Fall movies 2014

Release Date: Sept. 5

A set of identical twins (both played by newcomer Blake Rayne) are separated as children during the Great Depression. One brother overcomes his poor upbringing to become a famous 1950s rock star, while the other sibling has trouble relating to his ultra-religious adoptive parents (Ashley Judd, Ray Liotta).

Seth Green and Joe Pantoliano also star in this musical drama that owes more than a thing or two to the life and career of Elvis Presley.

"God Help the Girl"

Release Date: Sept. 5

"The Identical" is going up against another musical drama, "God Help the Girl," written and directed by Stuart Murdoch of Belle and Sebastian fame.

A young Scottish woman named Eve (Emily Browning) uses music as a form of catharsis to help heal her emotional wounds.

"Frontera"

Release Date: Sept. 5

Actress Eva Longoria no doubt was inspired to star in this film by her real-life work as an  immigration reform activist.

A murder mystery in Arizona sets the stage for a look at one of the nation's most controversial hot-button issues.

"Kelly & Cal"

Release Date: Sept. 5

Juliette Lewis plays a former punk-rocker turned suburban mom who strikes up a unique friendship with 17-year-old Cal.

At 41, Lewis didn't have to look far for sources of inspiration when getting into the role. The actress was known as a party girl in her youth, especially as the lead singer of the rock group Juliette and the Licks.

"The Skeleton Twins"

Release Date: Sept. 12

Craig Johnson and Mark Heyman won the Waldo Salt screenwriting award at this year's Sundance Film Festival for their script for "The Skeleton Twins."

Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader play siblings who reconnect during trying times.

Ty Burrell and Luke Wilson also star.

"Dolphin Tale 2"

Release Date: Sept. 12

Ashley Judd, Harry Connick Jr. and Morgan Freeman are all back for another adventure, which is somehow based on yet another incredible true story involving the aquatic mammal. The truth really is stranger than fiction.

"The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby"

Release Date: Sept. 12

The saga that is "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby" has been split up into three films. "Him" and "Her" were both released in 2013, and now comes the third entry, "Them."

James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain play a married couple experiencing relationship issues while living in New York.

Chastain's "The Help" cast mate Viola Davis also stars, along with Bill Hader and William Hurt.

"The Drop"

Release Date: Sept. 12

The upcoming gangster drama is adapted from the short story "Animal Rescue" by author Dennis Lehane, who also wrote the screenplay.

The cast features Tom Hardy, and James Gandolfini in his final film role.

"No Good Deed"

Release Date: Sept. 12

Taraji P. Henson starts to have second-thoughts about letting a driver (Idris Elba) with car trouble use her home phone, especially when he reveals himself as a sadistic sociopath who goes after her family.

"Tracks"

Release Date: Sept. 19

Upcoming "Star Wars" actor Adam Driver has two films out on the same day.

The first one is "Tracks," which stars Mia Wasikowska ("Stoker") as a wayward adventurer in the Australian Outback.

The film is based on the best-selling memoir by Robyn Davidson.

"This Is Where I Leave You"

Release Date: Sept. 19

"This Is Where I Leave You" features an ensemble cast and is based on the novel of the same name by Jonathan Tropper, who also served as the film's screenwriter.

Jane Fonda plays the matriarch of a dysfunctional family consisting of her grown kids -- Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Adam Driver and Corey Stoll -- who reluctantly come together following the death of their father.

"The Maze Runner"

Release Date: Sept. 19

Based on James Dashner's first novel in his best-selling young adult book series, "The Maze Runner" stars "Teen Wolf" actor Dylan O'Brien as Thomas, who wakes up trapped inside a bizarre labyrinthian environment with his memory erased. Thomas bands with other boys, and a lone girl, to attempt an escape from the maze, as they also try to figure out how they arrived and who sent them there.

The film has been drawing plenty of interest from young viewers -- especially among fans of the books -- despite the studio's relatively low-key marketing campaign.

Early reviews say this could be the next "Hunger Games" or "Divergent."

"A Walk Among the Tombstones"

Release Date: Sept. 19

Somebody's been taken, and it's up to Liam Neeson once again to save the day.

Based on the Lawrence Block novel of the same name.

"Hector and the Search for Happiness"

Release Date: Sept. 19

Simon Pegg ("Star Trek into Darkness," "The World's End") plays a psychiatrist who, as the title suggests, goes on a quest around the world in search of the secret to happiness.

Based on the French novel by Francois Lelord.

"The Equalizer"

Release Date: Sept. 26

"Training Day" star Denzel Washington and director Antoine Fuqua have reunited for this action thriller, based on the 1980s CBS crime series starring Edward Woodward.

