fall & holiday movie preview

september 5



BANGKOK DANGEROUS
This adrenaline-charged action thriller stars Nicolas Cage as “Joe,” a remorseless hitman who is in Bangkok to assasinate four enemies of a ruthless crime boss named Surat.  He hires Kong (Shahkrit Yamnarm), a street punk and pickpocket, to run errands for him with the intention of covering his tracks by killing him at the end of the assignment. Strangely, Joe, the ultimate lone wolf, finds himself mentoring the young man instead and is drawn into a tentative romance with a local shop girl.  As he falls further under the sway of Bangkok’s intoxicating beauty, Joe begins to question his isolated existence and let down his guard …just as Surat decides it’s time to clean house. Starring: Nicolas Cage, Steve Baldocchi, Chris Heebink, James Wearing Smith and Charlie Young (II).

 

september 12

A FAMILY THAT PREYS
Here we go with another Tyler Perry comedy but this time instead of Madena there’s wealthy socialite Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates) and her dear friend Alice Pratt (Alfre Woodard), a working class woman of high ideals. The two have enjoyed a lasting friendship throughout many years.  Suddenly, their lives become mired in turmoil as their adult children’s extramarital affairs, unethical business practices and a dark paternity secret threaten to derail the family. Charlotte and Alice decide to take a breather from it all by making a cross-country road trip in which they rediscover themselves and possibly find a way to save their families from ruin. Starring: Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, Tyler Perry, Cole Hauser and Sanaa Lathan.
 



BURN AFTER READING
In this Coen brothers espionage comedy, a disk containing the memoirs of a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to benefit from the discovery. Starring: Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand and George Clooney. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Rated R

TOWELHEAD
This gripping drama follows the dark, bold and shockingly funny life of Jasira, a 13-year-old Arab-American girl, as she navigates the confusing and frightening path of adolescence and her own sexual awakening. When Jasira’s mother sends her to Houston to live with her strict Lebanese father, she quickly learns that her new neighbors find her and her father a curiosity. Thrown into an unfamiliar suburban world, Jasira must confront racism and hypocrisy at home and at school – and at the same time struggle to make sense of her raging hormones and newfound sexuality. Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Alicia Erian and stars Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, Maria Bello, Peter Macdissi and newcomer Summer Bishil as Jasira. Rated R
 



THE WOMEN
Happily married Mary (Meg Ryan) finds her world shaken when she discovers that her husband is cheating on her with shopgirl Crystal (Mendez) — and she was pretty much the last to know. Crying, divorce, recriminations, and revenge follow. The Women is about friends and mothers and daughters. It’s about breaking up and finding your way back. It’s about reinventing yourself. It’s about walking through fire for what you believe in. It’s about Women. Based on the star-studded 1939 classic starring Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford and Rosalind Russell and updated to the present day. Starring: Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendez, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing, Bette Midler, Candice Bergen and Cloris Leachman. Rated PG13 TheWomenTheMovie.com

 

september 19

GHOST TOWN
Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais) is a man whose people skills leave much to be desired.  When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts.  Even worse, they all want something from him, particularly Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear), who pesters him into breaking up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen (Téa Leoni). Rated PG-13
 



IGOR
In a land of mad scientists and diabolical inventions, what do you do when you¹re born with a hunch on your back? You become an Igor. A hilarious twist on the classic monster movie, Igor tells the story of one Igor with dreams of becoming a scientist instead of a lowly lab assistant.  When his cruel master kicks the bucket a week before the annual Evil Science Fair, Igor finally gets his chance. With the help of two of his experimental creations – Brain, a brain in a jar who’s a little light on brains, and Scamper, a cynical bunny brought back from being road kill, Igor embarks on building the most evil invention of all time, a huge, ferocious monster.  Unfortunately, instead of turning out evil, the monster turns out as Eva, a giant aspiring actress who wouldn’t hurt a fly. Igor and his band of monstrous misfits soon uncover a plot that threatens their world. Now, they must fight to save it and prove that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Featuring the voice talents of John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Jennifer Coolidge, Arsenio Hall, Sean Hayes, Eddie Izzard, Jay Leno, James Lipton, Molly Shannon and Christian Slater. Rated PG igor-movie.com

