FALL MOVIE SNEAKS

The List: For now, what's not to like?
Wars old and new, Capote redux, President Robin Williams — on paper, it's thumbs up all around.

September 10, 2006


Friday


'Artie Lange's Beer League'
The comedian goes from Howard Stern's radio sidekick to leading man, playing an unemployed schlub who attempts to lead his softball team of misfits to victory when love changes his priorities in life. With Cara Buono, Ralph Macchio, Seymour Cassel, Jerry Minor and Jimmy Palumbo. Written by Frank Sebastiano & Artie Lange. Directed by Frank Sebastiano.
Echo Bridge
So? Chugalug.

'The Black Dahlia'
Director Brian DePalma enters "L.A. Confidential" territory with an adaptation of James Ellroy's bestselling novel that combines the facts of the 1947 murder of Elizabeth Short with the fictional story of two LAPD detectives (Josh Hartnett and Aaron Eckhart) who get too involved in the case. With Scarlett Johansson, Hilary Swank, Mia Kirshner, Mike Star and Fiona Shaw. Screenplay by Josh Friedman.
Universal
So? L.A. noir.

'Confetti'
Improvised mockumentary about three couples competing to create the most amazing wedding ceremony they can imagine. With Martin Freeman, Jessica Stevenson, Stephen Mangan, Meredith MacNeill, Robert Webb, Olivia Colman and Jimmy Carr. Conceived and directed by Debbie Isitt.
Fox Searchlight
So? High fear factor.

'Gridiron Gang'
A 1993 documentary about juvenile detention camp inmates who gain self-respect through their football team gets the inspirational sports-movie treatment. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson dons the whistle as the tough-but-fair coach. With Xzibit, L. Scott Caldwell, Kevin Dunn and Leon Rippy. Written by Jeff Maguire, based in part on the documentary film "Gridiron Gang." Directed by Phil Joanou.
Columbia Pictures
So? Seven years post-"Entropy."

'The Ground Truth'
The war in Iraq is seen through the eyes of rank-and-file soldiers as documentarian Patricia Foulkrod follows six men and women through recruitment, basic training, operations in Iraq and the eventual struggles to deal with their lives when they return home.
Focus Features
So? Recruitment versus reality.

'Haven'
Multiple story lines and shifting timeframes mark writer-director Frank E. Flowers' ensemble film about criminals on the run in the Cayman Islands and the chain reaction their arrival sets off among the locals. With Bill Paxton, Orlando Bloom, Stephen Dillane, Zoe Saldana, Agnes Bruckner and Bobby Cannavale.
Yari Releasing Group
So? Talent parade.

'I Trust You to Kill Me'
"24" star Kiefer Sutherland tries out the role of road manager when he takes his own record label's act, Rocco DeLuca & the Burden, on their first tour across Europe in this documentary. Directed by Manu Boyer.
First Independent Pictures
''
So? Title refers to band's first album.

'The Last Kiss'
Zach Braff, Rachel Bilson and an ensemble cast including Casey Affleck, Jacinda Barrett, Michael Weston and Eric Christian Olsen, deal with the joys and fears of turning 30 in a comedy-drama remake of the Italian film "L'Ultimo Bacio." With Harold Ramis, Blythe Danner and Tom Wilkinson. Screenplay by Paul Haggis. Directed by Tony Goldwyn.
Paramount
So? Appealing actors, unappealing characters.

'Musica Cubana'
Maestro Pio Leyva, the octogenarian star of 1999's "Buena Vista Social Club," passed away in March but did live to shepherd the creation of a new band, "The Sons of Cuba," made up of the next generation of hot, young Cuban musicians in this documentary that follows the band from inception to its triumphant performance in Tokyo. Written by German Kral and Stephan Puchner. Directed by German Kral.
Cinema Libre
So? Topically thought-provoking.

'My Country, My Country'
Filmed in Iraq over eight months, director Laura Poitras follows Dr. Riyadh, a Sunni doctor, who must contend with an increasing number of patients due to the country's violence while simultaneously running for political office in the January 2005 elections.
Zeitgeist Films
So? The human toll.

