Labor Day’s gone, the nights are chilly and football has regained its inexplicable hold on the general public. It also means a worthy bunch of quality films will be trickling into local theaters soon. Based on early reviews and overall buzz, here are 10 movies worth getting excited about:
The Town (Sept. 17)
Ben Affleck’s second directorial effort after 2007’s acclaimed “Gone Baby Gone” is another Boston set crime saga about a thief (Affleck) who builds a relationship with one of his former victims. Affleck proved his chops with “Gone Baby Gone,” and another success will cement his status as a Hollywood hyphen power player (actor/writer/director). Jon Hamm and Jeremy Renner co-star.
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (Sept. 24)
More than 20 years after the original film, Michael Douglas returns to the big screen as Gordon Gekko in another tale of Wall Street corruption. Is greed still good? Shia LaBeouf and Carey Mulligan co-star.
The Social Network (Oct. 1)
The origin story of social networking behemoth Facebook, as told by “Fight Club” director David Fincher. A buzzworthy trailer and early reviews on the film festival circuit have made this one of the year’s early favorites at the Academy Awards.
Inside Job (Expands in October)
Must-see documentary from the director of “No End in Sight” that investigates the recent economic meltdown and, apparently, pulls no punches.
Hereafter (Oct. 22)
Always expect good things from director Clint Eastwood. His latest focuses on three seemingly unconnected people touched by death in different ways. Vague, right? Matt Damon leads the ensemble cast.
127 Hours (Expands in November)
“Slumdog Millionaire” director Danny Boyle directs this dramatization of real life mountain climber Aron Rolston and his horrific experience after being trapped by a boulder in the mountains of Utah. Earning raves at recent festival screenings, the film was even “so intense” that a couple of attendees required medical attention at the Telluride Film Festival.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (Nov. 19)
The first half of the final installment in the mega-popular fantasy series follows Harry and the gang hunting down Lord Voldemort’s secret Horcruxes. Don’t bother understanding if you don’t already know. Anticipation as high as it is, splitting the final book in half still feels like a risky decision considering how most of the exciting bits happen in the second half.
The King’s Speech (Expands in December)
Colin Firth stars as King George VI in a film that traces his rise to power. Already considered the prestige British flick of the year (Think “The Queen” from 2006). Co-starring Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush.
Black Swan (Expands in December)
Natalie Portman stars in this psychological thriller set in the high-stakes world of professional ballet. Directed by Darren Aronofsky (“The Wrestler,” “Requiem for a Dream”), the film has been the most divisive of the festival circuit so far this season. One thing everyone agrees on, however, is Portman’s career-best performance.
True Grit (Dec. 25)
Joel and Ethan Coen (“No Country for Old Men”) take on the Charles Portis novel (and 1969 Western starring John Wayne). Freshly minted Oscar-winner Jeff Bridges stars as a U.S. Marshall helping a young woman track down her father’s murderer. Matt Damon co-stars. You can also catch Bridges in the sci-fi sequel/reboot “Tron: Legacy” on Dec. 17.
Bonus Picks! Maybe!
The Way Back (No release date set)
Peter Weir (“The Truman Show”) directs this big-buzz war film about soldiers escaping a Siberian labor camp. Starring Colin Farrell.
Tree of Life (No release date set)
Reclusive director Terrence Malick’s latest secret project stars Brad Pitt and Sean Penn. People have seen it, loved it and aren’t talking much about it.