With the sweltering sun finally giving way to the autumn of the year, it's time to turn our thoughts to shorter days, cooler temperatures, and best of all, hotter movies.
We know Hollywood likes to save the best for last so, as the summer blockbusters run their course and the jockeying for the awards season begins, why not take a look at the films that will be making their debut in the coming weeks and months.
September
Apollo 18 - September 2
Some old found footage shows us why we've never gone back to the moon. We don't know who stars in it, because it's supposed to be real found footage. Get it?
Shark Night 3D- September 2
The coolest movie poster of the year for one of the silliest looking movies of the year. We could be wrong, but looks to be taking itself way too seriously. A sexy summer weekend turns into a blood-soaked nightmare for a group of college students trapped on an island surrounded by voracious underwater predators in Shark Night 3D. Sara Paxton, Dustin Milligan, and Alyssa Diaz are directed by David R. Ellis.
Contagion - September 9
Oscar-winning director Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming movie gives new meaning to telling someone, "Don’t touch me!" The action-thriller about a deadly virus going global stars Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard, and Kate Winslet.
Warrior - September 9
The youngest son of an alcoholic former boxer returns home, where he's trained by his father for competition in a mixed martial arts tournament. Stars Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, and Joel Edgerton. Directed by Gavin o'Connor.
Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star- September 9
An Iowa corn shucker moves to Hollywood to continue his family's legacy: making porn movies. Stars Nick Swadson, Christina Ricci and Don Johnson.
I Don't Know How She Does It September 16
Christina Hendricks, Pierce Brosnan, and Sarah Jessica Parker star in this comedy about a female finance accountant who is the breadwinner for her husband and two kids.
Drive - September 16
Ryan Gosling stars with Christina Hendricks, and Carey Mulligan in this heist film by Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn of Pusher and Valhalla Rising directorial fame.
The Lion King 3D - September 16
The Disney classic roars back into theaters but this time it's sporting a new 3D coat. The film's theatrical re-release will kick off the Diamond Edition home video release in high-definition Blu-ray™ and Blu-ray 3D™.
Straw Dogs - September 16
No, not the Dustin Hoffman 1971 classic but rather the Rod Lurie remake that stars James Madsen giving his take on David Sumner, a screenwriter who relocates with his family to the deep South, where a brewing conflict with the locals becomes a looming threat.
Restless - September 16
Mia Wasikowska stars in this teen drama about a teenage girl who falls in love with a boy who likes to attend funerals and their encounters with the ghost of a Japanese kamikaze pilot from WWII. How's that for a plot?
Pearl Jam 20 - September 20
Cameron Crowe's "American Masters" documentary on the legendary band. Even with his longtime personal connection to the band, he has supposedly included footage that the band would have loved to have seen quashed, like Vedder's "perfectly hideous" performance and intoxicated stage rantings at a 1992 Sony bash celebrating the release of "Singles."
Moneyball - September 23
Egregious Oscar-bait that stars Brad Pitt as Oakland A's GM Billy Beane who, in the '70s, put together a winning baseball club despite a low budget by employing computer-aided analysis of player talent. Also stars Jonah Hill and Robin Wright.
Abduction- September 23
Hoping to begin the post-Twilight phase of his career, Taylor Lautner will play a teen who, after finding himself on a missing children's website, embarks on an action-filled quest to discover his true identity. Also stars Lilly Collins, Alfred Molina, and Sigourney Weaver. No word on whether Lautner breaks out into his lupine persona.
Dolphin Tale- September 23
A story about a boy and his dolphin. And no, the mammal's name is not Flipper. The dolphin lost his tail to a crab trap leading a scientist to fashion a man-made prosthesis in hopes of saving the dolphin's life. Bring the tissues.
Red State- September 23
Director Kevin Smith paid $20 to snatch up the distribution rights for this violent little indie film made by, wait for it… Kevin Smith. Yes, in a swipe at big-budgeted Hollywood blockbusters, the director bought the film from himself and will begin the roadshow in October hopping to quickly recoup the film's $4 Million budget for himself.
