The Big 2009 Fall Movie Preview: September

The summer season at the movies has come to an end, and it's time to look ahead. Fall is next, and this is The Screening Log's ultimate preview for the coming season of big-screen entertainment. To do things a bit differently, every month gets its own entry, and we start with what September has to offer:

HERE'S WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN SEPTEMBER

9 (Sept. 11)

Starring the voices of Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer, Martin Landau, John C. Reilly

Synopsis: The time is the too-near future. Powered and enabled by the invention known as the Great Machine, the world’s machines have turned on mankind and sparked social unrest, decimating the human population before being largely shut down. But as our world fell to pieces, a mission began to salvage the legacy of civilization; a group of small creations was given the spark of life by a scientist in the final days of humanity, and they continue to exist post-apocalypse. Another of their own, #9 (Wood), emerges and displays leadership qualities that may help them survive and possibly even thrive.

First thoughts: I had the chance to see this one already, and while the visuals are stunning and the film's action sequences deliver the goods for the most part, the film lacks character development and intriguing storytelling. Still, it's certainly an innovative film in terms of animation.

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SORORITY ROW (Sept. 11)

Starring: Briana Evigan, Leah Pipes, Rumer Willis, Jamie Chung, Carrie Fisher

Synopsis: When five sorority girls inadvertently cause the murder of one of their sisters in a prank gone wrong, they agree to keep the matter to themselves and never speak of it again, so they can get on with their lives. This proves easier said than done, when after graduation a mysterious killer goes after the five of them and anyone who knows their secret.

First thoughts: This one doesn't have me excited at all, especially because the trailer looks like something I've seen too many times already at this stage. I'll give it a shot because I'm still hoping for a great twist somewhere in the film, but judging by what I've seen, I'm not sure my expectations will be met entirely. My excitement meter for this one: 4/10

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TYLER PERRY'S I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF (Sept. 11)

Starring: Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez, Brian White, Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight

Synopsis: When Madea, America’s favorite pistol-packing grandma, catches sixteen-year-old Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home, she decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have: their aunt April. A heavy-drinking nightclub singer who lives off of her married boyfriend Raymond, April wants nothing to do with the kids. But her attitude begins to change when Sandino, a handsome Mexican immigrant looking for work, moves into April’s basement room. Making amends for his own troubled past, Sandino challenges April to open her heart. And April soon realizes she must make the biggest choice of her life: between her old ways with Raymond and the new possibilities of family, faith…and even true love.

First thoughts: Tyler Perry is back with another movie about a troubled character finding new courage in life, and this one looks pretty much exactly like any other Perry film. Madea is in it as well, and I'm sure she will deliver refreshing moments, but other than that, all I expect in this one is formulaic dialogue and a predictable plot. It's time for something different... My excitement meter for this one: 5/10

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WHITEOUT (Sept. 11)

Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Gabriel Macht, Tom Skerritt, Columbus Short, Alex O'Loughlin

Synopsis: For U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko, things are about to get even more dangerous. The only law enforcement in this unforgiving territory, she has just been sent to investigate a body on the ice. Antarctica's first homicide. A shocking discovery in itself, it will plunge her into an even more bizarre mystery and the revelation of secrets long-buried under the endless ice--secrets that someone believes are still worth killing for. As Stetko races to find the killer before he finds her, winter is already closing in. In the deadly Antarctic whiteout, she won't see him till he's a breath away.

First thoughts: I like to see Kate Beckinsale on the screen, and "Whiteout" looks like it could be an intriguing, entertaining thriller. I have never read the graphic novel it's based on, but trailers definitely got me interested. Definitely the film I will be looking forward to most that week. My excitement meter for this one: 8/10

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CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (Sept. 18)

Starring the voices of Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Bruce Campbell, Andy Samberg, Mr. T

Synopsis: Bill Hader, star of “Saturday Night Live” and Night of the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, will voice Flint Lockwood, a young inventor who dreams of creating something that will improve everyone's life. Anna Faris, who recently turned heads as the 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.

