Thursday, September 29, 2016

Top 20 Movies to Look Out For In October (2016)

According to: Cat


21– Zeroville (Honorable Mention)


Tag Line: A Film By James Franco.
Production Company:  RabbitBandini Productions
Director:  James Franco
Writers:  Steve Erickson (novel), Paul Felten, Ian Olds
Actors:  Megan Fox, Dave Franco, James Franco, Seth Rogan, Will Ferrell, Danny McBride, Craig Robinson, Joey King, Jacki Weaver, Mia Serafino, Sandra Rosko, Horatio Sanz
Genre:  Comedy, Drama
Rated:  Unrated

Sometimes we feel the need to randomly step out of the box. This was one such occasion. This movie is rumored to be released in October 2016, however it is largely an enigma. It is a real movie, and there was even a trailer released at one point which has since been removed from the web. With the star power in this cast, it is odd that the film hasn’t gotten more buzz. The mystery is one of the attractions, at least for me, at the moment. If it isn’t released this month, keep a look out for it to appear on a future top 20.

The movie is set in 1969 during a time that the industry landscape in Hollywood was in transition from “Old Hollywood” to “New Hollywood.” James Franco’s (Spring Breakers, The Sound and the Fury, King Cobra) bald and tattooed character is an actor new to Los Angeles and it follows his tale. Franco is reported to have actually shaved his head for the part in this book adaptation piece.

20 – American Romance (10/23)


Tag Line: A love story by Zackary Adler
Production Companies:  Hub Media, Traverse Media
Director:  Zackary Adler
Writers:  Wes Laurie, Mei Melançon, Gary Sugarman         
Actors:  Nolan Gerard Funk, John Savage, Daveigh Chase, James Duval, Mark Boone Junior, Barlow Jacobs, Mei Melançon, Sofia Mali
Genre:  Horror, Thriller
Rated:  Unrated

I am a huge fan of Halloween. Huge. I love the costuming and all the spooky decorations. I enjoy the enthusiasm and joy of children trick-or-treating. It’s the season for ghost stories and scary movies. This year, my daughter turned 13. Rather than having her party in the middle of hot summer, we’re doing a “spooky 13” birthday party for her right before the holiday. I am already in high gear for the execution of the event! All the planning. All the lists! Pinterest is my friend.

I digress.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that in this month of shivers and scares that my Top 20 is heavily laden with horror and thrillers, such as this one.

This movie appears to be a mix of crime procedural and torture porn. Be prepared for blood and uncomfortable situations, if the trailer is any indication. It looks like there might be psychological thrills along with the scare factor. 

I also want to see what Mark Boone Junior (Halloween II, Life of Crime, The Birth of a Nation) is up to in this film. He has two movies coming out this month, but this is the only one that made my list. I haven’t really watched his work since Sons of Anarchy (2008-2014) ended, and I miss him on the screen.

19 – Ouija: Origin of Evil (10/21)


Tag Line: When you talk to the other side, you never know who will be listening.
Production Company: Allspark Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, Hasbro, Platinum Dunes
Director: Mike Flanagan
Writers: Mike Flanagan, Jeff Howard
Actors: Elizabeth Reaser, Doug Jones, Henry Thomas, Lin Shaye, Kate Siegel, Annalise Basso, Lulu Wilson, Sam Anderson, Alexis G. Zall, Lincoln Melher, Parker Mack, Ele Keats
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rated: PG-13

Lin Shaye (Snakes on a Plane, Big Ass Spider!, Tales of Halloween) is reprising her role from Ouija (2014); though the film is a prequel rather than a sequel.  This movie is taking place 50 years prior in same house.

Horror is definitely Shaye’s wheelhouse, and she’s another whom has two movies releasing this month. Both are actually on my list.

I’ve had my rant about Ouija boards before, so I’ll spare you. This movie looks sufficiently creepy, and actually a bit intense. While this film has been rated PG-13, I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone easily disturbed. Some of what was in the trailer was just freaky.

