According
to Cat
20 - Here After (9/13)
Director: Robert Salerno
Writer: Sarah Conradt
Actors: Connie Britton, Giovanni
Cirfiera, Freya Hannan-Mills, Tommaso Basili, Alessandro Bressanello,
Babetida Sadjo, Syama Rayner, Andrea Bruschi, Alessandro Riceci,
Giorgia Trasselli, Laura Anzani, Lollo Franco
Genre: Horror, Drama, Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 29min
IMDb Blurb: Claire is
overjoyed when her daughter Robin is miraculously revived after a
fatal accident. But her relief turns to dread as Claire notices
changes in her daughter, suspecting something dark has followed her
back from the brink of death.
It has been a little difficult to bring
this Top 20 to you this month. On one hand, I had about 30 movies
that I had marked that I really wanted to see, and had to pare that
list down drastically. On the other, I've been pretty sick. I caught
COVID again. I'm working on getting better, but unfortunately don't
have a lot of energy and focus to bring to bear for my
usual...wordiness... and enthusiasm explaining each item on the list.
For that reason, I'm going to depart
from my usual and offer 3 points for each listing to explain why I
want to see them, and their presence in this article. Some of these
titles could swap around in order (and, in fact, I have rearranged my
list several times before just leaving it as-is) so this is not
necessarily a month to relate position on the list with the
watchability of a movie.
That being said, let's get into
discussing Here After.
I'm here for the premise of this story.
It leans in the direction of something along the lines of where
Flatliners (2017 & 1990) was going with its story.
Something follows the young girl back from the beyond. Of course,
this seems like it will play out more like a lesson in letting go and
“be careful what you wish for,” since the trailers seem to give a
correlation of the mother's desperate prayers to the daughter's
miraculous revival.
Speaking of the mother, I adore Connie
Britton (Nashville, Bombshell, The White Lotus), and am
excited to se her on the big screen.
Last but not least, I'm interested to
see the fairly fresh perspective of the writer/director team. This is
the feature directorial debut for Robert Salerno (Vox Lux, I'm
Thinking of Ending Things, Smile). He has been behind the scenes
as a producer or production manager on many well-known projects, but
this is his first time wearing this hat. Also, this is the sophomore
feature length screenplay by writer Sarah Conradt (Out of Her
Mind, 50 States of Fright, Mothers' Instinct). Her debut
production released last month, in August.
19 - Azrael (9/27)
Director: E.L. Katz
Writer: Simon Barrett
Actors: Samara Weaving, Vic
Carmen Sonne, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Vincent Willestrand, Sebastian
Bull, Rea Lest, Eero Milonoff, Peter Christoffersen, Lucie Jan,
Katariina Unt, Phong Giang, Karen Bengo, Johhan Rosenberg
Genre: Action, Horror, Fantasy,
Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 1h 25min
IMDb Blurb: In a world where
no one speaks, a devout female-led community hunts down a young woman
who has escaped imprisonment. Recaptured, Azrael is due to be
sacrificed to an ancient evil in the wilderness, but fights for her
own survival.
I will probably watch everything I can
get my hands on with Samara Weaving (Mayhem, Ready or Not, Guns
Akimbo) in it, and I'm fairly sure I recall Selina mentioning
that she feels the same way. Weaving is an amazing modern-day “scream
queen” and is excellent with badass characters.
Another thing that draws me to Azrael
is curiosity as to whether or not the story actually takes place
after the biblical Rapture. The trailer seems to allude to that being
the case, but I would like to know more about the world-building and
setting here to explain why no one speaks, etc.
I think that the writer/director
production team for this film have the potential to really sink their
teeth into this story and deliver the proverbial goods.
18 - My Old Ass (9/13)
Director: Megan Park
Writer: Megan Park
Actors: Maisy Stella, Aubrey
Plaza, Percy Hynes White, Maddie Ziegler, Kerrice Brooks, Maria
Dizzia, Alain Goulem, Seth Isaac Johnson, Carter Trozzolo, Alexandria
Rivera
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: R
Length: 1h 28min
IMDb Blurb: A mushroom trip
brings free-spirited Elliott face-to-face with her 39-year-old self.
But when Elliott's "old ass" delivers warnings to her
younger self, Elliott realizes she has to rethink everything about
her family, life, and love.
I have never partaken of psychedelic
mushrooms, and I've always been curious as to whether or not the
experience is the way it's portrayed in media. I'm not sure that I'm
curious enough to actually try any, but that little nugget of wonder
remains. Be that as it may, I find the notion of a hallucinogen
enabling you to talk to your future self an interesting concept.
Beyond that, even, the scenario seems to extend beyond the actual
shroom trip. Maybe the mushrooms are really magic in the literal
sense.
I adore Aubrey Plaza (Legion,
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off) and
the roles she takes often have this wonderful level of wit and snark
to them. Other cast members of note for me are: Maddie Ziegler (So
You Think You Can Dance, Leap!, West Side Story), Percy Hynes
White (Our House, The Gifted, Wednesday), and Seth Isaac
Johnson (Supernatural, iZombie, Firefly Lane). I'm curious as
to the nature of Ziegler's role here, as her parts tend to involve
music or dance, since that's where her true wheelhouse is.
