BC-MOVIE-FALLFILMS:KC – entertainment, itop, xtop (3600 words)
Fall film preview: Doom, gloom and lots of comedy, too
By Robert W. Butler
McClatchy Newspapers
(MCT)
“It’s the end of the world as we know it,” Michael Stipe sang in one of R.E.M.’s most memorable tunes, “and I feel fine.”
Evidently watching Earth face extermination makes all of us feel fine … or at least keeps us mightily entertained.
How else to explain the crop of apocalyptic titles headed our way at the megaplex?
You’d think that with all the troubles afflicting mankind that we’d be reluctant to contemplate the extinction of the human race and the ravaging of our beautiful planet. Yet just the opposite is true.
Once fueled by fears of nuclear war, recent end-of-the-world movies now dabble with environmental collapse, alien invasion, unstoppable diseases and cataclysmic asteroid strikes.
The “Terminator” franchise has sold millions of tickets with the premise that our own machines will turn against us, leaving smoldering cities peppered with human skulls.
Heck, Kevin Costner has made two post-apocalyptic epics, “Waterworld” and “The Postman.”
Two of the more intriguing comedies this fall are about, of all things, zombies . In “Dead Snow” (Sept. 18) Nazi zombies terrorize ski enthusiasts in the European Alps ; “Zombieland” (Oct. 9) is about losers in the real world who have found ways to thrive in a post-apocalyptic environment.
But those are mere appetizers.
The main course consists of three apocalyptic fall films with big budgets, big-name casts and a grim view of where we’re heading:
“The Road” (opening Oct. 16) is the long-awaited screen adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer-winning novel about a father and son slogging through a nuclear winter where all animals and plants have died. Scavenging food, evading roaming bands of cannibals, they’re seeking some sort of refuge.
Ask anyone who’s read the book – this is one grueling, depressing tale.
The movie was to have been released last fall but was pushed back, reportedly for additional special effects work. That left some of us fretting that perhaps the movie was so true to the book that its distributor was panicking.
In any case, advance buzz has been strong for Viggo Mortensen’s performance (Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Robert Duvall and Molly Parker also are in the cast). And Aussie director John Hillcoat showed with his Down Under Western “The Proposition” that he knows how to handle heavy material.
Still, McCarthy’s story wasn’t about the spectacle of extermination but rather about the brutal, ever-shrinking world left in its wake. Will audiences warm up to a theme so chilly?
“2012” (Nov. 13): Maybe Roland Emmerich is a misanthrope. He has consistently tried to wipe out mankind in his films.
He did it with aliens in “Independence Day” and with devastating climate change in “The Day After Tomorrow.”
Now he caps his end-of-the-world trilogy with “2012,” which already has been getting a big media push thanks to a trailer that shows massive tidal waves slamming into the Big Apple and covering the Himalayas.
Heading the cast are John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Woody Harrelson and Thandie Newton … but with Emmerich it’s all about the spectacle. We’re betting “2012” will deliver.
“9” (opening Sept. 9): It’s not set on Earth (supposedly it takes place in an alternate universe) but “9” is close enough.
It’s a computer-animated fantasy about a rag-doll creature who struggles in a post-apocalyptic wasteland to survive against alien creatures bent on their destruction.
Writer/director Shane Acker has expanded his 2005 Oscar-nominated short and picked up a first-class cast of voice talent – Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, Christopher Plummer, Crispin Glover, Jennifer Connelly and Martin Landau.
It doesn’t stop there.
And if you can hold on until the new year, there’s “The Book of Eli” (Jan. 15) with Denzel Washington starring in “a post-apocalyptic tale in which a lone man fights his way across America in order to protect a sacred book that holds the secrets to saving humankind.”
The Hughes Brothers direct; the cast features Mila Kunis, Gary Oldman, Michael Gambon, Malcolm McDowell and Jennifer Beals.
It’s been noted that one reason science fiction is perennially popular is that it argues that mankind actually has a future.
If so, why our fascination with end-of-the-world scenarios? Perhaps we subconsciously hope that if we get our cosmic comeuppance in the movies, we’ll somehow avoid it in real life.
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‘CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS’
When: Sept. 18
What: Food rains from the sky in this 3-D animated comedy.
Why we’d see it: Based on a very popular children’s book.
Why we wouldn’t: Hollywood has trouble turning a simple book into a big film . (See “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” … or don’t.)