18 – In A Valley of Violence (10/21)


Tag Line: A man can only take so much!
Production Companies: Blumhouse Productions, Reel Chefs Catering
Director: Ti West
Writer: Ti West
Actors: Karen Gillian, John Travolta, Ethan Hawke, Taissa Farmiga, Burn Gorman, James Ransome, Toby Huss, Larry Fessenden, K. Harrison Sweeney, Tommy Nohilly
Genre: Western
Rated: R

This is the second non-horror film for writer/director Ti West (Trigger Man, The Innkeepers, The Sacrament). I enjoyed the trailer, but got a sense of ‘ugh’ when I saw that he was the mind behind this movie. He had directed the “M” segment of The ABCs of Death (2012), which I absolutely hated; and the “Second Honeymoon” segment of V/H/S (2012), which was highly creepy and less loathsome. I’m hoping that the fact that this is a different genre will have helped steer him in a better direction.

From what I gather between the trailer and the IMDb blurb, this seems to also be a bit of a dark comedy. That was something that immediately caught my attention and contributed heavily to placing this film on my list.

This is the first western movie for some of the big names of this cast. Taissa Farmiga (The Bling Ring, American Horror Story, The Final Girls) is new to the genre, and so is John Travolta (Hairspray, Savages, The Forger). I think they’ll do well here.

This isn’t the first rodeo for others, such as Karen Gillan (Oculus, Guardians of the Galaxy, Selfie) and Ethan Hawke (Boyhood, Maggie's Plan, Regression). This is, in fact, Hawke’s second western of this year. Though, as this movie follows close on the heels of last month's release of The Magnificent Seven (2016), the expectations are high. Both films are remakes of earlier works. This movie is said to be a loose remake of High Plains Drifter (1973), or at the least heavily influenced by it.

17 – Godzilla Resurgence (10/11)


Tag Line: A god incarnate. A city doomed.
Production Companies: Cine Bazar, Toho Company, Toho Pictures
Director: Hideaki Anno, Shinji Higuchi
Writers: Hideaki Anno
Actors: Hiroki Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, Satomi Ishihara, Ren Ohsugi, Akira Emoto, Kengo Kôra, Mikako Ichikawa, Jun Kunimura, Pierre Taki, Kyûsaku Shimada, Ken Mitshishi, Shingo Tsurumi, Kimiko Yo, Takumi Saitô
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Sci-Fi/ Fantasy
Rated: Unrated

I love a good creature feature. You’ve likely heard me say that before. What better creature in time for Halloween than the king of all movie critters – Godzilla?! This is the 30th film with the character Godzilla since the original in 1954 (if you don’t count that nonsense in 1998).

While this movie appears to be a reboot showing what would happen if the Terror of Tokyo were to attack for the very first time in present day, it has a lot of nods in it to vintage Godzilla. From the distinct roar heard in the trailer to even the appearance, this film will be full of nostalgia for fans of the kaiju genre. I like the fact that they’ve gone back to the monster’s roots rather than giving it yet another redesign.

It should also be noted that this is not connected in any way with the Legendary Pictures series. The sequel to that particular reboot is slated for 2019.

Another thing I love about this movie already is that one of the co-directors was heavily involved in the special effects for quite a few of the older movies from the mid-80s through the 90s. This movie is said to employ a hybrid of CGI and traditional practical effects in bringing the colossal creature to life – and taller than ever!

It’s only hitting theaters with a limited release (and with record speed following the Japan premiere), but it’ll be worth searching out On Demand, via streaming services, or on DVD/blu-ray as soon as it’s available.

16 – Patient Seven (10/11)


Tag Line: Try to remain calm.
Production Company: Terror Films
Directors: Danny Draven, Paul Davis, Ă“mar Ă–rn Hauksson, Dean Hewison, Joel Morgan, Johannes Persson, Nicholas Peterson, Erlingur Thoroddsen, Rasmus Wassberg
Writers: Paul Davis, Sam Dickson, Richard Falkner, Paul Fischer, Omar Orn Hauksson, Jacey Heldrich, Dean Hewison, Barry Jay, Brian McAuley, Joel Morgan, Johannes Persson, Nicholas Peterson, David Steenhoek, Aidee Walker, Rasmus Wassberg
Actors: Amy Smart, Doug Jones, Alfie Allen, Michael Ironside, Jack Plotnick, Grace Van Dien, William Mark McCullough, Daniel Lench, Anna Rose Moore, Amanda Graeff, Sirry Jons
Genre: Horror, Drama
Rated: Unrated

