Must See Fall 2006 Movies

Must See Fall 2006 Movies

It’s that time of year again where movie studios are making the mad dash to release the next blockbuster, or, more importantly, their Oscar hopefuls. What are some of the movies being released in the upcoming months?

The Last King Of Scotland

This movie recounts the brutal reign of Ugandan leader Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker) as told by his private physician (played by James McAvoy). “The Last King of Scotland” opens in limited release on September 27^th.

My thoughts: There’s plenty of buzz around this movie. I’m looking for Forest Whitaker to make the short list of nominees during Oscar time.

School For Scoundrels

Opening on September 29^th is the comedy “School for Scoundrels”. In order to gain self esteem and hopefully win the heart of the girl (played by Jacinda Barrett) that he loves, Roger (Jon Heder) enrolls in a class lead by Dr. P (Billy Bob Thornton).

My thoughts: I’m divided on this one. It could be either extremely funny (such as the confrontation between Ben Stiller and Michael Clarke Duncan that’s shown in the trailer) or it could be a revamped mix of “Anger Management” and “Rushmore”.

The Departed

“The Departed” opens on October 6^th. This drama/thriller stars Leonard DiCaprio as Billy, a Boston cop who is assigned to infiltrate the Irish Mafia which is run by Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). However, the Irish Mafia has sent Colin (Matt Damon) to infiltrate the police department. Will they discover each other’s identity?

My thoughts: One word: Cast! I think the cast, which also includes Alec Baldwin, Martin Sheen and Mark Wahlberg, will make this drama one of the must see movies of the year. It’s also an excellent premise. Look for this movie around Oscar time and probably a nod to director, Martin Scorsese (although I think he’ll have some competition in this category)!

The Queen

Set for limited release on October 6^th is “The Queen”. The movie spotlights what the Royal Family went through “behind the scenes” following the death of Princess Diana. Helen Mirren and James Cromwell star as Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip, respectively.

My thoughts: Another movie with plenty of positive buzz. I think Mirren will be hard to beat come Oscar time for her “spot-on” portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Grudge 2

Just in time for Halloween, “The Grudge 2” is scheduled to hit theaters on October 13^th. Picking up where the 2004 horror flick The Grudge left off, Aubrey (Amber Tamblyn) arrives to sort out what has happened to her sister, Karen (Sarah Michelle Gellar). Will she go in the house?

My thoughts: The first movie was filled with plenty of creepy moments. “The Grudge 2” is supposedly the second in a planned trilogy. I think the second will still have some good horror moments but I’m not sure if it’ll be as suspenseful as the first.

Little Children

Sarah (Kate Winslet) who feels she hasn’t realized her full potential in life, begins an affair with Brad (Patrick Wilson) who happens to be married Kathy (Jennifer Connelly). “Little Children” opens in limited release on October 13^th.

My thoughts: The movie has a strong concept and a stronger cast. It may not be a blockbuster, but I think it could earn Winslet and Connelly another Oscar nomination.

The Marine

John Triton (John Cena) is a Marine who returns home only to have his wife, Kate (Kelly Carlson), kidnapped by the dangerous Rome (Robert Patrick). This WWE film hits theaters on October 13^th.

My thoughts: Fans of straight shooting action packed movies will have fun with this one!

Flags Of Our Fathers

The infamous picture of the six soldiers raising the American flag during the battle of Iwo Jima gives hope during the days of World War II. “Flags of Our Father” is directed by Clint Eastwood and stars Ryan Phillippe and Paul Walker. The movie is set for release on October 20^th.

My thoughts: This is another must see drama that won’t be overlooked at Oscar time. I’m thinking Eastwood will be a top choice for best director with the film receiving a nod for best picture.

Marie Antoinette

Also opening on October 20^th is the historical dramatization, “Marie Antoinette”, directed by Sofia Coppola. Set in the 18^th century, the movie tells the story of the ill-fated young queen (played by Kirsten Dunst) and her time at the Palace of Versailles.

My thoughts: I’m a little concerned about this one. It could be a good (and fun) drama although (for those who are history buffs) I’m not sure how historically accurate it’s going to be.

The Prestige

“The Prestige” tells the story of Alfred (Christian Bale) and Rupert (Hugh Jackman), two magicians whose friendship turns into a deadly rivalry. What will happen when one performs the ultimate magic trick? The movie also stars Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson and David Bowie and opens on October 20^th.

My thoughts: Although the movie may draw comparisons to the recent film “The Illusionist”, I think “The Prestige” will be an excellent drama on its own merits. Plus, with an excellent cast and original plot, I think this will be a winner.

Babel

Communication is the main concept in three different stories that unfold in “Babel”. Tragedy strikes a couple (played by Cate Blanchett and Brad Pitt), when the wife is accidentally shot when they are traveling through Morocco. A second story tells of Amelia (Adriana Barraza) who has to travel to Mexico to attend a wedding and takes the children in her care with her. The third tells the story of Chieko (Rinko Kikuchi), a deaf girl in Tokyo who has just lost her mother. “Babel” is set for release on October 27^th.

My thoughts: With a strong story and rave reviews for Blanchett and Pitt, I think we’ll be hearing about this movie around Oscar time.

Casino Royale

James Bond (Daniel Craig) must infiltrate a gambling tournament in Montenegro organized by Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). Will Bond be able to stop Le Chiffre’s plan? 007 returns to the big screen on November 17^th.

My thoughts: A different actor, a different kind of Bond. I think this movie will get back to the basic style/story of 007 resulting in a great action/adventure that will make fans of the Bond films happy.

