The Golden Compass did not convince me that Chris Weitz, best known for About a Boy and Down to Earth, has a feel for action. But I must admit this intense new trailer for New Moon does suggest the Twilight sequel will try to satisfy those of us (i.e. men) who can only take so much of Kristen Stewart’s alienated teenager and Robert Pattinson’s wimpy vampire staring lovingly at each another. Also, it’s amusing to see the ever-reliable Michael Sheen wearing vampire fangs after getting all hairy as Underworld‘s alpha werewolf. Trailer Grade: B+
Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself (Sept. 11) Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez, Brian White, Hope Olaidé Wilson, Kwesi Boakye, Freddy Siglar, and Tyler Perry Director: Tyler Perry Synopsis: When Madea, America’s favorite pistol-packing grandma, catches 16-year-old Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home, she decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have: their aunt April. A heavy-drinking nightclub singer who lives off of her married boyfriend Randy, April wants nothing to do with the kids. But her attitude begins to change when Sandino, a handsome Mexican immigrant looking for work, moves into April’s basement room. Making amends for his own troubled past, Sandino challenges April to open her heart. And April soon realizes she must make the biggest choice of her life: between her old ways with Randy and the new possibilities of family, faith…and even true love.
Toy Story/Toy Story 2 3D (Oct. 2) Toy Story Voice Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, John Morris, Erik von Detten, Laurie Metcalf, and R. Lee Ermey Toy Story 2 Voice Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, Wayne Knight, John Morris, Laurie Metcalf, Estelle Harris, R. Lee Ermey, and Jodi Benson Director: John Lasseter Synopsis: The return of Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story and Toy Story 2 to the big screen kicks off a Disney Digital 3D™ Toy Story celebration, which culminates in a brand new adventure starring Buzz and Woody: Toy Story 3, in theaters June 18, 2010.
New York, I Love You (Oct. 16) Cast: Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha, Andy Garcia, Hayden Christensen, Rachel Bilson, Natalie Portman, Irrfan Khan, Emilie Ohana, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Maggie Q, Ethan Hawke, Anton Yelchin, James Caan, Olivia Thirlby, Blake Lively, Drea De Matteo, Julie Christie, John Hurt, Shia LaBeouf, Ugur Yucel, Taylor Geare, Carlos Acosta, Jacinda Barrett, Shu Qi, Burt Young, Chris Cooper, Robin Wright Penn, Eva Amurri, Eli Wallach, and Cloris Leachman Directors: Jiang Wen, Mira Nair, Shunji Iwai, Yvan Attal, Brett Ratner, Allen Hughes, Shekhar Kapur, Natalie Portman, Faith Akin, Joshua Marston, and Randy Balsmeyer Synopsis: In the city that never sleeps, love is always on the mind. Those passions come to life in New York, I Love You, a collaboration of storytelling from some of today’s most imaginative filmmakers and featuring an all-star cast. Together they create a kaleidoscope of the spontaneous, surprising, electrifying human connections that pump the city’s heartbeat. Sexy, funny, haunting and revealing encounters unfold beneath the Manhattan skyline. From Tribeca to Central Park to Brooklyn the story weaves a tale of love as diverse as the very fabric of New York itself.
Ong Bak 2: The Beginning (Oct. 23) Cast: Tony Jaa Director: Tony Jaa Synopsis: Martial arts superstar Tony Jaa stars in and directs this epic tale of revenge set hundreds of years in the past. Featuring a huge cast and hordes of elephants, this prequel takes Jaa’s skills to the next level, showcasing him as a master of a wide range of martial arts styles – while proving him to be a promising director as well.
Saw VI (Oct. 23) Cast: Costas Mandylor, Mark Rolston, Betsy Russell, Tobin Bell, Shawnee Smith, and Peter Outerbridge Director: Kevin Greutert Synopsis: Special Agent Strahm is dead, and Detective Hoffman has emerged as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw’s legacy. However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he is forced to set a game into motion, and Jigsaw’s grand scheme is finally understood.
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (Oct. 30) Cast: Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Julie Benz, Clifton Collins, Jr., Billy Connolly, Peter Fonda, and Judd Nelson Director: Troy Duffy Synopsis: This is the continuation of writer/director Troy Duffy’s tough, stylized cutting edge saga of the MacManus brothers (Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery). The two have been in deep hiding with their father, Il Duce (Billy Connolly), in the quiet valleys of Ireland, far removed from their former vigilante lives. When word comes that a beloved priest has been killed by sinister forces from deep within the mob, the brothers return to Boston to mount a violent and bloody crusade to bring justice to those responsible. With a new partner in crime (Clifton Collins Jr.,) and a sexy FBI operative (Julie Benz) hot on their trail…the Saints are back!