There always seems to be one or more horror anthologies released at this time of year. With collaborations of this nature, you never know what you’re going to get. What I saw on the trailer looks really good. This seems to be a blend of some sort of supernatural with psychological thriller and Michael Ironside’s (Extraterrestrial, Turbo Kid, Children of the Fall) character is the glue that holds the different segments together.

Looking through the directors, I didn’t see anyone that’s directed any of the stinkers I’m familiar with. A lot are rather new or have done the bulk of their work in foreign markets. There’s even one that has directed a couple of the metal band Five Finger Death Punch’s videos. This gives me hope, and I am intrigued as to what is going on with this doctor interviewing psychotic and dangerous patients.

15 – Boo! A Madea Halloween (10/21)


Tag Line: Witch, please.
Production Company: The Tyler Perry Company
Director: Tyler Perry
Writers: Tyler Perry
Actors: Bella Thorne, Brock O'Hurn, Tyler Perry, Jimmy Tatro, Diamond White, Yousef Erakat, Kian Lawley, Lexy Panterra, Cassi Davis, Jc Caylen, John West Jr., Patrice Lovely
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Horror
Rated: PG-13

Madea’s back after a three year hiatus from the big screen! This movie just looks hilarious. There doesn’t need to be more explanation than that. I’m curious to see how Tyler Perry (Star Trek, Good Deeds, Brain on Fire) blended the actual horror movie elements with the comedy. Rumor has it that this film was also shot in a total of six days.

Another reason I am excited to see this movie hit the theaters is because of the big-screen debut of Brock O'Hurn (Too Close to Home). He’s only had one other cited project, which was a TLC original content television series also by Perry. I’m hoping that this personal trainer’s acting chops are really there and he’s not just scenery. His fabulous hair and propensity for taking shirtless pictures have made him a bit of a social media sensation in recent years. But hey, if it doesn’t work out, he’ll still have “man-bun Monday.”

14 – The Accountant (10/14)


Tag Line: Calculate your choices.
Production Companies: Warner Bros., Electric City Entertainment, Zero Gravity Management
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Writers: Bill Dubuque
Actors: Anna Kendrick, Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal, Jeffrey Tambor, John Lithgow, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Alison Wright, Seth Lee, Gregory Alan Williams
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Rated: R

This cast certainly has a lot of combined comic book character experience. Of course, that’s a bit of fun ‘six degrees’ trivia since this story isn’t based on any comic that I’m aware of.

When I first saw a trailer for this movie on TV, I thought that Ben Affleck’s (The Company Men, To the Wonder, Runner Runner) character was one of those emotionless sociopaths – I was wrong.
In looking up the first released official trailer for this film, it became clear that his character is supposed to be somewhere on the autism spectrum and quite the savant. I am very interested in how the character transitions into the grown man that apparently does interesting and illicit things with his accounting skills.

13 – Keeping Up with the Joneses (10/21)


Tag Line: Takes spying on your neighbors to another level.
Production Companies: Fox 2000 Pictures, Parkes+MacDonald Image Nation
Director: Greg Mottola
Writer: Michael LeSieur
Actors: Gal Gadot, Isla Fisher, Patton Oswalt, Zach Galifianakis, Jon Hamm, Matt Walsh
Genre: Action, Comedy
Rated: PG-13

I’m happy to see that there are so many PG-13 movies this month. There’s a decent selection out there for most age groups. From what I saw in the trailer, this looks like something I’d be ok with taking my daughter to see.

The premise is rather interesting. It feels like someone was sitting around and spit-balled the idea of ‘what if Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005) had really nosy busybody neighbors?” The answer seems to be this movie. But hey, with this cast, this is going to be seriously entertaining.

