16. Whiteout (September 11)
Plot: Based on the graphic novel by Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber, published by Oni Press. Carrie Stetko, the lone U.S. Marshal assigned to Antarctica, is investigating the continent's first murder, which draws her into a shocking mystery. Now, with only three days until winter, Carrie must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer.
Quick thoughts: This may very well end up being more cheesy than clever. However, since I don't go for most of the lame horror flicks (I'm looking at you Saw franchise), this may fit the bill of providing some decent scares as we near Halloween.
15. The Invention of Lying (September 25)
Plot: From Ricky Gervais, star of the original BBC series The Office and HBO's Extras, comes the new romantic comedy The Invention of Lying, which takes place in an alternate reality where lying--even the concept of a lie--does not exist. Everyone--from politicians to advertisers to the man and woman on the street--speaks the truth and nothing but the truth with no thought of the consequences. But when a down-on-his-luck loser named Mark suddenly develops the ability to lie, he finds that dishonesty has its rewards. In a world where every word is assumed to be the absolute truth, Mark easily lies his way to fame and fortune. But lies have a way of spreading, and Mark begins to realize that things are getting a little out of control when some of his tallest tales are being taken as, well, gospel. With the entire world now hanging on his every word, there is only one thing Mark has not been able to lie his way into: the heart of the woman he loves.
Quick thoughts: I wasn't completely sold on Gervais' last U.S. film, Ghost Town, but there's no denying that he can be extremely funny if you enjoy his style of comedy. The plot for this film seems original and more suited to his strengths. I doubt it'll be a huge hit, but consider me mildly intriqued.
14. Surrogates (September 25)
Plot: FBI agents (Bruce Willis and Radha Mitchell) investigate the mysterious murder of a college student linked to the man who helped create a high-tech surrogate phenomenon that allows people to purchase unflawed robotic versions of themselves—fit, good looking remotely controlled machines that ultimately assume their life roles—enabling people to experience life vicariously from the comfort and safety of their own homes. The murder spawns a quest for answers: in a world of masks, who's real and who can you trust?
Quick thoughts: Reading the plot, it seems like there are a lot of elements borrowed from other recent sci-fi films. Here's hoping this is a case of them taking the best parts and making a good film as opposed to rehashing concepts we've too many times already. Bruce Willis is usually solid, so his presence helps. And if nothing else, I'm sure I'll get a few laughs based on the various wigs I saw him wearing in this film from the trailer.
13. Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (September 18)
Plot: Inspired by the beloved children's book, the film focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain. Bill Hader, star of Saturday Night Live, will voice Flint Lockwood, a young inventor who dreams of creating something that will improve everyone's life. Anna Faris, star of the comedy hit The House Bunny, takes on the role of Sam Sparks, a weathergirl covering the phenomenon who hides her intelligence behind a perky exterior. James Caan plays Tim Lockwood, Flint's technophobic father. Andy Samberg plays Brent, the town bully who has plagued Flint since childhood. Bruce Campbell plays Mayor Shelbourne, who figures out that Flint's invention can put the town, and more importantly himself, on the map and Mr. T plays the by-the-rules town cop Earl Devereaux.
Quick thoughts: Out of all the computer animated films coming out this season (and believe me there are plenty), this one appealed to me the most. I never read the children's book that this is based on, but it sounds like a fun, crazy story. I also like the voice cast they assembled here. It seems like they chose people with good animation voices as opposed to just casting big name stars to draw crowds in. I'm unlikely to see an animated film in theaters, but if I do, it'll be this one.
No comments:
Post a Comment