'The U.S. Vs. John Lennon'
John Lennon's battles with the Nixon Administration are chronicled in this documentary that follows the ex-Beatle's transformation from musician to icon of the peace movement and the government's efforts to silence him. Written and directed by David Leaf & John Scheinfeld.
Lionsgate
So? Enemy of the States.


Sept. 22


'Aurora Borealis'
A shiftless young man (Joshua Jackson) must choose between caring for his ill and suicidal grandfather (Donald Sutherland) and pursuing a romance and new life in California. With Juliette Lewis, Louise Fletcher and Steven Pasquale. Written by Brent Boyd. Directed by James Burke.
Regent
So? Dramatic lights.

'Al Franken: God Spoke'
The political satirist and talk-radio host takes on right wingers, the Bush administration and other talk-radio hosts as the makers of "The War Room" follow his life and career over the course of two years. Directed by Nick Doob and Chris Hegedus.
Balcony Film
So? Contemporary politics.

'All the King's Men'
Robert Penn Warren's novel about the politics of power and corruption gets an all-star remake courtesy of writer-director Steven Zaillian. Sean Penn plays the Louisiana politician inspired by real-life Gov. Huey P. Long. With Jude Law, Kate Winslet, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia Clarkson and Anthony Hopkins.
Columbia Pictures
So? Legendary politics.

'Feast'
The film shot during "Project: Greenlight's" third season hits the big screen. Gore and comedy mix when a group of strangers get trapped inside a remote desert bar and are forced to defend themselves from an attack by a family of monsters. With Navi Rawat (above), Krista Allen, Balthazar Getty and Judah Friedlander. Written by Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton. Directed by John Gulager.
Dimension Films
So? "The Petrified Forest" it ain't.

'Jackass: Number Two'
Johnny Knoxville and his band of merry idiots return to perform even more daring (and extremely stupid) stunts and gags, all of which you shouldn't attempt at home. With Bam Margera, Ryan Dunn, Steve-O and Jason "Wee Man" Acuña. Directed by Jeff Tremaine.
Paramount
So? Arrested adolescence continues.

'Jet Li's Fearless'
Action superstar Jet Li plays real-life fighter Huo Yuanjia, who rose to fame at the turn of last-century China as the man who promoted the sport of martial arts over the brutality. With Nakamura Shidou, Sun Li and Dong Yong. Written by Chris Chow and Christine To. Directed by Ronny Yu.
Rogue Pictures
So? Worth the wait.

'The Science of Sleep'
More twisty brain-trips from the director of "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." A bored Parisian office worker (Gael García Bernal) escapes into his rich dream life to find fulfillment and figure out how to win the heart of the girl in the apartment next door (Charlotte Gainsbourg). With Alain Chabat. Written and directed by Michel Gondry.
Warner Independent Pictures
So? Two Trippy.

'Renaissance'
Live action with motion-capture animation goes black and white for a futuristic film noir set in Paris circa 2054. Daniel Craig plays a cop hired by the city's largest company to track down a kidnapped scientist. With Catherine McCormack, Romala Garai, Ian Holm, Kevork Malikyan and Jonathan Pryce. Screenplay by Matthieu Delaporte, Alexandre De La Patelliere, Patrick Raynal and Jean-Bernard Pouy, story by Matthieu Delaporte. Directed by Christian Volckman.
Miramax
So? Post-apocalyptic, pre-Bond.

'Flyboys'
The true story of the Lafayette Escadrille, the squad of American fighter pilots who volunteered to fly for the French army during World War I. With James Franco, Jean Reno, Martin Henderson, Jennifer Decker and David Ellison. Screenplay by Phil Sears & Blake T. Evans and David S. Ward, story by Blake T. Evans. Directed by Tony Bill.
MGM
So? Oracle's heir.

'The U.S. Vs. John Lennon'
John Lennon's battles with the Nixon Administration are chronicled in this documentary that follows the ex-Beatle's transformation from musician to icon of the peace movement and the government's efforts to silence him. Written and directed by David Leaf & John Scheinfeld.
Lionsgate
So? Enemy of the States


Sept. 27


'The Last King of Scotland'
A Scottish doctor in Uganda (James McAvoy) inadvertently grabs the attention of that country's brutal President Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker), who makes the physician his personal doctor and confidante. With Kerry Washington and Gillian Anderson. Screenplay by Jeremy Morgan and Peter Brock, based on the novel by Giles Foden. Directed by Kevin Macdonald.
Fox Searchlight
So? Tricky situation.


