October Movies: Body of Lies, Max Payne, The Express, & Quarantine

Mark Vader · October 2, 2008

The Adult Season of movies comes to an end this October with a glut of films cramming into the multiplexes in the weeks to come before the very busy Holiday Season. Lots of drama, comedy, action, and with Halloween happening this month there is room for horror as well.

Director Ridley Scott & Actor Russell Crowe team up for the 1 millionth time with the CIA drama "Body of Lies". Leonardo Dicaprio is along for the ride as well. Based on the 2007 novel by Washington Post columnist David Ignatius, about a CIA operative, Roger Ferris, who uncovers a lead on a major terrorist leader suspected to be operating out of Jordan. The three big names and the freshness of the subject matter should have audiences intrigued.

Jumping from the video game consoles to the big screen is "Max Payne". Mark Wahlberg is the titular character, while Mila Kunis and Beau Bridges co-star. Coming together to solve a series of murders in New York City are a DEA agent whose family was slain as part of a conspiracy and an assassin out to avenge her sister's death. The duo will be hunted by the police, the mob, and a ruthless corporation.

With football season in full mode, Universal Pictured looks to capitalize on the excitement with it's true story "The Express". A drama based on the life of Ernie Davis, a high school football standout who is recruited by Syracuse University, where he becomes the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, & Clancy Brown star.

Keeping in line with movies like The Blair Witch Project & Cloverfield comes "Quarantine". What happened to the people who were locked inside an apartment building by a CDC-issued quarantine? Well we are sure to find out. On March 11 2008, the government sealed off an apartment complex in Los Angeles. The residents were never seen again. No details. No witnesses. No evidence. Until now. Jennifer Carpenter, Steve Harris, & Columbus Short star.

"Blindness", is A thriller set in a city that is suffering from an epidemic of sudden blindness, where only one woman remains able to see as the rest of her society is pushed to its limits. Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Danny Glover, and Gael Garcia Bernal star.

Saoirse Ronan, Harry Treadaway, Toby Jones, Bill Murray, Martin Landau & Tim Robbins star in "City of Ember". For generations, the underground City of Ember has been the only light in an otherwise dark world. But when the city's generator begins to fail, teenagers Lina and Doon desperately race to help their fellow citizens escape before the lights go out permanently.

Seth Rogan & Elizabeth Banks star in the Kevin Smith directed "Zack and Miri Make a Porno". Lifelong platonic friends Zack and Miri look to solve their respective cashflow problems by directing and starring in their own adult film.

Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Megan Fox, Gillian Anderson, & Jeff Bridges star in "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People", British journalist Sidney Young crosses the pond for a new job with a high-profile New York magazine, though he soon learns the bridges he burned on his way to the top can only lead to his downfall.

In "Sex Drive", High school senior Ian "borrows" his brother's beloved '69 GTO and recruits his best friends on a road trip from Chicago to Knoxville in order to hook up with a babe he met online. Josh Zuckerman, Clark Duke, Amanda Crew, James Marsden, & Seth Green star.

Michael Cera & Kat Dennings star in "Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist", Nick asks Nora to pretend to be his girlfriend for 5 minutes so he won't have to feel as awkward around his ex-g.f., who just walked into the club where Nick's band is playing ... with a new guy.

Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Jon Voigt, & Noah Emmerich star in "Pride And Glory". A family of prominent New York City cops is shaken to its core when one brother uncovers a scandal at his sibling's precinct.

In "Flash of Genius", Once Robert Kearns discovers that new cars are coming equipped with intermittent windshield wipers -- a technology Kearns invented, patented, and unsuccessfully tried to sell -- he launches a landmark lawsuit against the U.S. automotive industry. Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham & Alan Alda star.

"An American Carol" follows an anti-American filmmaker who's out to abolish the July Fourth holiday is visited by three ghosts who try to change his perception of the country. Kevin Farley, Kelsey Grammer, Leslie Nielsen & Jon Voigt star.

In "Passengers", A grief counselor working with a group of plane-crash survivors finds herself at the root of a mystery when her clients begin to disappear. Anne Hathaway, Patrick Wilson & David Morse star.

In "The Haunting of Molly Hartley", Molly Hartley looks to put her troubled past behind her with a fresh start at a new school, where she sparks with one of the most popular students. But can her secrets stay buried, especially as she learns more about the horrific truth that awaits her once she turns 18? Haley Bennett & Chace Crawford star.

Dakota Fanning, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keyes, & Sophie Okonedo star in "The Secret Life of Bees". Set in South Carolina in 1964, the film is the moving tale of Lily Owens a 14 year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother.

In "High School Musical 3: Senior Year", As seniors in high school, Troy and Gabriella struggle with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future. Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, & Ashley Tisdale star.

