Movie Muse Fall 2024 Movie Preview

Yes, I’m a little behind. To the point that I’ve already seen one of these movies! But more on that in just a minute. I can’t believe how fast August flew by, but here we are, nearly halfway through September. If I was smart, I would start on my Holiday Preview soon! But you know me. Anyway, here is what I’m looking forward to in the theaters in the next several weeks.

The Must See Picks

• Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (Sept 6) – I was really hoping this movie would be good. I know it’s really hard to revisit something nearly 40 years (ouch) after the original, but with so many original players involved, plus a few notable additions, I was cautiously hopeful. But, if you follow me on Facebook, you already know what I thought of this movie. It was a huge mess, and an even bigger disappointment. I’m honestly including it here just to remind you NOT to see it.
• The Critic (Sept 13) – This is exactly the kind of movie that I tend to like. Witty banter, intrigue, suspense, and a stellar cast including Ian McKellen, Gemma Atterton, and Mark Strong (with hair, even!). I have high hopes for this one.
• Transformers One (Sept 20) – When you’re an 80s kid, you just gotta. I’m actually hoping to catch the sneak preview this weekend. Not really expecting much, but I do hope it’s fun.
• Wolfs (Sept 27) – We saw this preview over the summer, and it was so funny. George Clooney and Brad Pitt are always so good together, and this movie definitely has Ocean’s Eleven vibes. Maybe this should be Ocean’s Two? I’m just hoping this isn’t a case of “all of the good stuff is in the trailer.” We’ll see. It won’t be in theaters long, but if you miss it, it should be streaming on Apple TV by the end of the month.
• The Wild Robot (Sept 27) – You know we’re suckers for animated films, and this one looks really good. We generally like Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How To Train Your Dragon), so we’ll definitely catch this one. I get the sneaking suspicion that tissues might be needed, though.
• Metalopolis (Sept 27) – This is the latest from Francis Ford Coppola. The previews LOOK absolutely gorgeous! I’m afraid the subject matter is going to be, um, a little too accurate of a parable as it relates to current times. But I’m intrigued enough that we’ll probably go see it, even if it is tough to watch.

The Maybes and Notables

• The Thicket (Sept 6) – An odd little western-style thriller. I’m not sure I’ll see it, because it looks pretty dark and violent, but it’s definitely a quirky film with some intense moments, even in the trailer.
• Speak No Evil (Sept 13) – I wanted to mention this one, because I absolutely adore James McAvoy. However, *because* I love James McAvoy, I really don’t think I want to see him in this role. He’s definitely adept at playing the crazy, but I think this movie will be too intense for me. Split is about as much “out of control” McAvoy as I’m up to. But if this is the type of thing you like, I suspect it will be really good.
• The 4:30 Movie (Sept 13) – I am not much of a fan of Kevin Smith’s films, but I know many are. According to the man himself, this film is largely autobiographical. In fact, the actual theater the film is based on was going to close a few years ago, but Smith and some investors bought it and renovated it. This movie – about the many hours spent in that very theater growing up – premiered in that very theater last week in New Jersey. I’m a sucker for nostalgia, and that just might be enough to get me to see it.
• Joker: Folie à Deux (Oct 4) – If this is your type of movie, then I suspect it will be very good. I sincerely hope everyone who sees it does enjoy it. (You know it’s a musical, right? They’ve sort of kept that under the radar.)
• Piece by Piece (Oct 11) – Somehow, they made another LEGO movie, and I didn’t know anything about it until this past week! And honestly, I can’t even tell you what the plot is from the previews, other than there are a LOT of famous musical names involved, and it has retained the very specific style of the previous films. Not quite sure what to make of it, but we’ll probably see it if we get a chance.
• Venom: The Last Dance (Oct 25) – I saw the first one, and I actually liked it more than I thought I would. I let my husband and son see the second one, and they advised that I probably wouldn’t enjoy it, so I haven’t watched it. I’m guessing this third installment will be the same, but I’ll definitely let you know what my guys think of it.

The Honorable Mentions and Limited Releases

• The Front Room (Sept 6) – I could not have been more shocked when the image of Brandy (yes, the singer; and did you know she has a last name?!) crossed the screen during this preview. I don’t think we will be seeing this movie, but I am so excited for her to be returning to acting in more varied adult roles.
• I’ll Be Right There (Sept 6) – A movie for every overwhelmed mom of the sandwich generation (those with adult children and aging parents). I know this is a “dramedy,” and I’m afraid there will be more tears than laughs, but the trailer is pretty funny in that rueful kind of way.
• Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story (Sept 21 & 25) – This documentary will be a Fathom Events release. We saw the previews over the summer, and I’ve been looking forward to it ever since. He was such a great talent, and an even better human being.
• A Mistake (Sept 20) – I’ve never thought much of Elizabeth Banks, but she shockingly converted me in the final Hunger Games film to being pretty impressed with her. I’m not sure this movie could be any farther from those films in tone and subject matter, but it looks quite good, and I’m looking forward to seeing her in this type of role.
• Lee (Sept 27) – The next bit of Oscar bait from Kate Winslet. I had never heard of Lee Miller before this, but this woman sounds utterly fascinating. I mean, she started out as a fashion model and became a WWII war correspondent for Vogue magazine! It looks like it will be intense but excellent, as is usually the case with Ms. Winslet’s film choices.
• Monster Summer (Oct 4) – I, um, I really don’t know what to make of this movie. It looks like it’s in the spirit of Goonies (but scarier) or Super 8, or possibly Stranger Things? (I haven’t seen that), but maybe with something of Shamalan’s Signs thrown in there (ironically also with Mel Gibson). I’m intrigued, and it is rated PG-13, and I love Lorraine Bracco, but it’s hard for me to watch anything with Mel Gibson these days.
• We Live in Time (Oct 11) – What I’m sure is going to be a tearjerker decade-spanning romance film, starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. Those two alone is probably enough for me to see it.