Sept. 29


'American Hardcore'
A documentary look at the evolution of the hard-core punk scene, from its roots in 1980, to the rise of bands such as Black Flag, Bad Brains and Minor Threat. Written by Steven Blush. Directed by Paul Rachman.
Sony Pictures Classics
So? Dissonant youth.

'Facing the Giants'
The story of a high school football coach who turns to God to help him through threats of job loss and marriage troubles was entirely produced by the congregation at Sherwood Baptist Church in Albany, Ga. Written by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick. Directed by Alex Kendrick.
Samuel Goldwyn Films
So? Religious experience.

'The Guardian'
A Veteran Coast Guard rescue swimmer (Kevin Costner), still dealing with the death of his crew, agrees to help train a hotshot new trainee (Ashton Kutcher, above left with Clancy Brown, center, and Costner, right) in director Andrew Davis' action drama. With Sela Ward and Dulé Hill. Written by Ron L. Brinkerhoff.
Touchstone
So? No dry runs.

'A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints'
First-time writer-director Dito Montiel adapted his own memoirs for this Sundance Film Festival hit about growing up in Queens in the 1980s, harassing girls and the local shop owners, and getting into trouble with drugs. With Robert Downey Jr., Rosario Dawson, Shia LaBeouf and Chazz Palminteri.
First Look
So? Sans sentiment.

'Jesus Camp'
Tomorrow's leaders in the religious right undergo indoctrination in this documentary that follows a group of 6-year-olds on their summer camp retreat that teaches them to be dedicated Christian members of "God's Army." Directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady. Opens in N.Y. Sep. 22.
Magnolia Pictures
So? Crusaders in training.

'Keeping Mum'
The sweet old housekeeper (Maggie Smith) to a small-town vicar (Rowan Atkinson) whips her household into shape but in the process appears to be murdering many of the town's residents in this comedy. With Kristin Scott Thomas and Patrick Swayze. Written by Niall Johnson and Richard Russo, based on a story by Russo. Directed by Johnson.
ThinkFilm
So? Macabre mix.

'Open Season'
The dangers of hunting season are incentive enough for a domesticated Grizzly bear (voice of Martin Lawrence) and a fast-talking mule deer (voice of Ashton Kutcher) to team up when they find themselves lost in the woods. Also opening in Imax 3-D. With the voices of Debra Messing, Billy Connolly, Jon Favreau and Jane Krakowski. Written by Steve Bencich and Ron J. Friedman. Directed by Roger Allers, Jill Culton and Anthony Stacchi.
Columbia Pictures
So? More anthropomorphic antics.

'School for Scoundrels'
"Old School" director Todd Phillips goes back to the classroom again for this comedy about a wimp, played by Napoleon Dynamite himself Jon Heder, who enrolls in a confidence building class to win the heart of his dream girl (Jacinda Barrett) but discovers his teacher (Billy Bob Thornton) has the same idea. With Michael Clarke Duncan, Sarah Silverman, David Cross and Horatio Sanz. Screenplay by Todd Phillips & Scot Armstrong; based on "School for Scoundrels or How to Win Without Actually Cheating!" novel by Stephen Potter, screenplay by Hal Chester and Patricia Moyes.
MGM/Dimension Films
So? Can't wait.


Oct. 4


'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning'
Don't expect the cute misadventures of Lil' Leatherface. On one last fling across Texas before shipping off for the Vietnam War, two brothers (Taylor Handley and Matthew Bomer) and their girlfriends (Jordana Brewster and Diora Baird) run afoul of a crazed sheriff (R. Lee Ermey) and the bizarre Hewitt family, whose son has a thing for chainsaws. Screenplay by Sheldon Turner, story by Sheldon Turner and David J. Schow. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman.
New Line
So? Had enough?