‘TOY STORY 3-D’
When: Oct. 2
What: A double feature of the first two “Toy Story” movies, now rejiggered for 3-D (to get us psyched for next summer’s 3-D “Toy Story 3”).
Why we’d see it: Love the characters, love the franchise … and 3-D gives us an excuse to buy another ticket.
Why we wouldn’t: Well, we have already seen these movies numerous times.
‘WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE’
When: Oct. 16
What: Spike Jonze’s adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s beloved children’s book about the adventures of a boy named Max.
Why we’d see it: The film has been designed around Sendak’s fantastic drawings. And we like Jonze’s off-center style.
Why we wouldn’t: Once again … how can such a slight volume support a feature film?
‘ASTRO BOY’
When: Oct. 23
What: In this animated sci-fi “Pinocchio” a robot boy sets out to discover the universe.
Why we’d see it: Lots of us have fond memories of the old TV series.
Why we wouldn’t: If it’s only a kid film.
‘DISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL’
When: Nov. 6
What: Dickens’ classic done in 3-D animation (think “Polar Express”).
Why we’d see it: Jim Carrey plays Scrooge and all the ghosts. Neat.
Why we wouldn’t: Can they please make the eyes look real? (Director Robert Zemeckis claims he did. We’ll see.)
‘FANTASTIC MR. FOX’
When: Nov. 13
What : Animated fantasy pitting angry farmers against a fox.
Why we’d see it: Adapted from a book by Roald Dahl, voices from George Clooney and Meryl Streep, directed by Wes (“Rushmore”) Anderson … we’re there!
Why we wouldn’t: How will the eccentric Anderson adapt to the glacial production pace of stop-motion animation?
‘PLANET 51’
When: Nov. 20
What: Animated adventure about astronaut who lands on a planet populated by little green families living white-picket-fence lives.
Why we’d see it: Strong voice work … Dwayne Johnson, Seann William Scott, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, John Cleese, Gary Oldman.
Why we wouldn’t: Director Jorge Blanco has no track record.
‘GAMER’
When: Sept. 4
What: In a future where video games can manipulate humans on a mass scale, a master player schemes to take down a sinister game inventor.
Why we’d see it: We’ve got a soft spot for leading man Gerard Butler (“300”) and love the idea of Michael C. Hall (of TV’s “Dexter”) as the bad guy. Bonus points: stuntwoman Zoe Bell (“Kill Bill,” “Death Proof” ) in a big role.
Why we wouldn’t: “Crank” franchise creators Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor know their way around action. But is that all they have up their sleeves?
‘PANDORUM’
When: Sept. 25
What: Astronauts (Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Cam Gigandet) awaken on their ship with no memory of who they are or what their mission is.
Why we’d see it: Mystery and sci-fi … an interesting combo.
Why we wouldn’t: Amnesiacs in space … didn’t we just see that in “Moon”?
‘SURROGATES’
When: Sept. 25
What: In the future, where people live in isolation and interact through their robots, a cop must leave his home to investigate a murder.
Why we’d see it: Perfect role for Bruce Willis. Plus it’s a nifty idea of where our video-and-computer-obsessed world may take us.
Why we wouldn’t: Director Jonathan Mostow’s career seemed to top out a few years ago with “U-571.”
‘THE BURNING PLAIN’
When: Sept. 18
What : Drama of relationships unfolds simultaneously in past and present in both Mexico and the U.S.
Why we’d see it: We like director Guillermo Arriaga’s track record: “Babel,” “21 Grams,” “Amoros Perros.” Cast is headed by Oscar winners Kim Basinger and Charlize Theron.
Why we wouldn’t: Some argue that Arriaga’s convoluted narrative style masks a dearth of real meaning.
‘FAME’
When: Sept. 25
What : Remake of ’80 hit about students at NYC High School. for the Performing Arts.
Why we’d see it: Lots of music, dance and attractive young faces.
Why we wouldn’t: Director Kevin Tancharoen has done only TV. Not sure of his ability to handle a full-fledged musical.
‘THE BOYS ARE BACK’
When: Oct. 2
What : Emotional Aussie effort about sports writer (Clive Owen) who becomes a single father when his wife dies.
Why we’d see it: A chance to see our fave Owen in a role unlike anything he has done before. Plus, sounds like it’s right up the alley of director Scott Hicks (“Shine”).
Why we wouldn’t: There’s a fine line between emotion and sappiness … can Hicks handle it?
