The Best Fall Previews Preceding the Worst Summer Films Coming to Theatres Near You!

You’re moved in, the weather is windier, and it’s impossible to find bike parking on the weekdays, we must be in the midst of Fall already! Even with the absence of colorful leaves, this season’s movie releases have already begun to hit theaters like an out-of-control partier. Many releases have charged into theaters and have stumbled right back out. Fortunately for us, there are a few cool kids coming to this party, promising packed houses and even possible dress-up ideas (well, I haven’t worn my Hermione costume in a few years). They’ll be the quirky hipsters of Indie flicks and a few appearances from the international crowd. But stay clear of the duds this fall, otherwise you’ll be nursing a hangover-like headache when leaving the theater. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Note: I included winter’s releases (except for December) as well because it nicely reflects our semester time line. Legitimate four seasons’ schedules can wait till after college. Also, I started my list as of the weekend of Sept. 17, apologizes to the previous weekend releases.

What to Ogle At

Nuns are so scary! Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures

The Town (Sept 17.)–Boston is the star of this film, and continues the new trend of Boston’s rise to becoming the next New York City. It’s only a matter of time. Yet another crime drama, which I’m sure will have my mother calling me to make sure I’m safe and ask me not to travel at night anymore. Directed by Ben Affleck (Gone, Baby, Gone), the trailer looks thrilling and emotionally captivating enough to satisfy most mainstream tastes.

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger (Sept. 22)–He’s back, and with usual star studded cast and witty dialog. Only time will tell if Woody Allen has done it again. And by it, I mean an Oscar winner, like Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Wall Street 2:Money Never Sleeps (Sept. 24)–I know what you were thinking when you saw this trailer: what is this movie, and why does that guy have such an old cell phone? Hollywood seems determined to keep fishing from successful lakes, Oliver Stone decided to revive one of his greatest cinematic success and give it the Shia sequel. From the looks of it, Stone let his all star cast to freely roam the city of New York on a path of self-destruction. Basically, any movie about money during a recession can either mean very good or horrendously awful.

Waiting for “Superman” (Sept. 24)–Sounds like a fairly good documentary about the damages of “No Child Left Behind.” If you’re into to that real-life application portion of the movie going public.

Be careful who you add. Photo from Columbia Pictures.

The Social Network (Oct. 1)–Hype with a dash of controversy and a creepy song from the trailer has made this movie about the birth of Facebook one of the most highly anticipated releases this year. And it’s managed to win some awards along the way. However, do not go into this film thinking you are in for a documentary, as much of the controversy surrounding the film is due to its inaccuracies. It does make you wonder what does happens across the Charles river.

Due Date (Nov. 5)-Whew! If you survived October’s nastily bad movie month, then you may appreciate this cross-country comedy. Robert Downey Jr. leads a cast (and what a cast!) as a father hurriedly rushing home to see the birth of his child. That is, until he runs into the French Bulldog wielding Zack Galifianakis. Hijinks ensue, and this traveling madcap comedy looks to be one most audiences will enjoy.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (Nov. 19) It is almost over. Share your fangirl tears now, and later next year, before Hogwarts officially closes up shop. Though I have not loved all the movies in the series, it’s still one of the biggest cultural phenomena of our generation. I’ll be looking forward to the midnight madness for this one.

Burlesque (Nov. 24)–I’m on the fence for this one. From its description, it sounds like Caberet and Chicago got into a backstage fight, and what strolled across the stage was this movie. I’m part curious to see Cher and Cristina Aguilera have a diva-off, but I’m also afraid to see the both of them, well in burlesque garb. Whether its worth the risk or not, you should probably like musicals.

Continuing their chemistry from "Brokeback Mountain." Photo from Twentieth Century Fox

Love and Other Drugs (Nov. 24)–Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal costar in a romantic story about a pharmaceutical sales person and his free spirited lady friend. Should be interesting with the lead’s dynamic acting chops. I’m excited and it’s not because of the drugs either.

