This fall appears to be jam-packed with high-quality films for all audiences.

From when October comes around to the end of the year and people are spending recreation dollars indoors, studios cram dozens of movies into theaters. This year seems to be no different with more than 49 films being released this month 11 of those being released widely to more than 2,500 screens (meaning theyll probably even show up here in Eastern Oregon). Im super excited for this month, as theres something worthwhile to see every weekend, which is rare in what Ive found to be an underwhelming year in cinema.

This weekend I saw the new sci-fi thriller Enders Game starring Asa Butterfield (Hugo) and Harrison Ford. Adapted from the 1985 book of the same name, it follows the story of a young gifted boy named Ender Wiggin as he is called to action to fight against an impending alien invasion. The film focuses on his training and unique military strategy, which sets him apart from the rest of the similarly young troops. The book, written by Orson Scott Card, is considered a classic and is used often for teaching, both in schools and even the Marines.

Going in, I was admittedly nervous about the film. The book is a very meditative, stream of conscious narrative about a young child (Ender is 6 when the book begins, as opposed to 13/14 here) dealing with the morality of war. Theyve aged all the kids up several years (a good decision) and cut out some major subplots, but more or less the transition to film is marvelous. Trimming the fat of the book allowed for it to be a more focused story and its point and allusions come across better. Butterfield and Ford ooze command and leadership and the supporting cast of preteens are anything but annoying. Although several key relationships with secondary characters take the back seat in exchange for plot, the final 20 minutes are effective and may leave you speechless. In all its spectacle and grand scale, its probably the most thoughtful blockbuster youll see this year. Four stars out of five.

If Enders Game isnt quite your ideal Friday night, the British romantic comedy About Time might be up your alley. The film centers around a young man named Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) who discovered on his 21st birthday that he and the rest of the men in his family have the ability to travel back through time. He eventually meets the beautiful Mary (Rachel McAdams) and subsequently uses (and eventually abuses) his powers to progress his relationship with her. The film comes from acclaimed director Richard Cutris, whose previous works include Notting Hill and Love Actually. About Time hits theaters Nov. 8.

Thor:?The Dark World is the sequel to 2011s Thor and the eighth installment in the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. This 3-D film takes place after the events in The Avengers and Iron Man 3 and centers around everyones favorite Asgardian. Marvel and Disney continue to amaze me with the universe theyve created on film. They have films planned through 2021 and every film thus far has been a critical and financial success, and The Dark World appears to be no different.

Ive been disappointed with Marvels latest entry, the ABC show Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., but the films have yet to underwhelm. Alan Taylor, best known for his work on HBOs Game of Thrones, directs the film and the shows beautiful iconic cinematography is apparent here. Not to mention, 3-D presentations of the film feature a five-minute preview of next Aprils film Captain America: The Winter Solder (my personal favorite Avenger), so color me very excited. Thor: The Dark World opens Nov. 8.

Finally, far and away my most anticipated film this fall (and perhaps the whole year) is The Hunger Games:?Catching?Fire. Following up from last years blockbuster, the science fiction saga continues with archer Katniss Everdeen (played by the now Oscar winner and love of my life Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (still just Josh Hutcherson) realizing theyve inadvertently started a revolution in their oppressive country of Panem. This was my favorite book of the trilogy when I read them years ago, and it appears to have done it justice.

Scripted by the brilliant Michael Ardnt (Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3) and with a higher budget than the original (allowing for more impressive set pieces and special effects), its sure to be a hit among people of all ages. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire opens in theaters Nov. 22.

Tyler Scruggs is a writer, musician and pop culture enthusiast studying at Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton.