By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
Finally, the dregs of summer films are over. As the end of the year approaches, the quality of movies tends to rise, each vying for Oscar consideration. However, this September will only present one or two productions that could possibly compete for Hollywood’s top prize. The rest is a hodgepodge of horror, comedy, and drama that only hope for your entertainment dollars. These are the top releases of the month.
September 5th
One of the best horror franchises ever to be created returns with its fourth installment. “The Conjuring: Last Rites” is to be the last sequel featuring Ed and Lorraine Warren as the primary characters. As with the other “Conjuring” movies, this is based on a true case of these paranormal investigators. The first two films in this series are two of the best horror films made this quarter century, while the third experienced a noticeable drop in quality. Hopefully, this sequel regains its form and becomes the truly terrifying horror flick it has the potential of being.
September 12th
Another representative of the horror genre releases this week. “The Long Walk” is based on a Stephen King novel and is directed by veteran filmmaker Francis Lawrence, who helmed “The Hunger Games” movies. Apropos to those films, this is a post-apocalyptic story of a group of teenage boys competing in an annual competition where they have to maintain a certain walking speed at all times or become roadkill. With an accomplished director like this at the wheel, this may be one worth seeing.
“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” is the third and likely final film of this period piece franchise. This only caters to existing fans of the series. The box office numbers of the first two films show quickly diminishing interest as the second film earned less than half of what the first film earned. If you’ve been a diehard fan ever since its PBS TV series days, then you might as well check this sequel out, otherwise, best to enjoy your tea and crumpets elsewhere.
Continuing the theme of sequels is one that comes 41 years after its predecessor. “Spinal Tap II: The End Continues” reunites the band from that 1984 cult classic, once again directed by the great Rob Reiner. This is a mockumentary that is sure to delight with nostalgic impact.
September 19th
It may be a new week, but it starts the same way with another horror film. “Him” represents an odd combination of football with body horror that looks to be as gruesome as it does weird. The trailers make this look extremely off-putting with little to no narrative, so it is best to wait for reviews before committing to this brutal display.
Coinciding with the start of football season is another football themed movie, but this one of the more inspiring variety. “The Senior” is based on the incredible true story of Mike Flynt, who returns to his alma mater to play football nearly 40 years after being kicked off the team. Distributed by Angel Studios, it’s practically a guarantee that the story will at least make for a compelling watch.
The other option this week combines romantic drama with fantasy and features the acting talents of Oscar nominees Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie. “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey” looks to be an adventurous exploration of imagination with a heartwarming romance at its core. Keep your eyes on this one, it has serious potential for greatness.
September 26th
Eleven-time Oscar nominee Paul Thomas Anderson returns to the silver screen with his tenth major motion picture. “One Battle After Another” features an all-star cast of Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, and Benicio Del Toro and is certain to contend for some serious hardware. It promises to be hilarious, thrilling, dramatic, and compelling, but it may have an identity issue that could derail it from its goals. The latest trailer suggests this to be more of a crime thriller than a comedy, which may confuse viewers when they watch the movie, because it will undoubtedly be quite funny.
And for the fourth consecutive week, there will be another horror film, but this one will likely be the worst of the bunch. “The Strangers: Chapter 2” is the follow up to last year’s top five worst films of the year. Expect much of the same from director Renny Harlin, who also helmed the last one, and who wouldn’t know how to make a decent movie even if he was given easy to ready, step by step instructions. This is as close to a guaranteed dumpster dweller as you’re going to get.