17 - Bagman (9/27)
Director: Colm McCarthy
Writer: John Hulme
Actors: Sam Claflin, Antonia
Thomas, William Hope, Steven Cree, Adelle Leonce, Frankie Corio,
Sharon D. Clarke, Henry Pettigrew, Neil Linpow, Will Davis, Caréll
Vincent Rhoden, Jordan Gubian
Genre: Horror
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 32min
IMDb Blurb: When a sinister
threat from his childhood returns to haunt him, a father desperately
struggles against his deepest inner fear. Only this time, the fight
isn't for himself; it's for his family.
I'm ready for the heat of summer to be
over and for the cooler weather of spooky season to get here. This
month I seem to be leaning in to the horror movies earlier than usual
– but there were just so many that got my attention, too.
I like the pathos that Sam Claflin
(Every Breath You Take, Book of Love, Daisy Jones & The Six)
brings to his characters. I was already invested in his worries as a
father just from watching the trailer. While on the topic of cast, I
would also be remiss if I didn't mention that Bagman also has a
Doctor Who (2005-) alum on board, as well, with Sharon D.
Clarke (Tau, Holby City, Castlevania: Nocturne).
Frankly, the concept of the Bagman
is terrifying. It's one of a parent's worst fears – to have your
child snatched from right under your nose, and especially from a
place you consider safe like your house. This one might just give me
nightmares, even though my daughter is 21.
16 - The Critic (9/13)
Director: Anand Tucker
Writer: Patrick Marber
Based On: the novel 'Curtain
Call' by Anthony Quinn
Actors: Gemma Arterton, Ben
Barnes, Ian McKellen, Mark Strong, Lesley Manville, Romola Garai,
Alfred Enoch, Claire Skinner, Beau Gadsdon, Rebecca Gethings,
Nicholas Bishop, Nikesh Patel, Jay Simpson
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Drama
Rated: R
Length: 1h 35min
Metacritic Blurb: A powerful
London theater critic (Sir Ian McKellen) lures a struggling actress
into a blackmail scheme with deadly consequences.
Sir Ian McKellan (X-Men: Days of
Future Past, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, The Good
Liar) has embodied some of the most iconic fictional characters
of my lifetime on the big screen. He's a master at his craft, capable
of flawless Shakespeare just as much as wizards and mutants. When I
watched the trailer for The Critic, McKellan's character
reminded me of a more sadistic and malevolent version of Anton Ego
from Ratatouille (2007). This is definitely not a wholesome
animated movie, of course. That mental connection sparked my interest
in the film, however.
McKellan isn't the only stand-out among
the cast, either. I am a huge fan of Ben Barnes (Seventh Son, The
Punisher, Shadow and Bone); as well as Gemma Arterton (Clash
of the Titans, Byzantium, The King's Man) and Mark Strong (Tinker
Tailor Soldier Spy, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Shazam!) rarely
disappoint. Alfred Enoch (How to Get Away With Murder, Foundation,
The Couple Next Door) has also come a long way from his days as
Dean Thomas in the Harry Potter franchise. Let's also not
forget Lesley Manville (Maleficent, Phantom Thread, The Crown)
has a role here as well.
I am intrigued as to how this story
will play out. Will the salty and self-important critic get his
come-uppance or will his machinations win out in the end?
15 - Lee (9/27)
Director: Ellen Kuras
Writer: Liz Hannah, Marion Hume,
John Collee, Lem Dobbs, Antony Penrose
Based On: "The Lives of
Lee Miller" by Antony Penrose
Actors: Alexander Skarsgård,
Kate Winslet, Andy Samberg, Andrea Riseborough, Josh O'Connor, Marion
Cotillard, Noémie Merlant, James Murray, Samuel Barnett, Enrique
Arce, Arinzé Kene, Riley Neldam, Patrick Mille, Zita Hanrot, Toni
Gojanovic, Vincent Colombe, Harriet Leitchk, Camilla Aiko, Seán
Duggan
Genre: Drama, Biography,
History, War
Rated: R
Length: 1h 56min
IMDb Blurb: The story of
American photographer Lee Miller, a fashion model who became an
acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II.
While historical drama biopics are not
always my cup of tea, I do recognize that we should recognize their
importance. This is one such movie. Lee Miller led a fascinating life
and played a significant role during WWII as a war-photographer.
Considering that this film is based on a biography written by
Miller's son, I'd say this should be a fairly accurate portrayal and
a captivating story.
My last two points are really the
singular focus on cast, but they're each such a major draw to this
production for me that I feel it counts.
I'm generally down to watch anything
with Alexander Skarsgård (Mute, The Northman, Infinity Pool)
in it. He chooses such interesting projects. He stole the show for me
when I first encountered him on True Blood (2008-2014) and I
haven't been disappointed since.
Then, of course, there's Kate Winslet
(The Dressmaker, Blackbird, Avatar: The Way of Water) playing
the titular role in Lee. I've adored her since I first
encountered her in Sense and Sensibility (1995) and Branagh's
Hamlet (1996). My heart broke for her Ophelia. I think she's a
fantastic choice for this role and I am honestly looking forward to
streaming Lee at some point in the future (considering, I
realistically won't be making it to any theaters this month).