First thoughts: Never read the book, but the trailers for this one look delicious. The animation looks great, and I'm sure the whole thing will be very enjoyable to experience in 3D. My excitement meter for this one: 8/10.

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THE INFORMANT! (Sept. 18)

Starring: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale, Mike O'Malley, Andrew Daly

Synopsis: What was Mark Whitacre thinking? A rising star at agri-industry giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Whitacre suddenly turns whistleblower. Even as he exposes his company's multi-national price-fixing conspiracy to the FBI, Whitacre envisions himself being hailed as a hero of the common man and handed a promotion. But before all that can happen, the FBI needs evidence, so Whitacre eagerly agrees to wear a wire and carry a hidden tape recorder in his briefcase, imagining himself as a kind of de facto secret agent. Unfortunately for the FBI, their lead witness hasn't been quite so forthcoming about helping himself to the corporate coffers.

First thoughts: I like Matt Damon, and I like Steven Soderbergh, and this comedy/drama really has me intrigued already. Damon seems to be fully capable of delivereing a kind of dry, comedic performance, and I'm really looking for the absurdity in this film. My excitement meter for this one: 9/10.

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JENNIFER'S BODY (Sept. 18)

Starring: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Simmons, J. K. Simmons, Amy Sedaris

Synopsis: A cheerleader with the perfect life becomes the girl from hell when she gets possessed and begins killing boys in a small town.

First thoughts: Megan Fox will show some skin, look sexy, and eat boys... Although I'm interested to find out what Diablo Cody has done with this story, I can't say the previews for "Body" really managed to win me over. On the contrary, the whole thing looks a tad too silly. But who knows... maybe it will surprise me in the end. My excitement meter for this one: 6/10.

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LOVE HAPPENS (Sept. 18)

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Jennifer Aniston, Dan Fogler, Judy Greer, Joe Anderson

Synopsis: When a self-help author arrives in Seattle to teach a sold-out seminar, he unexpectedly meets the one person who might finally be able to help him help himself. Dr. Burke Ryan is on the precipice of a major multimedia deal, but the therapist who asks his patients to openly confront their pain is secretly unable to take his own advice. Eloise Chandler has sworn off men and decided to focus on her floral business. However, when she meets Burke at the hotel where he's speaking, there is an instant attraction. But will two people who have met the right person at exactly the wrong time be able to give love another chance?

First thoughts: Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston seem to be sharing a solid chemistry in this dramatic romance, but the story as a whole doesn't sound all too appealing to me. Let's hope for some serious character development and a few other surprises. The trailer kind of tells all already. My excitement meter for this one: 6/10.

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FAME (Sept. 25)

Starring: Kherington Payne, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Paul McGill, Asher Book, Kristy Flores

Synopsis: Inspired by the 1980 film, 'Fame' follows an exceptional group of dancers, singers, actors, and artists over four years at the New York City High School of Performing Arts. They have practiced and prepared since childhood to prove they're the best of their generation, and in this incredibly competitive atmosphere their passion will be put to the test. Complicating a demanding rehearsal schedule are homework, midterms, and all the social drama of high school, with each student's dream of recognition from their peers and a chance at stardom on the line. As they each strive for their moment in the spotlight, they'll discover who among them has the innate talent and necessary discipline to succeed.

First thoughts: I can only hope they didn't ruin this remake. At least I can honestly say I'm more excited to experience this one than the "High School Musical" flicks. As long as the moves are impressive and the music is vibrant enough, I don't see why I wouldn't enjoy "Fame." My excitement meter for this one: 6/10.