‘AMELIA’
When: Oct. 23
What : Hilary Swank plays aviator Amelia Earhart.
Why we’d see it: Perfect casting.
Why we wouldn’t: So, are they actually going to tell us what happened to her?
‘PRECIOUS’
When: Nov. 20
What it is: Illiterate, overweight, pregnant Harlem teen enrolls in alternative school hoping to change her life .
Why we’d see it: “Precious” wowed them at Sundance this year.
Why we wouldn’t: Film festival hits don’t always play as well in the real world.
‘THE BLIND SIDE’
When: Nov. 20
What: Suburban mom Sandra Bullock takes in a hulking, undereducated, homeless African-American teen.
Why we’d see it: We were bawling at the end of the trailer .
Why we wouldn’t: Unless deftly handled, a project like this can slide into a lake of molasses.
‘SOUL POWER’
When: Aug. 28
What: Documentary about the legendary soul music concert staged in Kinshasa, Zaire, in 1974 to accompany one of the Ali-Foreman prize fights.
Why we’d see it: Performances by James Brown, Miriam Makeba, Celia Cruz and B.B. King.
Why we wouldn’t: What … they couldn’t book 50 Cent ?
‘THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE’
When: Sept. 11
What: Editor Anna Wintour prepares Vogue’s fall-fashion issue.
Why we’d see it: It’s the real-life “The Devil Wears Prada.”
Why we wouldn’t: Are we ready for 90 minutes of the withering Wintour?
‘CAPITALISM: A LOVE STORY’
When: Oct. 2
What: With last fall’s economic collapse as a backdrop, Michael Moore takes on the belief that greed is good.
Why we’d see it: Always fun to see Moore kick some right-wing booty .
Why we wouldn’t: If it’s our booty being kicked.
‘GOOD HAIR’
When: Oct. 23
What: Chris Rock-produced documentary looks at black folks’ love/hate affair with their hair.
Why we’d see it: Huge lineup of celebrity interviewees (Al Sharpton, Maya Angelou, Raven-Symone, Ice-T) suggests entertainment and insight.
Why we wouldn’t: Sounds like a done deal for black audiences, but will the white folks show up?
‘TAKING WOODSTOCK’
When: Aug. 28
What: The chameleonic Ang Lee delivers a comedy about a kid in the Catskills who inadvertently sets in motion the 1969 Woodstock music festival.
Why we’d see it: Ang Lee. Ang Lee. Ang Lee.
Why we wouldn’t: Some early reviews have been tepid.
‘ALL ABOUT STEVE’
When: Sept. 4
What: Enamored of a TV news cameraman, eccentric woman trails him across the U.S.
Why we’d see it: Sandra Bullock apparently can do no wrong (see “The Proposal”). Bradley Cooper is this season’s “It” boy (see “The Hangover”).
Why we wouldn’t: Director Phil Traill has done only shorts and TV sitcoms … does he have the stuff?
‘EXTRACT’
When: Sept. 11
What: Factory owner Jason Bateman struggles with professional and personal hassles.
Why we’d see it: The partnership of Bateman and director Mike Judge (“Office Space”) might mean comedy heaven.
Why we wouldn’t: Judge tends to lose control of his satiric out-there projects (see “Idiocracy “).
‘TYLER PERRY’S I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF’
When: Sept. 11
What: Perry’s Madea uses tough love to solve the problems of her sprawling family.
Why we’d see it: Perry’s fans are devoted.
Why we wouldn’t: We’re not big Perry fans.
‘WORLD’S GREATEST DAD’
When: Sept. 11
What: Tragedy gives miserable high school teacher Robin Williams the life he has always wished for, if he can live with how he got it.
Why we’d see it: It’s directed by madman Bobcat Goldthwait, and early reviewers have called it “gloriously twisted” and “proudly deviant.” Who can resist that ?
Why we wouldn’t: Twisted and deviant aren’t everybody’s idea of a good time.
‘DEAD SNOW’
When: Sept. 18
What: Norwegian film about vacationing skiers battling Nazi zombies.
Why we’d see it: Nazi ZOMBIES!!!
Why we wouldn’t: Nazi zombies?
‘THE INVENTION OF LYING’
When: Sept. 25
What: In this world no one has ever lied, until a writer seizes the opportunity for personal gain.
Why we’d see it: The fall’s greatest cast: Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Patrick Stewart, Jonah Hill, Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Jeffrey Tambor.