Bobby

“Bobby” was written and directed by Emilio Estevez who also co-stars in the film. The movie brings the lives of 22 characters at the Ambassador Hotel to the forefront just hours before the assassination of Senator Robert Kennedy on June 6^th, 1968. The all-star cast includes Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Lindsay Lohan, Laurence Fishburne, Elijah Wood and Anthony Hopkins and opens on November 22^nd.

My thoughts: There’s plenty of hype about this movie! It looks like we could be seeing Emilio Estevez among the Oscar contenders.

Déjà Vu

Agent Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington) falls for a woman who he is trying to save. Will he be able to save her or will time work against him? “Déjà Vu” also stars James Caviezel and Val Kilmer and will be hitting theaters on November 22^nd.

My thoughts: The cast should make this a good action/thriller movie. But I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve seen this movie’s premise somewhere before!

The Nativity Story

“The Nativity Story” tells about the story of Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and Joseph (Oscar Isaac) in the days prior to the birth of Jesus. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on December 1^st.

My thoughts: I think this will be a nice, heartwarming story just in time for the holidays.

Apocalypto

Mel Gibson’s tale of the Mayan empire hits theaters on December 8^th. In order to save their crumbling empire, the Mayan leaders are set on sacrificing one of their own. But when Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood) realizes it’s his life on the line, he tries to escape.

My thoughts: It’s a unique story but may not be enough mainstream for some. This movie’s success will depend on the movie fans’ preferences and their choices in other films that are out at the time.

The Good German

It’s the days after World War II and journalist Jake Geismar (George Clooney) returns to Germany where he is reunited with his old flame Lena Brandt (Cate Blanchett). But with Lena’s husband missing, Jake soon finds himself embroiled in a bigger plot. “The Good German”, also starring Tobey Maguire, opens on December 8^th.

My thoughts: Another film with a lot of positive buzz. Look for another George Clooney nomination at the Oscars.

The Holiday

Iris (Kate Winslet), a woman from England, and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), from America, are both down on their luck when it comes to love. But when the two switch homes, will they finally find love? Jack Black and Jude Law co-star in “The Holiday” opening on December 8^th.

My thoughts: I think this will be a fun, light hearted film for the holidays!

Eragon

Based on the novel by Christopher Paolini, Eragon (Edward Speleers), who lives in Alagaesia, must face his destiny. Jeremy Irons and John Malkovich also star in this film that’s scheduled for a December 15^th release.

My thoughts: Fans of the books have been eagerly anticipating this one. Look for this one to be a hit!

Home Of The Brave

After a stint in the Armed Forces in Iraq, three soldiers must readjust to everyday life. “Home of the Brave” stars Samuel L. Jackson, 50 Cent and Jessica Biel and opens on December 15^th.

My thoughts: While I haven’t heard too much about this one yet, I have hopes that if it focuses on the main premise it’ll be a good, dramatic story.

The Pursuit Of Happyness

Christopher Gardener (Will Smith) is on the verge of major success when his girlfriend leaves him with the responsibility of raising their child (played by Smith’s real life son, Jaden) alone. “The Pursuit of Happyness” arrives in theaters on December 15^th.

My thoughts: This looks to be one of the best heartwarming stories of the year. Remember to bring plenty of Kleenex!

Venus

What will happen when an aging actor falls in love with a 20-something year-old woman? Peter O’Toole and Jodie Whitaker star in “Venus”, opening December 15^th.

My thoughts: There has been plenty of buzz coming from the film festivals that have screened the movie. Could Peter O’Toole finally walk away with the best actor Oscar?

Charlotte’s Web

The popular story by E.B. White tells of the unlikely friendship between Wilbur (voiced by Dominic Scott Kay), a pig, and Charlotte (voiced by Julia Roberts), a spider. This live action movie also stars Dakota Fanning and hits theaters on December 22^nd.

My thoughts: Not only will fans of the book will appreciate this one but it’ll also be a family friendly film!

The Good Shepherd

It’s the early days of the C.I.A. in this movie, and the toll that the secrecy takes on one agent’s marriage. “The Good Shepherd” stars Matt Damon, Robert De Niro and Angelina Jolie. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters on December 22^nd.

My thoughts: The movie has a good story and great cast. This should be one of the more intriguing movies of the year.

Night At The Museum

Opening December 22^nd, “A Night at the Museum” stars Ben Stiller as a security guard at the Museum of Natural History. Unnatural things begin to happen when he unwittingly releases an ancient curse.

My thoughts: It’s Ben Stiller so look for this to be a mix of comedy and adventure. With some other familiar faces in the movie, I think this flick will definitely be a lot of fun!

Notes On Scandal

“Notes on Scandal” is scheduled for limited release on December 22^nd. A teacher’s (Cate Blanchett) life begins to unravel when her affair with a student is made public.

My thoughts: The plot of the movie may be a turn off to some movie fans. With a strong performance by Judi Dench, look for the actress to be an Oscar favorite.

Rocky Balboa

After the death of his wife Adrian, Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) decides to try one last stint in the boxing ring. “Rocky Balboa” hits theaters on December 22^nd.

My thoughts: I think a lot of Rocky fans are split on this one. But with a great script that relies on the elements that made Rocky a great movie franchise, the film could be a raucous good time!

We Are Marshall

Coach Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) tries to reunite his team when members of the Marshall University football squad are killed in an airplane crash. Based on a true story, “We Are Marshall” hits theaters on December 22^nd.

My thoughts: This will be one of the best “despair to feel good” movies of the year.

Dreamgirls

What will happen when a female trio makes it big on the pop charts? “Dreamgirls” stars Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles and Eddie Murphy and opens on December 25^th.

My thoughts: This is one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year. Buzz around the movie has it as a top contender for best picture come Oscar time!

Which movies are you looking forward to seeing? Let Us Know In The Forum!

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