Since the summer movie season was one of the worst in memory, it's nice to know that Hollywood is about to crank out a big pile of good movies that have been eagerly anticipated for months.
Even though some fall movies will no doubt be duds ("Highlander," anyone?) it is a virtual guarantee that each autumn month will contain more quality movies than the entire first eight months of 2000. Here, then, is a list of movies to watch for in the upcoming months.
"Almost Famous:"
"Almost Famous" (in theaters now), Cameron Crowe's own coming of age story of a teenage rock journalist in 1973, has already been hailed by critics as one of the best of the year. While some of the cast members are widely known (Frances McDormand, Billy Crudup), the film promises to make stars out of newcomers (Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit).
"The Exorcist: The Version YouÕve Never Seen:"
Anyone hungry for pea soup? Linda Blair's psycho demons come to life again in "The Exorcist: The Version You've Never Seen" (in theaters). The film, which has been a horror classic since its original release in 1973, also stars Ellen Burstyn and Max Von Sydow. Several minutes of cut footage have been restored, including the famous "spider-walk" scene, in which Blair's character walks down the stairs like a crab.
"Remember the Titans:"
Denzel Washington is back with "Remember the Titans" (September 29) a drama about two Virginia high school football teams--one black and one white--who must integrate under the coaching of African American Herman Boone (Washington). If you were turned off by "The Replacements," don't worry; this one is supposed to be much better.
"Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2"
"Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2" (October 27) promises to look a bit different from the original. If you ran to the bathroom in response to the original's manic camera movements, you'll be pleased to hear that the sequel will, according to director Joe Berlinger, "look as beautiful as possible." Does that mean there are no more runny nose shots?
"Meet the Parents:"
Ben Stiller's latest comedy is Jay Roach's "Meet the Parents" (October 6). Stiller plays a guy who meets his in-laws (Robert De Niro, Blythe Danner) and is faced with someone as scary as... Robert De Niro. The film has a nice cast, and Roach, who directed both "Austin Powers" films, is no newcomer to the comedy arena.
"Pay It Forward:"
Director Mimi Leder could not have asked for a better cast for "Pay It Forward" (October 20). The film stars Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and "The Sixth Sense" star Haley Joel Osment, who plays a kid who performs random acts of kindness for strangers. Even though the subject matter is very light, Osment has Oscar buzz again.
"Bounce:"
Did you miss Gwyneth Paltrow? If not, sorry. She's back again, this time with Ben Affleck, in "Bounce" (October 13). Affleck plays an ad exec who gives up his plane seat to a man on what turns out to be a doomed flight. Naturally, he falls in love with the man's widow (Paltrow). Sounds feasible enough.
"The Legend of Bagger Vance:"
Here's one of those good, old-fashioned Hollywood movies: "The Legend of Bagger Vance" (November 3). Matt Damon stars as a war veteran who tries to master his swing with the help of a caddy (Will Smith). The film also stars Charlize Theron and has a musical score composed by acclaimed Oscar-winner Rachel Portman.
"CharlieÕs Angels:"
Farrah Fawcett, eat your heart out. The long-awaited "Charlie's Angels" arrives on November 3. The remake about female crimefighters stars Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu in the original roles. Bill Murray also stars. Let's hope the movie is better than the trailer that features only the women practicing their yelling and kicking skills.
"Quills:"
"Quills" (November 22) stars Geoffrey Rush as the Marquis de Sade, who continues writing his hand off while in a Paris asylum. Kate Winslet plays a laundrywoman who smuggles out de Sade's pornographic writing (and also joins him in sexual antics). The highly anticipated film from director Phillip Kaufman also stars Oscar-winner Michael Caine and Joaquin Phoenix.
Jim Carrey's turn as the Grinch in "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (November 17) promises to be one of the fall's many delights. Ron Howard's live-action version of the film will include more of the Grinch's story (including why he's so darn grumpy) as well as a new narration by Anthony Hopkins.
"Unbreakable:"
"The Sixth Sense" writer-director M. Night Shyamalan re-teams with Bruce Willis in "Unbreakable" (November 22). Willis plays a security guard who, as the sole survivor of a train crash, emerges without a scratch. The supernatural thriller also features Samuel L. Jackson as the man who tries to help Willis.
"What Women Want:"
Mel Gibson is back in (surprise!) a romantic comedy. "What Women Want" (December 15) features Gibson as a chauvinist executive who gets in an accident and from then on can hear what women (including Helen Hunt and Bette Midler) are thinking. The film also stars Alan Alda and Lauren Holly.
"Cast Away:"
If you saw "What Lies Beneath" in the summer months, chances are you already saw a preview for "Cast Away" (December 22). From director Robert Zemeckis (who filmed "Beneath" during this movie's hiatus), Tom Hanks stars as a Federal Express inspector who survives a plane crash and is stranded on an island for four years, far away from his fiance (Helen Hunt). Does anyone smell Oscar?
