crying already. -- MJ

Breakout Documentary: “Keith Richards: Under the Influence”
Courtesy of TIFF

This year’s fest features a plethora of notable music docs, including Khalil Joseph’s “The Reflektor Tapes” about Arcade Fire, Amy Berg’s Janis Joplin doc, “Janis: Little Girl Blue,” and Barbara Kopple’s “Miss Sharon Jones!” (Sadly, the Aretha Franklin film “Amazing Grace” was pulled from the lineup.) But the one we’re really excited for is Morgan Neville’s “Keith Richards: Under the Influence.” Neville has already wowed us with his fantastic Oscar-winning doc “20 Feet From Stardom,” and now he’s focusing on the 71-year-old rock ‘n’ roll legend. The doc, which makes its world premiere at the festival before it debuts exclusively on Netflix later this month, follows the Rolling Stones guitarist as he works on his first solo album in two decades. As long as there’s a solid amount of guitar shredding, we’re in. -- EW

Must-See Literary Adaptation: "Room"
Courtesy of TIFF
Emma Donoghue’s stunning 2010 novel all but begged for a film adaptation the moment it was published. And while the same may be said for Andy Weir’s sci-fi survival opus The Martian, J.G. Ballard’s twisty dystopia High Rise and Colm Tóibín’s coming-of-age drama Brooklyn, it’s Room that we’re most anxious to see on the big screen. The novel’s gripping first half, set exclusively inside a shed where a young mother and her son are held captive, promises one of the juiciest cinematic experiences this year. We’re also stumping for a major Brie Larson breakout and the Joan Allen comeback we’ve been anticipating for years. -- MJ
Best Actress Double-Hitter: Helen Mirren in “Trumbo” & “Eye In the Sky”
Courtesy of TIFF

Helen Mirren is bound to leave TIFF with a double-dose of awards-season buzz. The dame stars in Gavin Hood’s (“Ender’s Game”) “Eye In the Sky,” a military thriller about a drone operation. Mirren plays a colonel who learns that a British radical who's joined a Somali terrorist group is planning a chain of suicide attacks. But Mirren’s other highly anticipated role comes in the world premiere of Jay Roach’s “Trumbo,” about the blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (Bryan Cranston). Mirren portrays outspoken gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. You can’t go wrong with some modern-day warfare drama and Old Hollywood controversy. -- EW

Make-or-Break Performance: Johnny Depp, “Black Mass”
Courtesy of TIFF

Johnny Depp built a career on character studies, but he appears to have traded in original storytelling for pirates, vampires, Mad Hatters and Tontos. Since “Transcendence” and “Mortdecai” did nothing to help his case, we’re putting a lot of stock in his portrayal of mobster Whitey Bulger, as directed by Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart”). Depp seems to have disappeared behind the role, partly attributable to the novelty of seeing him don makeup that isn’t affiliated with a gaudy franchise. The first reviews out of the Venice and Telluride festivals signal an impending Deppsurgence, and we are on board. -- MJ

Film with the Most Political Weight: “Our Brand Is Crisis”
Courtesy of TIFF

Sandra Bullock is heading to Bolivia to win an election. In David Gordon Green’s “Our Brand Is Crisis,” Bullock is “Calamity” Jane Bodine, an American campaign strategist who’s hired to help a politician win a presidential election. The dark comedy is loosely based on the real events behind former Bolivian president Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada’s 2002 campaign and Rachel Boynton’s 2005 doc of the same name. What we’re most excited about, though, is what Bullock will bring to the role, which was originally written for George Clooney -- who’s producing -- until he decided to swap the gender for his “Gravity” co-star. Green’s film will likely ignite some political discussions, in addition to the other political standouts screening at the fest, including “Spotlight,” about The Boston Globe’s investigations around the Catholic Church’s sex-abuse scandal, and Robert Redford’s portrayal of Dan Rathers in “Truth." -- EW

Most Controversial: "Where To Invade Next"
Courtesy of TIFF

This is a Michael Moore documentary with an incendiary-seeming title about war. Furthermore, “Where To Invade Next” remained a secret until it appeared on the TIFF lineup. Moore has since described it as a “comedy,” indicating the film offers a satirical look at the American military industrial complex’s “constant need to always have an enemy.” The inevitable jeremiad finds the director assuming the duties of the Pentagon, instructing the government on which terrain to pillage. We expect you’ll be hearing a lot about this one after it premieres. -- MJ

