“Wild”

• Release date: Dec. 5, 2014
• “Wild” is based on Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 memoir of the same title. Reese Witherspoon portrays the author on her 1,100 mile solo journey through America’s northwest. Strayed goes on this trek after devastating tragedy in her life and turns to sex and heroin to numb the pain.
• Director: Jean-Marc Vallée (“Dallas Buyers Club”)
• Why this movie: Another film by 2014 Oscar nominee, Jean-Marc Vallée, is exciting and after seeing Witherspoon in “Mud,” there is no question that she can play the part.

“Dear White People”

• Release date: Oct. 17, 2014
• Sam White (played by Tessa Thompson) plays a black DJ whose blunt satire on air irks the white student body at her university.
• Director: Justin Simien
• Why this movie: The comedy received rave reviews at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. It will hopefully generate some important conversation on how race is discussed in America. Just read the closing line of the trailer: “Racism is over in America, the only people who are thinking about it are, I don’t know, Mexicans probably.”

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1”

• Release date: Nov. 21, 2014
• Based on Suzanne Collins internationally known books, Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss Everdeen as she dives into a war against President Snow.
• Director: Francis Lawrence
• Why this movie: This is an obvious choice for this movie season, but whatever, it is going to be awesome.

“Birdman”

• Release date: Oct. 17, 2014
• Director: Alejandro González Iñárritu
• Former superhero actor (Micheal Keaton) tries to reestablish his career by putting on a Broadway play.
• Why this movie: The filming of “Birdman” is supposed to appear as one continuous take, making it worth seeing for just this reason. Also, it has Oscar written all over it (the Academy loves a good comeback movie). The consensus among reviewers who have already seen it: Birdman will be nominated.

“Gone Girl”

• Release date: Oct. 3, 2014
• Ben Affleck stars as Nick Dunne, who may or may not have caused the disappearance and death of his wife.
• Director: David Fincher (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “The Social Network,” “Fight Club”)
• Why this movie: This movie could be really good or really bad. Watching the trailer definitely has the big budget feel that could easily cross the line of being over-dramatic. Simultaneously, the film’s portrayal of marriage and abuse resonates in the current media.