Fall and Winter Movie Preview

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps – 9/24

After being delayed from its April release, Oliver Stone’s sequel to his classy 1987 money game drama “Wall Street” finally hits theaters, now more socially relevant than ever. The story centers around the recent financial crisis, as infamous corporate raider Gordon Gecko (Michael Douglas, returning to his Oscar-winning role) takes up-and-coming trader Jacob Moore (Shia LeBeouf) under his wing to mentor him. Then, together, they must warn the Wall Street community of impending economic catastrophe before the stock market crashes. Stone (“Platoon,” “Natural Born Killers”) is known for making films fueled by sobering social commentary, and judging from the very positive pre-release buzz, “Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps” should be a strong contender during awards season, as well as one of the year’s most important movies.

The Social Network – 10/1

Every once in a while a film comes along that perfectly describes a generation. David Fincher’s “Fight Club” reached that goal with Generation X, and now it looks like Fincher will do it again, this time encapsulating the essence of the Facebook generation. And what better way to do that than with the Facebook movie? Fincher’s “The Social Network” chronicles how Harvard undergrad Mark Zuckerberg (played by the college version of Michael Cera, Jesse Eisenberg) created the most popular website on the Internet and became the world’s youngest billionaire. Fincher has already proven himself as one of this era’s greatest directors, and “The Social Network” trailer is the best one I’ve seen for any film all year. So don’t be surprised when ads for the Academy Awards start populating Facebook, because this movie has Oscars written all over its wall.

Red – 10/15

At first glance, “Red” looks like just another action-comedy with a famous face and some big guns. Upon closer viewing however, that face belongs to Bruce Willis, playing a retired CIA agent who must call on his old, aging team to help him stop those trying to kill him. But what “Red” has setting it apart is the all-star cast alongside Willis (John Malkovich, Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren), superb, older actors who are purposefully slumming in a fun little action flick. From the trailer alone it’s obvious they’re having a great time as they get to wisecrack and shoot some heavy machinery. The PG-13 rating is a tad worrisome, but Mirren on a mounted machine gun and a paranoid, unpredictable Malkovich are more than entertaining enough to make up for the toned-down violence.

Due Date – 11/5

There hasn’t been a widely successful or particularly memorable full-on comedy since “The Hangover,” so thank goodness director Todd Philips and star Zach Galifianakis reconvened for this hilarious roadtrip to tide over audiences until “The Hangover 2.” Galifianakis stars as a bumbling fool with whom a soon-to-be father (Robert Downey Jr.) must hitch a ride to Los Angeles with in order to arrive at his child’s birth on time. Downey Jr.’s sardonic wit is perfectly tuned for this type of stressed-out businessman character, while Galifianakis more or less just plays Alan from “The Hangover” again. But considering he was the standout of that film, most viewers will probably be ecstatic by this. Expect nothing less than the funniest movie since “The Hangover.”

127 Hours – 11/5

Oscar-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle strikes again after dominating both the awards and the box office with “Slumdog Millionaire” two years ago. This time around he’s working from an inspiring, completely true story, one most people will remember because of all the attention it received in the media. Seven years ago mountain climber Aron Ralston (played by James Franco) went canyoneering by himself near Moab, Utah, but got his arm trapped under a huge rock in the middle of a canyon. All alone with no help in sight, he spent 127 hours there before finding a way out. When Aron told this tale on talk shows it was absolutely spellbinding, so under the talented, stylistic hand of Boyle, this looks to be one of the year’s most engrossing films, already guaranteed a place at the Academy Awards.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 – 11/19

Harry Potter is without a doubt one of the biggest cultural phenomenons of the 21st century, so with this first half of the last and arguably best book, expectations are high for a truly epic finale to a series this generation has grown up loving. With Voldemort controlling Hogwarts and the whole wizarding world going to hell, it’s up to Harry, Ron and Hermione to find the rest of the horcruxes in order to defeat him. But this is no easy task, and the last installment is known for having tons of exhilarating set pieces as well as lots of deaths before reaching the final showdown. So start preparing your wizard outfit now, because if ever there was a premiere to dress up for and see at midnight, this worldwide event is the one.

Black Swan – 12/1

Director Darren Aronofsky has crafted several of the most intimate and intense character-driven pieces of recent years — “Requiem for a Dream” will change your life — and as a follow up to his powerful “The Wrestler,” he now presents the nightmarish psychological thriller “Black Swan.” Natalie Portman plays Nina, a devoted ballerina and the star of her New York dance company. But when a new dancer (Mila Kunis) threatens her spot as the lead in the company’s production of “Swan Lake,” they develop a friendship-rivalry as Nina deliriously spins out of control and starts losing her grip on reality. Festival buzz for this movie is through the roof, and Aronofsky could finally receive his rightful recognition from the Academy. Don’t let the ballerina setting fool you, “Black Swan” will be one of 2010’s craziest, most mesmerizing head trips.

TRON: Legacy – 12/17

Back in 1982, the original “TRON” wowed audiences with its incredible special effects and futuristic story and look. Today, it seems like little more than a dated classic of nostalgia. But “TRON: Legacy” updates this universe to make it just as cool for audiences today as it was for those 28 years ago. Jeff Bridges reprises his glorious role of Kevin Flynn, who’s been in the TRON world since the original movie, and brings in his now grown up son Sam (Garrett Hedlund). Together they explore the fascinating cyber land as they embark on a dangerous journey across it. Along the way, they encounter plenty of gladiatorial matches and, what TRON is famous for, the cycle battles. Just take a look at the trailer for a glimpse of the breathtakingly awesome effects and profound visual style, which are sure to make it this year’s “Avatar.”