Young Breakout Actor: Abraham Attah, “Beasts of No Nation”
Courtesy of TIFF

Every few years there’s a young breakout actor who catches our attention with a stunning first performance. Based on the charged trailers for “Beasts of No Nation,” the latest from “True Detective” Season 1 director Cary Fukunaga, newcomer Abraham Attah might be this year’s Quvenzhané Wallis. In the West African war drama, which will be Netflix’s first theatrical release, Attah plays Agu, a young boy separated from his family during a civil war and forced to join a crew of rebel soldiers. Idris Elba’s warlord teaches Agu the ways of survival, but we have a feeling that the young actor might steal the spotlight from his co-star. -- EW

About to Have A Moment: Tom Hiddleston
Courtesy of TIFF

Loki is on the verge of something big. Plenty of people have multiple movies at TIFF this year, but something tells us we’ll be hearing Tom Hiddleston’s name a lot over the next few months. In addition to Guillermo del Toro’s non-TIFF horror romance “Crimson Peak,” which opens in October, Hiddleston will have two juicy titles at the festival. First up is “High-Rise,” in which he plays a doctor who moves into a secluded living community that seems ideal until violent tribes break out. And even buzzier is “I Saw the Light,” in which Hiddleston portrays country singer Hank Williams. We may have found our next great leading man, so prepare to hear his name mentioned a lot in the coming months. -- MJ

Breakout LGBT Film: “About Ray”
Courtesy of TIFF

This year’s festival is full of films with LGBT-centric stories and characters. While most eyes are on Peter Sollett’s “Freeheld,” Tom Hooper’s “The Danish Girl” and Roland Emmerich’s “Stonewall,” there’s also Gaby Dellal’s “About Ray.” Dellal’s film stars Elle Fanning as Ray, a transgender teen in transition, Naomi Watts as Ray’s mother and Susan Sarandon as Ray’s lesbian grandmother. “About Ray” looks to be a promising addition to cinema’s growing dedication in telling transgender stories, especially ones about trans youth, which are largely lacking on the big screen. The trailer suggests the family dramedy will also be a lighter story in comparison to the more drama-heavy “Freeheld” and “Danish Girl.” -- EW

Most Enticing Biopic: "The Program"
Courtesy of TIFF

Biopics are the name of the Oscar game, which means they’re also regularly stamped all over Toronto’s lineups. Last year, “Foxcatcher,” “The Imitation Game” and “The Theory of Everything” each went on to awards glory after TIFF. This year, Bryan Cranston plays blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, Robert Redford channels a disgraced Dan Rather and Dev Patel stars as mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, along with several others mentioned elsewhere in this roundup. But we’re most anxious to see what Stephen Frears (“The Queen,” “Philomena”) will do with Lance Armstrong’s doping scandal. Ben Foster portrays the once-celebrated cyclist, with an impressive cast of supporting players that includes Lee Pace, Chris O’Dowd, Dustin Hoffman and Jesse Plemons. Just one question: Who’s playing Sheryl Crow? -- MJ

 

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Fall Movie Preview 2015
"Black Mass" (Sept. 18)(01 of37)
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Directed by Scott Cooper • Written by Mark Mallouk and Jez Butterworth

Starring Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Benedict Cumberbatch, Kevin Bacon, Jesse Plemons and Peter Sarsgaard

What to expect: We're hoping for a Johnny Depp comeback, because let's face it: We've had enough of pirates, Tontos and Mad Hatters. Here, he's playing organized crime boss Whitey Bulger. The first reviews out of the Telluride Film Festival signal a promising year for dear ol' Eddy Scissorhands. If only we could say the same for Sienna Miller. [Trailer]

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"Everest" (Sept. 18)(02 of37)
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Directed by Baltasar Kormákur • Written by William Nicholson and Simon Beaufoy

Starring Jason Clarke, Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Sam Worthington, Robin Wright and Keira Knightley

What to expect: It's a big year for Jake Gyllenhaal, but what isn't? In addition to "Southpaw" and the Toronto Film Festival opener "Demolition," he stars in a depiction of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster that also formed the core of Jon Krakauer's popular book Into Thin Air. [Trailer]

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"The Intern" (Sept. 25)(03 of37)
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Written and directed by Nancy Meyers