14 - Clawfoot (9/23)
Director: Michael Day
Writer: April Wolfe
Actors: Francesca Eastwood, Milo
Gibson, Olivia Culpo, Oliver Cooper, Nestor Carbonell, Brayden
Warren, Andrew Friedman, Thomas Forbes-Johnson, Lisa Schurga
Genre: Thriller
Rated: Not Rated
Length: 1h 27min
IMDb Blurb: Follows a
housewife psychologically terrorized by a manipulative contractor,
leading to a twisted battle of wits with deliciously unexpected
results.
This doesn't feel like your
stereotypical home invasion thriller. There's a scenario where the
invader connives a way to be invited in, of course – but I have so
many questions. Did the contractor do something to the husband in
order to get the “contract” for the remodel that he uses to gain
entry? Was it a forgery? What was the guy's motivation other than to
torment the sexy housewife? I'm hoping that watching Clawfoot will
provide some answers.
I like the cast here. Aside from the
Hollywood legacy actors of Francesca Eastwood (Final Girl, Old,
Running on Empty) and Milo Gibson (The Tribes of Palos Verdes,
Breaking & Exiting, The Outpost), I was excited to see that
Olivia Culpo (I Feel Pretty, Reprisal, Paradise City) is on
board here. I fell in love with her in American Satan (2017)
and hope that her career keeps heading upward. But yes, the last
names of Eastwood and Gibson connect the leads to exactly who you
think they do. I hate the phrase “nepo-baby” in regards to the
industry. If they're following in their parents' footsteps, I like
the term legacy much better.
Finally, this is the feature
directorial debut for Michael Day (Rogue Warfare, As They Made Us,
The Kill Room). He has been behind the scenes quite a while as
producer, production accountant, and the like – working on very
well-known productions, at that. I'm interested to see how he builds
a story as a director, and am looking forward to finding out.
13 - Apartment 7A (9/27)
Director: Natalie Erika James
Writer: Natalie Erika James,
Christian White, Skylar James, Ira Levin
Based on: the novel "Rosemary's
Baby" by Ira Levin
Actors: Julia Garner, Dianne
Wiest, Jim Sturgess, Kevin McNally, Andrew Buchan, Marli Siu, Kobna
Holdbrook-Smith, Amy Leeson, Rosy McEwen, Nikkita Chadha, Brooke
Walter, James Swanton, Hannah Morley, Scott Hume, Patrick Lyster,
Mellanie Hubert, Dylan Baldwin, Anton Blake Horowitz, Raphael Sowole,
Patricia Jones, Andre Lillis, Rebecca Crankshaw
Genre: Horror, Psychological
Thriller, Drama
Rated: R
Length: 1h 44min
Metacritic Blurb: Ambitious
young dancer Terry Gionoffrio (Julia Garner) dreams of fame and
fortune in New York City, but after suffering a devastating injury,
an older, wealthy couple (Dianne Wiest and Kevin McNally) welcomes
her into their home in the luxury apartment building the Bramford.
When a fellow resident and influential Broadway producer (Jim
Sturgess) offers her another chance at fame, it seems that all her
dreams are finally coming true. However, after an evening she can’t
fully remember, disturbing circumstances soon have her
second-guessing the sacrifices she’s willing to make for her career
as she realizes that something evil is living not only in Apartment
7A, but in the Bramford itself.
Rosemary's Baby (1968) is a
horror classic that stands up, even today. There have been several
films that have even come out in the last few years that conceptually
harken back to the same core plot points. It was one of the major
building blocks of the “coven seeking to bring about the
antichrist” genre. Apartment 7A references that classic
movie for a reason – this is the prequel to that story. The main
character in Apartment 7A is even mentioned in the novel
Rosemary's Baby was based on so there is even some legitimate
grounding for this narrative. I'm interested in finding out how this
prologue plays out.
The cast also draws me in to this
production. (When does it not? I'll watch some sketchy stuff if
there's a good cast involved. Thankfully, this doesn't appear to be
on the sketch side.) Dianne Wiest (I Care a Lot, My Father's
Dragon, Mayor of Kingstown) is actually a brilliant choice to
play the nefarious neighbor Minnie Castevet. She seems like the
epitome of wholesome mom-figure. In fact, my introduction to her in
cinema dates back to her role as the motherly preacher's wife in the
original Footloose (1984) and the mom in The Lost Boys
(1987). Those roles were wholesome by nature. Here, it's a deceptive
veneer and I'm here for it.
I'm also interested to see how Jim
Sturgess' (Cloud Atlas, Stonehearst Asylum, Alone Together)
character plays in to the story. Is he a pawn in the scenario or a
willing participant in the malevolent shenanigans? I'm not as
familiar with Julia Garner (Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, The
Assistant, Ozark), though I'm interested in seeing how she
portrays this role as the occupant of 7A before Rosemary comes along.
Last, but not least, it's worth noting
that this is the sophomore feature for director Natalie Erika James
(Creswick, Drum Wave, Relic). I am loving that she's aiming
high in augmenting such a classic and I am hoping it turns out well.
