Fall movie preview: What to watch if you're with the family
Welcome to our 2018 fall movie preview. We'll be coming at you all week with the movies you need to know over the next few months. We've already covered what to watch if you want something emotional or offbeat. Today, the films to see with your family.
The fall season can involve an awful lot of family time, what with all those holiday trips and parties. So what do you do when you've got a living room full of people related to you, by blood or by choice, and nothing to do?
You can probably guess where we're going with this: We're going to suggest you round them up and drive them to the movies. Here's what you want to see if you're with the family...
... and you're all grownups: The Land of Steady Habits (September 14)
Directed by Nicole Holofcener, The Land of Steady Habits stars Ben Mendelsohn as a man in the throes of a midlife crisis. He quits his job and divorces his wife, only to find himself alone and adrift. Not exactly the stuff of cuddly family drama, we know – but let this be an opportunity to think about what you and yours mean to each other, and the complicated bonds that still hold you together.
... and you find Channing Tatum's voice soothing: Smallfoot (September 28)
So you need something gentle enough for the little ones, but clever enough for the not-so-little ones. Smallfoot is a thoroughly silly monster myth in reverse: It turns out bigfoots are real, and they're as scared and skeptical of us as we are of them. It also turns out they sound like Channing Tatum and Zendaya and Gina Rodriguez, which should be a plus for people old enough to know who those are.
... and you're a hardcore Disney nerd: Ralph Breaks the Internet (November 21)
Ralph Breaks the Internet is about many things, including video games, internet memes, and friendship. But its most buzzed-about scene is a love letter to all things Disney – especially the princesses, who not only get to join forces for the first time on the big screen, but who also get to update their images for 2018. And if they convince you to shell out for some Disney-branded loungewear in the process? Well, the Mouse House isn't complaining.
... and you're the nostalgic type: Mary Poppins Returns (December 19)
Remember the magic of being a kid? Remember how you oohed and ahhed over the movies, giving yourself over completely to the fantasy? Well, just in case you don't, Mary Poppins Returns is here to remind you. Emily Blunt plays the practically perfect nanny, who reunites with the now-grown Banks children in a time of crisis.
... and you guys are pet people: Bumblebee (December 21)
In the grand tradition of movies like Pete's Dragon, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Iron Giant, the Transformers spinoff Bumblebee turns out to be about an enormous alien robot who's really just a big old softie. If you and your kin can barely get through an ASPCA ad without bursting into tears, we're guessing Bumblebee and his puppy-dog eyes are going to totally do you in.
Each day this week, we'll roll out another bunch of picks for our fall movie preview. Come back to find out what to watch if ...
Monday: ... you want to feel some feels Tuesday: ... you've got a taste for the offbeat Wednesday: ... you're with the family Thursday: ... you're ready for awards season Friday: ... you just want to see the best of the best
