The coming months (October, November, December) may
be about giving to those in need and loving one another, but it is also a time for studios to pull out all the stops and deliver
their finest films of the year in a cut throat battle that is unlike nothing youve ever seen. I, in truth, hate this time
of year at the cinemas. Its too damn costly for the most part. Im seeing movies virtually every day, Im battling my way through
snow filled streets to just to reach the multiplex to see all the ones that the critics say are good. Studios: come on, help
me out here. There are nine other months out of the year you can release this stuff. If its good, youll be nominated for it
anyway, besides, we all know that if Michael Caine is in something hell get nominated, so release that film early on in the
year when nothing is out. Same goes for Judy Dench.
I am excited to see The Matrix Revolutions even though I hated Reloaded. Sure. Im also excited to see Elf, The Human Stain, Master and Commander, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scary Movie 3, Big Fish, School of Rock, Gothika
and Mystic River to name only a few, but there are five flicks on their way that
really excite me. These are the crème dela crème. The films that dreams are made of, at least my dreams anyway.
#5 Bad Santa
(November 26th)
Directed by Terry Zwigoff,
this is one film I dont want to miss. I loved what Zwigoff did with Crumb and I
adored his artistic vision with his adaptation of Ghost World, but Zwigoff hasnt
really made a film that appeals to the general audience. Well, folks, this is that filmhopefully. Produced by the Coen brothers
(who also have a movie out this Christmas), Santa stars Billy Bob Thorton and Bernie
Mac. The films plot involves two drifters (Thorton and Tony Cox) who pose as Santa and an elf in order to steal from small
department stores. Now I can only hope that the Dude, its America guy from Zwigoffs Ghost World can make an appearance.
#4 Kill Bill:
Volume One (October 10th)
Im excited and angered
by this one. Im excited because I love Tarantino films and Im glad to see him back in action paying homage this time, to 70s
chop-socky films. Im pissed because this is only part one of two (the other will apparently be released in February). That
means Im going to have to wait a few more months to find out whether or not The Bride (Uma Thurman) actually gets to kill
Bill (David Carradine) and his deadly assassins (played by Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah, Vivica A. Fox, and Michael Madsen). Whats
in store for those eagerly awaiting this film? Reportedly, lots and lots of blood and a huge fighting sequence that will apparently
be 30 minutes long. Im there.
#3 Alien: The
Directors Cut (October 31st)
Okay, so I like re-releases.
Some people say they are cheap cash-ins, but you know what? Who cares? Fans, including myself, wanted this release and its
finally here so I dont care whether or not its a cash-in. Since I can remember, I have been a huge Alien fan. I am already
eagerly awaiting the huge nine disc Alien Quadrilogy DVD box set due this Christmas but until then I have this directors cut
of Ridley Scotts 1979 original to look forward to. Featuring scenes that could only be seen in the deleted scenes section
of a DVD and never before seen footage that was restored and digitally remastered, this is one film you do not want to miss.
Drag your friends to see this, your parents, hell, drag Grandma if you want to. Bring on Aliens: The Directors Cut.
#2 Bubba Ho-Tep
(October/November/December in select cities)
Bruce Campbell has always
tickled my funny bone ever since I first saw him in the beloved Evil Dead Trilogy
back in my high school days. For all those who have been craving him, here is your poison. Bruce Campbell plays Elvis and
Ossie Davis plays J.F.K.! Apparently, both did not actually die (an impersonator died while impersonating Elvis and the secret
service dyed J.F.K.s skin black and stowed him away after an attempt on his life). They are resting comfortably in an old
age home when they are disturbed by an ancient mummy named Bubba Ho-Tep. Its a shame that this will be the hardest film to
see this fall because Im sure it will be one of the funniest.
#1 Lord of
the Rings Trilogy: Fellowship of the Ring Extended Cut, The Two Towers Extended Cut and The Return of the King (November for the extended cuts, December
17th for Return of the King)
It has been two years
since Peter Jacksons tale of wizardry, magic and the one ring began and boy has it been one hell of a ride. We live in a time
where true classics are being released; films that will be remembered and watched for years to come. This is what George Lucas
desired his petty Star Wars prequels to be. He failed and Jackson, a guy previously known for gross out films like Meet the Feebles and Dead Alive, achieved. With the release of The Return of the King, Jackson has also decided to release the extended
cuts of Towers and Fellowship a month
before King is released so that our craving for the third entry is either calmed
or infuriated. When this series is over, it will be one of the greatest events in motion picture history. I am excited to
be alive in such an awesome time.