12- The Thicket (9/6)
Director: Elliott Lester
Writer: Chris Kelley, Joe R.
Lansdale
Based On: the novel "The
Thicket" by Joe R. Lansdale
Actors: Peter Dinklage, Juliette
Lewis, Levon Hawke, Leslie Grace, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Esme Creed-Miles,
Ned Dennehy, Ryan Robbins, Arliss Howard, David Midthunder, James
Hetfield, Macon Blair, Andrew Schulz, Teach Grant, Guy Sprung, Derek
Gilroy
Genre: Western, Crime, Drama,
Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 1h 48min
IMDb Blurb: West Texas. A boy
who, after his sister is kidnapped by a violent killer known only as
Cut Throat Bill, enlists a fierce bounty hunter named Reginald Jones
who becomes the leader of the group of outcasts searching for the
stolen girl.
Westerns aren't really my go-to genre,
but I've grown up watching them because of my grandparents' affinity
for them and for that reason the western genre offers a bit of
comfort now and again. There's something about the simpler time and
the open spaces of the western frontier that appeals to me in a
visceral way. The Thicket doesn't seem to be the stereotypical
western, given that the trailer shows some motorized vehicles – but
it feels familiar enough to count. I'm curious as to what it is about
this titular thicket that draws the characters there.
Cast, as usual, is a big draw here. I
adore Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones, Cyrano, Unfrosted) and
love the wit and candor of his characters. The no-nonsense gritty
bounty hunter feels like a great role for him to shine in and I'm
here for it. Juliette Lewis (Ma, August: Osage County,
Yellowjackets) has always excelled in these wild card roles.
While my initial introduction to her in National Lampoon's
Christmas Vacation (1989) was a fairly “normal” role, the
parts she's excelled in since then have been anything but – such as
Natural Born Killers (1994). That was when my eyes really
opened to stories with really out-there characters. I'm curious as to
the origins of Lewis' character here and their motivations. Levon
Hawke (The Crowded Room, Wildcat, Blink Twice) and Esme
Creed-Miles (Hanna, The Legend of Vox Machina, The Doll Factory)
feel like great choices as the siblings at the core of this story and
I'm excited to watch their dynamic.
I'm highly anticipating what role James
Hetfield (Metalocalypse, Skylanders Academy, Metallica Through the
Never) has in this film, however – probably more than anyone
else I've already mentioned. While that might seem odd, and it's a
slightly longer story than I'm able to explain at the moment; I think
it could be boiled down to a personal family connection and also
anticipation of seeing his first big feature role. He's done some
voice-work in animation before and many many music videos, but this
seems to be his first live-action part outside of the music industry.
I'm excited to see how he does!
11 - Long Gone Heroes (9/20)
Director: John Swab
Writer: John Swab, Santiago
Manes Moreno
Actors: Josh Hutcherson, Beau
Knapp, Frank Grillo, Melissa Leo, Eden Brolin, Andy Garcia, Wendy
Moniz, Mekhi Phifer, Juan Pablo Raba, George Carroll, Sam Quartin,
Maneses Vazquez
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama,
Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 1h 32min
IMDb Blurb: A special forces
soldier who has given up country, religion, and even hope, must
return to the field of battle to track down his niece, a reporter,
caught in the middle of an illegal private contracting operation that
went dead wrong.
While my journey to the spooky season
is laden with horror flicks, I still have to have my action
adrenaline rushes now and again. Out of the 2 Frank Grillo (What
If...?, Lights Out, Hounds of War) movies hitting screens this
month, I found I felt more invested in Long Gone Heroes. I
like the family-to-the-rescue concept, too.
Grillo has cemented his place in the
action landscape and I'm here for it. Though, Josh Hutcherson (57
Seconds, Five Nights at Freddy's, The Beekeeper) has proven he
has action chops that are nothing to sneeze at and I'm excited to see
him in this production, as well. There's some significant star-power
involved with Long Gone Heroes. Andy Garcia (Mamma Mia!
Here We Go Again, The Expendables 4, Pain Hustlers) and Mekhi
Phifer (8 Mile, Frequency, The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat)
are great additions to this cast. Beau Knapp (Ida Red, The
Bikeriders, Road House) and Eden Brolin (Emerald City, Beyond,
The Cleaner) are also great additions as up-and-comers.
10 - Uglies (9/13)
Director: McG
Writers: Jacob Forman, Vanessa
Taylor, Whit Anderson, Scott Westerfeld
Based On: the novel by Scott
Westerfeld
Actors: Joey King, Chase Stokes,
Laverne Cox, Jillian Murray, Keith Powers, Brianne Tju, Luke Eisner,
Kelly Gale, Kevin Miles, Robert Palmer Watkins, Jan Luis Castellanos,
Charmin Lee, Alex D. Jennings, Lindsay Rootare, Jay DeVon Johnson,
Zamani Wilder, Ash Maeda, Jason Parks, John Castle, Moose Ali Khan,
Katie McSweeney, Brett Hoyle, Tessa Anderson, Dutch Johnson,
Gabriella Garcia, Jordan Sherley, Jessica Galinas, Quintin Mims, Joe
Sterrey
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adventure,
Action, Drama
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 40min
Metacritic Blurb: In a
futuristic world that imposes a cosmetic surgery at 16, Tally is
eager for her turn to join the rest of society. But when a friend
runs away, Tally embarks on a journey to save her that upends
everything she thought she wanted.
