September Movie Preview

Sorry, folks but summer’s over. School’s back in session, Labor Day is around the corner, yet what was once a dumping ground for Hollywood, this September is full steam ahead with a collection of misfit films finding a release date home, leftover summer films, and interesting pre-Fall dramas. While you’re busy, luckily, you have us at Killer Film as Donny Broussard and Jon Peters will tell you what they think are must ‘sees’ and must ‘skips’ this month.

(September 3rd)

The American

The IMDb plot: “An assassin hides out in Italy for one last assignment.”

Donny: I’m a Clooney fan, and I dig this type of flick so I’m totally going to be there for this one. Also, the poster kicks all kinds of ass. I’m just saying. See it.

Jon: I loved, loved, loved Control, Anton Corbijn’s debut film. Interestingly, I don’t know if the marketing or trailers sell me on this. Early word has it as a great thriller, but some elements will challenge viewers. Sweet! See it.

Machete

The IMDb plot: “After being betrayed by the organization who hired him, an ex-Federale launches a brutal rampage of revenge against his former boss.”

Jon: Personally, I didn’t think we would ever see this as a feature film. Now that they made it, it looks exactly how I wanted it to be: an old school Barney Bad-ass action flick like the one’s from the by gone era that The Expendables resurrected. Growing up in South Omaha, I share a kinship with my fellow Mexican comrades and all I can say is Viva! Machete! See it.

Donny: Oh hell yes! I’m so stoked to see this flick I can barely contain myself. A host of old school actors, hot ladies, awesome kills, and a super bad-ass Mexican! How do you beat that? If your a movie fan make sure you park your ass in the closest theater seat you can get to and support something other than the cookie cutter crap that usually populates the multiplex. See it.

Going the Distance

The IMDb plot: “A romantic comedy centered on a guy and a gal who try to keep their love alive as they shuttle back and forth between Chicago and Los Angeles to see one another.”

Jon: On paper, one would get the sense that this is another silly rom-com, but that trailer looks funny as f*ck. Yeah, I just cussed and this flick deserves it. Looks funny and sweet, a natural rom-com about real people. Gasp! See it.

Donny: I’m a softy for a good rom-com. Mostly because they make the wife happy, which usually works out in my favor.  I’m with Jon on this one. I enjoyed the trailer, and I’m gonna give it a shot. See it.

The Tillman Story

The IMDb plot: “Former Arizona Cardinal-turned-hero died by friendly fire, but one family will risk everything for the truth.”

Donny: Not interested. Enough said. Skip it.

Jon: Outside of the countless ESPN and CNN new bits on Patrick Tillman’s tragic death, what more can a doc say? I’ll give it a shot, but not theatrically. Skip it.

(September 10th)

Resident Evil: Afterlife

The IMDb plot: “As her deadly battle with the Umbrella Corporation reaches new heights, but Alice gets some unexpected help from an old friend.”

Donny: I’m all over this cheese fest. Hot girl + fun visual effects and a little 3D = good time at the movies! Even if this flick sucks goat nuts the audience still gets to rock out to standard issue metal tunes, grub on some popcorn, and look at Milla. See it.

Jon: This franchise has never reached to potential it should have. Instead, they’re safely riding mediocrity. What’s with Umbrella looking like Matrix wanna be’s? You enjoy this , D, because it surely will – as you greatly put- “sucks goat nuts”. Skip it.

I’m Still Here

The IMDb plot: “A documentary on Joaquin Phoenix’s transition from the acting world to a career as an aspiring rapper.”

Jon: If you haven’t noticed, kudos to Magnolia for releasing neat flicks. But I have to see this, if anything because of his bizzarro appearance on David Letterman must be explained. Is it real? Was it staged? Doesn’t Joaquin Phoenix look like Matisyahu? See it.

Donny: Who cares if it’s real or not? Really, if it’s remotely as funny as his appearance on Letterman it’s going to rock harder than Iron Maiden. And I’m saying that about a movie based on an actor that wants to be a rapper, but might just be an actor acting like he wants to be a rapper. I can’t wait! See it.

Legendary

The IMDb plot: “A book-smart teenager joins his school’s wrestling team as a way to reunite his surviving family members, who split apart after the death of his father, a college wrestling legend, 10 years ago.”

Donny: Not really my thing. I’m pretty sure Jon is going to dig this so I think I’ll let him check this one out while I stay home and enjoy a few beers and Blu-rays. Skip it.

Jon: I admire WWE trying to venture out into non-action films, but this will have to wait, in my opinion, for some said beers and Blu-rays. John Cena doesn’t excite me like Stone Cold or The Rock once did. Skip it.

(September 17th)

The Town

The IMDb plot: “As he plans his next job, a longtime thief tries to balance his feelings for a bank manager connected to one of his earlier heists, as well as the FBI agent looking to bring him and his crew down.”

