Fall Movie Preview 2009

What's coming out in Fall 2009? Which blockbusters are headed your way, what movies will people be buzzing about, and which films are likely to make the Oscar cut? From Avatar to New Moon, Invictus to Nine, here's your guide to all the movies you'll need to see from now through the holidays…

By: Fandango Editorial Staff

All About Steve

Release - 09/04 | More Info.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper

RomCom Queen Sandra Bullock plays a quirky crossword puzzle constructor who's smart, pretty, and relentlessly infatuated with a guy named Steve. Gents, if you're looking for a great date flick, take note: The matchup of Bullock and Cooper has a charming – and zany – chemistry that's sure to be a hit with the ladies.

Extract

Release - 09/04 | More Info.
Starring: Jason Bateman, Mila Kunis, Ben Affleck, Kristen Wiig

Writer/director Mike Judge (Office Space, Idiocracy) returns to the workplace in his new comedy set in a flavoring extract company. Sounds like the set up for a lot of sticky situations, no?! Seeing Jason Bateman getting high with Ben Affleck’s shaggy bartender character might be enough to peak your interest. Or maybe just that Mila Kunis is in it…

Gamer

Release - 09/04 | More Info.
Starring: Gerard Butler, Michael C. Hall, Amber Valletta, Alison Lohman

Gerard Butler stars in Gamer, a violent flick with all the requisite explosions, man-hunting, and heart-throbbing action moves you desire. Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, creators of Crank, team up once more to produce a sci-fi-action-thriller where humans control other humans in massive, multi-player online games: people play people...for keeps.

9

Release - 09/09 | More Info.
Starring: Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly

In a post-apocalyptic world (realized in part by producer Tim Burton), the human race is almost extinct and the world is dominated by destructive, rampaging robots. Now, a ragdoll named 9 (yes, a rag doll) must team up with several other quirky characters to save human kind.

Sorority Row

Release - 09/11 | More Info.
Starring: Briana Evigan, Rumer Willis, Audrina Patridge

Ah, back to school…friendly classmates, leaves falling from the trees, a nice schedule…but what's that hiding behind the bushes? Damn, it's the "Sorority Row" serial killer! That should teach five pesky sorority sisters from ever again trying to cover up an "accidental" murder. Didn't they watch Prom Night? Rumer and Briana, listen up. If you inadvertently kill a co-ed, it's always best to tell your parents, and the cops...because karma is a b@*&*.

Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself

Release - 09/11 | More Info.
Starring: Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson

Crazy Grandma Madea's back! Perry's latest feel-good film stars Benjamin Button's Henson as a nightclub singer faced with a life-changing decision. Like all of Perry's films, you can count on this one to ring in the laughs with several messages about life, love and real happiness.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Release - 09/18 | More Info.
Starring: Bill Hader, Anna Faris

An ambitious, small-town inventor figures out a way to make food rain from the sky — ice cream scoops, pizza slices, hamburgers, tornado-swirling spaghetti noodles and ginormous meatballs. Now picture that in IMAX 3D! It's a kid's dream come true—and an appetite-whetting spectacle.

The Informant!

Release - 09/18 | More Info.
Starring: Matt Damon, Melanie Lynskey, Scott Bakula

Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon) is Secret Agent 0014 because he’s twice as smart as 007. Based on Kurt Eichenwald's 2000 book, The Informant! is the tale of a bipolar, high-ranking executive who becomes the biggest whistleblower in U.S. history. If you’re a fan of Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve or Thirteen, expect more of filmmaker Steven Soderbergh's fabulous wit and melodrama.

Jennifer’s Body

Release - 09/18 | More Info.
Starring: Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried

Megan Fox as a man-eating, cheerleader-turned-demon-temptress – need we say more? The lovely Ms. Fox stars in writer Diablo Cody’s follow up to Juno - a story about a high school hottie who turns into a bloodthirsty killer…just the usual adolescent drama…

Love Happens

Release - 09/18 | More Info.
Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Jennifer Aniston

Will Jennifer Aniston finally find love? As stubborn, burnt-out florist Eloise Chandler, Aniston has written off men to focus on her business (sounds like most women these days), but as she attempts to ignore love's calling, she meets Dr. Burke Ryan (Aaron Eckhart), a guru therapist known for being able to solve everyone’s problems—except his own. The question: will they be able to let go of the past and realize that love happens when you least expect it? What do you think?