I'll be the first to admit that I
haven't read the novel that this movie is based on, so I wouldn't
begin to be able to advise whether or not the trailer indicates that
Uglies is following the story that inspired it. This premise
does remind me heavily of the Divergent (2014) trilogy. I
loved those books – we're not going to get into what happened with
the films. This isn't quite the same, however, and I am thankful for
that. I am here for the message within this story that appearances
aren't everything, and I'm curious what other aspects are 'upgraded'
with this mandatory 'pretty' surgery that this dystopian world
requires.
I am a big fan of both Laverne Cox
(Orange is the New Black, Charlie's Angels, Jolt) and Joey
King (The Princess, Bullet Train, Despicable Me 4) and am
looking forward to seenig them opposed against each other here in
this narrative.
Outside of cast and story, I am excited
that McG (We Are Marshall, 3 Days to Kill, The Babysitter) is
the director. I have enjoyed quite a bit of his work to date and am
hoping Uglies also follows suit.
9 - Transformers One (9/20)
Director: Josh Cooley
Writers: Andrew Barrer, Gabriel
Ferrari, Eric Pearson
Actors: Chris Hemsworth, Brian
Tyree Henry, Scarlett Johansson, Keegan-Michael Key, Jon Hamm,
Laurence Fishburne, Steve Buscemi, Vanessa Liguori, Jon Bailey, Jason
Konopisos-Alvarez, Evan Michael Lee, Isaac C. Singleton Jr., Jinny
Chung, Josh Cooley
Genre: Action, Adventure,
Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Animation
Rated: PG
Length: 1h 44min
IMDb Blurb: The untold origin
story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies,
but once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of
Cybertron forever.
I'll be honest. I had a hard time with
the placement on this list for Transformers One. A fuzzy head
hasn't helped, but I've been seriously waffling and shuffling this
film up and down the list. I finally am semi-happy with where it has
landed.
The Transformers (1984-1987)
original animated series is a very significant part of my personal
cinematic landscape. It was one of the handful of my favorite
childhood “cartoons” and has remained one of my all-time favorite
franchises. I bawled because of the plot twist in The
Transformers: The Movie (1986) – which I saw in the theater. I
was among the traumatized generation because of that and several
other beloved movies of my youth. I remember it clearly – I felt
like that movie had betrayed me, and yet I still loved it. It's a
good thing that the director for this new animated feature, Josh
Cooley (Toy Story of Terror, Inside Out, Toy Story 4), has
pledged to do his best not to do that to a new generation. (You can
read more about that in the EW article here.)
Optimus Prime was probably my first
voice crush ever. There's just something about Peter Cullen's (My
Friends Tigger & Pooh, Transformers Prime, Invincible) voice
in that role. He's also been the voice of Eeyore since at least the
1990s and I don't have the same reaction to that character (not that
it would be realistic in regards to a depressed donkey... I
digress...). Cullen simply is the only voice that I would accept as
Optimus Prime. He remains one of my 2 favorite characters from the
series, and always will be. So imagine my concern when I learned that
Cullen is not voicing his iconic role in this new prequel movie. This
younger Optimus is voiced by Chris Hemsworth (Bad Times at the El
Royale, Men in Black: International, Extraction II).
Now don't get me wrong, I adore
Hemsworth. He's badass, always makes me laugh, and I love that he
never takes himself too seriously. Optimus Prime, though? I'm not
sold on this, but I can see... or rather hear the potential. The one
thing that has given me hope regarding this movie is the fact that
Hemsworth actually worked extensively with Cullen directly to get the
voice for this role right. I read that in the IMDb trivia and I
couldn't believe it at face value, though. I went and dug up proof.
I am generally mollified, but I'm still apprehensive.
Aside from that, Cooley did an amazing
job signing off on the casting here. He was hoping to stack the cast
much like the original movie was, and I think he succeeded. Hemsworth
is just the tip of the iceberg of major talent lined up for
Transformers One. Brian Tyree Henry (Hotel Artemis, If
Beale Street Could Talk, Bullet Train) will be voicing Megatron,
Keegan-Michael Key (Keanu, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Wonka)
is voicing my 2nd favorite Autobot Bumblebee, and Steve
Buscemi (The Dead Don't Die, Hotel Transylvania 4: Transformania,
Miracle Workers) is lending his voice to Starscream. Of course,
the list doesn't stop there. Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow,
Asteroid City, Fly Me to the Moon), Jon Hamm (Mad Men, Good
Omens, Fargo), and Laurence Fishburne (John Wick, Moon Girl
and Devil Dinosaur, Slingshot) are also on board.
On one hand I can't wait to see this
new Transformers movie – just because it's the Transformers.
On the other hand, I am still worried and don't want to hold my
breath. I hope it does really well and exceeds my expectations.