12 – Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life (10/7)


Tag Line: Rules aren't for everyone
Production Companies: CBS Films, James Patterson Entertainment, Participant Media, Rovio Entertainment
Director: Steve Carr
Writers: Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Kara Holden, James Patterson (novel), Chris Tebbetts (novel)
Actors: Lauren Graham, Griffin Gluck, Rob Riggle, Thomas Barbusca, Isabela Moner, Adam Pally, Efren Ramirez, Retta, Andrew Daly, Jacob Hopkins, Alexa Nisenson, Isabella Amara, Angela Oh, Gemma Forbes, Jessi Goei
Genre: Comedy
Rated: PG

I remember my middle school experience well. It was rough. Thankfully, I didn’t have a principal with the same drive for sucking the fun out of school.

This movie looks like it’s going to be a lot of family fun. I mean, seriously – who didn’t dream of pulling wickedly awesome pranks at school? I’m just hoping that the trailer didn’t give away all the best of them.

11 – Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders (10/11)


Tag Lines: The crusade continues...
Production Companies: Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment
Director: Rick Morales
Writers: William Dozier, Bill Finger, Michael Jelenic, James Tucker
Actors: Adam West, Burt Ward, Julie Newmar, Wally Wingert
Genre: Animation, Action/Adventure
Rated: PG

Do I really need to explain why this one is on my list? It’s the freaking Batman! Not only that, but it’s a retro feel and voiced by the very same actors that portrayed Batman, Robin, and Catwoman in the live action TV show in the 60s. The awesomesauce speaks for itself.


10 – The Thinning (10/12)


Tag Line: Not Available.
Production Companies: Legendary Digital Media, Kids At Play, Cinemand
Director: Michael J. Gallagher
Writer: Michael J. Gallagher, Steve Greene
Actors: Peyton List, Logan Paul, Lia Marie Johnson, Calum Worthy, Matthew Glave, Michael Traynor, Ryan Newman, Patrick O'Sullivan, Jana Winternitz, Kiersten Warren
Genre: Thriller
Rated: Unrated

Dystopian movies are so interesting. While they are generally addressing what might happen in a messed up future of our world, and there are some similarities that run through a lot of them, each twisted picture is different. One setting has children fighting a televised deadly survival game, another deals with children facing mazes and tests, and yet another where the young fight back against a caste system based on personality traits. Of course, those describe the most wildly popular stories to come out of the last decade or so.

This movie has the potential, I think, of leaving its own mark in the genre with the concept of testing in schools utilized as a method for population control. (And we thought that the schools were putting an inordinate amount of importance on those standardized tests NOW, right?)

Aside from the interesting story concept, I’m also curious to see both the Disney starlet and the Vine sensation in this film. Of course, you won’t see this one on the big screen just yet. This movie can be found exclusively on YouTubeRed, which is YouTube’s ad-free subscription streaming service. (Free trials are available, just like Netflix and other streaming providers.)

9 – The Girl on the Train (10/7)


Tag Line: What you can see can hurt you
Production Companies: Amblin Entertainment, DreamWorks SKG, Marc Platt Productions, Reliance Entertainment, Storyteller Distribution
Director: Tate Taylor
Writers: Paula Hawkins (novel), Erin Cressida Wilson
Actors: Haley Bennett, Emily Blunt, Justin Theroux, Rebecca Ferguson, Luke Evans, Laura Prepon, Allison Janney, Edgar Ramirez, Lisa Kudrow, Darren Goldstein
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Rated: R

This movie is an adaptation of a novel that spent 15 weeks as a #1 bestseller with sales in the millions of copies. That alone is a good indication that the story must be compelling.

The trailer does an excellent job in setting up both the mystery and the tangled web of connections between the characters. It feels like I see this film’s teaser every time I turn on the TV, lately. I’ll be very surprised if this doesn’t do well at the box office.

