This week at the movies, Jake Gyllenhaal climbs “Everest,” Dylan O’Brien goes to “The Scorch Trials,” Johnny Depp gets gangster in “Black Mass,” and Kate Mara is held “Captive.” Limited release movies include “Pawn Sacrifice,” “Cooties,” “Sicario” and “About Ray.” Let’s take a closer look at the new movies in wide release.

EVEREST

PG-13 for intense peril and disturbing images | In Theaters 9/18 (2D, 3D, IMAX 3D) | Ok for Kids 13+ | Universal | Reel Preview: 4.5 of 5 Reels | Everest

Inspired by the incredible events surrounding a treacherous attempt to reach the summit of the world’s highest mountain, “Everest” documents the journey of two different expeditions challenged beyond their limits by one of the fiercest snowstorms in history. Their mettle tested by the harsh elements, the climbers face impossible obstacles as a lifelong obsession becomes a breathtaking struggle for survival.

Directed by Baltasar Kormakur, this movie features an amazing cast, including Jason Clarke, Josh Brolin, John Hawkes, Robin Wright, Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley and Sam Worthington.

MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS

PG-13 for extended sequences of violence and action, some thematic elements, substance use and language | In Theaters 9/18 (2D, 3D, IMAX 3D) | Ok for Kids 12+ | 20th Century Fox | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels | The Maze Runner

This sequel to the 2014 hit movie follows Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers as they face their greatest challenge yet: searching for clues about the mysterious and powerful organization known as WCKD. Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles.

Teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD's vastly superior forces and uncover its shocking plans for them all. Directed by Wes Ball (who also helmed the first movie), this movie is based on the book by James Dashner and also stars Patricia Clarkson, Giancarlo Esposito, Will Poulter, Kaya Scodelario and Aidan Gillen.

I loved the first movie, and this one builds on the story while staying faithful to the book series.

BLACK MASS

R for brutal violence, language throughout, some sexual references and brief drug use | In Theaters 9/18 | Ok for Kids 17+ | Warner Bros. | Reel Preview: 4.5 of 5 Reels | Black Mass

In 1970s South Boston, FBI Agent John Connolly (Joel Edgerton) persuades Irish mobster James "Whitey" Bulger (Johnny Depp) to collaborate with the FBI and eliminate a common enemy: the Italian mob. This unholy alliance spiraled out of control and allowed Whitey to evade law enforcement, consolidate power, and become one of the most ruthless and powerful gangsters in Boston history.

Directed by Scott Cooper, this movie features an all-star cast, including Kevin Bacon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dakota Johnson, Peter Sarsgaard and Corey Stoll. I’m just happy to see Depp in something besides his goofy movies of the past few years. Playing an aging gangster is a bonus.

CAPTIVE

PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving violence and substance abuse | In Theaters 9/18 | Ok for Kids 13+ | Paramount | Reel Preview: 4 of 5 Reels | Captive

Based on a true story that drew the attention of the entire nation, “Captive” follows the dramatic, thrilling, and spiritual journey of Ashley Smith (Kate Mara) and Brian Nichols (David Oyelowo). After being taken hostage by Brian in her own apartment, Ashley turns to Rick Warren's inspirational book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” for guidance.

In reading from the book, Ashley not only finds purpose in her own life, but helps Brian find a more peaceful resolution to a harrowing situation.

Directed by Jerry Jameson, this wonderful faith-based film also stars Mimi Rogers, Leonor Varela, Michael K. Williams and Jessica Oyelowo.

JANE'S REEL RATING SYSTEM
One Reel – Even the Force can't save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

Images in this feature used courtesy of the studios and distributors.

The post New Movies This Week: Everest, Scorch Trials, Black Mass & Captive appeared first on Reel Life With Jane.

Paranormal Witness: Nightmare on Chestnut Street | SyFy

Not to be outdone by ABC Family’s annual “13 Nights of Halloween,” SyFy just announced the lineup for their 8th Annual “31 Days of Halloween” Spook-a-Thon.

Yes, friends. Be afraid. Be very afraid. The 600+ hours of blood-curdling programming begins Oct. 1 and runs through Oct. 31, and includes holiday-themed eps of Ghost Hunters and Paranormal Witness, as well as four spooky new original movies. I love this time of year!

Here are some highlights:

• Night of the Wild (New original movie, Saturday, October 3 at 9PM) — When a large meteor crashes into a quiet town, pet dogs become mysteriously aggressive, attacking and killing the residents. Night of the Wild stars Rob Morrow (Northern Exposure), Kelly Rutherford (Gossip Girl) and Tristin Mays (The Vampire Diaries).

• Ominous (New original movie, Saturday, October 10 at 9PM) — Michael and Rachel are devastated when their six-year-old son dies in a tragic accident. When a stranger offers to bring the boy back to life, they take the offer. However, the child who returns is not the child they once knew. Ominous stars Barry Watson (Masters of Sex, 7th Heaven) and Esme Bianco (Game of Thrones, The Magicians). 

• They Found Hell (New original movie, Saturday, October 17 at 9PM) — When a group of gifted college students run a secret teleportation experiment, they accidentally open a portal to another dimension, trapping them in … [da da daaaaa] Hell.  One by one they are hunted, tortured and killed by the denizens of Hell who are bent on stealing their souls. They Found Hell stars Chris Schellenger (Hacker's Game), Katy Reece (When the Pile is Crooked) and Austin Scott (Prep School). 

• The Hollow (New original movie, Saturday, October 24 at 9PM) — On Halloween, three troubled sisters attempt to find tranquility by moving in with their aunt, but instead face a mysterious creature that threatens to kill everyone on their secluded island town. The Hollow stars Stephanie Hunt (Californication), Alisha Newton (Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters) and Sarah Dugdale (Sorority Murders). 

• Ghost Hunters Halloween Episode (Wednesday, October 28 at 9PM) — In this special Halloween episode, "Darker Learning," Jason Hawes and the TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) team go on location to investigate the legend of a mysterious love triangle that could be at the root of frightening paranormal activity at Southern Vermont College in Bennington, VT.

• Paranormal Witness Halloween Episode (Wednesday, October 28 at 10PM) — The true story of a Rhode Island family's terrifying battle with the spirit of a murderous witch in their home will be explored in this special episode of the series. Titled "The Real Conjuring," the episode details the frightening basis for the hit 2013 movie The Conjuring, which will also air on Syfy Saturday, October 31 at 9PM.

31 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN will also summon a coven of Syfy theatrical premieres ranging from I Am Legend and Orphan to Insidious: Chapter 2, as well as all-new episodes of chilling scripted series such as Z Nation, Haven and Dominion (season 2 finale airs October 1).

The scarefest will also include encores of spooky treats such as Blade II; Underworld; The Fog; Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning; Cabin In The Woods; The Omen (2006); The Last Exorcism; Fright Night (2011); Hostel and Silent Hill: Revelation.

The post SyFy Unleashes 8th Annual ’31 Days of Halloween’ appeared first on Reel Life With Jane.