Fall Movie Preview (#8-5)

8.Buried (Sept. 24) - Trailer

Plot: Paul Conroy is not ready to die. But when he wakes up 6 feet underground with no idea of who put him there or why, life for the truck driver and family man instantly becomes a hellish struggle for survival. Buried with only a cell phone and a lighter, his contact with the outside world and ability to piece together clues that could help him discover his location are maddeningly limited. Poor reception, a rapidly draining battery, and a dwindling oxygen supply become his worst enemies in a tightly confined race against time - fighting panic, despair and delirium, Paul has only 90 minutes to be rescued before his worst nightmare comes true.

Quick thoughts: I've already share some comments about this film when I posted its trailer originally. This is a claustrophobia movie, in a similar vein as Phone Booth; so if you're into that type of film, this seems like it could be really cool. If it's as good as early buzz says it is, it could help give Ryan Reynolds that indie cred to go along with the mainstream success he's likely to have with next year's Green Lantern film.


7.Megamind (Nov. 5) - Trailer

Plot: "Megamind" is a diabolically funny, and satirical take on the superhero genre. We follow the story of Megamind, the most brilliant supervillain the world has ever known – and the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in every imaginable way. Each attempt, a colossal failure thanks to the caped superhero known as "Metro Man."

Quick thoughts: This is my lone computer animated film for the season. We saw Despicable Me have success earlier this year with a similar story that used a superhero villain as its protagonist. While some may not want to see the same thing again (although with kids that's usually not true), this one has the added appeal of a voice cast featuring Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Brad Pitt. If this one doesn't do well, it will be a megasurprise.


6.Unstoppable (Nov. 12) - Trailer

Plot: "Unstoppable" is about a runaway train carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals. The film pits an engineer and his conductor in a race against time. They're chasing the runaway train in a separate locomotive and need to bring it under control before it derails on a curve and causes a toxic spill that will decimate a town.

Quick thoughts: The pair of Denzel Washington and director Tony Scott has become Hollywood's version of 'old reliable'. Their movies are never classics, but they are always suitable popcorn fare and this one appears to be no different. The most interesting thing to me about this film is Chris Pine. He really impressed me as Kirk in the Star Trek reboot, so I'm curious if that was a case of inspired casting or if this guy will become the next breakout star.


5.How Do You Know (Dec. 17) - Trailer

Plot: A romantic comedy centered on the love triangle between professional softball player Lisa Jorgenson, a corporate executive, and a major-league pitcher.

Quick Thoughts: Director James L. Brooks has a proven track record of great comedies that also reflect real human emotion. Films like As Good As It Gets and his work with The Simpsons proves that. I'm real excited to see this new effort by him and think he has assembled an excellent cast here. I don't know of two more likeable actors out there right now than Paul Rudd and Reese Witherspoon. I greatly anticipate seeing the two of them work off of each other. Throw in Jack Nicholson and Owen Wilson in there as well and you've struck comedy gold. This may be the most 'girly' film on my list, but you better believe I'll be seeing this one.