Killer Elite - September 23
Jason Statham and Clive Owen star alongside Robert DeNiro whose character is taken hostage and must rely on a retired member of Britain's Elite Special Air Service (Statham) for his rescue.
Machine Gun Preacher - September 23
Gerard Butler is born again from his drug-dealing, biker ways as a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who've been forced to become soldiers. This one has Oscar bait written all over it. Also stars Michelle Monaghan and Michael Shannon.
Dream House - September 30
Daniel Craig, Naomi Watts, and Rachel Weisz star in this haunted house thriller about a family that moves into a house where several grisly crimes were committed. Guess who finds themselves the murderer's next target?
50/50 - September 30
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen kick up the laughs in this story about a young radio writer (Gordon-Levitt) who is diagnosed with cancer and must turn to his fiends for support. Also stars Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Angelica Huston.
What's Your Number - September 30
Chris Evans, Anna Faris, and Aziz Ansari star in this romantic comedy about a girl who looks back through her past 20 loves to find one who may justt be her one true love.
October
The Ides of March - October 7
Art imitates life in this warts-and-all political drama that depicts the filthy underbelly of campaign politics. Based on a Beau Willimon stage play and stars George Clooney as a newbie presidential candidate and his staffer (Ryan Gosling) who get a hard lesson on dirty politics while on the campaign trail. Also stars Marisa Tomei, Paul Giamatti, and Evan Rachel Wood. Oscar bait!
Real Steel - October 7
As opposed to "Reel Steal" which would implicate this site in some kind of theft of an original film print, Real Steel is a boxing drama set in the near-future where 2,000-pound robots do battle in the boxfight arena. The WWE crossed with Transformers, crossed with Rock 'em Sock 'em Robots feel we came away with after watching the film's first trailer has since given way to a much better prognosis thanks to its subsequent trailers. Stars Hugh Jackman, Kevin Durand, and Lost's Evangeline Lilly.
The Big Year - October 14
Friends can be made in the strangest of places and under the most odd circumstances In The Big Year three men strike up an unlikely friendship at a competitive bird watching event. Yes, apparently they do really exist. The friends in question are depicted by Steve Martin, Jack Black, and Owen Wilson. The film also stars Rosamund Pike and Rashida Jones.
Footloose - October 14
One of the most highly anticipated remakes in quite some time (though not from us) is Craig Brewer's re-imagining of the Kevin Bacon starrer from the '80s, Footloose that featured the catchy Kenny Loggins titular tune and others songs that became instant classics. Call us skeptical, but this one has failure written all over it.
The Skin I Live In - October 14
A Pedro Almodovar film about a man who builds an impermeable suit of synthetic skin for his wife. Antonio Banderas stars.
The Thing - October 14
In another example of "films that don't need to be remade" is the remake of John Carpenter's The Thing (1982) that starred Kurt Russell. Directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr., this version is actually a prequel to Carpenter's cult-classic that takes place at a research station on Antarctica. This one stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Joel Edgerton.
Paranormal Activity 3 - October 21
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Even though the first two films in this found footage series were actually quite effective, there's no reason, other than money, to re-address this idea. From Catfish directors Henry Joost and Ariel Shulman.
The Three Musketeers - October 21
Yes, the story of Athos, Porthos, and Aramis get yet another chance to wow audiences, this time in Paul W.S. Anderson's take on the classic Alexandre Dumas novel. Stars Ray Stevenson Luke Evans, and Matthew MacFadyen.
Father of Invention - October 21
Stars Kevin Spacey, Heather Graham, John Stamos and Johnny Knoxville. Wait, what? Johnny Knoxville? Spacey plays an eccentric inventor who loses his fortune after one of his inventions seriously maims thousands of his customers.
Margin Call - October 21
The 2008 financial crisis and resulting meltdown finally gets a drama. This one also stars Kevin Spacey, but Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons and Zachary Quinto will get in the action that takes place at a a particular investment bank over a 24-hour period during the early stages of the financial crisis. Prepare for tired-head.
