Had your fill of sequels, comic-book superheroes and other manner of summer escapism? Never fear. The fall movie season is fast-approaching, when the Hollywood studios traditionally offer more grown-up fare.
That isn’t to suggest that the coming months won’t also include the likes of a “Footloose” remake (shot in Atlanta), an Adam Sandler cross-dressing comedy (“Jack and Jill”) or, yes, several sequels (“Happy Feet 2,” “Paranormal Activity 3,” “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1,” “A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas”).
But for more discerning tastes, here’s an even dozen good reasons to look on the bright side (opening dates subject to change):
"Contagion" (Sept. 9). Oscar winners Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard, Kate Winslet and Gwyneth Paltrow – along with nominees Jude Law, Laurence Fishburne and John Hawkes – headline director Steven Soderbergh's thriller about a viral epidemic. The film was partly shot in Atlanta, most notably at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"Dolphin Tale" (Sept. 23). This kid-friendly 3D adventure is based on the true story of a wounded dolphin and the people who come to her rescue. Ashley Judd, Harry Connick, Jr., Kris Kristofferson and Morgan Freeman co-star. Directed by Charles Martin Smith ("Air Bud").
"Dream House" (Sept. 30). A family moves into a quaint New England house, only to learn it was the scene of three grisly murders years earlier. The suspense drama features Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz as the parents, with Naomi Watts as a mysterious neighbor.
"50/50" (Sept. 30). Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen co-star in a seriocomic buddy movie, based on screenwriter Will Reiser's own bout with cancer. The supporting cast includes Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard and Anjelica Huston.
"The Ides of March" (Oct. 7). In this political thriller, Ryan Gosling plays an up-and-coming press secretary embroiled in a scandal that could derail his candidate's presidential campaign. He's played by George Clooney, who also directed the film. With Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei and Paul Giamatti.
"J. Edgar" (Nov. 11). Let the Oscar race begin. Two-time winner Clint Eastwood directs three-time nominee Leonardo DiCaprio as the infamous FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover, in a script by Dustin Lance Black (who won for "Milk") that delves into his corrupt career and secretive private life. Also in the cast: Naomi Watts and Judi Dench.
"Machine Gun Preacher" (Sept. 23). From director Marc Forster ("Monster's Ball") comes an action drama inspired by the true story of Sam Childers. Gerard Butler plays the former drug dealer, who became an unlikely hero to imperiled children in the Sudan.
"Margaret" (Sept. 30). A teenage girl's life changes after her involvement in an accident that caused a woman's death. Written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan ("You Can Count on Me"), the drama features Anna Paquin, Mark Ruffalo, Matthew Broderick and Matt Damon.
"Margin Call" (Oct. 21). A corporate thriller set at a high-profile investment firm, where an entry-level analyst (Zachary Quinto) uncovers information that could spell financial ruin for the company. Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany and Demi Moore lead the supporting cast.
"Moneyball" (Sept. 23). Brad Pitt portrays Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane in this comedy-drama about "baseball economics," and Beane's unconventional drafting methods. Robin Wright and Jonah Hill co-star. Directed by Bennett Miller ("Capote").
"My Week with Marilyn" (Nov. 4). A juicy behind-the-scenes account about the making of the 1957 film "The Prince and the Showgirl," with Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe, Kenneth Branagh as Laurence Olivier, Dougray Scott as Arthur Miller and Julia Ormond as Vivien Leigh.
"The Rum Diary" (Oct. 28). Based on Hunter S. Thompson's first novel, this drama casts Johnny Depp as a hard-drinking roving reporter in Puerto Rico, who runs afoul of shady businessman Aaron Eckhart. Amber Heard plays the woman torn between them.
About the Author
