Oscar Movies Rolling Out

It's my FAVORITE time of year for the movies, coming up. September through December is known as Oscar season, when the big studios bring out their oscar bait films for the year. We just passed summer blockbuster season (which I must admit was very good this year. I absolutely loved Wanted, The Dark Knight, and the new Indiana Jones films). So after studying the movies that are being released before Christmas, I have made a list of my 20 favorites. The reasoning behind them: the casts, the oscar potential, the entertainment potential, and more. So here they are in all of their glory - I hope I can see them all:

20 - RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
staring: Anne Hathaway, directed by Johnathan Demme
The story revolves around Rachel (Hathaway) who is getting out of 10 years of rehab to return home for her sisters wedding. I really have enjoyed Anne Hathaway's grownup work (you know where shes not playing a princess) and this sounds like a meaty role for her, and the trailer looks fantastic. View the trailer here:

Release date: 10/3

19 - FILTH & WISDOM
directed by: Madonna
Madonna has been busy behind the camera lately. Her documentary about poverty in Africa fared well at the film festivals this summer, but it is her feature film debut as a director that I am looking most forward too. It surrounds 3 roomates in London and the craziness that goes on in their life. I don't know much about it, but I will support Madge no matter what. An interview with Madonna about the film is here:

Release Date: 10/17

18 - RELIGULOUS
documentary with Bill Mahr
I find so much about religion crazy and funny. And although I dont really find Bill Mahr funny, I like the idea of him roaming the US filming a documentary interviewing pastors, priests, mormons, jehovah witnesses, etc. and making them look silly - all while having an underlying message of peace. I do like me a documentary. The trailer is here:
Release date: 10/3

17 - THE SPIRIT
starring: Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes Directed by: Frank Miller
The creators behind Sin City join up to make a movie that looks the exact same. Hey, thats fine with me, that film blew my mind. This wont be Oscar material, but it will be mind-blowing and awesome. The trailer is here:
Release Date: 12/25

16 - QUARANTINE
This time of year isnt big for horror movies, so it's a nice surprise to see this little indie thriller about some zombies in a locked apartment complex. Looks very creepy - the trailer is here:
Release Date: 10/10

15 - BATTLE IN SEATTLE
staring: Woody Harrelson, Charlize Theron, Michelle Rodreiguez, Andre Benjamin
Based on the true story of a group of activists that protest outside of the World Trade Organization - and the riots than unfold. I love Woody Harrelson and Charlize Theron. And am interested to see if Andrew Benjamin (aka Andre 3000 from Outkast) can act. The trailer is here:
Release Date: 9/19

14 - RIGHTEOUS KILL
starring: Robert DeNiro, Al Pachino
Who hasnt been waiting for this pairing (again). Although Pacino and DeNiro shared 2 scenes together in Heat, it was few and far between. Now they two get a chance to share an entire movie together, as cops/friends. The chemistry between the two of them will surely be hot as fire. (Oh and 50 cents in it .. dunno if thats good or bad). The trailer is here:
Release Date: 9/12

13 - THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES
staring: Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Paul Bettany, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keyes
Set in 1964 South Carolina (my homestate) this movie tells the story of a young girl (Fanning) who's mother unexpectadly dies. Her nanny (Jhud) and her go on the run and come in contact with racism. The cast is risky, but could be fantastic. I love Dakota Fanning (shes on this list twice actually). I am excited to see if Alicia Keyes can act, and it will be good to see Jennifer Hudson in her first post-oscar movie (and NO I dont count sex and the city). Here is a link to Entertainment Tonight's first peek at the film:
Release Date: 10/17

12 - GHOST TOWN
Staring: Ricky Gervais, Greg Kinnear, and Tea Leoni
The only reason to see this: Ricky Gervais! I think he is the funniest guy in entertainment today. And this is his foray into the movies, as a leading man. He wrote this comedy and also stars in it, the hillarious trailer is here:

release date: 9/19

11 - REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
staring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon
Sam Mendes (American Beauty) directs the Titanic two-some in their first roles since the blockbuster movie over 10 years ago. This however, won't be as cheery (well as cheery as a movie about mass death was). Its the journey of a couple over many years as they suffer each other to stay together. Looks to be very depressing, and challenging. Surely to rack up some Oscar nods.
*As of now there is no trailer/clips to be foung
Release date: 12/26