In "Beverly Hills Chihuahua", While on vacation in Mexico, Chloe a pampered chihuahua, finds herself lost and in need of assistance in order to get back home. Coming to Chloe's aid is a a macho Chihuahua named Papi, a spirit guide who endeavors to help Chloe discover her true heritage. I'm not kidding. With the voice talents of Drew Barrymore, George Lopez, Salma Hayek, Andy Garcia, Edward James Olmos & Cheech Marin.

In "Religulous", Bill Maher looks to "understand" the beliefs behind different world religions.

Finally we cannot end the month of October with another painful reminder of the return of what unfortunately has become a tradition of late.....

"Saw V", Forensics expert Hoffman goes on the hunt in order to prevent being identified as the newest person to carry on Jigsaw's legacy.

Calendar with trailers.

10/1

"Religulous": http://www.lionsgate.com/religulous/

10/3

"Beverly Hills Chihuahua": http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/beverlyhillschihuahua/

"Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist": http://www.nickandnorah.com/

"Blindness": http://www.blindness-themovie.com/

"How to Lose Friends & Alienate People": http://www.how2losefriends.com/

"The Express": http://www.theexpressmovie.com/

"Flash of Genius": http://www.flashofgenius.net/

"An American Carol": http://www.americancarol.com/

10/10

"Quarantine": http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/quarantine/

"Body of Lies": http://bodyoflies.warnerbros.com/index.html

"City of Ember": http://www.cityofember.com/

10/17

"Sex Drive": http://www.sexdrivethemovie.com/

"Max Payne": http://www.maxpaynethemovie.com/

"The Secret Life of Bees": http://www.foxsearchlight.com/thesecretlifeofbees/

10/24

"High School Musical 3: Senior Year: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/highschoolmusical3/

"Saw V": http://www.saw5.com/agegate.html

"Passengers": http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/passengers/

"Pride & Glory": http://www.prideandglorymovie.com/

10/31

"The Haunting of Molly Hartley": http://www.thehauntingofmollyhartley.com/

"Zack & Miri Make a Porno": http://www.zackandmiri.com/ (Red Band Trailer)

That's all for now. I shall post the Independent Films at a later date. Enjoy!

eball · October 2, 2008

Can't wait to see Religulous. I love it when someone has the balls to ask basic questions in areas that are supposedly "off limits" (i.e., faith).

Beerball · October 2, 2008

Can't wait to see Religulous. I love it when someone has the balls to ask basic questions in areas that are supposedly "off limits" (i.e., faith).

For me it's Flash of Genius. Could be a really good story ifffin they didn't screw it up.

Mark Vader · October 2, 2008

Can't wait to see Religulous. I love it when someone has the balls to ask basic questions in areas that are supposedly "off limits" (i.e., faith).

I have a great answer for Bill Maher on faith.

Some people have it, and some people do'nt. :worthy:

Mark Vader · October 2, 2008

For me it's Flash of Genius. Could be a really good story ifffin they didn't screw it up.

By screw it up, do you mean making it too Hollywood?

R. Rich · October 2, 2008

I'm interested in seeing The Express.

Beerball · October 2, 2008

By screw it up, do you mean making it too Hollywood?

Yeah, I guess I do. Guy fights a giant for as long as he did is story enough.

cantankerous · October 3, 2008

I wanna know why Max Payne is rated PG-13. That is bullsh-t. The video games were raw, the movie should be the same.

Mark Vader · October 3, 2008

I wanna know why Max Payne is rated PG-13. That is bullsh-t. The video games were raw, the movie should be the same.

I'll tell you why. More potential for money. Studios want to get those yonger teens and pre-teen kids to beg their parents for money so they can can go and see it. This way an adult does not have to accompany him.

You get a better chance of a big opening weekend with a PG-13 than you do with an R.

PistolPeaTear · October 3, 2008

I'll tell you why. More potential for money. Studios want to get those yonger teens and pre-teen kids to beg their parents for money so they can can go and see it. This way an adult does not have to accompany him.

You get a better chance of a big opening weekend with a PG-13 than you do with an R.

im still excited to see max payne though, the visuals look top notch.

that and im excited for the zach and miri make a porno, i love me some kevin smith

USMCBillsFan · October 3, 2008

Looking forward to Max Payne as well. Really looking forward to "Quarantine". May be a stupid movie in the end but I love that genre.

Dante · October 3, 2008

Quarantine looks very interesting to me among others. It's a remake of a 2007 Spanish film called "Rec" that is supposed to be very scary. I have that one saved on Netflix but it's not released on dvd yet.

I'm looking forward to Max Payne as well. Steam has a good deal on the games, Max Payne, and Max Payne II: The Fall of Max Payne for just $7.49! I know their old now but still a good deal for two and some good retro gaming.

stuckincincy · October 3, 2008

I'll tell you why. More potential for money. Studios want to get those yonger teens and pre-teen kids to beg their parents for money so they can can go and see it. This way an adult does not have to accompany him.

