Fall Movie Preview

Here's a little commentary on the upcoming films, both Oscar caliber, and those intended solely for entertainment. There are some seriously good ones slated for this season, even with the setbacks of Gangster Squad and The Great Gatsby. First, let's look at my picks for award-winning fare.

Lincoln.

This is my front-runner for Best Picture, Director, and Actor. It remains to be seen how well Spielberg has adapted Team of Rivals, but with a jaw-dropping cast, and Daniel Day-Lewis as the Great Emancipator, I'm eagerly awaiting its release. Slated for a November 9th opening, it has yet to give any hints beyond a couple of production stills. No preview is available yet, but I'm guessing it will come out within the next week or two unless there are post-production issues and the release date is in question.

Life of Pi.

I am just about finished with the book, and it is absolutely beautiful. Seeing the trailer, and knowing that Ang Lee is at the helm, it will be a masterpiece for sure. Already receiving buzz from the few festival crowds that have seen it, I'm guessing that there was great care taken in its adaptation. Best Picture and Director nominations for sure. Slated for a November 21 release.

The Master.

I'm a huge Paul Thomas Anderson fan, and this film will showcase Philip Seymour Hoffman in yet another strong role. The team swears that this isn't about L. Ron Hubbard, but let's allow audiences to decide. Set in the 1950's, there is a strange vibe to this film (not unlike all of Anderson's flicks), but given his history and attention to detail in his writing and direction, this will be worth seeing. Surprisingly, it's being released in September on the 14th. A bit early for awards, but I'll be there opening night.

Argo.

This is Ben Affleck's jump from surprisingly good director to A-list director. He's tackling an odd true story about a CIA team that attempts a hostage rescue under the guise of a film crew, but with a solid cast and a 1970's noir, this should be thrilling and splendid. Affleck gets a Best Director nomination for sure. Comes to theatres on October 12th.

Django Unchained.

Quentin Tarantino has a unique vision, and he always brings his A game as well as a growing list of A list actors clambering to work with him. Django is no different. Perhaps not serious in the way that the previous four films are, more of an action spaghetti Western, but look at Inglorious Basterds. The Academy is recognizing his contributions to the film community and Django will raise some eyebrows, as well as some money. Coming out on Christmas, this will be the highest grossing Tarantino film. Watch.

Other films on the horizon that might not win big awards, but will be worth watching:

End of Watch - will be an exciting cop drama in line with Training Day, but shot in some of the stylized first person perspective. Gritty action, expect lots of violence.

Trouble with the Curve - This could be a sleeper drama, much like Moneyball last year. America has a soft spot for baseball dramas, and this one has Clint Eastwood as an aging scout.

Killing Them Softly - Brad Pitt as a mob enforcer. Gandolfini, Richard Jenkins, and Liotta costar. Director Andrew Dominik has been around for a long time, but has only helmed 3 films in his career. The first two gained some critical attention.

The Sessions - John Hawkes is one of my current favorite actors. He gives so much depth and passion to his roles. He plays a man in an iron lung who hires Helen Hunt's character to help him lose his virginity. Interesting idea, and some potential great acting.

Flight - Denzel Washington and Robert Zemeckis team up for a Sully-like hero tale with a twist. This will be an emotionally charged thrill ride, and Denzel is one of the best around.

Skyfall - James Bond by Sam Mendes. What more is there to say? This might be the best Bond yet, and that's saying a lot.

Red Dawn - I know what you're thinking - remake of a bad 80's movie? You are correct. From the previews, it follows the story with a modification of North Koreans instead of Russians (makes sense), and takes place at the more appropriate West Coast instead of Colorado, which just doesn't make any sense at all - think Seattle invasion. Being a Washingtonian, I'm intrigued.

Hyde Park on the Hudson - This could be this year's King's Speech. Bill Murray plays FDR, and although the tone of this seems a bit more light than it could, which could hurt its chances come awards time, Bill Murray is an outstanding actor, and this could be a good history lesson.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Not knowing yet where in the story the first installment leaves us hanging, Peter Jackson has proven time and time again that he has a direct line into the mind of J.R.R. Tolkien. This will be a continuation of the Lord of the Rings universe, and should be a bit lighter, but equally impressive.

Zero Dark Thirty - Kathryn Bigelow makes her return to the screen after her awards sweep in 2009 with The Hurt Locker. Keeping with her abrasive military genre stronghold, this film began production before the assassination of Bin Laden, but follows the Seal Team Six story with a blurry mishmash of fiction and redacted military transcripts. I'm a special forces buff, so I'm excited to see this one. Keep an eye on it as an awards dark horse as well.

Jack Reacher - Tom Cruise action film in late December. He's pulling out all the stops as he moves into his 50's, but he still has it, and will bring to life a character from the Lee Childs series of novels. This might be the next Bourne or Jack Ryan franchise.

I'll keep you all posted as these films come out. Lots to see this season!