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    9 Films Worth Watching: Fall Movie Guide 2014

    Summer blockbuster season is behind us, as is the season of dreck that immediately follows. Between now and the holidays – when cinemas will again wow us with big budget wizardry – we have the good fortune of perusing some independent, character-driven, autumn gems. Some even have a good shot at Oscar. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the likeliest bets for a great moviegoing experience, so keep an eye peeled.

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    Gone Girl (October 3)

    David Fincher returns to the screen early this season with this gritty crime drama about a missing wife and a husband who looks guilty. Ben Affleck stars – not necessarily his strongest suit – but Fight Club director Fincher is almost always a good bet.

    Fury (October 17)

    Also in October, Brad Pitt returns to Nazi Germany, but don’t expect the dark comedy of Inglourious Basterds. Writer/director David Ayer (End of Watch) is at the helm of what is being described as a brutal but honest look at WWII. Ayer can be hit or miss, but Pitt is almost always worth the risk.

    Men, Women & Children (October 17)

    Director Jason Reitman made his first major misstep this year with the syrupy mess Labor Day. But with gems like Juno, Thank You for Smoking, Up In the Air, and the epically underrated and woefully underseen Young Adult in his arsenal, it’s a good bet he’ll recover with this ensemble drama about the way technology is changing our personal landscapes. Co-writer Erin Cressida Wilson (Secretary) should help.

    Birdman (October 17)

    Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu takes a break from heady, heartbreaking drama (Biutiful21 GramsAmores Perros) for something lighter and a bit more meta. Onetime Batman, current struggling actor Michael Keaton plays a struggling actor once known for his role as a superhero. Oscar buzz for Keaton’s performance is already on high, and a supporting cast including Zach Galifianakis, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and Edward Norton make this one a huge draw.

    Whiplash (October 17)

    The always spectacular J. K. Simmons and talented, young Miles Teller join forces in a cymbal-crashing boot camp for musicians. Buzz for this one is great, with more than a few believing Simmons may pull in his first Oscar nomination.

    St. Vincent (October 24)

    Bill Murray plays the aging, boozy whoremonger next door who lends a hand to the neighborhood’s new single mom (Melissa McCarthy) in need of a babysitter. What could go wrong? With his first feature, writer/director Theodore Melfi has certainly assembled an impressive cast. McCarthy and Murray are comedic geniuses, and Naomi Watts, Chris O’Dowd and Terrence Howard fill out the roster.

    Rosewater (November 7)

    Jon Stewart writes and directs this true story of a journalist imprisoned and tortured for simply reporting on Iran’s 2009 election. It’s clearly a topic close to Stewart’s heart, and it will be fascinating to see whether he can do at the helm of a film what he’s managed to do with his comedy show: articulate the people’s need for unencumbered journalism.

    Interstellar (November 9)

    Christopher Nolan returns with some space exploration/wormhole business starring Matthew McConaughey (hey, he’s been a good bet lately, eh?). Sounds like time well spent.

    Foxcatcher (November 14)

    Steve Carell has gotten notice for an unforgettable and surprising turn in a true crime drama co-starring Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo (also being touted as an Oscar favorite). Director Bennett Miller (CapoteMoneyball) has done no wrong so far in his career, and it will be interesting to see where he takes us next.

    For trailers and ongoing discussion on films, CLICK HERE to visit our Messageboard.

    A full slate of movie reviews is available on my website www.maddwolf.comYou can also follow me on Twitter @maddwolf and like me on Facebook at facebook.com/MaddWolfColumbus .

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    Hope Madden
    Hope Maddenhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Hope Madden is a freelance contributor on Columbus Underground who covers the independent film scene, writes film reviews and previews film events.
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