Anonymous - October 28
What if Shakespeare had never actually written anything, but instead used a ghost writer? Anonymous broaches that theory. If for no other reason, watch it to see Vanessa Redgrave as Queen Elizabeth 1. Good to see her still working. Also stars Rhys Ifans.
In Time - October 28
Watch Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried do their best "Logan's Run" in Andrew Niccol's sci-fi thriller. Also stars Olivia Wilde. Need we say more?
Like Crazy - October 28
Winter's Bone's Jennifer Lawrence gets all grown up in this steamy romance about a British college student who finds herself banned from the U.S. after overstaying her visa. Also stars Anton Yelchin and Felicity Jones. Word has it, she'll don more clothes than she did in her recent X-Men debut. Drats!
The Rum Diary - October 28
Johnny Depp does gonzo again in this Hunter S. Thompson adaptation by Bruce Robinson about a freelance journalist who finds himself down and out in a rundown newspaper in Puerto Rico. Also stars Amber Heard, Aaron Eckhart, Giovanni Ribisi and Richard Jenkins.
Johnny English Reborn - October 28
In an act of art imitating life, Rowan Atkinson tries to give rebirth to his goofy British spy man some eight years after the first one fell flat on its face. Dominic West, Gillian Anderson, and Rosamund Pike also star in the story about a spy who goes up against international assassins who have come to track down the premier of China.
Sleeping Beauty - October 28
Ever want to see Sleeping Beauty in her birthday suit. Come on, sure you did! Well, here's your chance. Ok, so it's not that Sleeping Beauty, but it does have a very Kubrick-esque Eyes Wide Shut smoldering vibe to it and Lucy (Emily Browning) does get naked, so it can't be all that bad, right? Also stars Rachael Blake and Chris Haywood.
November
Puss in Boots - November 4
Yes, yet another Shrek movie, but this one's a spin-off from the franchise that fizzled sometime after the second installment put audiences to sleep way back in 2004. The lovable doe-eyed cat named Puss gets his chance to shine as the front man in this prequel of sorts to Puss meeting Shrek and his friends.
Tower Heist - November 4
Eddie Murphy goes back where he's most missed - as the comic sidekick in a fast-paced actioner. Problem is, the film also stars Ben Stiller. This ripped-from-the-headlines story involves a group of hard working guys who, after falling victim to a Bernie Madoff-type Ponzi scheme hire the services of Murphy's character to pull off the heist of a high-rise residence. The ensemble cast includes Casey Affleck, Matthew Broderick, Michael Pena, Tea Leoni, Alan Alda, Judd Hirsch and Precious's Gabourey Sidibe.
A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas - November 4
With all apologies to Harold & Kumar fans and lovers of 3D movies… can we please call it quits on both? Besides the return off Kal Penn and John Cho in the titular roles, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas also stars Patton Oswalt, Thomas Lennon, Danny Trejo, Eddie Kaye Thomas, David Krumholtz, Neil Patrick Harris, Elias Koteas and more. Screenwriters Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, who also wrote White Castle and Guantanamo Bay, have returned to pen this third installment of the H&K series.
My Week With Marilyn - November 4
Michelle Williams is the iconic Marilyn Monroe in this film about the behind-the-scenes troubles the platinum blonde encountered while on the set with Sir Lawrence Oliver (Kenneth Branagh) during filming of 1957's The Prince and the Showgirl. Also stars Emma Watson, Dominic Cooper, and Dame Judi Dench.
The Son of No One - November 4
Channing Tatum (a.k.a vinegar) and Al Pacino (a.k.a. oil) star in this cop thriller about a Police detective (Pacino) who comes under scrutiny after a case he helped cover up is suddenly cast back into the public eye by a recent newspaper report. Also stars Juliette Binoche, Ray Liotta, and Katie Holmes.