10 - HOUNDDOG
staring: Dakota Fanning, Robin Wright Penn, Piper Laurie
Otherwise known as the "Dakota Fanning Gets Raped" movie. This premiered over 2 years ago at the Cannes film festival, to chaotic and controversial reviews. However it has been through some re-working, and honestly I cannot wait to see it. The trailer is here:
Release Date: 9/19

9 - W.
staring: Josh Brolin, Ellen Burstyn, Richard Dreyfuss, Elizabeth Banks, James Cromwell, Thandie Newton, Toby Jones
Oliver Stone directs what is surely to be the most controversial and talked about film of the year - whether it be for good or bad - we shall soon see. We all know George W. Bush is an idiot, and a horrible president. Will the movie shine any new light on the subject? Who knows. I like Stone's work, even when its a miss - I still find it intruiging. The trailer is here:
Release Date: 10/17

8 - SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK
staring: Philip Seymore Hoffman, Emily Watson, Catherine Keener, Samantha Morton, Michelle Williams, Diane Weist, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Hope Davis
This is the new film from Charlie Kauffman, who brought us "Being John Malkovitch", "Adaptation", and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind". And look at that cast!! My God! The story revolves around a theatre director (Hoffman) who is struggling with the women in his life. He is also directing a new play which revolves around a life size replica of New York that he is building in a large factory. Sounds weird, sounds cool, sounds GREAT!
* As of now no trailers/clips have surfaced
Release Date: 10/24

7 - THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTONS
staring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton
Brad Pitt plays a man with the odd ability to age backwards. And, surely in a to-be nominated performance, Brad Pitt plays Benjamin Buttons from birth on. Surely going to be heartbreaking, as he is growing younger everyone around him is aging and dying. And with support from Cate and Tilda, how could you go wrong. The amazing trailer is here:
Release date: 12/25

6 - DOUBT
staring: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams. Philip Seymore Hoffman, Viola Davis
The stage-play that won all the accolades now comes to the screen. The story involveds a nun who accuses the priest of a boys school of molestation. And of course we know Meryl and Phillip will be great, it will be nice to see Amy Adams shine in a drama.
* As of now there are no trailers/clips to be found
Release Date: 12/12

5 - BURN AFTER READING
staring: Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, George Clooney, John Malkovitch
The Cohen Brothers have their follow up to No Country, and it looks like quite the comedy. And once again they have a top knotch cast. Fun fact: Tilda Swinton plays George Cloony's wife, making their second film together back to back (the last was Michael Clayton for which Tilda won an Oscar). In this film they bicker,fight, and hate each other, maybe one day they can be sweet. The performances here look amazing, and since Frances is the wife of Ethan Cohen, he is known for pulling out her best performances. Watch the trailer:
release date: 9/12

4 - BLINDNESS
staring: Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Gael Garcia Bernal, Sandra Oh
Based on a best selling book where everyone in the world suddenly goes blind. That is except for one woman, played by the always amazing Julianne Moore. This premiered at Cannes this year to less than thrilling reviews, however it to is getting a redo, and I have a strong feeling it will be amazing. The trailer is stunning:

Release Date: 9/26

3 - MILK
staring: Sean Penn, James Franco, Josh Brolin
The true story of San-Francisco mayor Harvey Milk, who was the first out homosexual in a top government position. The movie will follow his life through the election, and then his unfortunate death. He was murdered in a hate crime, by a fellow politician, who was once his friend. This is gonna be oscar friendly all over. And I hope a ton of people see the film.
* There are no trailers/clips as of yet
Release Date: 11/26

2 - CHANGELING
staring: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovitch, Amy Adams
The coupling of Clint Eastwood as director and Angelina Jolie as star was all the rave at the Cannes film festival. Angelina has actually already won early acting awards for the film. The story revolves around a mother who's son goes missing and is then returned by the government .. only problem .. thats not him. I hope this gives Angelina the shot at her 2nd Oscar.
* There are no treailers/clips as of now
Release Date: 10/24

1 - REPO: THE GENETIC OPERA
staring: Sarah Brightman, Anthony Stewart Head, Paris Hilton
I have been excited about this movie for a year now. And finally is getting a release date! I cant describe much about it, other than it being a musical/opera/horror film by the directors of Saw.
Here is the trailer:


And there you go!