8 – Desierto (10/14)


Tag Line: From the visionary filmmakers that brought you Gravity
Production Companies: Esperanto Kino, Itaca Films, CG Cinéma
Director: JonĂ¡s CuarĂ³n
Writers: JonĂ¡s CuarĂ³n, Mateo Garcia
Actors: Gael García Bernal, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Alondra Hidalgo, Diego Cataño, Marco Pérez, Oscar Flores, David Lorenzo
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Rated: R

Illegal immigration has been a hot-button topic for quite some time. For the purposes of this movie, let’s push the political agendas aside.

Walking in the shoes of those desperate enough to cross the border, one realizes that it’s hard enough to navigate fences, desert, or rivers. These poor people in this movie also have to contend with a gun-toting vigilante with an attack dog patrolling the border.

I think that this is going to be the year that everyone is going to love to hate Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Red Dawn, Solace, The Good Wife) because of his villainous roles. The countdown has begun to see which beloved character that Negan kills in the Season Six premiere of The Walking Dead (2010-)! (It had better not be Daryl. Just saying.)

This movie is going to be intense.

7 – Fear, Inc. (10/21)


Tag Line: Making a killing one client at a time.
Production Companies: Lone Suspect, Amasia Entertainment, Title Media
Director: Vincent Masciale
Writers: Luke Barnett
Actors: Lucas Neff, Caitlin Stasey, Chris Marquette, Stephanie Drake, Mark Moses, Abigail Breslin, Richard Riehle, Patrick Renna, Naomi Grossman, Eric Lange
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Thriller
Rated: Unrated

For some horror junkies, it’s just hard to get scared by movies and haunted houses anymore. Then there’s me – I startle so easily that I’ll still jump even if I can see the source of the loud noise as it happens. My brother loves telling the story of the time he hid around a corner from me to scare me and I jumped and ran in place mid-air like a cartoon character.

This movie looks like it’s a dark comedy blended with a horror/thriller of the ‘be careful what you wish for’ variety. It somewhat reminds me of the premise of The Houses October Built (2014) and, yet, just by watching the trailer, I believe this movie will be funny and entertaining rather than the head-scratcher that Houses was.

6 – Jack Goes Home (10/14)


Tag Line:  Let The Condolences Begin
Production Companies: Yale Productions, SSS Entertainment, BondIt, Isle Empire Pictures
Director: Thomas Dekker
Writer: Thomas Dekker
Actors: Rory Culkin, Britt Robertson, Natasha Lyonne, Nikki Reed, Daveigh Chase, Lin Shaye, Louis Hunter,. Hutchi Hancock, Serge Levin, Michael Sirow
Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller
Rated: R

Here we have the second movie featuring Lin Shaye (Noobz, The Signal, Get the Money) I mentioned earlier. There promises to be something rather disturbing about her character in this film – and she’s not the lead!

I am absolutely intrigued by this movie. The trailer left me with a feeling of ‘what in the world???’ – but in the best way, rather than the WTF way. I was actually a bit giddy to note that this film was both written and directed by Thomas Dekker (Heroes, Foreverland, Plush). I have liked his performances in the few things I’ve seen. I want to get a peek into his head as to the dark creativity he can bring to the screen.

Of course, Dekker isn’t a stranger to the dark and supernatural. He was even on a TV series with some of the cast from this movie. Louis Hunter (The 7th Hunt, The Woodlies, The Fosters) and Britt Robertson (Ask Me Anything, Under the Dome, The Longest Ride) were both among the cast of The Secret Circle (2011-2012).

Rory Culkin (The Chumscrubber, Scream 4, Intruders) looks like he really shines in this film. I did spend a bit of the beginning of the trailer trying to place what I’d seen him in recently – aside from his very recognizable resemblance to his brothers. Then it hit me – he was the asthmatic kid in the movie Signs (2002). It has been circulating through cable movie channels lately; and I watched it with my daughter just last week. (For the record, now I feel old.)