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PANDORUM (Sept. 25)

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Cam Gigandet, Antje Traue, Cung Le, Eddie Rouse, Andre Hennicke and Norman Reedus

Synopsis: Two astronauts awaken in a hyper-sleep chamber aboard a seemingly abandoned spacecraft. It's pitch black, they are disoriented, and the only sound is a low rumble and creak from the belly of the spacecraft. They can't remember anything - who are they, what is their mission? The only way out of the chamber is a dark and narrow airshaft. Corporal Bower (Foster), the younger of the two, crawls inside, while the other, Lt. Payton (Quaid), stays behind for guidance on a radio transmitter. As Bower ventures deeper and deeper into the ship, he begins to uncover a terrifying reality. Slowly the spacecraft's shocking and deadly secrets come unraveled, and the astronauts realize that the survival of mankind hinges on their actions.

First thoughts: Terror in space is back on the big screen, and it has Paul W.S. Anderson attached as producer. That means be alert, because it will either be a suspenseful horror thriller or a big, loud mess. That's pretty much all I have to say about this one. My excitement meter for this one: 4/10.

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SURROGATES (Sept. 25)

Starring: Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell, Rosamund Pike, Boris Kodjoe, James Francis Ginty, Michael Cudlitz

Synopsis: People are living their lives remotely from the safety of their own homes via robotic surrogates—sexy, physically perfect mechanical representations of themselves. It’s an ideal world where crime, pain, fear and consequences don’t exist. When the first murder in years jolts this utopia, FBI agent Greer (BRUCE WILLIS) discovers a vast conspiracy behind the surrogate phenomenon and must abandon his own surrogate, risking his life to unravel the mystery.

First thoughts: Although "Surrogates" doesn't sound all too original, I like the concept. So far so good, and although Bruce Willis wears a terrible wig in this flick, I'm still having high hopes for this futuristic action thriller. My excitement meter for this one: 8/10.

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COCO AVANT CHANEL (Sept. 25)

Starring: Audrey Tautou, Alessandro Nivola, Benoît Poelvoorde, Marie Gillain, Emmanuelle Devos

Synopsis: Audrey Tautou plays the legendary "Coco" Chanel in an enthralling exploration of her early life before she rose to worldwide fame as the most celebrated fashion designer of the 20th Century. We meet the young Gabrielle Chanel, illegitimate daughter of a traveling salesman who learns to sew in a Catholic orphanage before following her singing ambitions lead her to a cabaret club. It is here where Chanel earns the nickname Coco and also where she catches the eye of several high society gentlemen who would ignite her passion and become instrumental in the development of her remarkable career.

First thoughts: Some of my buddies back in Europe have seen it and loved it, and I admit this is the film I am looking forward to most this fall. I'm not a friend of fashion, but I like an interesting story and I sure love Audrey. My excitement meter for this one: 10/10.

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I HOPE THEY SERVE BEER IN HELL (Sept. 25)

Starring: Matt Czuchry, Jesse Bradford, Geoff Stults, Keri Lynn Pratt

Synopsis: A tireless and charismatic novelty seeker, Tucker (Matt Czuchry) tricks his buddy Dan (Geoff Stults) into lying to his fiancée, so they can go to a legendary strip club to celebrate Dan’s last days of bachelorhood in proper style. Tucker drags their misanthropic friend Drew (Jesse Bradford) along for the ride, and before they know it Tucker’s pursuit of a hilarious carnal interest lands Dan in serious trouble with his the law and his future wife. The ensuing blowout leaves Tucker uninvited to the wedding and ankle deep in a mess of his own creation. If he wants back into the wedding and the lives of his best friends, he’ll have to find a way to balance the demands of friendship with his own narcissism and selfishness.

First thoughts: Okay, Tucker Max's book the film is based on is vulgar and nasty, but it's also freaking hilarious. I'm not so sure the movie was such a great idea (this type of comedy is worse on the screen than in print), but I'll give it a fair chance. My excitement meter for this one: 6/10.

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That's it for September. Please be advised some limited releases are not included in this list. Stay tuned as the October preview will go live in just a bit.