Why we wouldn’t: Uh … actually we can’t think of a reason.
‘COUPLES RETREAT’
When: Oct. 9
What: Four couples vacation at tropical resort, not realizing that marriage counseling is mandatory there.
Why we’d see it: Killer cast (Jon Favreau, Kristen Bell, Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Kristin Davis) promises hilarity, as does the Favreau/Vaughn script.
Why we wouldn’t: We remember helmer Peter Billingsley as Ralphie in “A Christmas Story.” Can he be as funny behind the camera?
‘WHIP IT’
When: Oct. 9
What: Texas gal avoids small-town misery by joining a Roller Derby team.
Why we’d see it: Ellen Page (“Juno”); also Kristen Wiig as skater Malice in Wonderland and Juliette Lewis as Dinah Might.
Why we wouldn’t: We know Drew Barrymore can produce a movie … can she direct one?
‘ZOMBIELAND’
When: Oct. 9
What: A few humans find ways to survive a zombie takeover.
Why we’d see it: You can’t have too many zombie comedies.
Why we wouldn’t: Uh … are you sure about that?
‘GENTLEMEN BRONCOS’
When: Oct. 30
What: A teenager attends a fantasy writers convention where he discovers his idea has been stolen by an established novelist.
Why we’d see it: We like many of the players: Sam Rockwell, Jennifer Coolidge and Mike White.
Why we wouldn’t: Hope writer/director Jared Hess can do better than he did with “Nacho Libre.”
‘YOUTH IN REVOLT’
When: Oct. 30
What it is: With his trashy parents about to split, teen (Michael Cera) dreams of the girl who will relieve him of his virginity.
Why we’d see it: Cera (“Superbad,” “Juno”) is the king of dweeby teen angst . Plus you get Zach Galifianakis, Justin Long and Steve Buscemi.
Why we wouldn’t: No Judd Apatow this time. Directing is TV vet Miguel Arteta.
‘THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS’
When: Nov. 6
What: Iraq war correspondent meets soldiers who claim to be members of an elite paranormal unit.
Why we’d see it: George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges.
Why we wouldn’t: Who the heck is director Grant Heslov?
‘PIRATE RADIO’
When: Nov. 6
What: In the ’60s, an offshore pirate radio station beams American rock ‘n’ roll into Britain.
Why we’d see it: Love the cast: Bill Nighy, Kenneth Branagh, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Nick Frost.
Why we wouldn’t: Director Richard Curtis has a following thanks to “Love, Actually” but, frankly, we weren’t all that amused.
‘ADAM’
When: Aug. 28
What: Romance about a high-functioning autistic who demands absolute honesty from others.
Why we’d see it: We’re big fans of Rose Byrne (TV’s “Damages”) and Hugh Dancy … sounds like a sweet little film.
Why we wouldn’t: Sweet might not cut it for audiences with short attention spans.
‘LOVE HAPPENS’
When: Sept. 18
What: Widower writes best-seller about recovering from grief … but when the right woman appears, can he put his theories into practice?
Why we’d see it: Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart sound like just the right actors for this story.
Why we wouldn’t: The title. Where’s my insulin?
‘BRIGHT STAR’
When: Sept. 25
What: The doomed 19th-century romance between poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne (Ben Whishaw, Abbie Cornish).
Why we’d see it: Costumes, a literary pedigree and Jane (“The Piano”) Campion at the helm.
Why we wouldn’t: Please, not another freeze-dried Masterpiece Theatre period piece.
‘NEW YORK, I LOVE YOU’
When: Oct. 30
What: Eleven short love stories set in the Big Apple.
Why we’d see it: Major stars, lots of directors.
Why we wouldn’t: Movie anthologies seem to work only about half the time.
‘THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON’
When: Nov. 20
What: In Part 2, Edward goes AWOL, so Bella gets cozy with the lycanthropic Jacob.
Why we’d see it: Fans of the series are nearly as devoted as those of Harry Potter.
Why we wouldn’t: Frankly, we weren’t all that impressed with “Twilight.”
‘WHITEOUT’
When: Sept. 11
What: Female U.S. marshal trails killer across Antarctica on the eve of a six-month-long night.
Why we’d see it: We’re big Kate Beckinsale fans (though we prefer her in tight vinyl over parkas). And we like the premise.
Why we wouldn’t: Director Dominic Sena’s track record (“Swordfish,” “Gone in 60 Seconds”) gives pause.
