Well, fall is here...sigh.
Not only does this mean that school is back in session and the weather is getting cooler, it means that there's not much playing at the theater. After all, all the big summer movies are now a memory and we're still months away from the big Thanksgiving and Christmas films. To be honest, you'd probably do better to turn on your TV in primetime this fall; you'll get better entertainment and it's way cheaper than a movie ticket.
But Popcorn Pick soldiers on- since I am an expert I pride myself on always knowing what's playing at the multiplex, and what's worth seeing- and what to stay away from. In that spirit I bring you my Picks for the month of September- as you can see, it's not all crap.
Wednesday, August 31st
The Debt
This long-delayed film is a real head-scratcher, as well as an exciting action thriller. (Hopefully.) The story is split in two: one half is in the '60s as three young secret agents go undercover in East Berlin to find and execute a Nazi war criminal. The second half is present day, where the same three agents, now middle-aged, find their pasts have come back to haunt them, in the form of a powerful secret. Of course the advertisements for the film don't reveal what that secret is, so we ultimately don't know what the film is really about. But it still looks like a smart spy caper. The film stars Avatar's Sam Worthington, The Queen's Helen Mirren, and Michael Clayton's Tom Wilkinson.
Warrior
I was treated to a preview screening of this movie and am glad to report it is better than it looks. The true-story sports film follows two estranged brothers, one desperate for cash, the other on the run from his past, competing for a mixed martial arts tournament and the grand prize of five million dollars. It's no spoiler to reveal that they end up fighting each other in the final round. What makes this film work is that it focuses on the characters, not the fights, making those brutal fight scenes even more suspenseful- and painful to watch. Stars newcomer Joel Edgerton and Inception's Tom Hardy.
The Lion King 3D
No, you didn't read that wrong. The classic Disney film is being rereleased in the third dimension. Obviously it's a big publicity stunt for the release of the film on Blu-ray, but who cares? This was my personal favorite film as a kid, and it still strikes the right emotional chords as an adult. I am super-excited to see it on the big screen again.
The Oscar-winning 1994 animated film follows a young lion cub as he flees into exile after his king father's death, and his return years later to fight his treacherous uncle. The dark plot is uplifted by lively and colorful characters and catchy songs (who can't resist Timon and Pumbaa belting out "Hakuna Matata"?). One of Disney's best, even today.
Moneyball
Possible Oscar buzz swirls around this baseball film starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill. (How's that for an odd couple?) The true story of the Oakland A's compiling a team of underdog players that unexpectedly turns into a winning team seems mostly for sports fans, but there might be something for everyone in this film. Seems like they'd have better luck making another movie about the Red Sox.
50/50
A comedy about getting cancer? Seems impossible...but when it's based on true experiences, it just might be the most unexpectedly original film of the year. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is the young guy suddenly afflicted with the disease, and Seth Rogen is his best buddy supporting him along the wild ride. Issues such as going to therapy, picking up girls in bars, and the effects of chemo are all explored in this dramedy. There's a scene early in the film in which Gordon-Levitt actually shaves his head on camera! Watch the trailer to find out the meaning of the title.
Hopefully there's something listed here for you. If not, then go to your nearest Blockbuster and rent the summer movies on DVD. See you next month!