Chloe Grace-Moretz also stars.

"White Bird in a Blizzard"

Release Date: Sept. 25

Set in the 1980s, Shailene Woodley goes on the hunt for her missing mother (Eva Green).

Angela Bassett and Gabourey Sidibe also star.

"The Two Faces of January"

Release Date: Sept. 26

Iranian-born screenwriter Hossein Amini ("The Wings of the Dove," "Drive") makes his directorial debut with "The Two Faces of January."

Kirsten Dunst and Viggo Mortensen play a married couple on holiday in Athens, who get wrapped up in a murder mystery along with a con man, portrayed by Oscar Isaac.

"Gone Girl"

Release Date: Oct. 3

"Gone Girl" is one of the most hotly-anticipated films of the fall movie season.

Future Batman Ben Affleck plays a husband who comes under suspicion when his wife (Rosamund Pike) mysteriously vanishes.

"Gone Girl" is based on the best-selling book by Gillian Flynn (who also wrote the screenplay) and comes from acclaimed director David Fincher.

Before coming to theaters, "Gone Girl" will mark its world debut at the New York Film Festival as the opening night selection.

"The Good Lie"

Release Date: Oct. 3

Reese Witherspoon takes in a trio of Sudanese refugees and gets some help from her neighbor (Corey Stoll).

"The Good Lie" is based on a true story.

"Annabelle"

Release Date: Oct. 3

Remember that creepy porceilan doll in "The Conjuring"?

Well, they made a whole movie about it.

"Kill the Messenger"

Release Date: Oct. 10

Jeremy Renner stars in and produces the new drama, about a reporter brought to the brink of suicide after exposing government secrets.

"The Judge"

Release Date: Oct. 10

Robert Duvall plays a small-town judge accused of murder. His attorney son (Robert Downey Jr.) comes home to help him.

Additional cast members include Billy Bob Thornton, Leighton Meester and Vera Farmiga.

"The Judge" has been chosen as the opening night selection for this year's Toronto Film Festival.

"Alexander..."

Release Date: Oct. 10

Steve Carrell and Jennifer Garner star in "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day," based on the classic children's book.

Dick Van Dyke also stars as himself.

"Birdman"

Release Date: Oct. 17

Everyone is waiting to see if Michael Keaton's humorous take on his Batman persona will fly in theaters.

"Birdman" will serve as the closing night entry at this year's New York Film Festival.

"Book of Life"

Release Date: Oct. 17

Christina Applegate, Ice Cube, Channing Tatum, Ron Perlman, Cheech Marin and Danny Trejo all lend their voices to this 3D animated tale, from Mexican filmmaker Jorge R. Gutierrez.

"Ouija"

Release Date: Oct. 24

This somehow has to be better than the "Battleship" adaptation.

"Fury"

Release Date: Oct. 17

Described as "a relentlessly authentic portrayal" of war by the New York Times, "Fury" stars Brad Pitt as the leader of a group of U.S. soldiers who go on a special mission to strike at the Nazis during World War II.

Logan Lerman, Shia LaBeouf and Scott Eastwood also star in the film, which has been generating early awards buzz.

"Nightcrawler"

Release Date: Oct. 31

Jake Gyllenhaal lost 20 pounds for his role as Lou Bloom -- a photojournalist who finds himself on the sketchy L.A. crime beat.

"St. Vincent"

Release Date: Oct. 24

A single mom (Melissa McCarthy) asks her kooky next-door neighbor, St. Vincent (Bill Murray), to keep an eye on her son.

The aging war vet and the young boy strike up an unlikely friendship.

Naomi Watts co-stars as a Russian call girl.

"Interstellar"

Release Date: Nov. 7

Be on the lookout for Christopher Nolan's "Interstellar," starring Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey as an ordinary man who teams up with others to travel across the universe through a mysterious wormhole.

Some insiders are saying that "Interstellar" could be this year's "Gravity."

"The Theory of Everything"

Release Date: Nov. 7

"The Theory of Everything" is based on the memoir by Jane Hawking (Felicity Jones) and chronicles her early romance with her eventual husband, the brilliant physicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne).

"Foxcatcher"

Release Date: Nov. 14

Steve Carell dons heavy prosthetics for this new drama about real-life wrestling coach John du Pont, who murdered one of his friends, Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo), for unclear reasons.

"Foxcatcher" filmmaker Bennett Miller won the best director award at this year's Cannes Film Festival.

"Dumb and Dumber To"

Release Date: Nov. 14

Harry (Jeff Daniels) and Lloyd (Jim Carrey) are back for their dumbestest adventure yet...

