The superheroes, for the most part, have left the cineplex, but sequels and family films are sticking around through the typically eclectic fall film season.

In the coming months, the movie menu will cater to a variety of tastes and audiences.

Want action? You've got it. A film you can take the kids to? No problem. A moody drama? You're in luck.

There will be a slew of sequels, including one we have high expectations for ("The Hunger Games: Mockingjay -- Part 1," out Nov. 21), two we hope will be at least as funny as their predecessors ("Dumb and Dumber To," out Nov. 14, and "Horrible Bosses 2," out Nov. 26), and two that could make the kids do a back flip ("Dolphin Tale 2," out Sept. 12, and "Penguins of Madagascar" out Nov. 26).

(L-R) TimothÃ©e Chalamet as young Tom, Matthew McConaughey as Cooper and Mackenzie Foy as young Murph in &#8217;Intersteller.&#8217; (Melinda Sue
(L-R) TimothÃ©e Chalamet as young Tom, Matthew McConaughey as Cooper and Mackenzie Foy as young Murph in 'Intersteller.' (Melinda Sue Gordon/Paramount Pictures and Warner Brothers Entertainment) ( Melinda Sue Gordon )

There will be Oscar hopefuls ("Foxcatcher," "Birdman") and Oscar winners (Nicolas Cage, who hits the big screen Oct. 3 in "Left Behind," a Christian-themed remake based on the best-selling series about the apocalypse.)

Speaking of books, they'll again serve as a rich source of inspiration this season ("Gone Girl," "This Is Where I Leave You," and more).

There's so much potential in the lineup, we couldn't include it all, so we've narrowed it down to 10 nonsequel films slated to come out through Thanksgiving. We opted to break out the family films into a separate category, since there are so many. Release dates are subject to change.

"This Is Where I Leave You"


What it's about: At their mother's behest, dysfunctional siblings gather for their father's funeral. Not surprisingly, old and new tensions arise, along with candid, humorous and heartwarming moments. It's based on Jonathan Tropper's 2009 best-seller.

Why we're interested: What a cast: Jane Fonda, Tina Fey, Adam Driver, Jason Bateman, Corey Stoll and so on. The trailers make it look quite funny, but let's hope this is an improvement over director Shawn Levy's last film, the Google-inspired "The Internship."

In theaters Sept. 19.


What it's about: Set in 1984 during Margaret Thatcher's watch, this British import chronicles the unlikely partnership between striking mineworkers and LGBT activists. The film is based on a true story.

Why we're interested: Everyone needs a British charmer to perk up spirits as the dark clouds of fall come in, and this comedy starring Imelda Staunton, Bill Nighy and Dominic West has that "Kinky Boots"/"Full Monty" mood-boosting feel.

In theaters Sept. 26.

"Gone Girl"

What it's about: An evasive husband (Ben Affleck) becomes the prime suspect in the shocking disappearance of his famous wife (Rosamund Pike). If you've read Gillian Flynn's page-turner and know its twists and turns, hush up already.

Michael Keaton and Edward Norton in &#8217;Birdman.&#8217; (Alison Rosa/Fox Searchlight)
Michael Keaton and Edward Norton in 'Birdman.' (Alison Rosa/Fox Searchlight) ( Alison Rosa/Fox Searchlight )

Why we're interested: Look at all the talented people involved -- in front of and behind the cameras. Pike ("Pride and Prejudice") finally lands a major part that will allow her to truly shine, and Affleck is a snug fit. Director David Fincher has a reliable record when adapting books to movies ("Fight Club," the American version of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," among others). And then there's Neil Patrick Harris in a weird supporting role. We're so there.

In theaters Oct. 3.

"Dear White People"

What it's about: A radio DJ and activist (Tessa Thompson) turns the volume way up on the race and culture wars at an Ivy League university. "White People" marks the feature-length film debut of director and screenwriter Justin Simien.

Why we're interested: This satire has the markings of an indie film that could become a breakout hit. It's certainly collected support on the festival circuit, nabbing awards at Sundance and at our own San Francisco International Film Festival. The themes couldn't be more vital.

In theaters Oct. 17.


What it's about: A harsh and demanding music teacher (J. K. Simmons) drives a young jazz drummer (Miles Teller) to his breaking point.

Why we're interested: Check out the trailer. Its intensity will take your breath away and make you think there's gonna be an Oscar candidate or two in the actor category. At Sundance, "Whiplash" hit all the right notes. Yes, we're jazzed.

In theaters Oct. 17.


What it's about: Life imitates art somewhat in "Babel" director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's dark and humorous oddity. Michael Keaton -- who played Batman for Tim Burton -- stars as a former superhero star who's staging his comeback via his own play. In the process, Keaton undergoes a meltdown. Make that meltdowns.

Limited release begins Oct. 17; no Bay Area date yet.

Why we're interested: This could fly or plummet. Given the kudos after its Venice Film Festival bow, we it hope it will soar.


What it's about: A seen-it-all sergeant named Wardaddy (Brad Pitt) leads a scrappy team of soldiers in a Sherman tank as they embark on a dangerous mission into Nazi Germany.

Why we're interested: While it sounds downright "Expendable" in key ways (a character named Wardaddy?), this World War II actioner shouldn't be dismissed out of hand. After all, director David Ayer did deliver one of the best cop dramas ever, 2012's "End of Watch" with Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena. But then again, he pumped out this year's dud, the gory "Sabotage," with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Keeping fingers crossed.

In theaters Oct. 17.

"The Theory of Everything"

What it's about: In this film bio, brilliant young physicist Stephen Hawking (Eddie Redmayne) meets and marries Jane (Felicity Jones) and soon discovers he has ALS -- a debilitating condition that challenges their relationship.

Why we're interested: Redmayne (one of the very best things about that long "Les Miserables" film) and Jones (so good in "The Invisible Woman") have the acting chops to make this complex romantic drama move us to tears and hold the ones we love ever so tight.

Limited release begins Nov. 7; no Bay Area date yet.


What it's about: Space explorers, including a single dad/engineer played by Matthew McConaughey, blaze new trails by journeying through a wormhole in hopes of saving humanity. Christopher Nolan directs.

Why we're interested: Nolan's résumé. Not only did he pull off a classic Batman makeover, he also gave us the brilliant brain-twister "Inception." Per his norm, no one's giving out any particulars. We're perfectly fine with that. The cast, cluttered with Oscar winners, including flyboy McConaughey, Anne Hathaway and Ellen Burstyn, piques our interest even more so. It'll be a head trip.

In theaters Nov. 7.


What it's about: "Moneyball" and "Capote" filmmaker Bennett Miller melds two of his favorite topics -- athletics and real-life murder -- for a sensational crime story focusing on millionaire John du Pont's (Steve Carell) deadly relationship with two wrestling brothers (Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo).

Why we're interested: Early buzz suggests Carell's disturbing performance (he looks so different!) might land the funnyman his first Oscar nod. Tatum and Ruffalo are said to be exceptional and might grab noms for themselves. Miller has a great batting average so far and handles bleak material like this superbly, avoiding sensationalism while looking at the bigger and very American picture.

In theaters Nov. 21.