Who knew the last few weeks of the season would hold so many box-office gems?
With reality-based original scripts, an “SNL”-star-studded comedy, one imaginative musical, skin-tingling thrillers, dramas featuring former TV stars, and the next young adult phenomenon, there are too many releases to list here, so this Flick Chick did her best to sum up this September to remember.
But first, I would be remiss not to mention the recent passing of comedic genius Robin Williams, who will be sorely missed. We’ll get the chance to see the actor on the big screen four more times before 2014 is out, but the world will not be the same without his signature grin and spontaneity. (Nanu-nanu, oh captain, my captain!)
Opening September 5
I am a huge Elvis fan—no, fanatic (a word that more aptly describes my fascination with the King of rock ‘n’ roll)—and have often wondered what would have happened had his twin not died at birth. “The Identical” reminds me of that notion, but takes a completely different path, following two brothers who are separated as babies and raised in different families, but whose lives still collide through music. (For those of you who were unaware Elvis was a twin, get to Graceland immediately—I’ve been there three times; don’t judge—and take the audio tour!)
Opening September 12
This has got family movie night written all over it. Morgan Freeman, Ashley Judd (who also appears in “The Identical”) and Harry Connick Jr. lead the cast of this sequel to “Dolphin Tale,” in which humans strive to save a delightful mammal named Winter (the opposite plot of “Frozen,” in which animated characters set out to cease an endless winter).
The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby (R)
I have been fascinated by the trailer for this flick ever since I first saw it on the big screen. Wonderfully red-haired, creamy-skinned Jessica Chastain (“Zero Dark Thirty,” “The Help”) takes on a completely different role for this rom-com-turned-mystery, opposite James McAvoy (“X-Men,” “Atonement”). William Hurt, Viola Davis (Chastain’s much-acclaimed co-star in “The Help”) and “SNL” alum Bill Hader also star.
Calling all horror and “Game of Thrones” devotees: This suspenseful film features up-and-coming Scottish actress Rose Leslie (Jon Snow’s short-term “GOT” girlfriend) as a newlywed who turns on her husband—not for better, but for the worse—while the two are on their post-nuptial romantic getaway at a cabin in the woods…go figure. (Methinks the honeymoon is definitely over for this couple.)
Two words: Kristin Wiig. The LOL-heroine of “Bridesmaids” is back in this film with fellow “SNL” cast member Bill Hader (in his second film this summer), a delightful Sundance selection about a brother and sister who lean on one another in their mutual depression and find a way to laugh (out loud) again.
Opening September 17
The promo for this movie scares the crap out of me. “Downton Abbey” eye-candy Dan Stevens (who reportedly left the series to take on movie roles, hence his character’s untimely death on the small screen) is an Iraq War veteran who appears to have the best of intentions when he visits the family of a friend and former military colleague who died overseas. But this leading man may not be who he seems. (Call this a scary version of “The Lucky One.”)
Opening September 19
My well-read 13-year-old nephew is most excited about this upcoming release based on the book by James Dashner. “Hunger Games” and “Divergent” followers are sure to flock to this adventurous “Lord of the Flies”-esque epic about fighting for your life—or for the chance for a better one.
I love anything former teen actor Jason Bateman (who here remembers “Valerie”?) does. Fresh off his “Bad Words” directorial debut, the “Horrible Bosses” grad joins forces with comedic wonder woman Tina Fey and Hollywood icon Jane Fonda in this dry-witted release, which, despite having a similar premise, is far less depressing than “August: Osage County.” (Sorry, Meryl.)
What do you get when you cross a former child star who saw dead people (Haley Joel Osment) and a tale of physical/mental/emotional metamorphosis, written and directed by crazy man Kevin Smith? You’ll have to see it to believe it.
A Walk Among the Tombstones (R)
Liam Neeson fans, aka almost-every-man-I’ve-ever-met: Ready yourselves for the action star’s “particular set of skills” in his latest role as a P.I. in search of a murderer. Former “Downtown Abbey” lead Dan Stevens also appears in this dramatic, “non-stop” story.
This project from The Weinstein Company is sure to win cinematography awards for showcasing the natural wonders of the Australian outback. The cast includes John Curran (“The Painted Veil”), Mia Wasikowska (“Alice in Wonderland”), and a handful of dogs and camels. (You read correctly.) This reminds me in part of a favorite film of mine, “Out of Africa,” which I’ve seen so many times, I’ve lost count. (The only thing missing is a young Robert Redford—yum.)
Opening September 26
If real and CGI dolphins aren’t of interest to your children, perhaps these fantastical creatures will have appeal. Based on the book “Here Be Monsters,” this animated feature about cave-dwelling trash collectors is voiced by Elle Fanning, Simon Pegg, Toni Collette, Ben Kingsley and Tracy Morgan (who’s still recovering from a near-fatal car accident earlier this summer). See it in 3-D for full effect.
We haven’t seen Denzel Washington (who last appeared in 2013’s unsuccessful “2 Guns”) in theaters for a while now. Here, he channels his inner badass (a la “Training Day”) as a former black ops commander who goes head-to-head with the Russian mob. Note: Fans of starlet Chloe Grace Moretz (“If I Stay,” “Carrie”), who’s usually cast as an ingénue, will be shocked to see her as a prostitute in this gritty film. (Move over, “Pretty Woman.”)
The Two Faces of January (PG-13)
I never thought I’d see Viggo Mortenson (“A History of Violence,”) and Kirsten Dunst (last seen in a quick cameo in “Anchorman 2”) in a movie together. This thrilling period piece has the two actors fleeing the scene of an accidental crime, accompanied by a mysterious stranger (Oscar Isaac of “Inside Llewyn Davis” fame). From the producers of “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.”