"Beyond the Lights"

Release Date: Nov. 14

Noni Jean (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is struggling with suicidal thoughts after becoming a Grammy-winning recording artist. That all changes when she finds love.

Minnie Driver and Danny Glover co-star.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 1"

Release Date: Nov. 21

Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) is back and ready to fight the powers-that-be, in this sequel that's pretty much a sure-fire bet to become one of the biggest blockbusters of the season.

"The Imitation Game"

Release Date: Nov. 21

Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley star in this World War II-era spy thriller about codebreaker Alan Turing, based on the book by Andrew Hodges.

"V/H/S: Viral"

Release Date: Oct. 23

The videotapes just keep popping out in this horror anthology series.

"Horrible Bosses 2"

Release Date: Nov. 26

Jason Sudeikis, Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jennifer Aniston and Kevin Spacey are all back for this employer-bashing sequel.

"Wild"

Release Date: Dec. 5

Drawing comparisons to 2008's "Into the Wild," Reese Witherspoon plays a real-life woman who tries to find herself while hiking solo along the Pacific Crest Trail.

"Inherent Vice"

Release Date: Dec. 12

"Boogie Nights" and "There Will Be Blood" filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson (who has received 5 best director Oscar noms over his career but has yet to win) returns with this 1970s-era crime drama starring Josh Brolin and Reese Witherspoon -- her third film set for release this season.

Based on the Thomas Pynchon novel of the same name, "Inherent Vice" will make its debut at this year's New York Film Festival.

Given the reputation of the stars attached to this project, don't be surprised to see cast and crew from this film making the rounds come awards season.

"Penguins of Madagascar"

Release Date: Nov. 26

Benedict Cumberbatch and John Malkovich lend their voices to this 3D animated spinoff of the hit "Madagascar" film series.

Exodus: Gods and Kings

Release Date: Dec. 12

Christian Bale plays Moses in this highly-anticipated biblical epic from director Ridley Scott.

"The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies"

Release Date: Dec. 17

Get set for an epic showdown in the third and final installment in Peter Jackson's "Hobbit" film trilogy.

"Annie"

Release Date: Dec. 19

Produced by Jay Z and Will Smith, the latest "Annie" remake stars "Beasts of the Southern Wild" actress Quvenzhane Wallis, 11, in the title role.

Cameron Diaz is making her musical debut as the villainous Miss Hannigan, while Jamie Foxx steps into the Daddy Warbucks role (here named Benjamin Stacks).

"Night at the Museum: The Secret Tomb"

Release Date: Dec. 19

Ben Stiller is met with more historical hijinks, this time in London.

Late actor Robin Williams appears in one of his final film roles as Teddy Roosevelt.

"Paddington"

Release Date: Dec. 25

The famous teddy bear is getting a big-screen CGI makeover.

Nicole Kidman co-stars.

"The Interview"

Release Date: Dec. 25

"The Interview" is still months away from being released, and it's already become one of the most controversial films of 2014.

Seth Rogen and James Franco play TV journalists recruited by the CIA to assassinate real-life North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who has sworn retaliation against the filmmakers for making the comedy.

"Mr. Turner"

Release Date: Dec. 19

"Mr. Turner" was a smash hit at this year's Cannes Film Festival, where the film's star Timothy Spall scored the best actor award. It was also nominated for the Palme d'Or.

The film, which comes from director Mike Leigh, is about the famed English Romantic landscape painter J.M.W. Turner.

"Hot Tube Time Machine 2"

Release Date: Dec. 25

The boys are at it again, except this time they're going into the future to stop an unknown attacker from killing Lou (Rob Corddry) in the present.

If the plot sounds a little like "Terminator," as Craig Robinson points out in the trailer, "Everything is like 'Terminator.'"

"Big Eyes"

Release Date: Dec. 25

Tim Burton is focusing his lens on Margaret Keane (Amy Adams), a real-life artist known for her unique paintings of children with oversized eyes. Margaret's husband Walter (Christoph Waltz) took all of the credit for her works.

The script comes from Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, who previously worked with Burton on 1994's "Ed Wood."

"Unbroken"

Release Date: Dec. 25

Here comes another film based on real events, this one focusing on World War II POW and Olympic distance runner Louis Zamperini, played by Jack O'Connell.

Written by the Coen Brothers and directed by Angelina Jolie, this film is already garnering Oscar's attention.

"Into the Woods"

Release Date: Dec. 25

"Chicago" filmmaker Rob Marshall helms this big-budget Disney adaptation of the enchanting Stephen Sondheim stage musical.

The cast includes Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, Tracey Ullman, James Corden and Chris Pine.