Fall Movie Preview: 10 Films Worth Seeing Pt. 2

Tuesday I posted the first half of my ten movies to see this fall. If you missed it, you should check that out by clicking the link. These five films I think have the most promise to deliver the goods at theaters this fall. My guess is you won’t be disappointed by any of them.

I will still put out a list of honorable mentions tomorrow – movies I was cautious about putting on the list but could turn out to be totally worth it. If you’re looking for “Boondock Saints II” for example, the short notice of hearing that was in the fall schedule forced me to move it to my HM list. Once again, links to each trailer on YouTube are at the end of each preview.

 

 

5.  “Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire”  (Nov. 6 limited)

“Precious” won’t likely make a splash until closer to December, but it comes out in limited release way before Thanksgiving, and as the only surefire Oscar contender to pick from in my Fall Preview time frame, it had to find a place on this list of otherwise pure entertainment movies. “Precious” is the story of an illiterate and obese black teenager living in Harlem who is pregnant with her second child, trying to turn her life around at an alternative school.

The film, directed by Lee Daniels (a producer on Halle Berry award-winner “Monster’s Ball”) made quite the impression at Sundance, where it won the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. Mo’Nique, who stars as the abusive mother, won the Special Jury Prize for her performance and is already the favorite for an Oscar. Early buzz on the film is that it’s a tough movie and incredibly harsh on its protagonist, which is a risk that appears to have worked. (View Trailer)

 

 

 4. “Youth in Revolt”  (Oct. 30)

You’re probably sick of Michael Cera, and I must admit I am too, but after seeing the trailer for “Youth in Revolt,” I’m going to hold off blasting the seemingly one-dimensional actor for at least one more film. Based on the novel by C.D Payne, “Youth in Revolt” is about Nick Twisp, a teenager (originally 14, but not even Cera can pull that off) living in a broken home trailer park who creates a rebellious alternate personality for himself in order to get Sheeni Saunders, the girl of his dreams.

I give Cera the pass because his alternate personality is a blue-eyed mustached maniac named Francois Dillinger. Cera is surrounded by a variety of comedians: Steve Buscemi, Justin Long, Zach Galifianakis and Ray Liotta, and in a good move to bring in a fresh face, the film introduces Portia Doubleday (frickin’ awesome name) as Sheeni. The book was adapted for the screen by Gustin Nash, who wrote indie teen comedy “Charlie Bartlett.” (View Trailer)

 

 

3.  “9” (Sept. 9)

Teenage-oriented CGI didn’t work too well for the last Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, but after seeing the trailer (set awesomely to some Coheed & Cambria) and reading up a bit on “9,” I’m sold, although this is my riskiest pick especially so high on the list. Based on his Oscar-nominated short film from 2005, rookie filmmaker Shane Acker tells the story of a post-apocalyptic human-less world full of strange creatures made of recycled materials called Stitchpunks who team up to fight a synthetic brain that human scientists created, which of course turned on them. 9 refers to the name of the Stitchpunk destined to save everyone voiced by Elijah Wood.

Acker gets huge endorsements from producers Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov (“Wanted”) to tell this highly original concept story. At only 75 minutes long, perhaps it is better off to wait for the DVD, but I feel inclined to lobby for such creative thinking especially when its supported by such outside-the-box directors/producers. Of course, "9" is arriving in theaters on 9.09.09 (View Trailer)

 

 

2.  “The Box ” (Nov. 6)

Finally, “Donnie Darko” creator Richard Kelly returns to the realm of paranormal sci-fi family drama with “The Box.” Kelly has been way overdue after no one took a liking to 2006’s “Southland Tales” (maybe because it starred The Rock and Sean William Scott), and “The Box,” based on a short story and a “Twilight Zone” episode looks to put Kelly back on the map with its strong November release date.

James Marsden and Cameron Diaz star as a couple that finds a box on their doorstep with a button inside. A creepy Frank Langella tells them instant wealth comes with pressing the button but warns there are consequences. The trailer doesn’t reveal if they push the button, but you damn well know they push it. As for what happens to them? We’ll have to see it and it looks like the answer will be worth knowing. I’m a fan of anything tied to “The Twilight Zone” since that show created some of the most gripping and thrilling social commentary ever seen on television. Combine that with the genius behind “Darko” and the expectations are high. (View Trailer)

 

 1. “Where the Wild Things Are” (Oct. 16)

That’s right, the film version of this classic children’s book hits the top of my list. The indie-music filled trailer with beautiful images of innocence and wonder and some impressive costume/make-up/CGI combo work on the wild things has me convinced that this will be a true family film with something for everyone. Spike Jonze (“Adaptation”) has the visual creativity to make a fantasy movie and his expansion of the book appears to really hit at some warm-hearted family themes. The risk not to aim this film directly at kids will probably pay off despite the studio thinking it’s too daring to be released closer to the holidays. It looks like Jonze really nailed this one and I can’t wait to see how his entire vision shakes out. (View Trailer)

 

Check out the honorable mentions tomorrow.