by Felicia De Innocentiis | Staff Writer

Autumn has arrived with a fresh assortment of theatrical releases, and we’re breaking down some of your prime options in a packed movie season.

50/50 (R- September 30)

Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt team up for a melodrama that centers around Levitt’s character, Adam, having to change his lifestyle after being diagnosed with cancer. With the help of his best friend Kyle (Rogen), Adam goes through life-altering treatment. The film, despite its dark subject matter, seems positive, comedic and uplifting, as Kyle supports his friend every step of the way. The plot is reminiscent of Rogen’s 2009 film, “Funny People”, co-starring Adam Sandler, where Sandler’s character battled cancer in an uneven performance. However, with a strong supporting cast (Anna Kendrick, Anjelica Huston), 50/50 may prove to be a perfect combination of heartbreaking reality and comedic relief.

Real Steel (PG-13- October 7)

This fall’s action-packed pleasure offers Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots: Transformers-style. The scene is set in a futuristic society, where contenders build robots for colosseum-esque boxing matches. This film has potential. It’s as if someone took BattleBots (remember that old TV sensation, where people really did build robots to do battle?) and revamped it with a giga-watt battery. Starring Hugh Jackman, it has a strong chance to kill at the box office. But will an excess of action and distracting visual content cancel out any substance and depth? Audiences will have to wait and see.

The Muppets (PG- November 23)

The original Muppet cast is back in action, as an oil tycoon threatens to buy and tear down the historic Muppet Theatre. Flanked by their biggest fan, newcomer Walter, and his friends Gary (Jason Segel) and Mary (Amy Adams), the Muppets attempt to stop  the dastardly tycoon and save the theatre. Featuring an array of cameos by Hollywood’s finest, including Mila Kunis, Zach Galafinakis, and Neil Patrick Harris, all of our favorite Muppets (from Kermit to Swedish Chef) return to the big screen for some nostalgic fun. Old fans will appreciate this fresh installment, but the film will also delight a new generation of viewers.

Anonymous (PG-13-October 28)

A long-standing conspiracy states that William Shakespeare, one of history’s most conspicuous writers, did not actually write his own plays. This movie is set in an alternate reality where that theory is true. Starring the highly-talented Rhys Ifans (Pirate Radio, The Replacements) as the Earl of Oxford, “Anonymous” introduces the true writer of Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet and other notable works amidst the turbulent Elizabethan Era. The Shakespeare-crazed will love or be offended by this novel perspective, but it certainly isn’t one to be missed.