After looking back at the year thus far, it’s time to see what’s ahead. This fall is a promising one, full of your usual awards contenders and blockbusters, but also a few from our favorite auteurs, making for much to look forward to. Later this week we will give you a rundown of the best films we’ve already seen and even films on the festival circuit we hope will see a release (update: see here), but for now check out the sure-fire releases below and make sure to let us know what you’re most-anticipating.

20. Wreck-It Ralph (Rich Moore; Nov. 2nd)

Amidst the drama-heavy fall slate, there’s always room for a little fun. After a massively disappointing year in animation, hopefully Disney can pull out the charm and wits with their videgame-centered Wreck-It Ralph. With Futurama‘s Rich Moore guiding, the film follows a Donkey Kong-esque bad guy who switches sides, brought to life by the voice talent of John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch and Sarah Silverman. I’m not sure how much it cost the studio to get characters from Super Mario Bros., Street Fighter, Sonic, Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat and more, but I can feel the videogame lover inside me eating this one up. - Jordan R.

19. Not Fade Away (David Chase; Dec. 21st)

David Chase has not done a single thing since, five years ago, The Sopranos ended on that shot of Tony Soprano’s anxiety-stricken face. The wait has been long, and he’s back with a period piece about rock ‘n’ roll — not what you’d expect, but here we are. Six-and-a-half seasons of TV proved he’s got an unrequited ear for the subject; it’d be even better if his sharp dialogue and engaging plotting have stuck around. Let’s see just where this one goes. – Nick N.

18. Jack Reacher (Christopher McQuarrie; Dec. 21st)

Last year Tom Cruise delivered the best action film of the year with Ghotocol and now he returns a year later. Admittedly, Christopher McQuarrie‘s action vehicle does look like more of the throwback variety, as Cruise steps into the shoes of Jack Reacher, a former police man who is tasked with cleaning up a series of killings. While we’ve only been given a tease thus far, let’s hope McQuarrie combines some thrills with his knack for wit in the film also starring Rosamund Pike, Robert Duvall, Richard Jenkins and, yes, Werner Herzog as the villain. – Jordan R.

17. Les Miserables (Tom Hooper; Dec. 14th)

For his follow-up to The King’s Speech director Tom Hooper is taking on a classic, an adaptation of Les Miserables. One can’t imagine a finer cast for this material, with Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway, and while I was lukewarm on his Best Picture winner, this is a genre that the stately director could easily knock out of the park. With the actual singing being captured on set, this should satisfy all your musical needs come December.  - Jordan R.

16. Promised Land (Gus van Sant; Dec. 28th)

Do not adjust your monitor. Yes, the above is a still from Gus van Sant‘s Good Will Hunting, but that’s only because we haven’t even had a first look at his re-team with Matt Damon, the drama Promised Land. Once set to be Damon’s directorial debut, Focus Features is busy getting this one ready for a last-minute awards season bow. Featuring a stellar cast of John Krasinski (who co-wrote with Damon), Scoot McNairy, Frances McDormand, Rosemarie DeWitt and Hal Holbrook, I hand it over to this talented crew to make a fracking drama engaging. – Jordan R.

The Film Stage’s 2012 Fall Preview

20 Most-Anticipated Films: [#20-#16] [#15-11] [#10-6] [#5-1]
10 Best Films We’ve Seen: [#10-6] [#5-1]
10 Festival Titles We Hope Will Get Released: [#10-6] [#5-1]

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