2011 will probably – and unofficially – go down in film history as premiering the most remakes, re-do’s, do-overs, prequels, and sequels on record (with many more to follow in the closing months and well into 2012). Here’s a quick review of your best (and worst) bets for some fresh entertainment to start the Fall with.
Rave: Apollo 18 . This scifi horror is set on the barren landscape of our moon and may revive the dull humdrum that has become the late Summer movie season of 2011. Two astronauts, who were a part of an ultra classified and disavowed last mission to visit to our closest celestial neighbor, make contact with a mysterious force. Is it purely psychological or any actual threat? Release Date: 9/2/11 .
Rant: Shark Night 3D . Has 3D become the bane of the film industry? I’m not sure when Hollywood decided that we would enjoy every movie – from family friendly cartoons to torture scenes, and everything in between – in hair-raising 3D format, but it has turned into an exasperating standard for new releases (and a fad I’m hoping will fade out soon). The premise is overly familiar: More young persons, who are only looking to have the best vacation of their lives, are terrorized by eerily intelligent and ferocious aqua life. Release Date: 9/2/11 .
Rave: The Debt . Although the title itself is nothing to be thrilled about, psychological thrillers, especially those that delve into the shaky past of the covert world of counterintelligence and espionage, are great at stimulating the brain cells and fabulous for boosting search trends. I won’t be surprised if a lot of trending topics will be centered around WWII and Cold War key terms immediately following the release of this film. Release Date 9/2/11 .
Rant: Contagion . I can’t say that I won’t be one of many who will be sitting in the theaters wondering if the CDC will be able to figure out a cure to an extremely virulent and airborne pathogen that is ravaging the world’s population. Nevertheless, other than a list of big-ticket names on its roster, this movie doesn’t look to have any special qualities to distinguish it from other previous releases that traced the rapid spread of a global pandemic and the panic that is sure to follow. Release Date 9/9/11 .
Rave: Warrior . MMA is a bare knuckle sport that rarely gets the attention and fanfare it truly deserves. It’s nice to finally have a real and hard-edged peak at the rigorous training and emotional upheaval these fighters must follow on the road to The Octagon. Release Date 9/9/11 .
Rant: Straw Dogs . High tension stalks a couple who have relocated to a heavily rural and increasingly hostile new neighborhood. However, after already viewing a sizeable chunk of the plot during the film’s trailer, does this remake of the 1971 original have any surprises left over to stun the audience with? Release Date 9/16/11 .
Mixed Bag: These upcoming releases are appealing but whether or not they are enticing enough to want to spend two hours pasted to a theater chair remains undecided.
Moneyball . A baseball fantasy league lover’s dream movie. Release Date 9/23/11 . Dolphin Tale . A loving family nurtures a dolphin who must receive a prosthetic fin. Release Date 9/23/11 . Drive . Will this flick bring more depth and character to the big screen than The Transporter? With the charismatic Ryan Gosling as its star, the answer will probably be a resounding yes. Release Date 9/16/11.