Starring Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo, Andrew Rannells, Adam DeVine and Linda Lavin

What to expect: Nancy Meyers' first movie in six years puts a spin on her signature rom-coms with the tale of a May-December friendship between the head of a fashion site and the senior citizen who becomes her intern. We've seen this charmer already, and it is delightful. [Trailer]

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"The Martian" (Oct. 2)(04 of37)
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Directed by Ridley Scott • Written by Drew Goddard

Starring Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig, Jeff Daniels, Sebastian Stan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Peña and Kate Mara

What to expect: This adaptation of Andy Weir's debut novel strands Matt Damon on Mars after the rest of his crew flees a dust storm. Them's the breaks, but he's quite the resourceful botanist and engineer, so hopefully Jessica Chastain and the rest of his earthbound cohorts can provide rescue. Fox has been marketing this one all summer, plus it's a space epic in the vein of "Apollo 13" and "Interstellar," so expect a sizable box-office orbit. [Trailer]

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"Steve Jobs" (Oct. 9)(05 of37)
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Directed by Danny Boyle • Written by Aaron Sorkin

Starring Michael Fassbender, Steve Rogen, Kate Winslet, Jeff Daniels, Katherine Waterston and Michael Stuhlbarg

What to expect: This biopic has shuffled through multiple directors (David Fincher) and actors (Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio) -- not to mention backstage fracas and the fact that Ashton Kutcher played the Apple co-founder in a widely detested film a mere two years ago. But favorable early reviews out of Telluride indicate none of that matters. "Steve Jobs" is sure to be one of fall's buzziest titles. [Trailer]

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"Pan" (Oct. 9)(06 of37)
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Directed by Joe Wright • Written by Jason Fuchs

Starring Levi Miller, Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund, Rooney Mara, Amanda Seyfried and Cara Delevingne

What to expect: "Pan" was on our summer blockbuster preview until Warner Bros. postponed the film to avoid box-office competition and to hone its visual effects. Assuming that doesn't bode iffy things for the final results, this Peter Pan origin story could be one of the season's most enchanting family offerings. [Trailer]

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"Room" (Oct. 16)(07 of37)
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Directed by Lenny Abrahamson • Written by Emma Donoghue

Starring Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen and William H. Macy

What to expect: We have high hopes for this adaptation of Emma Donoghue's acclaimed novel, which is gripping, climactic, thoughtful and a slew of other qualities that should translate well on the big screen. Brie Larson plays a mother whose young son knows nothing outside of the room in which they've been held hostage for several years. The story follows their attempt to escape and its aftermath. [Trailer]

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"Crimson Peak" (Oct. 16)(08 of37)
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Directed by Guillermo del Toro • Written by Guillermo del Toro and Matthew Robbins

Starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam and Jim Beaver

What to expect:
The latest from horror/sci-fi marshal Guillermo del Toro, "Crimson Peak" is the long-anticipated tale of a young author whose new marriage is besieged by a gothic home full of ghostly apparitions. [Trailer]
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"Truth" (Oct. 16)(09 of37)
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Written and directed by James Vanderbilt

Starring Robert Redford, Cate Blanchett, Elisabeth Moss, Topher Grace, Dennis Quaid and Bruce Greenwood

What to expect: Longtime news anchor Dan Rather stepped down from the CBS desk after an imbroglio over a disputable "60 Minutes" story that questioned President George W. Bush's service in the Vietnam War. His downfall, as well as that of producer Mary Mapes, who wrote a 2005 memoir about the incident, forms the centerpiece of this enticing political drama. [No trailer avaialble]

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"Bridge of Spies" (Oct. 16)(10 of37)
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Directed by Steven Spielberg • Written by Matt Charman, Ethan Coen and Joel Coen

Starring Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance, Amy Ryan, Alan Alda and Austin Stowell

What to expect: Steven Spielberg's first collaboration with Tom Hanks since 2004's "The Terminal" focuses on the true story of a lawyer who finds himself in the thick of the Cold War after the CIA recruits him to negotiate the rescue of a detainee in the Soviet Union. If you need more A-listers to rope you in, keep in mind that the Coen brothers co-wrote the script. [Trailer]

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"Suffragette" (Oct. 23)(11 of37)
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Directed by Sarah Gavron • Written by Abi Morgan

