| Columbus Alive

Screen Saves

Movies to make time for this fall

by Melissa Starker

September

"In the Shadow of the Moon" (September 28)

David Sington's stirring documentary about the Apollo missions and the men who participated features some never-before-seen footage and revives the thrill of the space race.

"Lust, Caution" (date TBD)

Ang Lee's WWII-era Chinese espionage tale, the follow-up to his Oscar-winning Brokeback Mountain, promises more controversy—it's rated NC-17 for sexual content—as well as more fine craftsmanship. Lee just won the top award at the Venice Film Festival.

"The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (date TBD)

Casey Affleck costars with Brad Pitt, another award winner at Venice, in this Western about a jealous gunslinger who commits the titular crime.

October

"The Heartbreak Kid" (October 5)

A new movie from the Farrelly Brothers is usually a cause for celebration. This time they re-team with Ben Stiller for a remake of a 1970s comedy about a guy who finds the woman of his dreams. Too bad he's honeymooning at the time.

"Strange Culture" (October 5 at the Wexner Center)

This unique doc tells the fascinating story of artist Steve Kurtz, whose frantic 911 call after his wife's heart attack led to terrorism charges based on the materials Kurtz was using for a work in progress. The case is still unresolved.

"Run, Fatboy, Run" (October 26)

Friends' David Schwimmer takes a seat in the director's chair for a comedy in which Hot Fuzz's Simon Pegg prepares to run a marathon as a sign of his love for the woman he let slip away (Thandie Newton).

"The Darjeeling Limited" (date TBD)

Gossipers are wondering whether Owen Wilson's sad personal situation will affect the release date, but as of now, the latest quirky dramedy from the incomparable Wes Anderson, following three brothers (Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman) who try to connect on a long train trip, should be here by the end of October.

November

"Bee Movie" (November 2)

Jerry Seinfeld co-writes and does lead voice duties for the latest DreamWorks animated feature, with one of the best concepts of the year: When a bee leaves the hive for the great big world and discovers that people eat honey, he sues humanity over the profits.

"The Mist" (November 21)

Stephen King and writer/director Frank Darabont (Shawshank Redemption) pair up again for an adaptation of one of King's creepiest short stories, about a mist that hides some awful beasties and brings out the beast in several people trying to survive.

"No Country for Old Men" (November 21)

It's the new Coen Brothers movie, which is plenty to get some movie fans stoked, but there's also the lure of Cormac McCarthy's source material and terrific performances from Josh Brolin and a truly scary Javier Bardem.

Columbus International Children's Film Festival (Nov. 29-Dec. 2 at the Wexner Center)

The fourth annual edition has a stellar line-up for all ages, including several Ohio premieres and a visit from Muppet veteran Dave Goelz (aka Dr. Bunsen Honeydew), who'll introduce Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas.

December

"I Am Legend" (December 14)

The third time out on film for Richard Matheson's book of the same name leaves Will Smith alone with his dog in New York City after a virus kills nearly everyone on the planet. Oh, except for those who mutated into nocturnal killers out for Smith's blood.

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" (December 21)

Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are together again to take a stab at bringing the classic Stephen Sondheim musical to the big screen. Sacha Baron Cohen costars.

"Walk Hard" (December 21)

Jake Kasdan's spoof on musical biopics gets script assistance from comedy goldmine Judd Apatow, and gives Talladega Nights' John C. Reilly a leading role as singer Dewey Cox. Also appearing are Jenna Fischer, Paul Rudd, Jack Black and Jack White as Elvis.

September 13th, 2007