Fall Movie Preview: Nov. 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

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.

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…

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.

Fall Movie Preview: Dec. 2009