The Twilight Saga: New Moon (Nov. 20) Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner Director: Chris Weitz Synopsis: In the second installment of Stephenie Meyer’s phenomenally successful Twilight series, the romance between mortal and vampire soars to a new level as Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) delves deeper into the mysteries of the supernatural world she yearns to become part of—only to find herself in greater peril than ever before. Following Bella’s ill-fated 18th birthday party, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and his family abandon the town of Forks, Washington, in an effort to protect her from the dangers inherent in their world. As the heartbroken Bella sleepwalks through her senior year of high school, numb and alone, she discovers Edward’s image comes to her whenever she puts herself in jeopardy. Her desire to be with him at any cost leads her to take greater and greater risks. With the help of her childhood friend Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), Bella refurbishes an old motorbike to carry her on her adventures. Bella’s frozen heart is gradually thawed by her budding relationship with Jacob, a member of the mysterious Quileute tribe, who has a supernatural secret of his own. When a chance encounter brings Bella face to face with a former nemesis, only the intervention of a pack of supernaturally large wolves saves her from a grisly fate, and the encounter makes it frighteningly clear that Bella is still in grave danger. In a race against the clock, Bella learns the secret of the Quileutes and Edward’s true motivation for leaving her. She also faces the prospect of a potentially deadly reunion with her beloved that is a far cry from the one she’d hoped for.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakuel (Dec. 25) Cast: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, and Zachary Levi Director: Betty Thomas Synopsis: Unavailable
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (Sept. 11) Cast: Jesse Metcalfe, Amber Tamblyn, and Michael Douglas Director: Peter Hyams Synopsis: High profile lawyer Mark Hunter (Michael Douglas) has an impeccable record putting criminals behind bars and is a shoo-in for governor in the upcoming election. But when ambitious rookie journalist, C.J. Nicholas (Jesse Metcalfe) begins investigating Hunter for tampering with evidence to secure his convictions, the district attorney’s perfect record is up for scrutiny. Commencing a risky game of cat and mouse with Hunter, C.J. frames himself as a murder suspect to catch the corrupt D.A. in the act. Romantically involved with C.J. but unaware of his assignment, assistant D.A. Ella Crystal (Amber Tamblyn) becomes caught between her boss’s political ambitions and C.J.’s dangerous exposé. As mounting evidence stacks up against both men, Ella’s own life becomes threatened when she discovers incriminating proof that puts the fate of both Nicholas’s innocence and Hunter’s reputation in her hands.
Sorority Row (Sept. 11) Cast: Briana Evigan, Leah Pipes, Rumer Willis, Jaime Chung, Audrina Patridge, Julian Morris, and Carrie Fisher Director: Stewart Hendler Synopsis: When five sorority girls inadvertently cause the murder of one of their sisters in a prank gone wrong, they agree to keep the matter to themselves and never speak of it again, so they can get on with their lives. This proves easier said than done, when after graduation a mysterious killer goes after the five of them and anyone who knows their secret…
Fame (Sept. 25) Cast: Asher Book, Kristy Flores, Paul Iacono, Paul McGill, Naturi Naughton, Kay Panabaker, Kherington Payne, Collins Pennie, Walter Perez, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Debbie Allen, Charles S. Dutton, Kelsey Grammer, Megan Mullally, and Bebe Neuwirth Director: Kevin Tancharoen Synopsis: A reinvention of the original Oscar-winning hit film, Fame follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts, a diverse, creative powerhouse where students from all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame…the kind that comes only from talent, dedication, and hard work. In an incredibly competitive atmosphere, plagued by self-doubt, each student’s passion will be put to the test. In addition to their artistic goals, they have to deal with everything else that goes along with high school, a tumultuous time full of schoolwork, deep friendships, budding romance, and self-discovery. As each student strives for his or her moment in the spotlight, they’ll discover who among them has the innate talent and necessary discipline to succeed. With the love and support of their friends and fellow artists, they’ll find out who amongst them will achieve Fame…
St. Trinian’s (Oct. 2) Cast: Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Russell Brand, Lena Headey, Mischa Barton, and Stephen Fry Directors: Oliver Parker and Barnaby Thompson Synopsis: Welcome to St Trinian’s, a quirky comedy set in an all-girls private school in England called St. Trinian’s and run by the oddly eccentric headmistress Ms. Camilla Fritton (Rupert Everett). It’s more than a school it’s an institution and a hotbed of anarchy and ill-discipline, where the academic results are an absolute disaster. But for girls who don’t fit in, like new girl Annabelle (Talulah Riley), this is the place where everyone is accepted. However, when the newly appointed minister of education Geoffrey Thwaites (Colin Firth) tries to take them down, the girls have no choice but to rise up with the help of Head Girl Kelly (Gemma Arterton) and artful dodger Flash Harry (Russell Brand) to defeat the establishment.