8 - Amber Alert (9/27)
Director: Kerry Bellessa
Writers: Kerry Bellessa, Joshua
Oram
Based On: Remake of 2012 film
same title, director, & writer.
Actors: Hayden Panettiere, Tyler
James Williams, Kevin Dunn, Ducky Cash, Saidah Arrika Ekulona, Katie
McClellan, Kruz Valero, Kurt Oberhaus
Genre: Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 30min
RottenTomatoes Blurb: An
ordinary rideshare becomes a high-stakes game of cat and mouse when
Jaq (Hayden Panettiere) and Shane (Tyler James Williams) receive an
alert of a child abduction on their phones. Quickly realizing they
are behind a car that matches the description of the kidnapper's, Jaq
and Shane desperately race against time to save the child's life.
As mentioned in the info above, Amber
Alert is a remake of a 2012 movie of the same name and with the
same writing and directing team. After watching the trailer for the
older version of this film, I believe this new rendition has a better
chance at commercial success than its predecessor.
First, the older one was found-footage
oriented and there was no recognizable cast. It had several things
that just weren't going in its favor. With this new Amber Alert,
it's already ahead of the game with a seemingly more cohesive story
and some significant recognizable talent on board. Hayden Panettiere
(Heroes, Nashville, Scream VI) and
Tyler James Williams (The
Walking Dead, The United States vs. Billie Holiday, Abbott
Elementary) feel like
good choices for the ride-share passenger and driver, respectively.
I'm also digging Kevin Dunn (Captive
State, Veep, King Richard)
as the police sergeant that has the protagonist duo on the line.
I'm
rooting for this remake. In this instance, I think it was a good idea
to give this story a fresh take and I'm curious to see how it all
plays out.
7 - Never Let Go (9/20)
Director: Alexandre Aja
Writers: KC Coughlin, Ryan
Grassby
Actors: Halle Berry, Matthew
Kevin Anderson, Christin Park, Stephanie Lavigne, Anthony B. Jenkins,
Mila Morgan, Percy Daggs IV, Cadence Compton, Georges Gracieuse
Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 1h 41min
Metacritic Blurb: As an Evil
takes over the world beyond their front doorstep, the only protection
for a mother (Halle Berry), and her twin sons is their house and
their family’s protective bond. Needing to stay connected at all
times – even tethering themselves with ropes – they cling to one
another, urging each other to never let go. But when one of the boys
questions if the evil is real, the ties that bind them together are
severed, triggering a terrifying fight for survival.
The
first time I watched a trailer for Never
Let Go, I think I
identified with the kids in the story the most. Why were they really
stuck in the remote cabin in the woods having to walk around tied
together with rope? Was their mother insane? Was there something
really supernatural or otherwise apocalyptic really going on?
Then
I saw another trailer and was significantly creeped out.
I
still have huge questions, but now they lean more towards 'what the
hell' and 'how are they going to survive that?'
If
there's anyone that can work with a minimalist cast in an almost
claustrophobic setting, Halle Berry (John
Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, Moonfall, The Union)
can.
6 - Speak No Evil (9/13)
Director: James Watkins
Writers: Christian Tafdrup, Mads
Tafdrup, James Watkins
Based On: remake of the 2022
Danish film of the same name.
Actors: James McAvoy, Mackenzie
Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough,
Kris Hitchen, Motaz Malhees
Genre: Horror, Mystery &
Thriller, Drama
Rated: R
Length: 1h 50min
IMDb Blurb: A family is
invited to spend a weekend in an idyllic country house, unaware that
their dream vacation will soon become a psychological nightmare..
I
have no idea why the decision was made to remake Speak
No Evil. Honestly, my
desire to learn that answer is so low that it really doesn't extend
past my initial reaction of 'but why though?'
We
watched and reviewed
the 2022 original Danish film, and Selina and I were of two minds
about it. She hadn't enjoyed her experience very much due to pacing
issues, and the like; while I was left shattered and speechless at
the bleak and horrific story. I feel that the long beginning to the
narrative was somewhat required to give that moment that the horror
kicked in more punch. Be that as it may, I just don't know whether or
not this new iteration of the movie is going to follow the original
directly or branch off on its own in places.
What
I do know is that even if this was a carbon copy of the original, I'd
watch it anyway because of James McAvoy (Glass,
It Chapter Two, His Dark Materials).
When he plays an antagonist, it is absolutely terrifying.
5 - The Killer's Game (9/13)
Director: J.J. Perry
Writers: Jay Bonansinga, James
Coyne, Simon Kinberg, Rand Ravich
Actors: Sofia Boutella, Lucy
Cork, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Scott Adkins, Ben Kingsley,
Terry Crews, Daniel Bernhardt, Marko Zaror, Shaina West, Antonia
Desplat, Drew McIntyre, Raffaello Degruttola, George Somner, Scott
Alexander Young, József Kovalik Jr., Mia Rouba M.Kiss, Olívia
Csúcs, Lee Hoon, Odett Elza Négyesi, Péter Sokorai, István Áldott
Genre: Action, Comedy
Rated: R
Length: 1h 44min
IMDb Blurb: A veteran
assassin is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and authorizes
a kill on himself. After ordering the kill, an army of former
colleagues pounce and a new piece of information comes to light.
