Yesterday I got the news that I was going to be able to cover some movies at this year’s Chicago International Film Festival. I’m deeply honored that they’re allowing me to do this, and I already have a handful of pictures I’m really looking forward to. Some are obvious, and some way out of left field. These are the ten I’m looking forward to the most, in no particular order. The fest takes place October 9th-October 23rd and celebrates it’s 50th anniversary.

Birdman-Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu is one of Mexico’s finest filmmakers, and he’s following his recent successes with a dark comedy starring Michael Keaton. I wish Keaton showed up in more movies because he is a treat in everything. I was excited for this the second I saw the announcement.

The Babadook-There are a lot of interesting horror movies in the fest this year. I don’t know if that was a conscious decision or not, but there are a few that look really good. This one already played at Sundance and Fantastic Film Fest to great reviews, so I’m very interested.

Creep-Another horror entry, but this one seems a bit different. Do you love the Duplass Brothers but wish Jay was featured in more movies that aren’t written and directed by the siblings? Well here’s your chance!

Winter Sleep-Winner of this year’s Palme d”or at Cannes Festival. It’s a character study drawing comparisons to Ingmar Bergman’s Scenes From A Marriage, so it sounds right up my alley.

The Last 5 Years-I’m no Anna Kendrick fan, but this sullen musical seems interesting. Based on the play of the same name, the story follows a couple’s relationship from each of their perspective’s. And it’s completely told through song.

Rudderless-William H. Macy’s feature directing debut is the story of a man, played by Billy Crudup, who starts a band playing songs that were written by his deceased son. Sounds a bit bleak, but I bet there will be some good music.

Low Down-More music, of course. This one features the brilliant John Hawkes as a jazz pianist. It’s told through his daughter’s perspective, played by Elle Fanning.

High Five-A story of aimless youth from Uruguay. I’m not sure why, but it seems pretty appealing to me.

Ne Me Quitte Pas-They had me at “dark comedy alcoholic bromance.”

St. Vincent-Bill FREAKING Murray!