Oct. 6


'The Departed'
There's star-power aplenty in director Martin Scorsese's complex tale of an undercover Boston State Police officer (Leonardo DiCaprio) working to take down an Irish mob boss (Jack Nicholson) before the mobster's mole on the police force (Matt Damon) discovers his identity. With Mark Wahlberg, Ray Winstone, Martin Sheen, Vera Farmiga and Alec Baldwin. Screenplay by William Monahan, based on the film "Infernal Affairs" by Alan Mak and Felix Chong.
Warner Bros.
So? Honor bound.

'Employee of the Month'
"Tourgasm" comedian Dane Cook (above with costar Jessica Simpson) goes for leading man as a slacker Costco employee who decides to clean up his act when he discovers the store's hottest employee (Simpson) will date the employee of the month. With Dax Shepard, Andy Dick and Efren Ramirez. Screenplay by Don Calame & Chris Conroy and Greg Coolidge, story by Don Calame & Chris Conroy. Directed by Greg Coolidge.
Lionsgate
So? Me generation.

'49 Up'
The seventh installment of director Michael Apted's unprecedented documentary series updates the lives of 12 of the original 14 British children that Apted has been interviewing every seven years since they were seven years old.
First Run Features
So? Will he follow them to the grave?

'Little Children'
A stay-at-home dad (Patrick Wilson) and a housewife (Kate Winslet) start an affair while the arrival of an ex-con child molester stirs panic in their sleepy suburban community. With Jennifer Connelly, Jackie Earle Haley and Raymond J. Barry. Screenplay by Todd Field & Tom Perrotta, based on the novel by Perrotta. Directed by Field.
New Line
So? Pedophobia.

'The Queen'
The balance of power between England's Queen Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) and Prime Minister Tony Blair (Michael Sheen) is the focus of director Stephen Frears' look at the week after Princess Diana's death in an automobile accident in 1997. Written by Peter Morgan.
Miramax
So? Royal pains.

'Paper Dolls'
Documentary follows a group of Philippine transsexuals to their jobs caring for the elderly in Israel and through their nights performing at Tel Aviv nightclubs. Directed by Tomer Heymann.
Strand Releasing
So? Tease and sympathy.

'Shortbus'
Writer-director John Cameron Mitchell follows up "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" with a movie about sex, and a lot of it. Mitchell's film follows the love lives (and problems) of a group of young New Yorkers. With Lindsay Beamish, Sook-Yin Lee, Paul Dawson and PJ DeBoy.
ThinkFilm
So? What Hedwig wrought.

'Alex Rider:Operation Stormbreaker'
The bestselling series of children's books by Anthony Horowitz comes to the big screen starring first-timer Alex Pettyfer (above) as a teenage spy for the British government who must defend England's schoolchildren from the evil plans of a computer manufacturer (Mickey Rourke). With Ewan McGregor, Bill Nighy, Sophie Okonedo and Alicia Silverstone. Written by Anthony Horowitz. Directed by Geoffrey Sax.
MGM
So? Spy kid (or James Bond Jr.).


Oct. 13


'Tideland'
A junkie father (Jeff Bridges) takes his young daughter (Jodelle Ferland) to a remote farm, where the girl learns to entertain herself with a bizarre fantasy world in director Terry Gilliam's hallucinatory comedy. With Brendan Fletcher, Jennifer Tilly and Janet McTeer. Screenplay by Terry Gilliam and Tony Grisoni, based on the book by Mitch Cullen.
ThinkFilm
So? Depends on your opinion of Gilliam.

'Driving Lessons'
Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley from the "Harry Potter" films) plays a timid teenager who spends one summer break learning to drive from his overbearing mother (Laura Linney), then driving an eccentric actress (Julie Warner) to the Edinburgh Festival, learning confidence along the way. Written and directed by Jeremy Brock.
Sony Pictures Classics
So? Talk about s-mothered.

'Conventioneers'
Call it "When Red State Met Blue State." The 2004 Republican National Convention is the backdrop for this unlikely romance between a young Republican man and a Democratic protester outside the convention. With Matt Mabe, Woodwyn Koons and Alek Friedman. Written by Mora Stephens and Joel Viertel. Directed by Stephens.
Cinema Libre
So? Opposites do attract, despite D.C.