Insanity ensues.
The
premise of The Killer's
Game is interesting. I
would imagine that a professional hit-man wouldn't want to waste away
as some incurable disease took its toll. It makes sense that someone
that lives by the proverbial sword would want to go out that way.
Once the wheels are in motion, to learn it was a big mstake? That is
definitely a twist I can get behind. The
Killer's Game looks like
a lot of fun as it explores that concept and packs in tons of action
at the same time.
I am
also keen to see how J.J. Perry (Bloodshot,
F9: The Fast Saga, Blue Beetle)
has upped his game with this film, as his second feature-length film
in the primary director's chair after his debut with Day
Shift (2022). His prior
directorial work was in 2nd
units. Of course, Perry is a stunt-performer turned storyteller and
we've learned that can really add to the power of an action film.
The
cast here is just unreal. Dave Bautista (Army
of the Dead, See, Knock at the Cabin)
is an excellent choice for the lead here. He's imposing enough and
has the acting chops for the more dramatic elements, all of the
action, and the comedy as well. He gets to share the screen with his
Marvel cast-mate Pom Klementieff (Uncut
Gems, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Mission Impossible- Dead
Reckoning Part One) here
too. Scott Adkins (Day
Shift, Accident Man: Hitman's Holiday, John Wick: Chapter 4),
Sofia Boutella (Hotel
Artemis, Argylle, Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver),
and Terry Crews (Deadpool
2, Rumble, Craig of the Creek)
are also great in action roles. I'm also curious to see how Drew
McIntyre (The Cursed, The
Cursed: Future Shock, Wrestlemania 39)
fares outside of the WWE setting. Last, but not least by any means,
Sir Ben Kingsley (Night
Hunter, The Red Sea Diving Resort, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the
Ten Rings) is also on
board with this cast. There truly is no shortage of talent here.
4 - Wolfs (9/27)
Director: Jon Watts
Writer: Jon Watts
Actors: Brad Pitt, George
Clooney, Amy Ryan, Austin Abrams, Poorna Jagannathan, Richard Kind,
Zlatko Buric, Irina Dubova, Linda Carola, Rob Riddell, Wael Alroyly,
Hassani Rizzo, David Sargsyan
Genre: Action, Comedy
Rated: R
Length: 1h 48min
IMDb Blurb: A professional
fixer (George Clooney) is hired to cover up a high profile crime. But
when a second fixer (Brad Pitt) shows up and the two “lone wolves”
are forced to work together, they find their night spiraling out of
control in ways that neither one of them expected.
Jon Watts (Cop Car, Spider-Man:
Homecoming, Spider-Man: No Way Home) is fresh off of Marvel's
most recent Spider-Man trilogy. While I'm still mopping my
tears up from that story arc, it's good that his next big feature
project happens to be an action-comedy. I need the laughs right now,
and the trailers for Wolfs have had me in stitches.
Another point in Wolfs' favor is
that my daughter was also giggling at the trailers and she wants to
watch this with me.
Then, of course, you have the dynamic
duo leading this comedic criminal romp: Brad Pitt (War Machine,
The Lost City, Bullet Train) and George Clooney (The Midnight
Sky, Ticket to Paradise, IF). Any time those two are on the
screen together, it tends to be gold. I love their screen chemistry.
Their friendship helps elevate the quality of their work – even
though these characters seem to be rivals in Wolfs. I can't
wait to see how it all plays out.
3 - The Wild Robot (9/27)
Director: Chris Sanders
Writer: Chris Sanders, Peter
Brown
Based On: the book of the same
name by Peter Brown
Actors: Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro
Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Matt Berry, Ving
Rhames, Mark Hamill, Catherine O'Hara, Boone Storm, Alexandra
Novelle, Raphael Alejandro, Paul-Mikél Williams, Eddie Park, Dee
Bradley Baker, Randy Thom, Avrielle Corti, Keston John, Max
Mittelman, Piotr Michael, Alessandro Beghi, Tiago Martinez, Becca
Last, Madelyn Turpin, Kayleigh Rayne, Isabelle Tupin, Beckett
Blomberg, Damon Fung, King Moore, Collin Erker
Genre: Family, Adventure,
Animation, Sci-Fi
Rated: PG
Length: 1h 41min
IMDb Blurb: After a
shipwreck, an intelligent robot called Roz is stranded on an
uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with
the island's animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.
I have been dying for this movie to
actually hit screens for what feels like forever. I saw the trailer
for the first time ahead of an in-theater movie, if I'm remembering
correctly. I just don't recall which movie it was. But it feels like
years ago. Now it's finally here.
The story for The
Wild Robot looks heartwarming (if occasionally
tearjerking) and sweet. I want to know what happens with the stranded
robot and their new animal friends.
I'm also curious as to how much
speaking line interaction there will be, considering the star power
involved with the cast. This doesn't seem to be entirely focused on a
single robot with only a few lines. The cast listing suggests there's
far more involved with that, and I want to know how that plays out
too.
