For many people, fall is about the leaves changing color, temperatures dropping and apple cider. For Hollywood, it’s about a little golden guy named Oscar.
About this time, studios trot out their "sure things" to get as many critics’ kudos as possible, while hoping to fuel the box office, as well.
Here are some films to watch for in the upcoming fall and holiday season. Not all are Oscar contenders, but they’re worth keeping an eye on. Some may even etch their way into immortality.
"Flags of Our Fathers"
Starring Ryan Phillippe and Jesse Bradford; directed by Clint Eastwood. Opening Oct. 20.
One of the most famous photographs of World War II is the image of six battle-weary soldiers raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi in February 1945. "Flags of Our Fathers" is about what happened to the survivors after the war and how they dealt with the unlikely fame. Paul Haggis, fresh off his Oscar win for "Crash" and the pen behind Eastwood’s "Million Dollar Baby," writes with William Broyles Jr. for this one.
"Fur: An Imaginary Portrait of Diane Arbus"
Starring Nicole Kidman and Robert Downey Jr.; directed by Steven Shainberg. Opening Nov. 10.
Kidman tries her hand at another tormented artist, this time playing photographer Arbus, who was known for her bizarre portraits and 1971 suicide. This is Shainberg’s follow up to his well-received — and somewhat controversial — "Secretary" in 2002. Kidman might pick up a second Oscar for her portrayal in this film, which is loosely based on "Diane Arbus," a biography by Patricia Bosworth.
"Casino Royale"
Starring Daniel Craig; directed by Martin Campbell. Opening Nov. 17.
Craig is the sixth actor to play the dapper British assassin on the big screen (not counting the first "Casino Royale," which was a spoof), and Bond fans can’t wait. Will he join the ranks of Connery and Moore, or Lazenby and Dalton? Craig, no slouch as an actor, might be a surprise. Ian Fleming’s novel "Casino Royale" was the first in the Bond series.
"Bobby"
Starring Emilio Estevez, Anthony Hopkins, Lindsay Lohan, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone and Elijah Wood; directed by Estevez. Opening Nov. 23.
This dramatic retelling of the shooting of Robert F. Kennedy is seen through the eyes of the participants and observers whose lives were altered by that fateful night in 1968. Even the most casual history buffs will recognize the release date as being one day beyond the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of Bobby’s older brother, John. It might be too controversial for the Academy.
"The Nativity Story"
Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes and Shoreh Aghdashloo; directed by Catherine Hardwicke. Opening Dec. 1.
Hardwicke ("Thirteen," "Lords of Dogtown") is sure to bring a different twist to the umpteenth telling of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The film was shot in Italy from a screenplay by Mike Rich ("The Rookie," "Finding Forrester"). Sixteen-year-old Castle-Hughes (an Oscar nominee for "Whale Rider") just made the news when her pregnancy was announced. Why is this film not being released Dec. 25?
"Home of the Brave"
Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Biel and 50 Cent; directed by Irwin Winkler. Opening Dec. 15.
Winkler always will be remembered by Philadelphians as the man who co-produced "Rocky." But he has also produced more than 50 other movies and directed seven. "Home of the Brave" tracks the lives of three veterans after their return home from the War in Iraq. It sounds like the classic "The Best Years of Our Lives," which was about World War II. Let’s hope it’s half as good.
"Charlotte’s Web"
Starring Dakota Fanning and the voices of Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford and Julia Roberts; directed by Gary Winick. Opening Dec. 20.
E.B. White’s timeless children’s classic gets its second go-round, the first being the animated version in 1973. This time it’s getting the "Babe" treatment, as barn animals appear to talk with the help of CGI. Fanning is Fern, the farm girl who bonds with Wilbur the Pig. Roberts is the voice of the elegant Charlotte.
"Dreamgirls"
Starring Jamie Foxx, Beyonce, Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson; directed by Bill Condon. Opening Dec. 25.
The long-awaited film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, based loosely on The Supremes, finally arrives. There are some differences from the true story, the chief of which is Hudson’s Effie, who sings the show-stopper "And I am Telling You I’m Not Going," goes on to a successful solo career. Florence Ballard, on whom Effie is based, died in poverty. This could be this year’s "Chicago."
"Rocky Balboa"
Directed by and starring Sylvester Stallone. Opening Dec. 22.
Depending on who you talk too, this was either a really bad or a really good idea. In this addition to the "Rocky" movies, we find the lovable palooka owning a restaurant named after his late wife, Adrian. When he is offered the chance to make a comeback boxing a few "tomato cans," he gets a shot at the title, challenging current champ Mason "The Line" Dixon. Does he win? I’m not telling.
"The Good Shepherd"
Starring Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci; directed by De Niro. Opening Dec. 22.
Only De Niro’s second time in the director’s chair, this could be one of the better movies of the year. Damon (on screen now in Martin Scorsese’s "The Departed") plays Edward Wilson, a man with a troubled past who is recruited into the fledgling Central Intelligence Agency as America beefs up its role in the Cold War. At first enthusiastic, Wilson soon gets caught up in the national paranoia and begins suspecting everyone around him.
All release dates are subject to change.
