It’s that time of year again – students are back in school, and cooler temperatures signal the start of a new season. With it, comes a new batch of TV shows and movies. Here are a few to keep your eye out for:
Movies:
Ryan Permison’s Picks:
Courtesy Marvel Studios
Thor: The Dark World
One of the most anticipated films of the fall is “Thor: The Dark World,” starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins. A year after the events of “The Avengers,” Thor, played by Hemsworth, has to save all nine realms of the universe from an enemy named Malekith. He is not only out for revenge, but wants to plunge the universe into darkness. This is a force not even Thor’s father Odin, played by Hopkins, can overcome. Thor reunites with his love interest Jane Foster, played by Portman, to aide him in his battle. In order to defeat Malekith, Thor must also enlist the help of his adopted brother Loki, who he imprisoned after he tried to destroy New York in “The Avengers.” Can Loki be trusted? Only time will tell with this one. This is the second film of Phase Two in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Considering the success of this summer’s “Iron Man 3,” I have no doubt that this film will do very well at the box office. “Thor: The Dark World” opens in theaters everywhere Nov. 8.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Courtesy Lionsgate
The Hunger Games franchise continues with “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” based on the book written by Suzanne Collins and starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Donald Sutherland. After Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, played by Lawrence and Hutcherson, are victorious in the 74th Annual Hunger Games, they return home. They do not have time for celebration before they are swept away on a Victory Tour of the other districts in Panem. President Snow, played by Sutherland, believes that a rebellion is coming, after seeing the courage Katniss and Peeta showed during the games. When the time comes for the 75th annual Hunger Games, also known as the Quarter Quell, which takes place every 25 years, the tributes that are chosen are all previous victors of the Hunger Games. Katniss and Peeta are the only victors from District 12, so they must enter the arena once again. Not only are Katniss and Peeta fighting for their district, they are also fighting for the future of Panem. President Snow is determined to destroy any chance of hope the people of Panem have. Just like the first one, I promise you the world will be watching this sequel. The best thing to do is to watch the first movie; otherwise you will be confused during the course of the sequel. “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” opens in theaters and IMAX on Nov. 22.
Nick Salacki’s Picks:
Captain Phillips
Tom Hanks is back.
Yes, after almost a year since we have seen Tom Hanks on the big screen in “Cloud Atlas,” Tom Hanks is returning as the starring role in Captain Phillips.
From the director of “United 93” and “The Bourne Ultimatum” comes the true story of one of the 2009 Somali pirate hijackings of the first American cargo ship to be hijacked 200.
Led by Captain Richard Phillips, played by Hanks, the ship’s crew must keep calm, cooperate and pray for their lives as they are forcibly boarded by the armed pirates.
In the trailer, it shows of how brave Captain Phillips becomes and how he puts his life on the line to save his crew.
I may be biased, being a Tom Hanks fan, but he is the male version of Meryl Streep. He could choose to play any role and he would be perfect for it. So when I heard this was his next film, I was ecstatic.
I can’t wait to see this film because the story is based off a true and inspiring one, it looks like an exciting and suspenseful drama, and Tom Hanks is playing the lead role.
The Fifth Estate
Courtesy Dreamworks Pictures
There are five known estates. The first is clergy (leaders of religion), the second is nobility (leaders of the state), the third is regular members of society and the fourth is news media/the press.
The film “The Fifth Estate” is the true story of Julian Assange and how he exposed multiple confidential American documents onto his own website known as WikiLeaks. Assange is someone who wanted to do what he felt was right, which was to publish countless leaks of information, revealing some of the wrongdoings some of America’s leaders once got away with
Some people may call Assange a criminal, some others may call him brave. Regardless, he published many pieces of writings on his own terms, hence the term citizen journalism, which is known as the fifth estate, hence the title of the film.
Famous from BBC’s “Sherlock” and “Star Trek: Into Darkness,” Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Assange with Stanley Tucci, Laura Linney and Anthony Mackie in other sub-roles.
The Fifth Estate looks like it can be quite a hit at the box office and it looks like it can be the next epically known and well-written political thriller since “Argo.”