2 - The 4:30 Movie (9/13)
Director: Kevin Smith
Writer: Kevin Smith
Actors: Genesis Rodriguez, Sam
Richardson, Justin Long, Diedrich Bader, Jason Lee, Adam Pally, Kate
Micucci, Ken Jeong, Rachel Dratch, Harley Quinn Smith, Method Man,
Nicholas Cirillo, Siena Agudong, Betty Aberlin, Austin Zajur, Evelyn
Giovine, Logic, Michelle Santiago, Reed Northrup, Aaron Shuf, Morgan
Bluestein, Benjamin Read
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Rated: R
Length: 1h 28min
Metacritic Blurb: In the
summer of 1986, three sixteen-year-old friends spend their Saturdays
sneaking into movies at the local cineplex. When one of the guys
invites the girl of his dreams to see an R-rated film, all hilarity
breaks loose, as a self-important theater manager (Ken Jeong) and
teen rivalries interfere with his best-laid plans.
It's Kevin fucking Smith (Cop Out,
Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, Clearks III). That's generally reason
enough to watch a movie for me. Though, there are other members of
his Askewniverse crew among the cast, as well as a handful of other
well-known actors.
Ken Jeong (The Hangover, Fool's
Paradise, My Spy: The Eternal City) is another big draw for me
with this movie. He's hilarious, and my family and I watch a lot of
the productions he's been in and have a lot of fun with it.
This also feels a little nostalgic for
me. It's not just the young dating plans going awry, or even the
movie-hopping part of the plot. I worked in an AMC movie theater as
my high school and college job. I loved those years and look back on
them fondly. So while this film's protagonists are teens and at least
one of the antagonists seems to be theater staff, it still resonates
for me in that sweet spot of “remember when.”
1 - Bettlejuice Beetlejuice (9/6)
Director: Tim Burton
Writers: Alfred Gough, Miles
Millar, Seth Grahame-Smith, Michael McDowell, Larry Wilson
Actors: Michael Keaton, Winona
Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Willem Dafoe,
Monica Bellucci, Arthur Conti, Nick Kellington, Santiago Cabrera,
Burn Gorman, Danny DeVito, Sami Slimane, Amy Nuttall, Mark Heenehan,
Charlie Hopkinson, Liv Spencer, Skylar Park, Matthew Lyons, Jane
Leaney, David Ayres, Sophie Holland, Walles Hamonde, Max Pemberton,
Rebecca O'Mara, Adam Speers, Daryl Kwan, Sean Verre, Noah Mendes, Bea
Svistunenko, Filipe Cates
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 44min
IMDb Blurb: After a family
tragedy, three generations of the Deetz family return home to Winter
River. Still haunted by Beetlejuice, Lydia's life is turned upside
down when her teenage daughter, Astrid, accidentally opens the portal
to the Afterlife.
Do I really need to explain this one?
This has to be the biggest DUH ever... but I'll still give three
points.
Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland,
Dark Shadows, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children) is a
mad genius and I'll watch damn near anything he does.
The original Beetlejuice (1988)
has a fond place in my heart from when I was younger (like 10, so a
hot minute ago) and I'd always wondered what a sequel would look
like. That was back in a time where you just didn't expect every
movie to have a sequel potential, though. We got 9999 sequels to
horror franchises, but not much else. So the fact that this is
happening at all is amazing.
The cast. Plain and simple, if anyone
other than Michael Keaton (Batman, The Trial of the Chicago 7,
Knox Goes Away) tried to put on the crazy hair and striped suit,
I wouldn't watch. The fact that Keaton is back is a major draw for
this movie. A whole generation now knows Winona Ryder (A Scanner
Darkly, Star Trek, Destinatiuon Wedding) for Stranger Things
(2016-). Before that, and before even Edward Scissorhands
(1990) and Heathers (1988), Rider was brilliant in
Beetlejuice. That was my introduction to her. I also love that
Catherine O'Hara (Frankenweenie, Schitt's Creek, Elemental) is
back..
I think I was doing internal cartwheels
when they announced that Jenna Ortega (Jurassic World: Camp
Cretaceous, Scream VI, Wednesday) would be part of this sequel as
Lydia Deetz's daughter. She's perfect for the role. I'm also excited
that Willem Dafoe (Nightmare Alley, Inside, Poor Things), Burn
Gorman (Torchwood, Pacific Rim, Enola Holmes), and Danny
DeVito (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Haunted Mansion,
Migration) are on board, though I'm not sure what their roles are
about yet – and I don't want to. I want to go in blind, in that
regard and be surprised.
I will be watching Beetlejuice
Beetlejuice with my family (or without if I have to) as soon as I
physically possibly can.
Movies
to Look out For
According
to Selina
Bagman
.20
The
Front Room .19
Omni
Loop .18
Clawfoot
.17
A
Different Man .16
Last
Straw .15
Amber
Alert .14
Believer
.13
Succubus
.12
Subservience
.11
Never
Let Go .10
The
Critic .9
Long
Gone Heroes .8
The
Substance .7
The
Killer's Game .6
Uglies
.5
Speak
No Evil .4
The
4:30 Movie .3
Lee
.2
Bettlejuice
Beetlejuice .1
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