J. Edgar - November 9
This Clint Eastwood directed epic biopic follows J. Edgar Hoover's (Leonardo DiCaprio) life from his childhood where he grew up in the D.C area through his 50 years with the FBI (during which he purportedly forged documents, manipulated evidence, and otherwise strong-armed anyone who crossed his path), and to his death in 1972. Though Eastwood and screenwriter Dustin Lance Black avoid a definitive statement as to whether or not Hoover was a closeted gay man, the issue is touched upon in the film. Stars Josh Lucas as Charles Lindbergh, The Social Network's Armie Hammer as Hoover's supposed lover, Clyde Tolson, Jeffrey Donovan as Robert F. Kennedy, and Judi Dench as Anne Marie Hoover.
Jack & Jill - November 11
Adam Sandler goes all "Tootsie" on the big screen with his role in Jack and Jill in which he plays a suburban family man as well his twin sister who visits him during the holidays - then never leaves. Check out this ensemble cast of actors, non-actors, wannabes and has-beens: Al Pacino; Katie Holmes; Dana Carvey; Shaquille O'Neal; and Regis Philbin.
Immortals - November 11
Before Henry Cavill was Superman he was but the mere peasant Theseus who was forced to battle against imprisoned titans in order to save both Olympus and Greece from the rogue Hyperion (Mickey Rourke). Directed by Tarsem Singh and also stars Slumdog Millionare's Freida Pinto as Phaedra, Luke Evans as Zeus, John Hurt as Old Zeus, and Isabel Lucas as Athena. Mickey Rourke with a spear… delicious.
Breaking Dawn - November 18
It all comes to an end on November 18. You know the stars. You know the plot. No need to waste ink on it here.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - November 18
Cold war espionage comes front and center as British spy George Smiley (Gary Oldman) exits retirement to reveal a Soviet mole within MI6's ranks. Bold move to take on the highly successful Alec Guinness headlined miniseries from the 70s. Directed by Tomas Alfredson, the film also stars Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, and John Hurt.
Happy Feet Two - November 18
Love it or hate it, the commercial and critical success of George Miller's cute-as-hell 2006 penguin celebration, Happy Feet can't be argued. So, naturally there's a sequel. This time in 3D and involving Mumble the tap-dancing penguin trying to bring the penguin nations together to fight off the ravages of a world shaken by powerful forces.
The Muppets - November 23
When the trailer debuted in front of Pirates of the Caribbean, audiences quickly realized it had been twelve long years since the likes of Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog and all the felted friends from the brilliant mind of Jim Henson had graced the screen. This time it will be a live-action film starring Amy Adams and Jason Segal with plenty of fun cameo appearances including Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Zach Galifianakis, Ricky Gervais, Danny Trejo and more.
The Descendants - November 23
Alexander Payne and George Clooney team up in this big-screen adaptation of Kaui Hemmings' novel of the same name about a man struggling to connect with his two daughters after his wife becomes hospitalized from a boating accident. Sure-fire Oscar bait that also stars Matthew Lillard (though not as his Shaggy character), Beau Bridges, and Robert Forster.
Piranha 3DD - November 23
David Hasselhoff is heading back to the water in Piranha 3DD, the follow-up to Alexandre Aja's 2010 surprise hit, Piranha 3D, a film that made if fun to not go back in the water… again. Unlike that film which featured a man-eating-fish feeding-frenzy upon reveler's at Lake Victoria's annual Spring party, the horror in Piranha 3DD will take place in a water park that becomes infested with the hungry little buggers. Also stars Danielle Panabaker, Katrina Bowden, Christopher Lloyd, and Ving Rhames.
December
We Need to Talk About Kevin - December 2
Heavy Lynne Ramsay drama about the mother of a teenage boy who went on a killing spree at his high school. The mother finds a way to deal with the grief by contacting the boy's estranged father. Stars John C. Reilly and Tilda Swinton. Way to bring down the room, guys.
The Sitter - December 9
Jonah Hill is a college student on suspension (imagine that) in this David Gordon Green comedy. To earn his keep, he's forced to babysit the kids next door, a task for which he's hardly prepared. Highjinks ensue. Also stars Sam Rockwell.