Capitalism: A Love Story

Release - 09/23 | More Info.
Starring: Michael Moore

Big business beware as documentary filmmaker Michael Moore (Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11) turns his camera - and personality - towards the global financial crisis and the U.S. economy. Leave it to Moore to make even the recession somewhat entertaining.

Fame

Release - 09/25 | More Info.
Starring: Kristy Flores, Asher Book, Paul Iacono, Paul McGill

So, who wants to live forever? A group of talented students attending the renowned New York School of Performing Arts face up to that question and more in their quest for superstardom. The new Fame is a modern take on Alan Parker’s 1980's version, filled with lots of musical numbers, and plenty of age-old stories about friendship, talent, heartbreak, and passion.

Surrogates

Release - 09/25 | More Info.
Starring: Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell

From Jonathan Mostow, the director of U-571 (and the vastly underrated Breakdown), comes another tension-filled thriller. This time, it's up to FBI man Bruce Willis -- aided by sexy partner Radha Mitchell -- to solve the murder of the college boy wonder who created the "surrogates." What are those? Well, see, in the near future, we’ve achieved the ultimate nirvana (also known as the couch potatos' utopia)…basically, you kick back at home, take a nap, and let your flawless-looking robot version of yourself do the hard stuff…they can even go on vacation for you.

The Invention of Lying

Release - 10/02 | More Info.
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner

Imagine a world where lying doesn’t exist (!) Everyone tells the truth, and only the truth. In his new comedy, Ricky Gervais is the only man who knows how to lie, and can therefore get anything he wants...except for the love of his life, played by Jennifer Garner.

A Serious Man

Release - 10/02 | More Info.
Starring: Michael Stuhlbarg, Sari Lennick, Richard Kind

Before you look at the cast and say, "starring who?", let us explain. It's about a physics professor in the 1960's whose wife leaves him. Interested? Ok, it also involves the professor's tenure, and the advice he seeks from three rabbis. No? How about, it's produced and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Expect lots of absurdity, and down and dirty, dark (pitch black) comedy.

Toy Story & Toy Story 2 in 3-D

Release - 10/02 | More Info.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen

Re-watch your favorite Disney cowboy and space ranger on the big screen—this time in 3D! Kids who were too young the first time around can finally experience the lovable toy duo at the cineplex, and older kids can re-experience the pleasure. To infinity, and beyond!

Whip It

Release - 10/02 | More Info.
Starring: Ellen Page, Drew Barrymore, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig

Little Gertie from E.T. is now a full-blown filmmaker. For her directorial debut, Drew Barrymore casts Juno star Ellen Page as the newest member of an all-girl roller-derby team. Helping Page learn the rules of the rink is veteran derby queen Kristen Wiig – cast as the wonderfully named Malice in Wonderland.

Zombieland

Release - 10/02 | More Info.
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin

Killing zombies is the name of the game in this horror comedy where the world has been overrun by the evil undead. The scary movie is sort of a tribute to the campy fun of Shaun of the Dead and Evil Dead 2. Plus, who doesn’t want to see Little Miss Sunshine dust off some zombies?

Couples Retreat

Release - 10/09 | More Info.
Starring: Vince Vaughn, Kristen Bell, Jason Bateman

What do you do when your other half starts having an affair? Or the kids drain the entire libido from your love life? When married life sucks, therapy helps. But before signing up for that couples retreat at a faraway tropical paradise, you might want to double check to make sure it's not temptation island, complete with oiled-up yoga instructors, and real shark-infested waters.

Law Abiding Citizen

Release - 10/16 | More Info.
Starring: Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx

Vengeance is sweet but deadly in this thriller starring Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx. Butler is a vigilante ready to inflict damage on the justice system due to the unjust release of his family’s murderers. So really, it's revenge abiding citizen…

Where the Wild Things Are

Release - 10/16 | More Info.
Starring: Max Records, Catherine Keener, Mark Ruffalo

Spike Jones (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich) directs this adaptation of the beloved children’s book by Maurice Sendak. Featuring the additional voice talents of James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara and Forest Whitaker, the movie has already debuted several incredible clips. We're just dying to see how they've expanded on a 48-page, 10-line book.