LAKEVIEW TERRACE
When young mixed couple (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington) move into their California dream home they become the target of their next-door neighbor, who disapproves of their interracial relationship. A stern, single father, this tightly wound LAPD officer (Samuel L. Jackson) has appointed himself the watchdog of the neighborhood. His nightly foot patrols and watchful eyes bring comfort to some, but he becomes increasingly harassing to the newlyweds. These persistent intrusions into their lives ultimately turn tragic when the couple decides to fight back. Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington. Rated PG13 sonypictures.com/movies/lakeviewterrace

MY BEST FRIEND’S GIRL
Smart, beautiful and headstrong, Alexis is the girl of Dustin’s dreams. But after only five weeks of dating, the love-struck Dustin is coming on so strong that Alexis is forced to slow things down – permanently.  Devastated and desperate to get her back, Dustin turns to his best friend, Tank, the rebound specialist. A master at seducing – and offending – women, Tank gets hired by freshly dumped guys to take their ex-girlfriends out on the worst date of their lives – an experience so horrible it sends them running gratefully back. But Alexis is the first girl who knows how to call his bluff, and Tank soon finds himself torn between his loyalty to Dustin and a strange new attraction to his best friend’s girl. Starring: Dane Cook, Kate Hudson, Jason Biggs, and Alec Baldwin. Rated R mybestfriendsgirlmovie.com

 

september 26

EAGLE EYE
In this is a race-against-time thriller, two strangers, Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) are thrown together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have never met. Threatening their lives and family, she pushes Jerry and Rachel into a series of increasingly dangerous situations – using the technology of everyday life to track their every move.  As the situation escalates, these two ordinary people become the country’s most wanted fugitives, who must work together to discover what is really happening – and more importantly, why. Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis, Anthony Mackie and Billy Bob Thornton. Rated PG13 eagleeyemovie.com

MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA
A murder committed by post-office worker Hector Negron in 1984 sets in motion an investigation that ties back to the experiences of a battalion of black American soldiers who became trapped in a Tuscan village during WWII. Four soldiers from the army’s Negro 92nd Division found themselves separated from their unit and behind enemy lines. Risking their lives for a country in which they are treated with less respect than the enemy they are fighting, they discover humanity in the small Tuscan village of St. Anna di Stazzema. Starring: Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller and Matteo Sciabordi Rated R miracleatstanna.movies.go.com



NIGHTS IN RODANTHE
Adrienne Willis (Diane Lane) is a woman whose life is in chaos and retreats to the tiny coastal town of Rodanthe, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, to tend a friend’s inn for the weekend. Here she hopes to find the tranquility she so desperately needs to rethink the conflicts surrounding her. Her wayward husband has asked to come home and a teenage daughter resents her every decision. Almost as soon as Adrienne gets to Rodanthe, a major storm is forecast and Dr. Paul Flanner (Richard Gere) arrives. The only guest at the inn, Flanner is not on a weekend escape but rather is there to face his own crisis of conscience. Now, with the storm closing in, the two turn to each other for comfort and, in one magical weekend, set in motion a life-changing romance that will resonate throughout the rest of their lives. Starring: Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Christopher Meloni, James Franco and Viola Davis. Rated PG13 nightsinrodanthe.com
 

OCTOBER 3

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA
A pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua named Chloe finds herself accidentally lost in the mean streets of Mexico without a day spa or Rodeo Drive boutique anywhere in sight. Now alone for the first time in her spoiled life, she must rely on some unexpected new friends. Featuring the voices of Piper Perabo, Jamie Lee Curtis, Drew Barrymore, Andy Garcia, Salma Hayek, George Lopez and Cheech Marin. Rated PG

NICK & NORA’S INFINITE PLAYLIST
When Nick (Michael Cera) asks Nora (Kat Dennings) to pretend to be his girlfriend for 5 minutes so he won’t have to feel as awkward around his ex, who just walked into the club where Nick’s band is playing. But when the fake couple decides to kiss, sparks occur, leading to a first date which seems to span all of New York City. Though they have nothing in common, except for their taste in music, their chance encounter leads to an all-night quest to find a legendary band’s secret show and ends up becoming the first date in a romance that could change both their lives. Starring: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Alexis Dziena, Ari Graynor, Aaron Yoo and Jay Baruchel.