You get a better chance of a big opening weekend with a PG-13 than you do with an R.

Quite so. Your observation has been applied to some good past flicks that for a few words felt necessary for some reason ,or some gratuitious flesh, hurt them at the box office.

I wish I could recall a specific title, but I do recall hearing about such several times.

Chilly · October 6, 2008

Mark,

Have you seen Choke yet? I'm going to see it tonight. :censored:

Mark Vader · November 1, 2008

BUMP

Here are October's Independent Films I promised you. I'll have the November slate up soon.

Clint Eastwood latest directorial effort, "Changeling", stars Angelina Jolie. Set in 1920s Los Angeles, a woman who is reunited with her missing son is subsequently committed to an insane asylum when she begins to question whether the boy is her child. Ultimately bringing her case to the city council, she begins to pick apart a conspiracy that reverberates throughout the city. Colm Feore & Amy Ryan co-star.

Robert DeNiro stars in "What Just Happened". A comedy that chronicles two weeks in the life of a fading Hollywood producer who's having a rough time trying to get his new picture made. John Turturro, Stanley Tucci, Bruce Willis, Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn, Catherine Keener & Moon Bloodgood co-star.

In "Rachel Getting Married", Kym, who has been in and out of rehab for the last decade, reunites with her family for her sister Rachel's wedding. Can she keep it together for the weekend? Starring, Anne Hathaway, Rosemarie DeWitt, & Debra Winger.

From director Guy Ritchie comes, "RocknRolla". In London, a real-estate scam puts millions of pounds up for grabs, naturally attraction the attention of some of the city's scrappiest tough guys its more established underworld players, and others. Starring, Gerard Butler & Tom Wilkinson.

In "W.", Oliver Stone brings his vision on the life and times of the 43rd president of the United States. Starring, Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Banks, Richard Dreyfuss, James Cromwell, Ioan Gruffudd & Thandie Newton.

In "Synecdoche, New York", a theater director struggles with his work, and the women in his life, as he attempts to create a life-size replica of New York inside a warehouse as part of his new play. Starring, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Smantha Morton, Michelle Williams, Jennifer Jason Leigh & Hope Davis.

Kristen Scott Thomas stars in "I've Loved You So Long". After serving a 15-year prison sentence for murder, Juliette is brought to live with her sister and her family. As time passes, Juliette tries to become accustom to everyday life and its requirements; meanwhile, the two sisters try to defrost their relationship after years of estrangement. Elsa Zylberstein co-stars.

In "Morning Light", Fifteen young sailors are chosen for a six-month training in order to compete in one of the most challenging open-ocean sailing races in the world. Starring, Christopher Branning, Kate Theisen & Chris Schubert.

In "Splinter", An ex-con and his girlfriend dupe a young couple into driving them to Mexico, though the trip is beset with troubles, namely, a parasite that preys on humans and turns its victims into deadly hosts. Starring, Shea Wigham, Jill Wagner & Paulo Costanzo.

"Happy-Go-Lucky" is A look at a few chapters in the life of Poppy, a cheery, colorful, North London schoolteacher whose optimism tends to exasperate those around her. Starring, Sally Hawkins.

In "The Other End of the Line", An employee at an India-based call-center travels to San Francisco to be with a guy she has fallen for over the phone. Starring, Jesse Metcalfe & Sara Foster.

In "Nights and Weekends", A young couple face the tension that begins to appear in their long-distance relationship as they shuttle back and forth between New York City and Chicago. Greta Gerwig & Joe Swanberg star & direct.

"Ballast" is a drama set in a Mississippi township, where three people try to reconnect to their respective lives after a young man's suicide. Starring, MIchael J. Smith Sr., JimMyron Ross & Tarra Riggs.

From Sweden, "Let the Right One In", Is about Oskar, a boy who is bullied by his peers, falls for Eli, a girl with peculiar traits, including empowering Oskar with the strength to fight back. But when he learns about her true nature, Oskar must learn whether love can lead to acceptance and forgiveness. Starring, Kare hedebrant, Lina Leandersson & Per Ragner.

From France it's "Fears of the Dark". Six graphic artists present their respective, black-and-white visions of nighttime terror.

Calendar with trailers. Note: All dates are for limited or exclusive release. Some films will open in your area at a later date.

10/1

"Ballast": http://ballastfilm.com/

10/3

"Rachel Getting Married": http://www.sonyclassics.com/rachelgettingmarried/

10/10

"RocknRolla": http://rocknrolla.warnerbros.com/

"Happy-Go-Lucky": http://www.happygoluckythemovie.com/

"Nights and Weekends": http://www.nightsandweekendsmovie.com/

10/17

"W.": http://www.wthefilm.com/