TV Shows:
Ryan Permison’s Picks:
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
Courtesy ABC
One of the new TV shows coming this fall is from Marvel studios and the director of “The Avengers,” Joss Whedon. Starring Clark Gregg and Ming-Na Wen, “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” is set in the same universe as the Marvel films and will focus on a handpicked team of new agents chosen by Phil Coulson, played by Gregg who reprises his role from the Marvel films. Each week the team will take on cases that involve those with extraordinary abilities. Whether they come from Earth or another universe, the team works together to find answers. Returning to television is veteran actress Ming-Na Wen as pilot Melinda May. She previously starred on NBC’s “ER” and in Disney’s “Mulan.” Of all the new pilots, this is number one on my list. Marvel Studios is at the top of their game and they have succeeded every time at the box office. Now, the question is, will they succeed on television? “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC.
The Blacklist
Coming this fall is from NBC is “The Blacklist,” starring James Spader and Megan Boone. Raymond “Red” Reddington, played by Spader, is one of the FBI’s most wanted men. One day, he surrenders himself at FBI Headquarters in Washington D.C. He does this so he can help the FBI track down the most dangerous criminals in the world. He chooses to cooperate with them under one condition- he speaks only with Elizabeth Keen, played by “Law & Order LA” alum Boone, a new profiler working for the FBI. She has no prior history with Reddington, and wonders why he chose her. When they capture a terrorist Reddington provided information on, he warns them that the terrorist is the first of many. Over the last 20 years, Reddington has compiled a list of criminals and terrorists the FBI cannot find because they do not even know they exist. With James Spader in the lead role, considering his previous work on TV shows such as “The Practice” and “Boston Legal,” I am looking forward to seeing how this one plays out. The Blacklist airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC.
Nick Salacki’s Pick:
Fox’s Glee
Courtesy Fox
Yes I am a Gleek, and proud of it. But I still believe that the show was best in its third season and the fourth did not live up to its former glory.
Even though I am not a fan of some of the new characters that were introduced in season four and I wasn’t as gripped to keep watching past that god-awful season four Christmas episode, I have been, if you will, inclined and encouraged to return to watching the show this upcoming season.
Partially because my favorite characters Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss), Kurt Hummel (Chris Colfer) and Rachel Berry (Lea Michele) are still on as season regulars, but also mainly because ever since the sudden and tragic death of the talented Cory Monteith, who starred on the Fox hit as Finn Hudson.
The first two episodes of the upcoming fifth season are said to be tribute episodes to The Beatles, filled with Beatles songs and costumes. But the third episode is said to pay tribute to Cory Monteith, who passed away on July 13 in Vancouver from an accidental, toxic combination of heroin and alcohol.
So will I reserve a seat for myself in front of my TV on Sept. 26 at 9 p.m. to watch “Glee?” Yes I will. At the ready will be tissues for my tears as I watch the show in remembrance to Cory Monteith.
Music
Ayana Bowman’s Picks:
ARTPOP- Lady Gaga
Courtesy Interscope Records
It has been two years since the release of “The Fame Monster,” but this year Lady Gaga comes back with her third studio release, “ARTPOP.” The first single from “ARTPOP,” “Applause” gives a taste of what’s to come from mother monster. Lady Gaga has described her album as “fun, dirty dance music.” Production by Zedd, Madeon and DJ White Shadow guarantees “ARTPOP” lives up to its “fun, dirty dance music” expectation. But don’t assume the entire album will be a full-fledged dance party as one piano ballad has already been confirmed for the album. ”I Wanna Be With You”, the piano ballad, is sure to be a wonderful break from the heart pumping album. “ARPTOP” is set to pop onto the stage Nov. 11. “ARTPOP” will also be released as an app that Gaga has described as “an interactive jewel case,” so be sure to check that out as well.
Talking Dreams- Echosmith
Echosmith will be releasing their first full-length album on Oct. 8. Echosmith toured the first half of the 2013 Vans Warped tour and is a rising indie-pop band from Southern California. Altough Echosmith remains relatively unknown, this year they opened for Owl City, Neon Trees and Twenty One Pilots. Three songs on their upcoming album have been released as a Summer Sampler and give an excellent preview of “Talking Dreams.” “Talking Dreams,” the title track, has a calm and catchy chorus. The lead singer, Sydney Sierota, talks about running away to the city with a love interest. “Talking Dreams” is so catchy, it’s sure to have you talking in your dreams. If you haven’t heard of Echosmith before this article, after the release of “Talking Dreams,” they’re sure to be a household name.