A Dangerous Method - December 9
Viggo Mortensen and Keira Knightley star in this David Cronenberg drama that takes a look at how Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud first began studying psychoanalysis. Mortensen is Freud, Michael Fassbender is Jung. Knightley is Sabina Spielrein, believed to be the first woman to undergo psychoanalysis and who was rumored to have had a romantic relationship with Jung.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked - December 16
Yes, believe it or not, this is number three in the hip-hop big screen adaptation of the classic comic book characters, Alvin and the Chipmunks. This time the vacationing Chipmunks and Chipettes are turning a luxury cruise liner into their personal playground, until they become 'chipwrecked' on a remote island. As the 'Munks and Chipettes try various schemes to find their way home, they accidentally discover their new turf is not as deserted as it seems.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - December 16
Holmes and Watson team up again in the sequel to the popular 2009 mystery starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude law as the titular sleuthmasters. Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace also star. Guy Ritchie again directs.
The Iron Lady - December 16
Meryl Streep becomes former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher (a.k.a. The Iron Lady) in this film that's already tingling with Oscar buzz. Director Phyllida Lloyd works from a script by award-winning TV writer Abi Morgan, Jim Broadbent stars as Maggie's husband Denis, and Anthony Head portrays Thatcher's long-serving Cabinet Minister Geoffrey Howe. These Britain-set dramas always make a serious run at ol' Oscar.
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - December 21
Now we get to see how the Americans will tell the story of Lisbeth Salander, a leathered-up biker chick hired to solve the mystery of a woman who has been missing for forty years. The Swedish series of films, based on the Millennium trilogy of novels by author Stieg Larsson, fizzled into a heap of complicated drudgery and uninteresting cinema. Rooney Mara, Daniel Craig, Stellan Skarsgard star this time around with a beautiful score by Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor.
Carnage - December 21
A Roman Polanski film adapted from the 2009 Broadway play God of Carnage. Stars Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, and John C. Reilly. The story follows two New York City-based couples who happen to meet when their children become involved in a playground scuffle. No one does human interaction better than he is banned from ever stepping foot on American soil.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol - December 21
Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in this, the third in the Mission: Impossible franchise. Directed by Brad Bird and starring Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, and Paula Patton, the IMF is shut down when it is blamed in a bombing at Russia's Kremlin, causing Hunt and his team to go off the grid in an attempt to clear the government organization's name.
In the Land of Blood and Honey - December 23
Angelina Jolie directs. Yes, you read that right. The popular actress's directorial debut gives a look at how a couple's romance is affected by the Bosnian War. Stars a bunch of Bosnian actors.
We Bought a Zoo- December 23
Scarlett Johansson, Elle Fanning and Matt Damon star in this Cameron Crowe helmed film about a father who moves his family out to the countryside with hopes of renovating and re-opening a struggling zoo.
The Adventures of Tintin- December 23
Fans of the Georges Prosper Remi (pen named Hergé) comic strip will finally be able to see the grand vision being brought to life by director Steven Spielberg, producer Peter Jackson, and co-screenwriter Edgar Wright. It's one of those motion-capture dealy-os with Andy Serkis wearing the suit of balls yet again.
Extremely Load and Incredibly Close - December 25
September 11th goes for Oscar. Stephen Daldry directs an ensemble cast that features Viola Davis, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, Max Von Sydow, James Gandolfini and Jeffrey Wright in this heartbreaking drama about a talented young boy who searches for the lock that matches a key left behind by his father when he was killed in the 9/11 tragedy.
The Darkest Hour -December 23 Another alien invasion flick. This time L.A. is spared with Russia getting the brunt of it. Emile Hirsch, Rachael Taylor and Olivia Thirlby star.
War Horse - December 28
Spielberg follows the release of his animated The Adventures of Tintin not even a week later with the live-action story of a young man named Albert and his horse, Joey, and how their bond is broken when Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to the trenches of World War One. We need another good war-time movie, especially WWI. Hopefully this is it. Stars Emily Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Tom Hiddleston
