Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

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The holiday movie season is upon us. The new "Star Wars" film is towering over everything else, but there are smaller gems to be found.

Ken Turan, a film critic for the Los Angeles Times, joined MPR News' Kerri Miller and Cube Critics' Stephanie Curtis to discuss the year in the film.

Some of these titles hit theaters earlier this year; some will be released in the coming month.

The documentary looks at Janis Joplin's life through letters Joplin wrote to her family and friends.


The "Rocky" storyline isn't over yet. Sylvester Stallone returns to a coach a young fighter, played by Michael B. Jordan.

With Carey Mulligan and Meryl Streep in the lead roles, "Suffragette" focuses on the English women who risked everything to fight for equal rights.

Suffragette Official Trailer #1 (2015) - Carey Mulligan, Meryl Streep Drama HD

Based on the novel by Colm Toibin, "Brooklyn" follows young Eilis Lacey as she arrives in 1950s New York from Ireland.

It's Star Wars. Maybe you've heard of it?

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer (Official)

Another movie with Oscar buzz, "Spotlight" tells the story of the Boston Globe's groundbreaking investigation into allegations of abuse in the Catholic Church.

Spotlight TRAILER 1 (2015) - Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton Movie HD

This is a complex twist on a coming-of-age story, revolving around Minnie Goetze and her affair with her mother's boyfriend.

The Diary of a Teenage Girl Official Trailer #1 (2015) - Alexander Skarsgård, Kristen Wiig Movie HD

Patricia Highsmith's provocative novel about a love affair between two women finally makes it to the big screen, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

Carol Official US Trailer #1 (2015) - Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett Romance Movie HD

007 Spectre Official Trailer #2 (2015) Daniel Craig James Bond Movie HD

A little-seen but gorgeous Western, following a 16-year-old boy trying to cross the American frontier, accompanied by a mysterious traveler.

Slow West Official Trailer #1 (2015) - Michael Fassbender Western Thriller HD

The American West doesn't get more cruel than the landscape in "The Revenant." Adapted from a novel of the same name, this is the story of an explorer seeking revenge after being left for dead in the wilderness. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Revenant" is directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who directed last year's sensation "Birdman." 

The Revenant | Official Teaser Trailer [HD] | 20th Century FOX

Quentin Tarantino returns with a stylish, brutal spin on Westerns.

Considered to be a contender for the Academy Awards, "Amy" features archival footage and unheard tracks from Amy Winehouse. 

To hear the full list of films and a discussion of the state of Hollywood, use the audio player above.

Correction (Dec. 3, 2015): An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified actress Rooney Mara.

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Ken Turan, a film critic for the Los Angeles Times, joined MPR News' Kerri Miller and Cube Critics' Stephanie Curtis to talk about what's a hit and what's ahead.

2015 movies: What to see, what's still coming

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