Starring Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Meryl Streep, Brendan Gleeson, Ben Whishaw and Anne-Marie Duff

What to expect: The season's primo feminist paean is "Suffragette," which zeroes in on the women's rights movement that spread through Great Britain in the late 19th century. [Trailer]

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"Rock the Kasbah" (Oct. 23)(12 of37)
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Directed by Barry Levinson • Written by Mitch Glazer

Starring Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel and Danny McBride

What to expect: A recent "Rock the Kasbah" screening in the Hamptons turned into an after-party with Bruce Springsteen, Bill Clinton and Paul McCartney in attendance, so we are quite enticed indeed. Not that we needed it. Bill Murray plays a washed-up rock manager who shepherds a talented young Afghan girl to fame. [Tailer]

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"Burnt" (Oct. 23)(13 of37)
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Directed by John Wells • Written by Steven Knight

Starring Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Omar Sy, Matthew Rhys, Alicia Vikander, Emma Thompson, Uma Thurman and Lily James

What to expect: B. Coop is a nice draw, but look at this cast of A-list ladies. (Congrats on not being cut out of this one, Sienna Miller.) That squad is what we really want to see in "Burnt," a drama about a down-and-out chef determined to redeem himself with a new Michelin-hopeful restaurant. [Trailer]

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"Trumbo" (Nov. 6)(14 of37)
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Directed by Jay Roach • Written by John McNamara

Starring Bryan Cranston, Helen Mirren, Diane Lane, Elle Fanning, John Goodman and Louis C.K.

What to expect: The Academy loves movies about Hollywood, so carve out some Oscar space for this biopic about Communist screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, who was responsible for "Spartacus" and "Roman Holiday." Helen Mirren is on hand as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, which sounds like just the right blend of camp and prestige. [Trailer]

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"Spectre" (Nov. 6)(15 of37)
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Directed by Sam Mendes • Written by John Logan, Neal Purvis and Robert Wade

Starring Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, Monica Bellucci and Dave Bautista

What to expect: Expect a $350 million behemoth whose third act needed an 11th-hour rewrite, according to leaked Sony emails indicating the movie ran over budget. In other news, the latest Bond installment will revisit the titular criminal agency for the first time since 1971's "Diamonds Are Forever." [Trailer]

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"Miss You Already" (Nov. 6)(16 of37)
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Directed by Catherine Hardwicke • Written by Morwenna Banks

Starring Toni Collette, Drew Barrymore, Dominic Cooper, Jacqueline Bisset, Tyson Ritter and Paddy Considine

What to expect: At last, Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore are on the same screen. Make sure to bring tissues: They play longtime besties who discover one has cancer. We're already relying on "Miss You Already" for our cathartic pre-winter tearjerker. [Trailer]

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"The Peanuts Movie" (Nov. 6)(17 of37)
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Directed by Steve Martino • Written by Craig Schulz, Brian Schulz and Cornelius Uliano

Featuring voice work by Noah Schnapp, Bill Melendez, Hadley Belle Miller, Francesca Capaldi and Noah Johnston

What to expect: Charlie Brown and Snoopy only have eyes for the lady folk in the first "Peanuts" feature film in 35 years. Gestating since 2006, the movie trades in the comic strip's hand-drawn illustrations for 3-D computer animation. [Trailer]

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"Spotlight" (Nov. 6)(18 of37)
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Directed by Tom McCarthy • Written by Josh Singer and Tom McCarthy

Starring Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Brian d'Arcy James, Liev Schreiber and Stanley Tucci

What to expect: The title of this movie refers to the Boston Globe's investigative reporting unit, which won a Pulitzer in 2003 for its coverage of sexual abuse at the hands of several Catholic priests. The first "Spotlight" reviews out of last week's Venice Film Festival were mixed, but Michael Keaton's lead performance won raves. [Trailer]

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"Brooklyn" (Nov. 6)(19 of37)
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Directed by John Crowley • Written by Nick Hornby

Starring Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent and Julie Walters

What to expect: "Brooklyn" won some of Sundance's finest reviews in January, with many pointing to another Oscar bid for "Atonement" star Saoirse Ronan. Regardless, bibliophiles should flock to this one, as the acclaimed Colm Tóibín novel on which it's based was shortlisted for the 2009 Man Booker Prize. [Trailer]

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"By the Sea" (Nov. 13)(20 of37)
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Written and directed by Angelina Jolie