Amelia

Release - 10/23 | More Info.
Starring: Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, Virginia Madsen, Ewan McGregor

She captured the heart of the nation by pursuing her dream to fly around the world. She was a visionary, a lover, a dreamer, a legend—she is Amelia Earhart (and she's played by 2-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank). Get your Oscar ballot ready.

Astro Boy

Release - 10/23 | More Info.
Starring: Freddie Highmore, Nicolas Cage

Bring on the butt guns! Osamu Tezuka fans will discover just how much this modern reworking lives up to his classic anime. Not to worry, this project was created with the original very much in mind. Kid-friendly characters and a Pinocchio-esque story that tugs at the heartstrings are still the central themes.

Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant

Release - 10/23 | More Info.
Starring: John C. Reilly, Chris Massoglia

While Chris Weitz is busy promoting New Moon, his brother Paul is pitching the other teen vampire flick this season. Forget the sappy girl-falls-for-bloodsucker plot. No sparkling allowed here. Throw in Reilly as a creepy/kooky creature of the night, Ken Watanabe with telepathic powers, and Salma Hayek as a bearded lady, and yep, you've got yourself one entertaining freak show.

Saw VI

Release - 10/23 | More Info.
Starring: Tobin Bell, Betsy Russell

Just when you thought it was safe to take life for granted, along comes the next twisted adventure in the Jigsaw legacy. At this point, there's no need to shove a spiked ball down our throats to get Jig’s message across, but since it's almost Halloween, what the hell. Returning for more gruesome entertainment are series regulars Costas Mandylor and Shawnee Smith.

Michael Jackson's This Is It

Release - 10/28 | More Info.
Starring: Michael Jackson

Prepare for Michael Jackson fans to go crazy when this movie is released in theaters. This Is It will be produced from over 80 hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage shot in preparation for Michael Jackson’s never-to-be-realized London concerts…R.I.P Michael Jackson…

Gentlemen Broncos

Release - 10/30 | More Info.
Starring: Michael Angarano, Sam Rockwell, Jemaine Clement

The twisted minds behind Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre are at it once again with this bizarre comedy about a teenaged writer whose book idea gets stolen by a famous fantasy author played by The Flight of the Conchords' Jemaine. Judging from the trailer, this is going to be one strange - and funny - movie.

The Box

Release - 11/06 | More Info.
Starring: Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, Frank Langella

Here’s the pitch. A guy with a horribly scarred face shows up at your door and offers the following. Push the button on a wooden box, and receive $1 million. At the same time you push it, though, someone, somewhere, will die. What do you do?!? If it's the 1970s, and you're Cameron Diaz and James Marsden (and you're starring in a movie from Donnie Darko creator Richard Kelly), we're betting you'll take your chances for the big payday.

Disney's A Christmas Carol

Release - 11/06 | More Info.
Starring: Jim Carrey

Guess who's full, or over-full, with the Christmas spirit? In this updated version of "The Christmas Carol," Jim Carrey voices four different characters: Ebenezer Scrooge, Ghost of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet-to-Come. Makeup and direction come courtesy of CGI capture-motion super fan Robert Zemeckis (The Polar Express, Beowulf).

The Men Who Stare at Goats

Release - 11/06 | More Info.
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, George Clooney

There hasn’t been a lot of news or details about this upcoming movie based on Jon Ronson’s book of the same name. But here’s one thing we know: a reporter finds trouble after meeting a man claiming to be a former soldier in a psychic, paranormal military unit.

Precious

Release - 11/06 | More Info.
Starring: Gabourey Sidibe, Lenny Kravitz, Mo’nique

In her debut performance, Gabourey Sidibe takes on the role of an abused 16-year-old about to give birth to her second child. Based on the novel ‘Push’, the drama co-stars Lenny Kravitz (that's right, the Lenny Kravitz) and comedienne Mo’Nique.

2012

Release - 11/13 | More Info.
Starring: John Cusack, Chiwetel Ejiofor

2012 looks like The Day After Tomorrow on steroids, as John Cusack strives to survive the apocalypse. Director Roland Emmerich has packed this thing to the gills with all the right elements: an adrenaline-pumping score set to CG-ed tidal waves wiping out monumental buildings like sand castles; a Mayan calendar mystery; and epic one-liners like, "I thought we had more time."