5 – Rings (10/28)


Tag Line: Evil is reborn
Production Companies: BenderSpink, Macari/Edelstein, Parkes+MacDonald Image Nation, Vertigo Entertainment, Waddieish Claretrap
Director: F. Javier Gutiérrez
Writers: Jacob Estes, Akiva Goldsman, David Loucka, KĂ´ji Suzuki (novel)
Actors: Vincent D'Onofrio, Aimee Teegarden, Lizzie Brocheré, Laura Wiggins, Johnny Galecki, Alex Roe, Zach Roerig, Bonnie Morgan, Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Brandon Larracuente, Jill Jane Clements
Genre: Drama, Horror
Rated: Unrated

The Ring (2002) is considered a modern horror classic. You wouldn’t think that your life would be in danger from simply watching a video, right? Well, in this world, think again.

This isn’t a direct sequel to that first movie. There’s been at least one other that I’m aware of. I haven’t looked it up (shame on me). I haven’t watched it, and that’s ok. Either prior sequel(s) didn’t hit my radar or trailers didn’t get enough of my attention.

This one, however, with its October timing, seems right in my zone.

It also helps that there are some relatively well known members of the cast; such as Zach Roerig (Dear Me, Field of Lost Shoes, The Vampire Diaries), Johnny Galecki (Hancock, In Time, CBGB), Aimee Teegarden (Prom, Beneath the Darkness, Star-Crossed), and Vincent D'Onofrio (The Narrows, Kill the Irishman, Daredevil).

While the trailer shows the roles for a couple of them, I am curious how Zach and Johnny’s characters fit into this story. Aside from all that, this movie seems to take the original story to a whole new level. The trailer, by itself, was really trippy. I can’t wait!!

4 – Inferno (10/28)


Tag Line: His greatest challenge. Humanity's last hope
Production Companies: Columbia Pictures, Imagine Entertainment
Director: Ron Howard
Writers: Dan Brown (novel), David Koepp
Actors: Tom Hanks, Felicity Jones, Ben Foster, Omar Sy, Irrfan Khan, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Ana Ularu, Ida Darvish
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Rated: PG-13

I’d have to say that Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon, Rush, In the Heart of the Sea) is high in the list of my top five favorite directors. It’s more than just nostalgia for the television shows I enjoyed his youthful exuberance and apple pie performances in ages ago. He really brings some intensity and depth to his movies. He’s also helmed some of my favorite movies of all time. Willow (1988), Far and Away (1992), and Apollo 13 (1995) are among those.

He also has a long history of working with Tom Hanks (Charlie Wilson's War, Saving Mr. Banks, Ithaca). Their pairings date back to at least Splash (1984); which is also one of my favorites. Hanks can always be counted on for a stellar performance. Add Felicity Jones (Flashbacks of a Fool, Cemetery Junction, Collide) into the mix and you have the potential for something very awesome.

Inferno is the fourth book in Dan Brown’s (Be Cool, The Da Vinci Code, Angels & Demons) Robert Langdon series. It’s the third one to make it to the big screen. According to IMDb, the third book, The Lost Symbol, has been announced but details are sketchy right now.

While these movies tend to give the Catholic Church migraines, I find them fascinating. The blend of religion with mystery is hard to resist. I enjoy watching how Langdon’s brain ticks in putting pieces of the puzzles together and how he deals with his often harrowing circumstances.
If you liked the first two movies, this is definitely a must see!

3 – Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (10/21)


Tag Line: Never give in, never give up, never go back.
Production Companies: Paramount Pictures, Skydance Productions, TC Productions
Director: Edward Zwick
Writers: Richard Wenk, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz, Lee Child (book)
Actors: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Robert Knepper, Aldis Hodge, Sue-Lynn Ansari, Danika Yarosh, Holt McCallany, Julia Holt, Teri Wyble, Jason Douglas, Patrick Heusinger
Genre: Action/Adventure, Crime, Thriller
Rated: Unrated

Tom Cruise (Knight and Day, Rock of Ages, Oblivion) in an action movie? Sign me up! No seriously. He’s been an integral part of quite a few of my favorite movies ever. I’ve seen all but maybe 2 or 3 of his entire filmography. He might be crazypants in his personal life, but that’s his personal life. I love watching him on the screen.