 

OCTOBER 10

BODY OF LIES
Based on Washington Post columnist David Ignatius’ 2007 novel about a CIA operative, Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio), who uncovers a lead on a major terrorist leader suspected to be operating out of Jordan. When Ferris devises a plan to infiltrate his network, he must first win the backing of cunning CIA veteran Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) and the collegial, but perhaps suspect, head of Jordanian intelligence. Although ostensibly his allies, Ferris questions how far he can really trust these men without putting his entire operation – and his life – on the line. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, Golshifteh Farahani, Oscar Isaac, Simon McBurney. Rated R body-of-lies.com

THE EXPRESS
Based on a true story, this inspiring drama follows the extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis (Rob Brown), the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Raised in poverty in Pennsylvania coal-mining country, Davis hurdled social and economic obstacles to become one of the greatest running backs in college football history. Under the guidance of legendary Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), he became a hero who superseded Jim Brown’s achievements and set records that stand to this day. As the growing civil rights movement divided the country in the ‘60s, Davis became a symbol for achievement that transcended race. Refusing to flinch from others’ prejudices, he achieved all his goals — until he faced a challenge that would make most men crumble. He joined the ranks of black pioneers by teaching a generation tolerance, inspiring a movement that smashed barriers on and off the field. Starring: Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown, Omar Benson Miller, Clancy Brown and Charles S. Dutton. Rated PG

OCTOBER 17

MAX PAYNE
Maverick cop Max Payne (Wahlberg) is hell-bent on revenge against those responsible for the brutal murder of his family and partner. His obsessive investigation takes him on a nightmarish journey into a dark underworld. As the mystery deepens, Max is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal. Based upon the video game created by Remedy Entertainment and 3-D Realms Entertainment. Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, and Olga Kurylenko.

SEX DRIVE
Eighteen year old Ian finally gets the opportunity to lose his virginity when a woman he meets on-line offers to have sex with him if he drives to Knoxville to meet her. Time for Ian to dust off the condoms and view some how-to sex videos to prepare for his long awaited first time. Going along for grins are Felicia and Lance. Ian has a thing for Felicia, but she in turn has a thing for Lance and the totally confused trio take off on a road trip in Ian’s brother, Rex’s beloved 1969 GTO –without permission of course. Starring: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, James Marsden, Camille Guaty, Charlie McDermott. Rated R
 



W
Whether you love him or hate him, there is no question that George W. Bush is one of the most controversial public figures in recent memory.  In an unprecedented undertaking, acclaimed director Oliver Stone is bringing the life of our 43rd President to the big screen as only he can.  This political commentary takes viewers through Bush’s eventful life — his struggles and triumphs, how he found both his wife and his faith, and of course the critical days leading up to Bush’s decision to invade Iraq. Starring Josh Brolin as George W. Bush, James Cromwell as George Sr., Barbara Bush is played by Ellen Burstyn (another Exorcist) with Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush and the ever lovable Karl Rogue portrayed by Toby Jones. Richard Dreyfuss takes aim as Dick Chaney and Scott Glenn has the role of Donald Rumsfield. wthefilm.com

 

OCTOBER 24

BROTHERS BLOOM
Two brothers who are the world’s best con artists live a high style life until one decides to quit their life of crime. However, his brother persuades him to do one more job, swindling an eccentric millionaire. But things go wrong as Penelope, their intended target, turns the tables on the duo. Starring: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Rinko Kikuchi, Mark Ruffalo, Zachary Gordon Rated PG13
 



HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3
As seniors in high school, Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) struggle with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future. Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale.

