I originally planned on writing a review this week on the new “Justice League” film however after watching this totally average superhero movie, I felt there was nothing new I could really add that hasn’t been said. It’s a fine movie, nothing spectacular, but nothing awful. Instead, I thought I would take this week’s column to discuss three movies either out now, or upcoming that have massive Oscar potential. 

First up, the movie I’m the most excited for is “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.” This movie is the newest film from Martin McDonagh, the director of “In Bruges” and “Seven Psychopaths,” two excellent dark comedies. Three Billboards stars Frances McDormand, as a mother that challenges local police to solve her daughter’s murder after they’re unable to catch the culprit. The supporting cast includes Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, and Peter Dinklage. Look for this movie if you want a darkly hilarious film, with great dialogue and performances. 

Next up, the coming-of-age tale by new writer director Greta Gerwig, “Lady Bird.” This film stars Saoirse Ronan as the titular Lady Bird, a seventeen year old artistically inclined teenager growing up in Sacramento California in the early 2000s. Ronan is most known from her roles in the 2011 film “Hanna” and 2015’s Oscar nominated film “Brooklyn,” where she played the lead in both. This movie is great praise for its excellent slice of life style of film, that’s not about any major event, but rather a character study with unique characters and writing. Look for this movie if you enjoy great coming-of-age stories, especially those with wonderful characters and dialogue. 

Finally, a good old-fashioned biopic for Oscar season, this time in the sports film “I, Tonya.” This film stars Margot Robbie as the real-life U.S. Ice Skater Tonya Harding, that follows the life of the titular character. Robbie has been a standout in so many movies for the past few years, it’s exciting to see her in a leading role, especially one with this much Oscar potential. Harding life story is captivating and happened just long enough that this movie should help bring attention to this women’s wild life. Check out this movie if you enjoy sports biopics, or to watch a captivating story that happens to be real. 

There are many other movies coming out this Oscar season, but that was just a small primer to the films being released this December. Many of the more high-profile movies might not be available in most cities for a while, but I recommend keeping some of these in your mind, especially in the upcoming months. We’re in for a great Oscar season this year, and I couldn’t be more excited.