If scary movies aren’t your speed, then a crime thriller might be the very thing to get your pulse racing during this spooky season. Of course, there’s nothing supernatural (that I’m aware of) about this movie. It is actually based on the 18th book of the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child (Murder by the Book, The Crime Thriller Club, Jack Reacher). The first Reacher film was based on the 9th book, so it’s unlikely that this movie will have the ‘picking up where the first left off’ vibe of most sequels.

Another thing I love about this movie (aside from the talented Cobie Smulders (Safe Haven, The Lego Movie, The Intervention) as the female lead) is that it was filmed in New Orleans. I like to support projects that come out of my home state. In spite of our former governor dropping the ball on tax incentives for the film industry, Louisiana loves hosting all manner of productions.  

2 – Max Steel (10/14)


Tag Line: Unleash your power.
Production Companies: Dolphin Entertainment, Ingenious Media, Mattel Entertainment, Open Road Films, Playground Productions
Director: Stewart Hendler
Writer: Christopher Yost
Actors: Ben Winchell, Josh Brener, Maria Bello, Andy Garcia, Ana Villafañe, Mike Doyle, Phillip DeVona, Billy Slaughter, Al Mitchell, Lawrence Kao
Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi
Rated: PG-13

This movie just looks really cool. I love the humor in the trailer. I predict that my favorite character in the film is going to be Steel, based on the communication misunderstandings that have ‘him’ taking things too literally and things of that nature.

Aside from the comedy aspect, this movie looks like it’s going to be a really good and intense coming of age superhero sci-fi movie. What do I have to say to that? Hell. Yes. Just go see it. Take the kiddos (that are old enough, since it’s PG-13). Take your friends.

1 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again (10/20)


Tag Line: This Halloween, a cult classic is reborn.
Production Companies: Fox 21 Television Studios, Jackal Group
Director: Kenny Ortega
Writers: Richard O'Brien (screenplay), Jim Sharman (original screenplay)
Actors: Laverne Cox, Reeve Carney, Tim Curry, Victoria Justice, Ryan McCartan, Annaleigh Ashford, Christina Milian, Staz Nair, Adam Lambert, Ben Vereen, Jayne Eastwood.
Genre: Comedy, Horror, Musical
Rated: TV-14

When I first heard about this remake, I was a bit irked and didn’t like the idea at all. I am a huge fan of the original. It’s a cult classic that has lasted in theaters for roughly 40 years now. That has to be a record. My favorite part of the movie isn’t even technically in the film – it’s the audience participation and ‘live cast’ performances that go with the (sometimes weekly) showings. There are just some things that you shouldn’t touch!

However, I changed my tune as more information came out about the creative minds behind the project and the cast. When I learned that the new screenplay was the brainchild of the brilliant and twisted mind of Richard O'Brien (Ever After: A Cinderella Story, Night Train, Phineas and Ferb) – the original Riff Raff – I felt like this was going to be enjoyable and handled with respect.

The minute I found out that Tim Curry (The Wild Thornberrys, Garfield 2, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) was on board to play the criminologist narrator, I was sold. There’s no way he would sign on to this if it weren’t worthy.

Since then, I’ve been waiting with great antici…..

(you know I had to)

…pation!

I absolutely adore some of the other cast members, as well. Though, I haven’t read a lot about what they’re doing with this new twist on the story because I want to be surprised. This is going to be a TV special on the Fox network. I find that fitting, personally, because that’s how I first saw the original 1975 movie – late night Fox TV.

People are likely to either love it or hate it, but I’m going to give it a chance! Hey, it's free. Tune in and give it a shot - if you don't like it, you can always change the channel.

Movies to Look out For
According to: Selina
Zeroville (Honorable Mention) - 21 
 Keeping Up with the Joneses - 20
Inferno - 19
Rings - 18
Jack Goes Home - 17
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life - 16
The Siege of Jadotville - 15
London Town - 14
Desierto - 13
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back - 12
Ouija: Origin of Evil - 11
The Thinning - 10
The Late Bloomer - 9
Fear, Inc. - 8
Kevin Hart: What Now? - 7
The Accountant - 6
King Cobra - 5
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again - 4
Batman: Return of the Caped Crusaders - 3
Max Steel - 2
The Girl on the Train - 1