PASSENGERS
After a plane crash, a young therapist, Claire (Anne Hathaway), is assigned by her mentor (Andre Braugher) to counsel the flight’s five survivors. When they share their recollections of the incident — which some say include an explosion that the airline claims never happened — Claire is intrigued by Eric (Patrick Wilson), the most secretive of the passengers. Just as Claire’s professional relationship with Eric — despite her better judgment — blossoms into a romance, the survivors begin to disappear mysteriously, one by one. Claire suspects that Eric may hold all the answers and becomes determined to uncover the truth, no matter the consequences. Starring: Anne Hathaway, Patrick Wilson, Chelah Horsdal, Ryan Robbins (II) and Andrew Wheeler (II). Rated PG13

 

OCTOBER 31

ROCK N ROLLA
When a Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, millions of dollars are up for grabs, and all of London’s criminal underworld wants in on the action. Everyone from a dangerous crime lord to a sexy accountant, a corrupt politician and down-on-their-luck petty thieves conspire, collude and collide with one another in an effort to get rich quick. Starring: Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Idris Elba and Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges. Rated R

 

NOVEMBER 7

THE CHANGELING
Clint Eastwood directs Angelina Jolie and John Malkovich in a provocative thriller based on actual events. Christine Collins’ (Jolie) prayers are met when her kidnapped son is returned. But amidst the frenzy of the photo-op reunion, she realizes this child is not hers. Facing corrupt police and a skeptical public, she desperately hunts for answers, only to be confronted by a truth that will change her forever. Also starring: Amy Ryan, Jeffrey Donovan and Riki Lindhome. Rated R

MADAGASCAR: THE CRATE ESCAPE
When Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, King Julien, Maurice along with the penguins and the chimps find themselves marooned on the distant shores of Madagascar the zoo crew has to endure.  In the face of this obstacle, the New Yorkers have hatched a plan so crazy it just might work.  With military precision, the penguins have repaired an old crashed plane — sort of.  Once aloft, this unlikely crew stays airborne just long enough to make it to the wildest place of all — the vast plains of Africa, where the members of our zoo-raised crew encounter species of their own kind for the very first time.  Africa seems like a great place…but is it better than their Central Park home? Cast: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric The Entertainer, Andy Richter, Bernie Mac, Sherri Shepherd, Alec Baldwin and Will.i.am. dreamworksanimation.com
 

NOVEMBER 14

NOTHING LIKE THE HOLIDAYS
It’s Christmastime and the far-flung members of the Rodriguez family are converging at their parents’ home in Chicago to celebrate the season and rejoice in their youngest brother’s safe return from combat overseas. For Jesse (Freddy Rodriguez), coming home has rekindled feelings for an old flame, although she can’t seem to forgive him for leaving. His older sister Roxanna, a struggling actress, has been chasing her Hollywood dreams for years with little to show for it. And much to the dismay of their mother Anna (Elizabeth Peña), eldest brother Mauricio (John Leguizamo) brings home a high-powered executive wife (Debra Messing) who would rather raise capital than a child. In the course of one eventful week, traditions will be celebrated, secrets revealed and familial bonds are re-affirmed and the healing power of laughter works its magic as the family discovers they are much stronger than they ever realized. Rated PG13

QUANTUM OF SOLACE
This Bond edition continues Daniel Craig’s 007 high octane adventures of James Bond. Known for his irresistible charms, James is astonished when he is betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved. Pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, Bond and M (Judi Dench) interrogate Mr. White (Jesper Chistansen) who reveals the organization which blackmailed Vesper is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined. Forensic intelligence links an Mi6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille (Olga Kurylenko), a woman who has her own vendetta. As he gets closer to finding the man responsible for the betrayal of Vesper, 007 must keep one step ahead of the CIA, the terrorists and even M, to unravel Greene’s sinister plan and stop his organization. 007.com
 



ROLE MODELS
Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott star as Danny and Wheeler, two fast talking energy drink salesmen. After one of their sex and beer romps gets out of hand, a pair of thirty-something perpetual frat boys are forced to sign up to be Big Brothers at Sturdy Wings, a troubled kids camp, as part of their court-mandated community service. The court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 service hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn’t look half bad. Danny and Wheeler are forced to tailor their brand of immature wisdom to their charges. And if they can just make it through probation without getting thrown in jail, the world’s worst role models will prove that, sometimes, it takes a village idiot to raise a child.

