After this past season of summer blockbusters including hits like Deadpool & Wolverine for Marvel fans and Twisters for an iconic action reboot, we are approaching some long awaited and anticipated movie releases. This year in particular promises many sequels to beloved movies. As the leaves start to fall and the weather becomes colder, who wouldn’t want to cozy up to a new movie, either in the comfort of their own home or at a nearby theater for those who prefer venturing into the outside world? When asked, HHS student Sophie Smith said she prefers to go out to the movie theaters only if she is really excited about the movie and anxious to watch it as soon as possible. For movies she is less excited about she likes to watch them at home to save money. One coming out this fall is Venom: The Last Dance which will be the third movie in the Marvel series that began in 2018. DC also promises an interesting romantic sequel in The Joker series: The Joker: Folie à Deux. Other sequels this fall include the action packed historical fiction Gladiator II, as well as the sequel to the psychological horror film Smile. The original Smile was released in 2022 and became well known for its truly horrific story and references to dark concepts like suicide and trauma. It also introduced unique and terrifying marketing tactics by having cast members attend televised events and stand in the background while maintaining the infamous, disturbing smile. Sophie Smith says she does not watch horror movies often but that it, “depends on the season because I feel that horror movies are more linked to halloween” noting their creepy and scary atmosphere just doesn’t feel right during  the summer while “the sun is shining.” A recent popular Halloween release was the family-friendly sequel to the well known classic Beetle Juice. It’s a truly comedic and bizarre tale of the undead. For a more mature audience, who are in the mood for some violence and horror, but also excited for the holiday season, get ready for Terrifier 3. Terrifier 3 will be the newest edition to the Horror-Christmas twist series that began in 2011. For a younger audience there is Moana 2 — the sequel to the much loved Disney movie that introduced the Polynesian princess to young fans in 2016. Another movie to watch with family is Wicked, the movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical featuring pop star Ariana Grande. The 2003 musical quickly rose to fame for its unique perspective as the prequel to the classic film The Wizard of Oz.

Although this year is full of sequels and reboots, not all are excited. Sophie Smith has a particular aversion to reboots because “the originals are always better.” She is also particular about sequels and prefers when a sequel is the end of a series to avoid exhausting the storyline. “Lately I really want to see new movies because it seems like film makers are getting really lazy, and they aren’t using their imagination.” However some students disagree, like fellow sophomore Riley Stocks. “I like reboots because they provide a fresh and modern perspective.” She enjoys watching familiar characters and stories especially with new and improved filming techniques as technology progresses. Despite Sophie’s views on reboots, both Riley and Sophie are looking forward to Mufasa The Lion King, a prequel to Disney’s The Lion King that is expected to provide the origins of Mufasa, the father of the protagonist in the well known film. This will also include a star studded cast including musical artists Donald Glover (known as “Childish Gambino”), and Beyoncé. As well as Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy. Countless interesting movies have been announced for this upcoming season and many more are to come this year.

So if you are in need of an activity this fall there are lots of new movies to choose from. While some upcoming releases attract more interest than others, there seems to be a movie for everyone this fall.