Tangled (Nov. 24)–I am a die hard Disney fan, so I anticipate almost all of their releases. But this one has had most industry commentators wondering if it will work. Some fear Disney is trying too much to capture Shrek‘s audience now the sequels are (reportedly) over. A renaming and changes to the story have made some fear that the work may not be up to par with studio’s standards. After the flop that was Prince of Persia, I say Disney should score another hit before the in-development Pirates 4.

What to Walk By

Devil (Sept. 17)–There must be a new claustrophobia trend in Hollywood. It’s tackier than the Jersey Shore in my book. In no way does getting stuck in a virtual pine box make for good entertainment. And sadly, this one here has Shyamalan’s name on it-the equivalent of box office bad luck. But I could be wrong.

Easy F. Photo from Screen Gems.

Easy A (Sept. 17) This poor weekend has a lot going against it. I would like to believe this teen comedy has some redeeming qualities, like teaching about The Scarlet Letter. But they base the entire movie on the premise of a Literature class, even going as far as having the leading lady stitch a red “A” to her chest in rebellion to the rumors being spread about her. This is supposed to be about high school, right? What lesson do we learn by reaffirming what is said about us in the hallway? Do others dictate how we act and react? It means well, but I think it misses the message their audience might have been looking for. I’ll be happy if it at least addresses the double standard of gender.

Let Me In (Oct. 1)–Another movie that doesn’t need to exist. Much like The Ring, this picture is a mere remake of a perfectly good foreign film, Let the Right One In, which I feel looks much better from just comparing the two trailers. I understand this is Hollywood’s way of making a little more money on American’s reluctance to see movies they have to read subtitles in, but in all honestly if they are going to remake it; they had better do justice to the source material.

Buried (Oct. 8th)–It’s Ryan Reynolds in a box! “1) you cut a hole in the box. 2) put your junk in that box. 3) make her open the box and that’s the way you do it…” Please, if I wanted to sit through 90 minutes of being trapped in a box, I’d go to class in a windowless basement, aka the Psychology building.

Yes, the wit dies right here. Photo from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Life As We Know It (Oct. 8)–I am done with Katherine Heigl and insulting romantic comedies. Is there really no way for young adults to mature than with a bundle of unexpected joy dropped on their doorstep? Also, can we get rid of the premise of a surprise baby? From Three Men and a Baby to Raising Helen, I think this plot device has run it course.

Jackass 3D (Oct. 15)–For my feelings for 3D, see above. As for this movie, only if you are a fan of the show. For the rest of society who like their jokes a little less “ball busting” try to find something else to watch.

Saw 3D (Oct. 29th)–There are so many things wrong with this picture; let me count the ways. 1) I’m over the 3D craze. I was over it the moment Avatar cost around $3-5 extra to watch. 2) The “torture porn” genre needs to have ended yesterday. I do not recognize this film or its series as a part of the horror genre because there really is no surprise in what is going to happen. What people often mistake for being scared is actually being disgusted or grossed out. It is like watching a mental gladiator fight; you watch it as long as you can stand it. Cheap editing does not a scary movie make. Along with timing and set up, there exists an actual art to movie and story making. This story is as fake as the actor’s tears and fails to resonate with me as entertainment.

It's an action movie-I swear! Photo from Twentieth Century Fox.

Unstoppable (Nov. 12)–Spoiler alert: it’s Pelham 1-2-3, but with chemicals! I wonder what ever will happen to a runaway train with Denzel Washington on the line to stop it.

December has so many new releases, and many do not have trailers out yet. I hope Santa brings Hollywood some cheer and a happy new year.

About Monica Castillo

Monica Castillo (CAS '11) is a Film writer for the Quad. Drawn into the world of film studies accidentally, she's continued on writing, writing, and writing about film since. She also co-writes on another blog, http://beyondthebacklot.wordpress.com/, which is about even geekier film stuff. If you have the time, she would love to watch a movie with you.

View all posts by Monica Castillo →

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