Donny: I think Affleck is a rock solid director, and a pretty good actor as well. The trailer for this flick blew me away, so I’ll be there on opening night to see if the flick is as great as I’m thinking it will be. See it.

Jon: I’m all about this. It appears to be like a gritty Boston-based mix of Heat and The Departed. Plus, it has Jeremy Renner, who I have liked since Dahmer. Also, do you all remember Gone, Baby Gone? Solid movie and this will be too. See it.

Easy A

The IMDb plot: “A clean-cut high school student relies on the school’s rumor mill to advance her social and financial standing.”

Jon: You know Donny, I’m a man. An old school, hard working, Union-break taking man. So don’t judge me. But I seriously think this film has what it takes to be a hit, a Mean Girls styled hit, with a clever premise, pitch perfect casting, and humor. Thumbs up from just the trailer alone. See it.

Donny: I totally agree with you Jon. I am cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs when it comes to Emma Stone. Look at how she bites her lip…yum. The flick looks funny, and possibly even good enough to be an unexpected hit. See it.

Killer Film will take their Union break for an Emma Stone time-out.

Okay, break over.

The IMDb plot: “A group of people trapped in a elevator realize that the devil is among them.”

Donny: The trailer for this flick did nothing for me and the fact that M. Make A. Crappy Movie is attached as producer isn’t a plus either. Skip it.

Jon: I’m all about devils, but a M. Night devil…uh….yeah. The trailer looks overly slick and M. Night’s name has caused a slew of laughter from the audience when the trailer played. It could be good, but better on DVD. Skip it.

Alpha and Omega

The IMDb plot: “Two young wolves at opposite ends of their pack’s social order are thrown together into a foreign land and need each other to return home, but love complicates everything.”

Jon: Despite some familiarity, I’ll give it to LGF’s new animated film: it looks funny, wonderful, and fun, and that’s a feat for anyone living in the animated world with Pixar on the right and DreamWorks on the left. See it.

Donny: My kids are eagerly awaiting the release of this picture, so even if I didn’t want to check it out I’m going to have to. I do agree with Jon in that it does look funny and fun. That’s enough for me. See it.

(September 24th)

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

The IMDb plot: “As the global economy teeters on the brink of disaster, a young Wall Street trader partners with disgraced former Wall Street corporate raider Gordon Gekko on a two-tiered mission.”

Jon: Upon first hearing about this sequel, I think we all cringed. But since then, layoffs are at an all-time high, economy is crap, nobody has money, and Gordon Gekko returns. I want to know, amongst all of this financial chaos, that greed is still good. See it.

Donny: Gordon Gekko is the mother f**king man! See it.

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole

The IMDb plot: “On his way to finding a legend…he will become one.”

Donny: Something about a book, some birds, possibly some magic, blah, blah, blah. Skip it.

Jon: I love 30 Seconds to Mars, and many have said I look like Jared Leto. I thank you, but that song is killing me when I see this trailer! Arggh! Snyder’s fine, and the animation and 3D look superb, actually. It just doesn’t excited me. Skip it.

You Again

The IMDb plot: “When a young woman realizes her brother is about to marry the girl who bullied her in high school, she sets out to expose the fiancée’s true colors.”

Donny: I’d rather spend all day watching a 24 hour Barney marathon that sit through this flick. Skip it.

Jon: But, but, but Donny, it has Odette Yustman. Remember the Unborn one-sheet? Oh, yeah boy! Let’s just hope this is a far better vehicle for Kristen Bell than When in Rome! Is Betty White the new William Shatner? Skip it.

Buried

The IMDb plot: “After an attack by a group of Iraqis, Paul wakes to find he is buried alive inside a coffin.”

Donny: This flick looks like it could be the real deal. I love the idea, and the marketing for this flick has been interesting. I’m totally there on opening night. See it.

Jon: He spends most of the film in the coffin. Oh. Hell. Yes. Good buzz from Sundance and this one location thing has me all sort of curious. See it.

You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger

The IMDb plot: “Follows a pair of married couples, as their passions, ambitions, and anxieties lead them into trouble and out of their minds.”

Jon: Woody Allen’s next features a sexy cast, plus his last couple of films has shown a return to form for the director, making this more of a See than it should be.

Donny: Even Woody Allen’s lesser flicks are blessed with phenomenal dialogue. I’m there. See it.

September Spotlight

This and each month, Killer Film will be focusing on a film worth seeking, because it’s unique, of interest, and that it might also slip under your radar.

Lovely, Still

The IMDb plot: “A holiday fable that tells the story of an elderly man discovering love for the first time.”

Donny: This looks interesting. It’s not your typical Hollywood drivel. I’m going to give it a shot. See it.

Jon: It played earlier at the Omaha Film Festival to a good reception, Donny. Nice primer for the Fall drama season. See it.

Be sure to let us know below in a comment what you are seeing or skipping and why! Also, keep it here all month long for reviews of these films and more, only on Killer Film!