'The Grudge 2'
Sarah Michelle Gellar returns (in a smaller role) for more ghostly abuse in Tokyo. Amber Tamblyn stars as her sister, who arrives in Japan only to encounter the same cycle of haunting and death that plagued the characters in the first film. With Edison Chen, Jennifer Beals, Arielle Kebbel and Takako Fuji. Screenplay by Stephen Susco. Directed by Takashi Shimizu.
Sony
So? One deserves another.

'Infamous'
The life of Truman Capote while writing "In Cold Blood" is examined again, this time with Toby Jones as the iconoclastic writer and Sandra Bullock as his friend, Harper Lee. With Daniel Craig, Jeff Daniels, Hope Davis, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sigourney Weaver. Screenplay by Douglas McGrath, based on the book by George Plimpton. Directed by McGrath.
Warner Independent Pictures
So? What happened to "Handcarved Coffins"?

'Man of the Year'
Robin Williams plays a late night political talk show host (a la Jon Stewart) whose joking run for the Presidency unexpectedly lands him in the Oval Office. With Laura Linney, Christopher Walken, Jeff Goldblum and Lewis Black. Written and directed by Barry Levinson.
Universal
So? Post-restraint, pre-rehab

'The Marine'
An Iraq war vet (pro wrestler John Cena) is out for revenge when his wife (Kelly Carlson) is kidnapped by a bad-guy gang leader (Robert Patrick). With Jeff Chase. Screenplay by Michelle Gallagher and Alan B. McElroy, story by Gallagher. Directed by John Bonito.
20th Century Fox
So? Hollywood's war.

'Nearing Grace'
Gregory Smith plays a high school senior who seeks enlightenment in the form of an elusive beauty (Jordana Brewster). With Ashley Johnson, David Morse. Written by Jacob Aaron Estes from a Scott Sommer novel. Directed by Rick Rosenthal.
Whitewater Films
So? As ever.

'Trade'
When his little sister is kidnapped by sex traffickers, a Mexican teenager (Cesar Ramos) travels to America to get her back with the help of a Texas cop (Kevin Kline). With Paulina Gaitan, Alicja Bachleda-Curus, Marco Perez and Tim Reid. Screenplay by Jose Rivera, story by Rivera and Peter Landesman. Directed by Marco Kreuzpaintner.
Lionsgate
So? Based on a New York Times article.

'The War Tapes'
The war in Iraq is seen through the soldiers' eyes in this documentary shot by members of the National Guard using hand-held digital cameras. Directed by Deborah Scranton.
SenArt Films
So? Battle fatigue.


Oct. 20


'Sleeping Dogs Lie'
When a happily engaged young woman (Page Hamilton) reveals a past sexual indiscretion to her fiancé, it causes all manner of problems in their relationship in this dark comedy from comedian Bobcat Goldthwait. With Bryce Johnson, Geoff Pierson, Colby French, Jack Plotnick and Brian Posehn. Written and directed by Goldthwait.
Roadside Attractions/Samuel Goldwyn Films
So? Truth or daring.

'Captain Sabertooth'
Animated musical about the savage pirate Captain Sabertooth (above) searching the Seven Seas for treasure with his crewman Tiny, who falls for a local girl. Screenplay by Arthur Johansen and David Regal, based on Terje Formoe's plays. Directed by Stig Bergqvist and Rasmus Sivertsen.
Indican
So? Norwegian animation.

'Flags of Our Fathers'
Director Clint Eastwood explores the true stories behind the six World War II soldiers captured in the world-famous photograph raising the American flag at the battle of Iwo Jima. With Ryan Phillippe, Adam Beach, Jesse Bradford, Barry Pepper, Joseph Cross and Benjamin Walker. Screenplay by William Broyles Jr. and Paul Haggis, based on the book by James Bradley and Ron Powers.
Paramount
So? The not-so-dirty half-dozen.

'Flicka'
Mary O'Hara's classic children's book "My Friend Flicka" gets remade again (it was previously a 1943 movie and a 1956 TV series), this time with a rebellious young girl (Alison Lohman) as the owner of the wild, unruly horse, Flicka. With Tim McGraw and Maria Bello. Screenplay by Marc Rosenthal & Lawrence Konner. Directed by Michael Mayer.
20th Century Fox
So? Equintessential.