The Fantastic Mr. Fox

Release - 11/13 | More Info.
Starring: George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray

It’s a foxy world in director Wes Anderson's animated adaptation of the popular Roald Dahl children's book, Fantastic Mr. Fox. For twelve years, Mr. and Mrs. Fox (voices of George Clooney and Meryl Streep) have lived a peaceful life under a tree with their son Ash (voice of Jason Schwartzman). But those golden years have been tainted by years of stealing from three greedy farmers. Fed up with Mr. Fox’s antics, the farmers team up to try to force Fox and his family out…try being the key word…

The Blind Side

Release - 11/20 | More Info.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Kathy Bates

Just when you think your luck has run out, here comes your hot fairy godmother. Sandra Bullock is a suburban housewife who takes in homeless teen Michal Oher. Based on a true story, Oher is an African-American youngster from a broken home who is introduced to a new world where he no longer has to worry about food or shelter. All he has to do is study and pursue his passion - football. Oher is eventually drafted by the NFL as a first round pick for the Baltimore Ravens. Go Ravens!

Planet 51

Release - 11/20 | More Info.
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jessica Biel, Justin Long, Seann William Scott

An all-star group (Dwayne Johnson, Gary Oldman, John Cleese) provides the voices for this fun animated tale about an astronaut named Chuck who crash-lands on a planet devoid of human life…but inhabited by green aliens living in a ‘50s style suburbia. Before Chuck’s captured by the natives and turned into an attraction at the Alien Invaders Space Museum, he attempts to find his way home with the help of new buddy Lem, and a robot companion named "Rover."

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Release - 11/20 | More Info.
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson

Sparkle, sparkle! Team Jacob takes the spotlight (in a non-sparkly way, of course). Here's what you'll need to bring when you see it on opening weekend:
1. A tent—to camp out in front of the theater
2. Your "Go Team Jacob!" T-shirt
3. Ear plugs... for the person sitting next to you, so they can put up with your manic squeals of delight at Lautner's rock-hard abs and RPattz's marble-white bare chest.

Nine

Release - 11/25 | More Info.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren

The last time director Rob Marshall got behind the camera to direct a big movie musical, it was Chicago and it won best picture. This time he’s back with his adaptation of the Broadway production, “Nine." Oscar winner Day-Lewis takes the lead role of a film director who grapples with epic crises in his personal and professional life. Keep this one, too, on your short list for awards season.

The Road

Release - 11/25 | More Info.
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron

In a future world no longer able to sustain life, a father (Viggo Mortensen) and son struggle to survive as they head south to escape the increasingly cold, endless winter. The sun no longer shines, the snow falls gray, and nomadic cannibal tribes rule the streets in this adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel.

Ninja Assassin

Release - 11/25 | More Info.
Starring: Rain, Naomie Harris

Be prepared to be awed by deadly ninja fights in this action-packed film from V for Vendetta director James McTeigue. Played by Korean pop singer Rain, ninja assassin Raizo grows a conscience, and turns his back against the Ozunu clan who raised him to be a killer. To stay alive, he may have to take all of them down. Sweet!

Old Dogs

Release - 11/25 | More Info.
Starring: John Travolta, Robin Williams, Kelly Preston, Seth Green
What do you get when you combine the commercial ambitions of Wild Hogs and Mrs. Doubtfire? John Travolta and Robin Williams in Old Dogs. The story has something to do with two best friends and business partners - a divorcee and a perennial bachelor - placed in charge of six-year-old twins at a critical moment in their career. Needless to say, harmless - and hopefully amusing - hijinx ensue.

The Princess and the Frog

Release - 11/25 | More Info.
Starring: Anika Noni Rose, John Goodman

Giving it a New Orleans twist, Walt Disney retells the classic story of the Princess and the Frog. Everyone knows the story…Princess meets frog. Princess kisses frog. Frog turns into prince. Well, in this version, that's not exactly the case. Disney's first African-American heroine, Tiana, runs into a few obstacles when she turns into a frog, too, after kissing one who claims to be a prince. And we thought a simple kiss could solve anything…

Brothers

Release - 12/04 | More Info.
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal

Directed by Oscar winner Jim Sheridan (In the Name of the Father, In America), this drama, based on the 2004 Danish movie Brodre, is about a love triangle between two brothers played by Maguire and Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman, who plays Maguire’s spouse. Maguire is a Marine who goes missing in Afghanistan while his wife is comforted by his younger brother back home. When Maguire returns home alive, all hell breaks loose.