NOVEMBER 21

AUSTRALIA
Set in northern Australia before World War II, an English aristocrat (Nicole Kidman) who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man (Hugh Jackman) in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces firsthand.

BOLT
For super-dog Bolt, every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue – at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the canine star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet – a cross-country journey through the real world. Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of two unlikely traveling companions – a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens and TV-obsessed hamster in a plastic ball named Rhino – Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero. Featuring voices of: John Travolta, Miley Cyrus and Susie Essman.
 



THE SOLOIST
Its sweet tunes in this emotionally soaring drama about the redemptive power of music. Journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) discovers Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As Lopez tries to help the homeless man find his way back, a unique friendship is formed, one that transforms both their lives.

 

NOVEMBER 26

CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
“I was born under unusual circumstances.” And so begins an incredible story adapted from the 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop time.  We follow his story, set in New Orleans from the end of World War I in 1918, into the 21st century, following his journey that is as unusual as any man’s life can be.  This is a grand tale of a not-so-ordinary man and the people and places he discovers along the way, the loves he finds, the joys of life and the sadness of death, and what lasts beyond time. Directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett with Taraji P. Henson, Tilda Swinton, Jason Flemyng, Elias Koteas and Julia Ormond.
 



FOUR CHRISTMASES
During the holiday things can get complicated and the reindeer drops hit the fan in this comedy about a married couple (Witherspoon and Vaughn) from two divorced families who are tasked with attending four Christmas Day celebrations. Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Mary Steenburgen.

TRANSPORTER 3
Jason Statham returns as Frank Martin, the ex-Special Forces operative who specializes in high-risk deliveries. Starring: Jason Statham, Francois Berléand and Robert Knepper.
 

DECEMBER 12

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
Aliens land on Earth with an important message for its citizens. A remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi film directed by Robert Wise. Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly and Kathy Bates.  dtessmovie.com

 

DECEMBER 19

SEVEN POUNDS
Will Smith delivers a powerhouse performance as Ben Thomas, a deeply troubled CIA agent on the edge and who is close to suicide for his role in an auto accident that claimed the lives of seven people. He finds a reason to live, and to atone, when he falls for Emily who wants to help him deal with his grief. Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy and Robinne Lee.
 



TALES OF DESPEREAUX
Once upon a time, in the faraway kingdom of Dor, there was magic in the air, laughter aplenty and gallons of mouthwatering soup. But an accident left the King broken-hearted, the sunlight disappeared and the world became gray. All hope was lost in this land…until Despereaux Tilling was born. Despereaux (Matthew Broderick) is a brave mouse who is banished to the dungeon for speaking with a human. Tiny and graced with oversized ears, Despereaux was born too big for his little world. Refusing to live his life cowering, he befriends a Princess named Pea and learns to read (rather than eat) books–reveling to him stories of knights, dragons and fair maidens. Banished from Mouseworld for being more man than mouse our hero is alone and must find a way to save the kidnapped Princess and restore sunlight to their kingdom. In this tale of bravery, forgiveness and redemption, one small creature will teach a kingdom that it takes only a little light to show the truth: what you look like doesn’t equal what you are. Featuring the voices of Matthew Broderick, Ben Falcone, Emma Watson, Tony Hale and Dustin Hoffman.

YES MAN
Jim Carrey stars as Carl Allen, a man who signs up for a self-help program based on one simple principle: say yes to everything…and anything. At first, unleashing the power of “yes” transforms Carl’s life in amazing and unexpected ways, but he soon discovers that opening up his life to endless possibilities can have its drawbacks. Also starring Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, Rhys Darby, John Michael Higgins,Danny Masterson and Terence Stamp. yesisthenewno.warnerbros.com

 

DECEMBER 25

BEDTIME STORIES
Adam Sandler stars as a man whose nighttime tales do more than just put his nephew to sleep; instead, his imaginative stories become reality.
 



REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
The story of a young couple trying to find fulfillment in an age of conformity. Trapped in a world of encoded convention, they dream without faith, as lies and self-deceptions build to explosive consequences. Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, David Harbour and Michael Shannon. Rated R