New in Movie Theaters: Week of Nov. 3, 2014

Alright alright alright … now we’re getting into the end-of-the-year movie rush where filmmakers vy for the attention of Oscar voters. For us, that means some Matthew McConaughey goodness, a family-friendly superhero movie, and Eddie Redmayne killing it as Stephen Hawking. Here’s what’s opening in theaters this week.

INTERSTELLAR

With our time on Earth coming to an end, a team of explorers undertakes the most important mission in human history: traveling through a wormhole beyond this galaxy to discover whether mankind has a future among the stars. Directed by Christopher Nolan, the all-star cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Ellen Burstyn, John Lithgow, Michael Caine, Mackenzie Foy and Casey Affleck. Packed with drama, special effects and family themes, look for “Interstellar” to do well during the upcoming awards season.

BIG HERO 6

From Walt Disney Animation Studios and the team behind “Frozen” and “Wreck-It Ralph” comes this action-packed comedy-adventure about the special bond between Baymax (voiced by Scott Adsit), a plus-sized inflatable robot, and prodigy Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter). When a devastating event befalls the city of San Fransokyo and catapults Hiro into the midst of danger, he turns to Baymax and friends — adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago (Jamie Chung), neatnik Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.), chemistry whiz Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez) and fanboy Fred (T.J. Miller). Determined to uncover the mystery, Hiro transforms his friends into a band of high-tech heroes called “Big Hero 6.”

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING

Starring Eddie Redmayne (“Les Misérables”) and Felicity Jones (“The Amazing Spider-Man 2″), this movie tells the extraordinary story of renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking receives an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of – time. Together, they defy impossible odds to break new ground in medicine and science. Directed by James Marsh (“Man on Wire”), this film is based on Jane Hawking’s memoir, “Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen.”

JESSABELLE

Rated PG-13 for sequences of horror violence and terror | In Theaters 11/07 | Ok for Kids 14+ | Reel Preview: 3 of 5 Reels | Facebook

From the producer of “Paranormal Activity” and “Insidious” comes the ghostly tale of “Jessabelle.” Returning to her childhood home in Louisiana to recuperate from a horrific car accident, Jessabelle (Sarah Snook, “Sleeping Beauty”) comes face to face with a long-tormented spirit that has been seeking her return — and has no intention of letting her escape.

THE BETTER ANGELS

At an isolated log cabin in the harsh wilderness of Indiana circa 1817, the rhythms of love, tragedy, and the daily hardships of life on the developing frontier shaped one of our nation’s greatest heroes: Abraham Lincoln. Abe is a thoughtful and quiet boy who spends his days at the side of his beloved mother (Brit Marling) while learning to work the land from his stern father (Jason Clarke). When illness takes his mother, Abe’s new guardian angel comes in the form of his new stepmother (Diane Kruger), who sees the potential in the boy and pushes for his further education.

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.

Jane Boursaw is the founder and editor-in-chief of Reel Life With Jane. Her credits include hundreds of print and online publications, including The New York Times, People Magazine, Variety, Moviefone, TV Squad and more. Reel Life With Jane.