Starring Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Mélanie Laurent

What to expect: In their first collaboration since 2005's fateful "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt play a 1970s couple who vacation in a European seaside town in hopes of salvaging their marriage. Thankfully, sometimes life does not imitate art. [Trailer]

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"The 33" (Nov. 13)(21 of37)
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Directed by Patricia Riggen • Written by Mikko Alanne, Craig Borten and Michael Thomas

Starring Antonio Banderas, Lou Diamond Phillips, Jacob Vargas, Mario Casas, Naomi Scott, Rodrigo Santoro and Juliette Binoche

What to expect: Fox released this movie across Latin America in August, prompting mixed reviews from critics. Still, there's obvious appeal in seeing the horrid story of the 33 stranded Chilean miners play out on the big screen. [Trailer]

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"Love the Coopers" (Nov. 13)(22 of37)
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Directed by Jessie Nelson • Written by Steven Rogers

Starring John Goodman, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Alan Arkin, Olivia Wilde, Marisa Tomei, Ed Helms and June Squibb

What to expect: We're hoping for the next "Family Stone" with this star-studded Christmas comedy, which revolves around a clan whose holiday plans run afoul thanks to a pack of unexpected guests and Yuletide capers. [Trailer]

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"Carol" (Nov. 20)(23 of37)
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Directed by Todd Haynes • Written by Phyllis Nagy

Starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler, Jake Lacy and Carrie Brownstein

What to expect: Based on the euphoric reception at the Cannes Film Festival, "Carol" is likely one of the year's best movies. From the director of "Far From Heaven" and "I'm Not There" comes the adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel The Price of Salt, which revolves around a female retail clerk who begins a 1950s romance with an older married woman. The first reviews called the period drama "intoxicating," "beautiful" and "magnificently realized." [Trailer]

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"Secret in Their Eyes" (Nov. 20)(24 of37)
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Written and directed by Billy Ray

Starring Julia Roberts, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman, Dean Norris and Michael Kelly

What to expect: Based on an Argentinian novel whose previous adaptation won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, "Secret in Their Eyes" finds Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman onscreen together for the first time. The thriller revolves around a new lead in the years-old case of an FBI investigator's murdered daughter. [Trailer]

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"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2" (Nov. 20)(25 of37)
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Directed by Francis Lawrence • Written by Danny Strong and Peter Craig

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Julianne Moore and Donald Sutherland

What to expect: You'll have to find something else to do next Thanksgiving because unless Josh Hutcherson's claims prove to be true, this marks the final installment in the "Hunger Games" franchise. You probably don't need us to tell you that Katniss' final showdown with President Snow is looming, but "Mockingjay - Part 2" also carries the heavy weight of being Philip Seymour Hoffman's final screen appearance. [Trailer]

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"The Good Dinosaur" (Nov. 25)(26 of37)
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Directed by Peter Sohn • Written by Enrico Casarosa and Bob Peterson

Featuring voice work by Raymond Ochoa, Jack Bright, Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright, Sam Elliott and Anna Paquin

What to expect: Headlines labeled Pixar's revisionist dino tale "troubled" after its original director was removed from the project. But that move is par for the course for the studio's movies, and if all goes well, it's possible Pixar will have two of the year's most beloved films following May's "Inside Out." [Trailer]

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"Creed" (Nov. 25)(27 of37)
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Directed by Ryan Coogler • Written by Ryan Coogler and Aaron Covington

Starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad and Tony Bellew

What to expect: It looks like we're in for another #OscarsSoWhite year, but perhaps Michael B. Jordan can provide some saving grace. He'll play the son of "Rocky" heavyweight Apollo Creed, who seeks out his father's old sparring partner for training. Yep, Sylvester Stallone is back. [Trailer]

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"The Night Before" (Nov. 25)(28 of37)
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Directed by Jonathan Levine • Written by Evan Goldberg, Kyle Hunter, Jonathan Levine and Ariel Shaffir

Starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie, Lizzy Caplan, Jillian Bell and Mindy Kaling

What to expect: This bro-tastic comedy centers on three childhood pals who reunite for annual Christmas Eve debauchery. Come for the hallucinogens, stay for the "Wrecking Ball" singalong. [Trailer]

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"The Danish Girl" (Nov. 27)(29 of37)
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Directed by Tom Hooper • Written by Lucinda Coxon