Bangerz- Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus, whether you love her or you hate her, is not going anywhere anytime soon. Cyrus’ first full-length album release since “Can’t Be Tamed” in 2010, “Bangerz” will be released on Oct. 8. “We Can’t Stop,” the first single from “Bangerz” is over-the-top pop with lots of synthetic instruments and voice modifications. “Wrecking Ball,” the second single, is the complete opposite of “We Can’t Stop.” “Wrecking Ball” shows a uniquely vulnerable side to Cyrus as not only are the lyrics open and honest, but her vocals remain distinctly unedited. “Bangerz” is set to be a roller coaster ride of genres as the album features collaborations from: Britney Spears, Nelly, Future, Big Sean, and French Montana. Whether you love to hate Cyrus, or you hate to love her, be sure to check out Bangerz because it is sure to be released with a “bang.”
B.O.A.T.S II: Me Time - 2 Chainz
“B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time” is the follow up album to 2 Chainz’s 2012 Grammy nominated release “Based on a T.R.U Story.” “B.O.A.T.S II: Me Time” features collaborations with Drake, Lil Wayne, Cap 1, Fergie, Rich Homie Quan, Chrisette Michele, Sunni Patterson, Dolla Boy, Pusha T, IAMSU! and T-Pain. “B.O.A.T.S II: Me Time” also features productions by Pharrell and Mike Will Made It. The first single from “B.O.A.T.S II: Me Time” is entitled “Feds Watching” and has a distinctly funky feeling to it, especially in comparison to the other songs on the album. The rest of the album has the characteristic 2 Chainz sound and killer beats. This album is one you blast in the car to see how much bass your speakers can handle. “B.O.A.T.S II: Me Time” is sure to be topping Billboard for the weeks to come. “B.O.A.T.S II: Me Time” is now available on iTunes.
Books:
Laura Antonucci’s Pick:
Courtesy HarperCollins
“Allegiant,” out Oct. 22, is the third and final installment of Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” trilogy. Read it, go see the movie, invest in the characters emotionally and be prepared to get enveloped in dystopian Chicago in a fresh and thought provoking way.
Devorah Roberts’ Picks:
“Doctor Sleep” by Stephen King
Renowned horror author Stephen King is back with a sequel to his famous book, “The Shining” published in 1977. “Doctor Sleep” returns to now middle-aged Dan Torrance, who must save 12-year-old Abra Stone from a murderous paranomal group, True Knot. Abra Stone also has power over the supernatural gift, “The Shining” causing True Knot to come after her. It will be interesting to see Dan in a more active role now that he is no longer a child, as well as possibly build a relationship with Abra. We will also have the chance to compare King’s horror writing to his early works and see how it has grown over time.
“Doctor Sleep” is available in stores and online now.
“Steelheart” by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson has come far since his debut novel “Elantris” in 2005. Having written everything from children books to the final three books of Robert Jordan’s epic fantasy series “The Wheel of Time” Sanderson always has an intriguing take on the fantasy genre. He released the first book in his new Reckoners Trilogy, “Steelheart” on Sept. 24.
“Steelheart” centers around a group of people gifted called Epics that are gifted with extraordinary powers. Unfortunately, Epics are no friends to the average man, desiring what else, but the power to rule. Enter protagonist David, who seeks revenge on the invincible Epic, Steelheart.
This book promises fantastic motives, revenge and a mystery to solve – how will David kill the invincible?
“The House of Hades” by Rick Riordan
Courtesy Disney-Hyperion
Coming out Oct. 8 is the fourth book in Rick Riordan’s Heroes of Olympus Series, “House of Hades.” Part of the sequel series to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, this book promises to be action packed, witty and downright fun. Percy Jackson returns in this book, along with seven other demigods and an extremely familiar, yet twisted cast of mythological figures. In his previous novel, “The Mark of Athena” Riordan left his readers with a heart-wrenching cliffhanger. Hopefully, this one will clear everything up. If you’re a fantasy or mythology lover and have never picked up this series, go read it right now.
Compiled by Laura Antonucci, Ayana Bowman, Devorah Roberts, Ryan Permison and Nick Salacki