‘THE INFORMANT!’
When: Sept. 18
What: Whistleblower Matt Damon gives up his bosses at a corrupt agribusiness to the feds.
Why we’d see it: Might be director Steven Soderbergh’s version of “The Insider”… and that would be a very good thing.
Why we wouldn’t: The marketing sends mixed signals … is this a comedy? A dramedy? A thriller? What?
‘BRONSON’
When: Oct. 9
What: After 30 years in solitary confinement, inmate believes he has become ’70s action star Charles Bronson.
Why we’d see it: Based on a real convict, this import got raves in Britain.
Why we wouldn’t: Sounds bizarre.
‘LAW ABIDING CITIZEN’
When: Oct. 16
What: Everyday guy goes vigilante after a plea bargain sets his family’s killers free.
Why we’d see it: We like lead Gerard Butler and of course Michael Gambon (aka Dumbledore).
Why we wouldn’t: Revenge stories are a dime a dozen.
‘THE FINAL DESTINATION’
When: Aug. 28
What: The final “Final Destination” film about people who foresee their own deaths.
Why we’d see it: Followers of the series swear these films have more depth than they’re credited with.
Why we wouldn’t: Even so, isn’t it a bit late to jump on board?
‘H2’
When: Aug. 28
What: Yet another horror film spawned by the “Halloween” canon.
Why we’d see it: Director Rob Zombie has talent.
Why we wouldn’t: We’re tired of masked slashers.
‘SORORITY ROW’
When: Sept. 11
What: After the death of a house-sister in a prank gone wrong, sorority members are stalked by a serial killer.
Why we’d see it: Is there a shower scene?
Why we wouldn’t: Is there a shower scene?
‘JENNIFER’S BODY’
When: Sept. 18
What: A possessed cheerleader goes on a high-school killing spree.
Why we’d see it: Great trailer, big buzz and a screenplay by Oscar-winner Diablo Cody (“Juno”).
Why we wouldn’t: Yeah, Megan Fox is hot. But we’re still waiting to see her act.
‘SHUTTER ISLAND’
When: Oct. 2
What: In 1950s Boston a cop investigates the escape of a criminally insane woman from an island asylum … and begins to fear for his own sanity.
Why we’d see it: Martin Scorsese once again directs Leonardo DiCaprio. They haven’t messed up yet (see “Gangs of New York,” “The Aviator” and “The Departed”).
Why we wouldn’t: Trailers make it look very disturbing. (Uh … actually that’s another reason to see it.)
‘THE STEPFATHER’
When: Oct. 16
What: Returning from military school, boy discovers that Mom’s new hubby is too good to be true.
Why we’d see it: The original “Stepfather” back in ’87 (it starred a girl) was a minor classic.
Why we wouldn’t: Hard to imagine how this one can improve on the first.
‘SAW VI’
When: Oct. 23
What: Despite being dead, Jigsaw keeps killing.
Why we’d see it: Gorehounds know this series delivers.
Why we wouldn’t: This idea wore out our welcome about three movies ago.
‘CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRE’S ASSISTANT’
When: Oct. 23
What: Boy meets strange man at a freak show and goes out on the road with this vampire mentor.
Why we’d see it: It’ll be fun to see John C. Reilly in a non-comedy. Also we’re fans of young Josh Hutcherson (“Bridge to Terabithia”).
Why we wouldn’t: Yeah, vampires are in. So in we’re starting to get sick of them.
‘THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL’
When: Oct. 30
What: Baby sitter slowly realizes her employers are planning to use her for a human sacrifice.
Why we’d see it: Love the idea of Mary Woronov and Tom Noonan as a creepy couple.
Why we wouldn’t: So far writer/director Ti West has done nothing to write home about.
‘THE BOX’
When: Nov. 6
What: A small wooden box grants the wishes of a young couple … but at what cost?
Why we’d see it: Good cast: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella.
Why we wouldn’t: Yeah, we loved director Richard Kelly’s “Donnie Darko” … but did you see his “Southland Tales”?
‘THE FOURTH KIND’
When: Nov. 6
What: A small Alaskan burg has seen an extraordinary number of unexplained disappearances over 40 years.
Why we’d see it: Isn’t everybody a Milla Jovovich fan?
Why we wouldn’t: Sounds too much like “The Mothman Prophecies.”
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AP-NY-08-20-09 0821EDT