Starring Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Ben Whishaw, Amber Heard and Matthias Schoenaerts

What to expect: Get ready to hear a lot about this movie, which could be a heavy Oscar player. Its subject -- the first person to undergo successful gender-confirmation surgery -- is particularly timely, and Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech") and Eddie Redmayne are proven Academy favorites. Not to mention the promos boast sumptuous set pieces. [Trailer]

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"In the Heart of the Sea" (Dec. 11)(30 of37)
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Directed by Ron Howard • Written by Charles Leavitt

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Benjamin Walker, Tom Holland, Brendan Gleeson and Ben Whishaw

What to expect: Ron Howard attributed this movie's nine-month delay to Warner Bros. thinking it was more of a "fourth-quarter, early-winter kind of feel in terms of the tone." The struggle will be finding box-office recognition opposite "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," which opens one week later. But the disaster flick's trailer promises magnificent visuals. Just beware impending cannibalism with this one! [Trailer]

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"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (Dec. 18)(31 of37)
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Directed by J.J. Abrams • Written by J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan

Starring John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Daisy Ridley, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels and Andy Serkis

What to expect: If you're somehow oblivious to the "Star Wars" marketing saturation that Disney has employed since the first teaser dropped last November, then we're going to assume this movie isn't for you. Otherwise, expect what is estimated to supplant the box-office records that "Jurassic World" broke this summer. [Trailer]

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"Sisters" (Dec. 18)(32 of37)
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Directed by Jason Moore • Written by Paula Pell

Starring Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Ike Barinholtz, Maya Rudolph, Samantha Bee, Rachel Dratch, John Leguizamo, Dianne Wiest and James Brolin

What to expect: If anyone can go head-to-head with "Star Wars," it must be Tina and Amy, right? In their first film collaboration since 2009's "Baby Mama," the venerable comedy duo play siblings who throw one final party before their parents sell their childhood home.

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"Snowden" (Dec. 25)(33 of37)
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Directed by Oliver Stone • Written by Kieran Fitzgerald and Oliver Stone

Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Shailene Woodley, Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, Scott Eastwood, Tom Wilkinson and Nicolas Cage

What to expect: Joseph Gordon-Levitt is on the hunt for his inaugural Oscar nod. First up is the Philippe Petit biopic "The Walk," and a few months later we'll see him play NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden. But the likelier headlines will come from whatever tactics the notoriously political Oliver Stone employs, as was the case with previous features like "JFK" and "Nixon." [Trailer]

UPDATE:"Snowden" has been delayed until 2016.
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"Joy" (Dec. 25)(34 of37)
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Written and directed by David O. Russell

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Édgar Ramirez, Bradley Cooper, Diane Ladd and Isabella Rossellini

What to expect: Jennifer Lawrence's third project with David O. Russell is a sorta-biopic inspired by the life of Miracle Mop creator Joy Mangano. The actress denied rumors that she and the director were feuding on the set, and there was mass confusion about the movie's plot when the first trailer launched a few months ago. Hopefully this one remains as promising as the promos imply. [Trailer]

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"The Revenant" (Dec. 25)(35 of37)
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Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu • Written by Mark L. Smith and Alejandro González Iñárritu

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, Domhnall Gleeson and Lukas Hsaas

What to expect: Alejandro Iñárritu nabbed the Best Director Oscar for "Birdman" earlier this year, and he looks poised to make 2016's shortlist for this 1820s-set Western starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a fur trapper seeking revenge against the men who've robbed him. [Trailer]

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"The Hateful 8" (Dec. 25)(36 of37)
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Written and directed by Quentin Tarantino

Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tim Roth, Walton Goggins, Bruce Dern, Michael Madsen and Demián Bichir

What to expect: Tarantino's "Django Unchained" follow-up was almost shelved after Gawker leaked the script. Instead, he staged a live reading of the original version and redrafted the one that will now open in December. It's a Western set in the "racial aftermath" of the Civil War. [Trailer]

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"Daddy's Home" (Dec. 25)(37 of37)
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Directed by Sean Anders and John Morris • Written by Brian Burns

Starring Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, Hannibal Buress and Paul Scheer

What to expect: December has several broad comedies in store, one of which is this romp in which a stepfather must make peace with his wife's ex-husband when he re-enters their lives. [Trailer]

(credit:Paramount)

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