'Marie Antoinette'
The life of France's 18th century teenage queen, played by Kirsten Dunst, gets a cutting-edge soundtrack thanks to writer-director Sofia Coppola, who uses the Strokes, New Order and Aphex Twin to make the costume drama cool again. With Jason Schwartzman, Rip Torn and Judy Davis.
Sony
So? Queen of self-absorption. How teenly.

'The Nightmare Before Christmas 3-D'
Executive producer Tim Burton's stop-motion film about Jack Skellington and the residents of Halloweentown has become a perennial holiday favorite since its initial release in 1993, and this time the ante is upped with all the latest three-dimensional wow. Screenplay by Caroline Thompson, story by Tim Burton, adaptation by Michael McDowell. Directed by Henry Selick.
Walt Disney Pictures
So? Definitely.

'The Prestige'
Plot-twists abound in this story of dueling turn-of-the-century magicians (Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale) obsessed with topping each other's impossible tricks. With Scarlett Johansson, David Bowie and Michael Caine. Screenplay by Christopher Nolan and Jonathan Nolan, based on the novel by Christopher Priest. Directed by Christopher Nolan.
Touchstone Pictures
So? Abracadabra alpha males

'D.O.A.: Dead or Alive'
Four women are brought together to a remote palace in Asia to compete in an invitation-only martial arts tournament. But once there, they must team to fight a sinister force. With Devon Aoki, Jamie Pressly, Sarah Carter, Holly Valance and Eric Roberts. Written by J.F. Lawton, Seth Gross, Adam Gross and Granz Henman. Directed by Corey Yuen.
MGM/Dimension Films
So? Feminine extremes.


Oct. 27


'Babel'
A gunshot accident in Morocco sets off a chain of events affecting four families around the world, including a Mexican nanny attempting to cross the Mexican-U.S. border with two American children, an American couple on vacation in Morocco, a rebellious Japanese teenager and a group of goat herders. With Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael García Bernal. Written by Guillermo Arriaga. Directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu.
Paramount Vantage
So? Young master of the form.

'Catch a Fire'
The apartheid-era South African government suffers terrorist attacks from a young man (Derek Luke, above) driven to extremes by the nation's political policies. Tim Robbins plays the policeman assigned to investigate him. Written by Shawn Slovo. Directed by Phillip Noyce.
Focus Features
So? Cat and mouse.

'Conversations With God'
Henry Czerny stars in the true story of a man who wrestled with his relationship with the Almighty and came up with a bestselling book on religion in the process. With Ingrid Boulting. Screenplay by Eric DelaBarre, based on the book by Neal Donald Walsh. Directed by Stephen Simon.
Samuel Goldwyn Pictures
So? Spiritual enrichment.

'House of Adam'
The murder of a small-town gay man (Jared Cadwell) sends his lover, a closeted police detective (John Shaw), on a hunt for the killers. But the detective must also deal with the restless spirit of the slain man in this supernatural thriller. Written and directed by Jorge Ameer.
Hollywood Independents
So? Significant other.

'Running With Scissors'
"Nip/Tuck" creator Ryan Murphy adapts Augusten Burrough's outrageous memoir about leaving behind his alcoholic father (Alec Baldwin) and unstable mother (Annette Bening) to live with his mother's equally unbalanced therapist (Brian Cox) and his family. With Joseph Fiennes, Evan Rachel Wood, Jill Clayburgh and Joseph Cross. Written for the screen and directed by Murphy.
TriStar Pictures
So? Dysfunctional family matters.

'Saw III'
The game-playing serial murderer Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) gets an apprentice (Shawnee Smith) whom he teaches how to torture and kill those he feels don't appreciate their lives in the third installment of the grisly (but very profitable) series. With Angus Macfadyen, Dina Meyer and Kim Roberts. Screenplay by Leigh Whannell, story by Leigh Whannell and James Wan. Directed by Darren Lynn Bausman.
Lionsgate
So? Still merciless.


