Coming This Fall

by Brian Miller

As we approach the fall movie season, there are a number of projects that jump off of the page, and absolutely command attention. This is time of year when most Oscar hopefuls make their presence known, and Blockbusters rule the realm. There are a number worth noting, and listed below, you’ll find a few that are probably worth checking out.

I’M STILL HERE- As is the case with most movie seasons, it will, in all likelihood be a Blockbuster that runs away with the box office crown. That doesn’t mean, of course, that these big budget bullies that are the only films to see. One of the most anticipated and intriguing ventures opening this fall is Casey Affleck’s chronicling of actor Joaquin Phoenix’s attempt to become a rapper.
After the winning Best Actor at the 2005 Academy Awards for his performance as Johnny Cash in WALK THE LINE, his future seemed brilliantly bright. 3 years later, around the time his film TWO LOVERS was about to be released, something changed in Phoenix. YouTube videos started popping up of him at bars, sporting black shades, an unkempt hairdo, a scruffy beard, and an arsenal of original rap songs. Shortley thereafter, he made a (now) legendary and puzzling appearance on LATE NIGHT WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, and the world began to wonder, what happened to Joaquin Phoenix? Could he possibly be serious? Is this a Sacsha Baron Cohen type of character immersion? What exactly is going on here? On September 10, we will finally know the truth.

TRON: LEGACY- In 1982 Walt Disney Studios traveled outside of their comfort zone, and produced a futuristic action film about a man named Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) who found himself immersed in a video-game world. The result was an ambitious project that was loved by some, and loathed by others. Over the years, the film has become a cult classic, and it seemed inevitable that the long rumored sequel would finally be produced.
On December 17, TRON LEGACY will open in theaters in digital 3D. If the promising trailers are any indication, it looks as if Disney is attempting to create a full-fledged, effects-laden action/thriller extravaganza. While the studio has had success in the live-action realm (particularly with the NATIONAL TREASURE franchise), this will serve as a true test of their ability to branch out even futher. The story revolves around Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), the son of original TRON protagonist Kevin Flynn (Bridges) and his transportation into his father’s digital world.
The original film used groundbreaking computer technology to create its uniquely original realm. We’ve come a long way since the Atari-style graphics of 1982, and one can’t help but feel excited about the prospect of this sequel that has been crafted in the post-AVATAR landscape.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS- it’s the beginning of the end of Harry Potter and crew, as the first installment (the second will be released on July 15, 2011) of HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS opens in theaters on November 19.
It was 8 years ago when SORCERORS STONE opened across the globe, and a bonafide phenomenon was born. There were many who believed that it would be difficult to build a franchise around a group of unknown child actor’s, but these naysayers were foolish to doubt the power of POTTER. 5 films later, it has become of the most profitable and beloved series of all time. Most impressively, they have all been excellent films, bringing to life the complex and ingenious realm crated by J.K. Rowling.
As Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) stands mere steps away from reaching full power and imposing his evil upon the world, Harry (Daniel Raddcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) remain his only major opposition. It will be fascinating to see how director David Yates handles the mature subject matter. While some of the previous tales contained elements of tragedy and pain, none of these approach the darkness found throughout this final chapter.
The decision to split the film into 2 separate parts is an exciting (and profitable) one. When it came to the cinematic adaptations, one of the chief complaints amongst Potter-philes, is the fact that many side stories and subplots were left by the wayside due to time constraints. By releasing the story in this unconventional manner, audiences will be granted the privalege of seeing all of the vital action, and having all of the loose-ends tied together. Poised to be the biggest hit of the Fall season, it will serve as a fitting end to this prolific project.

LITTLE FOCKERS- Upon its initial release, it would have been impossible to predict the success of MEET THE PARENTS. The film catered to the flawless comedic stylings of Ben Stiller, and forged the two forged the most unlikely of partnerships. The original film grossed over $300, spawned a(n inferior) sequel that grossed over $500, and now, these LITTLE FOCKERS look to do even further box-office damage. It’s bound to be a hit, and one can only help they recapture a little of that original magic (DEC 22)

JACKASS 3D- The Jackass boys are back, and are poised to bring their colorful brand of humor to the 3D realm. In this third installment of the popular franchise, the crew discuss the great works of literature, debate the merits of Beethoven vs. Mozart, and investigate the relevance of Federico Fellini. Either that, or they punch each other in the genitals, and take gross-out to a whole new level. (Oct 15)

THE SOCIAL NETWORK- David Finch has already solidifed himself as one of this generation’s greatest directors. His resume, which includes SEVEN, THE GAME, PANIC ROOM, FIGHT CLUB, and THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, is littered with modern classics. This time around, he adapts Ben Mezrich’s (21) book about the founding of Facebook. With a talented young cast that includes Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake, this is a project that is full of intrigue and promise (Oct 1)