October movies to look forward to...

I am working on a few reviews to post. I know that it has been a while, but now I am back and there is no better time. It is the Fall… the time when the “good movies” come out and the Oscar race begins. So in honor of that, I will list the five movies each month that I am most looking forward to and why. Here is the list for the month of October:

LAKE OF FIRE
(October 3)
Tony Kaye (AMERICAN HISTORY X) makes a graphic and controversial documentary covering both sides of the abortion debate. This is going to stir up some serious debate and is already being touted as the clear front runner for the best documentary Oscar. That’s more than enough for me.

LARS AND THE REAL GIRL
(October 12)
Let’s all forget the ridiculousness that was FRACTURE and consider this the follow up for best actor nominee Ryan Gosling in what looks to be one of the most unique films of the year. “A delusional young guy strikes up an unconventional relationship with a doll he finds on the Internet.” That is the synopsis that is listed online. Intrigued? I know I am. The buzz on this one has been really positive and that Gosling delivers another amazing performance.

30 DAYS OF NIGHT
(October 19)
Not all of the movies I am looking forward are “Oscar bait”. This movie just looks plain cool. Set in Alaska, during a stretch of “30 days of night”, a small town is attacked by a group of vampires. Based on a graphic novel, this movie looks stylized, violent and scary. This is also the second film from David Slade, the director of the indie hit HARD CANDY. I have heard nothing from people that have seen this one, but the trailer has me excited.

GONE BABY GONE
(October 19)
Before anyone says anything… YES, this movie is directed and co-written by Ben Affleck. But before you groan, remember that this guy won an Oscar for writing and know that this is based on a book from the author of Mystic River. Not only that, but the early word is that this is not only just a good film, but a great one. Stay away from the trailers and possible spoilers and just check out the film when it is released. From everything that I hear, you will not be disappointed. It stars Casey Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris and Michelle Monaghan. That alone is enough for this film geek.

RESERVATION ROAD
(October 19)
This is Terry George’s follow up to the fantastic HOTEL RWANDA and it stars Joaquin Phoenix as the father of a boy that is hit and killed by a car driven by Mark Ruffalo. Their lives are intertwined as the truth is uncovered and the repercussions are dealt with. Also starring in the movie is Jennifer Connelly and Mira Sorvino. Watching the trailer, this looks like it might be a poor imitation of 21 GRAMS, but with the writer/director and the caliber of the cast, this is a must see.

Other October movies to look for:
LUST, CAUTION
THE DARJEELING LIMITED
MICHAEL CLAYTON
ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE
THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE
SLEUTH
RENDITION