Star power on full display in fall film season

  • By Robert Horton Herald Movie Critic
  • Wednesday, August 29, 2012 6:35pm
  • LifeGo-See-Do

And so we usher in the fall movie season, which traditionally brings in slightly more serious fare after the “silly season” of summer. You know, lightweight summer fluff like “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Prometheus,” “Total Recall” and “The Bourne Legacy.”

Hmmm. Maybe it would be nice to lighten up a little.

For this autumn, it looks like the usual hodgepodge of slightly-more-thoughtful movies, a few not-ready-for-summer multiplex flicks and some Halloween animation (thank you, Tim Burton).

We’ve got star turns for Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman; for a younger demographic, expect showcases for Jennifer Lawrence, Channing Tatum and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Some of these movies are definitely positioned to snag some awards-season attention, so look for “The Master” and “Won’t Back Down” and a few others to pile up some excited reviews.

There’s even a starring vehicle for Clint Eastwood. He’s still going strong as a director, but he’d hinted that “Gran Torino” might be his final acting gig, so it will be intriguing to see how “Trouble With the Curve” enticed him back to the lights.

All in all, just enough to get us to the holiday season, which will kick off with the arrival of James Bond, Abe Lincoln, and those “Twilight” vampires in mid-November. But that’s for later.

In the meantime, here’s the fall slate (dates subject to change, as always), and hey, try to crack a smile, hmm?

Click here for photos, capsules and premiere dates of all the movies coming to theaters this fall.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Pet detective Jim Branson stops to poke through some fur that Raphael the dog found while searching on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in Everett, Washington. Branson determined the fur in question was likely from a rabbit, and not a missing cat.(Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Lost a pet? Pet detective James Branson and his dogs may be able to help

James Branson, founder of Three Retrievers Lost Pet Rescue, helps people in the Seattle area find their missing pets for $350.

Anthony Brock performs at Artisans PNW during the first day of the Fisherman’s Village Music Fest on Thursday, May 16, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
At downtown Everett musical festival: ‘Be weird and dance with us’

In its first night, Fisherman’s Village brought together people who “might not normally be in the same room together” — with big acts still to come.

From a 17th-century warship to ABBA, Stockholm’s delights span the ages

The city — known for Nobel prizes, “Pippy Longstocking” and a very tall city hall — sits on 14 islands connected by 54 bridges.

A guitarist keeps rhythm during Lovely Color’s set on the opening night of Fisherman’s Village on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Black Lab in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
No matter what music you’re into, Fisherman’s Village has a hook for you

From folk to psychedelic pop to hip-hop, here’s a quick guide to artists you might want to check out in downtown Everett.

Patterson Hood (left) and Mike Cooley perform with Drive-By Truckers at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater in 2018. (Ben Flanagan / AL.com)
Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Take in the Fisherman’s Village Music Festival in downtown Everett and get a close-up look at unique aircraft at Paine Field.

On moving day for elderly mom, a moving reminder of what matters in life

Older adults don’t talk much about accomplishments during their working lives. Instead, they talk about the value of family.

Iberia told me to file a chargeback, but now I don’t have a ticket

When Joel Revill’s ticket purchase doesn’t go through, a representative advises him to dispute it on his credit card.

Paeonia Itoh Hybrids "Lolliepop" in the spring garden
Bushy with big blooms, Itohs blend the best of herbaceous, tree peonies

A bit spendy, this sought-after hybrid, with its multi-colored flowers and lush foliage, offers plenty of bang for your buck.

A child gets some assistance dancing during Narrow Tarot’s set on the opening night of Fisherman’s Village on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Lucky Dime in downtown Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Fisherman’s Village 2024 casts a wide musical net in Everett

From Allen Stone to a local musician showcase at Zamarama Gallery, get ready for it to get loud downtown.

Gnomes, per lore, are more than garden decor. This guy’s ready to travel.

In fact, his atypical attributes — a blue cap and total lack of garden tools — make this pottery gnome all the more valuable.

Primula denticulata is native to the Himalaya Mountains of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan, Tibet, Burma, and China. The habitat is wet meadows from 5,000 feet to 14,500 feet. (Richie Steffen/Great Plant Picks)
Great Plant Pick: Drumstick primrose

What: This primrose, also known as Primula denticulata, is quite like a… Continue reading

How to save water both inside and — with summer coming — outside your house

It’s always a good idea to limit your water usage, but it is especially important now, amid a statewide drought.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.