Everybody's Fine

Release - 12/04 | More Info.
Starring: Robert De Niro, Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore, Sam Rockwell

'Tis the season for holly, jolly, family dramedies, and this one comes power-packed with an A-list ensemble and a familiar story that could hit home with fathers, daughters, sons and siblings. DeNiro stars as a family patriarch who tries to reconnect with his grown kids on a road trip taken after his wife's death.

Invictus

Release - 12/11 | More Info.
Starring: Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman

Morgan Freeman stars as Nelson Mandela in a film directed by Clint Eastwood - just give him the Oscar now! Matt Damon co-stars in the inspiring true story of how Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team (Damon) to help unite the country after apartheid.

The Lovely Bones

Release - 12/11 | More Info.
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Saoirse Ronan

Peter Jackson returns to his more intimate filmmaking roots with this adaptation of the bestseller about a murdered girl who watches over her family - and her murderer - from the afterlife. The previews look amazing - a combination of the eerie atmospherics from Heavenly Creatures and the otherworldly visuals from the Lord of the Rings.

Avatar

Release - 12/18 | More Info.
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver

This small indie film with no budget or stars…oh wait, that’s not this one…ok, this is James Cameron's return to the director’s chair 12 years after Titanic (the biggest movie in b.o. history). Avatar is a sci-fi adventure story about a planet, Pandora, and its indigenous race of humanoids known as the Na’vi, and what happens to them when the humans arrive. The big screen 3D epic is supposed to change the world of cinema. On December 18, we'll get to see if it does just that.

Did You Hear About the Mogans?

Release - 12/18 | More Info.
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Hugh Grant

Who exactly are the Morgans? A successful New York couple, Paul (Hugh Grant) and Meryl (Sarah Jessica Parker) Morgan seem perfect on paper, but their life together is slowly disintegrating. What can save their wedding vows? How about witnessing a brutal crime? Relocated under a witness protection plan, the couple now has plenty of time to focus…and focus…on their marital problems.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

Release - 12/25 | More Info.
Starring: Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney

The Chipmunks are back in this all new CG family movie. Now in the care of Dave Seville's nephew, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore decide to go back to school, and take a break from their pop star life. From there, they encounter a trio of girls known as The Chipettes. Love is in the air in this holiday "squeakquel."

It's Complicated

Release - 12/25 | More Info.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin, Lake Bell, John Krasinski

It’s Complicated crosses How Stella Got Her Groove Back with Something's Gotta Give. Caught in a ridiculously exhilarating love triangle, Jane (Meryl Streep) becomes the other woman when she hooks up with her ex-husband Jake (Alec Baldwin). To top things off, Jane's flirting around with her recently hired architect (Steve Martin), who is dealing with his own divorce. Should Jane and Jake move on with their lives? Or is love truly lovelier the second time around? Ya know, it’s…complicated.

Sherlock Holmes

Release - 12/25 | More Info.
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams

Can't wait for Iron Man 2 to see more RDJ heroics? Elementary, dear Downey fans. Sherlock Holmes is here to knock your socks off. Unlike the stuffy Holmes characters of old, this Sherlock is equally fast with a quip and a roundhouse kick to your midsection. He's action hero, Holmes, and we imagine audiences everywhere will eat up the souped-up version of the super-sleuth just fine.

The Tree of Life

Release - 12/25 | More Info.
Starring: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn

Details are sketchy for this "mystical epic," but we felt compelled to include it for a couple of reasons. It stars Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, so if it does open at Christmas, you'll be hearing plenty about it soon enough. And the project's directed by the reclusive Terrence Malick. While there are plenty of movie fans who can't stand Malick’s New World and The Thin Red Line, there are also plenty - including movie buffs in prominent studio positions - who clamor to see anything he touches. Either way, keep an eye out for it.