October TBD


'Dixie Chicks:Shut Up and Sing'
The three-woman country act that set off a firestorm of controversy in 2003 after one member made remarks critical of President Bush is the subject of this documentary that follows the band for three years, through touring, having children and receiving death threats. Directed by Barbara Kopple and Cecilia Peck.
The Weinstein Co.
So? Unmuzzled.


Nov. 3


'Blind Dating'
A young blind man (Chris Pine) falls for his nurse (Anjali Jay) when he enters the hospital for an experimental surgery that could restore his vision. The only catch is the woman is already set up for an arranged marriage. With Eddie Kaye Thomas and Jane Seymour. Written by Christopher Theo. Directed by James Keach.
Samuel Goldwyn Films
So? Cruel irony.

'Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan'
Sacha Baron Cohen takes his bizarre Kazakhstani reporter from the HBO series "Da Ali G Show" to the big screen in this documentary of sorts, showing the character's interactions with real people during a cross-country road trip through America. Screenplay by Cohen & Anthony Hines & Peter Baynham & Dan Mazer. Story by Cohen, Baynham, Hines and Todd Phillips. Directed by Larry Charles.
20th Century Fox
So? Maximum Sacha.

'Flushed Away'
Aardman Animation's distinctive stop-motion look (seen last year in "Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were-Rabbit") gets replicated in CG with this U.S.-British co-production about a pet mouse (voice of Hugh Jackman) flushed down the drain and surviving in London's sewers. With the voices of Kate Winslet, Ian McKellen and Jean Reno. Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais. Directed by Sam Fell and David Bowers.
Paramount
So? Very much anticipated.

'The Pusher Trilogy'
Writer-director Nicolas Winding Refn's trio of films about the interconnected lives of various hoods and drug dealers in the Danish underground are released together.
Magnolia Pictures
So? Danish action movies.

'The Santa Clause 3:The Escape Clause'
Tim Allen returns as the jolly gift-giver, this time facing a threat from Jack Frost (Martin Short), who's trying to control the North Pole. Screenplay by Ed Decter and John J. Strauss. Directed by Michael Lembeck.
Walt Disney Pictures
So? Menace a trois.

'Volvér'
A dead woman (Carmen Maura) appears to family members, including her daughters (Penélope Cruz, above, and Lola Dueñas) and sister (Chus Lampreave) in writer-director's surreal comedy about life and death in Spain. Written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar.
Sony Pictures Classics
So? Spain embraces its bad boy.

'20 Centimeters'
A narcoleptic transsexual (Mónica Cervera) falls asleep and dreams of the day when she can lose the final thing still keeping her a man. Except these dreams are full-blown musical numbers, featuring songs originally sung by Queen, Madonna and Ani Di Franco, among others. With Pablo Puyol, Miguel O'Dogherty, Concha Galán, Lola Dueñas, Pilar Bardem, Juan Sanz, Najwa Nimri and Rossy De Palma. Written and directed by Ramon Salazar.
TLA Releasing
So? Hedwig goes metric.

'Wrestling With Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner'
Learn about the life and the creative process of the Pulitzer- and Tony Award-winning creator of "Angels in America" in this documentary from director Freida Lee Mock.
Balcony Releasing
So? Mind games.


Nov. 4


'Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror'
Snoop hosts this trilogy of urban horror tales about the residents of a particularly violent inner-city neighborhood, which blends live-action with anime sequences. With Ernie Hudson, Danny Trejo, Lin Shaye, Billy Dee Williams, Anson Mount, Brande Roderick, "Diamond" Dallas Page, Method Man and Jason Alexander. Written by Jacob Hair, Chris Kobin, Jonathan McHugh and Tim Sullivan. Directed by Stacy Title.
Xenon Pictures
So? Bloodbath and beyond.


Fall TBD


'Fakers'
Deep in debt to a London crime lord, a desperate man (Matthew Rhys) hatches a scheme to make five forgeries of the same painting and sell them at the same time to raise the money he needs. With Kate Ashfield, Tom Chambers, Tony Haygarth, Art Malik and Rula Lenska. Written by Paul Gerstenberger. Directed by Richard Janes.
Indican
So? Desperate character with a lot of nerve.