The fact that we’re already talking about what’s on tap for October is unfathomable. How in the name of all things good and right in the world is it already October again?
One of the few good things about October rolling around is that as a sports fan, this is one of those points in the year that are special, with the NFL and college football in full swing and the elements listed below upping the excitement even more. Add in a couple interesting movies, a couple interesting television shows and a few other goodies and you’ve got yourself a solid little month.
Here’s a look at what’s on deck.
Matt Damon on Mars (October 2)
The month’s most interesting movie is The Martian, which features an all-star cast headed by Matt Damon, who plays an astronaut that gets left on Mars and has to figure out how to reconnect with his team and get back home. Directed by Ridley Scott, the trailers look very good, even if the recent “We’ve discovered water on Mars” news puts a damper on the premise a little.
Fight Night in Houston (October 3)
While it doesn’t have the hype of a Ronda Rousey fight card, UFC 192 is a deep, promising fight card. Headlined by light heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier defending his title against Alexander Gustafsson and featuring several other former champions and title challengers, Saturday’s pay-per-view should be worth the sticker price.
Playoff Baseball Returns… in Canada Too! (October 6)
The Toronto Blue Jays are in the playoffs for the first time in 22 years and if that point alone isn’t enough to get you to tune into the postseason, know that October baseball is something special and you’re missing out if you choose not to watch.
The First Puck Drops (October 7)
Hockey is back and it should be an interesting season. The defending champs are embroiled in the Patrick Kane saga, the Leafs are in the first year of what could be a quicker-than-expected rebuild and there are a bunch of teams that have a legitimate chance at hoisting the Stanley Cup at the end of the year. For now, everyone’s records are even and excitement is high across the league.
New on Bookshelves (Various Dates)
As with every month, October brings new books from a pair of prolific scribes as romance novelist Nicholas Sparks and bestselling former lawyer John Grisham both return, but the most interesting release could be Knights of the Seven Kingdoms, a Game of Thrones prequel of sorts from George R.R. Martin. Now if he’d just finish the last couple books in the GOT series, we’d be all set.
Also in Theatres (Various Dates)
Rather than roll out every week as a different item this month, we’ll go quick hitter because there is something for everyone, but nothing out that really stands out. Steve Jobs could be great or god-awful. Bridge of Spies is Spielberg and Hanks, but who knows if it’ll be any good. Jem and the Holograms sullies my childhood memories and Crimson Peaks earned a quick and clear “Nope!” from me when I saw the trailer because it looks all kinds of creepy and I don’t do creepy.
Air Band Revival (Various Dates)
A handful of years ago, Guitar Hero was so massive that it spawn complete band kits and Rock Band, the Coke to its Pepsi. They’re both back this month, meaning you can rock out to musical of all kinds on your consoles once again. If musical video games aren’t your thing, WWE 2K16 drops too, so you can stomp a mudhole in someone in the squared circle instead.
Something for Everyone (Various Dates)
Every month features an eclectic mix of musical offerings and October is no different as all genres are covered. Artists dropping new material this month include Janet Jackson, Eagles of Death Metal, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Machine Gun Kelly, Carrie Underwood, Rod Stewart, The Sheepdogs and my personal favourite of the month, City + Colour.
On the Small Screen (Various Dates)
The “new TV season” continues with the arrival of Supergirl, Wicked City and Ash vs. Evil Dead, but the best of the month comes from Netflix in the form of Beasts of No Nation, an African war drama written, directed and filmed by Cary Fukunaga starring Idris Elba.
Back on the Hardwood (October 27)
The NBA season tips off at the end of the month, with the Golden State Warriors looking to repeat, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers looking to stay healthy and return to The Finals and the Toronto Raptors hoping to reach the second round of the playoffs after flaming out in the first round each of the last two years.