The Stepfather (Oct. 16) Cast: Dylan Walsh, Sela Ward, Penn Badgley, Amber Heard, and Jon Tenney Director: Nelson McCormick Synopsis: Michael Harding (Penn Badgley) returns home from military school to find his mother (Sela Ward) happily in love and living with her new boyfriend, David (Dylan Walsh). As the two men get to know each other, Michael becomes more and more suspicious of the man who is always there with a helpful hand. Is he really the man of her dreams or could David be hiding a dark side?
Astro Boy (Oct. 23) Voice Cast: Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell, Nathan Lane, Eugene Levy, Matt Lucas, Bill Nighy, Donald Sutherland, and Nicolas Cage Director: David Bowers Synopsis: Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist named TENMA (Nicolas Cage). Powered by positive “blue” energy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is endowed with super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly. Embarking on a journey in search of acceptance, Astro Boy encounters many other colorful characters along the way. Through his adventures, he learns the joys and emotions of being human, and gains the strength to embrace his destiny. Ultimately learning his friends and family are in danger, Astro Boy marshals his awesome super powers and returns to Metro City in a valiant effort to save everything he cares about and to understand what it takes to be a hero.
Disney’s A Christmas Carol (Nov. 6) Cast: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes, and Fionnula Flanagan Director: Robert Zemeckis Synopsis:Disney’s A Christmas Carol, a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking 3D motion picture event. Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (Gary Oldman) and his cheery nephew (Colin Firth). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late.
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (Nov. 20) Cast: Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Coolidge, and Xzibit Director: Werner Herzog Synopsis: Academy Award winner Nicholas Cage unites with world-renowned director Werner Herzog in a remake of the 1992 independent film classic, Bad Lieutenant.
The Princess and the Frog (Nov. 25) Cast: Anika Noni Rose, Terrence Howard, John Goodman, Keith David,
Jim Cummings, Jenifer Lewis, and Oprah Winfrey Directors: Ron Clements and John Musker Synopsis: Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical The Princess and the Frog, an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. The Princess and the Frog marks the return to hand-drawn animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements, with music by Oscar-winning composer Randy Newman.
Brothers (Dec. 4) Cast: Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, Sam Shepard, Mare Winningham, Bailee Madison, and Taylor Grace Geare Director: Jim Sheridan Synopsis: When a decorated Marine goes missing overseas, his black-sheep younger brother cares for his wife and children at home—with consequences that will shake the foundation of the entire family.
Everybody’s Fine (Dec. 4) Cast: Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate Beckinsale, and Sam Rockwell Director: Kirk Jones Synopsis: This remake of Giuseppe Tornatore’s Stanno Tutti Bene follows a widower (Robert De Niro) who embarks on an impromptu road trip to reconnect with each of his grown children only to discover that their lives are far from picture perfect.
Sherlock Holmes (Dec. 25) Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan, and Kelly Reilly Director: Guy Ritchie Synopsis: In a dynamic new portrayal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous characters, Sherlock Holmes sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.
Talk about sneaking up on you like a vigilante in the night. The trailer for the long-in-the-making The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day made ist surprise debut today at IGN. I’m not surprised director Troy Duffy managed to get off the ground a sequel to his 1999 Boston-Irish take on Death Wish. Or persuade Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, and Billy Connolly to return or enlist the services of Peter Fonda, Judd Nelson, and a bug-eyed Clifton Collins Jr. Even though it made just $30,471 during its brief theatrical run in 2000, The Boondocks Saints inexplicably found a rabid following on DVD. And Duffy’s attained a certain infamy in the wake of Overnight, a 2003 documentary that chronicled his rise and fall in Hollywood. So there’s an audience out there for The Boondock Saints II, which will open Oct. 30 in time for Nov. 1’s All Saints’ Day. There are an awful lot of bad Boston accents to be heard in the trailer, but otherwise it rocks like “The Saints Come Marching.” It does its job of preparing you for more of the same Tarantinoesque violence and humor that informed The Boondock Saints. Willem Dafoe will be missed, but it looks like sequel slut Julie Benz will create plenty of fireworks as his FBI protégé. Trailer Grade: B+
Once you got past all the Sex and the City-style blabbering, Neil Marshall’s The Descent was a mean little chiller that grabbed you by the throat and refused to let go until you were ready to draw your final breath. Not sure how a sequel will work without Marshall behind the cameras, or whether it uses the British or U.S. ending as a starting point, but the trailer for The Descent Part 2 suggests we’re in for more of the same bloody behavior from those creepy, crazy crawlers. The Descent Part 2 opens Dec. 2 in the United Kingdom, but no word yet on a U.S. release date from Lionsgate. Trailer Grade: B
