A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2017 - Episode IV

September means the heat of the Summer gives way to the glorious winds of Fall, and with it comes the faint whisperings of Oscar Season. Here are the notable releases for the month of September as 2017 enters its final quarter.

“It” all starts with…

IT – One of Stephen King’s most famous books about a group of children terrorized by a ghostly clown comes to the big screen for the first time. It is directed by Andres Muschietti, who helmed the horror hit MAMA in 2013.

TULIP FEVER - Alicia Vikander (EX MACHINA) and Dane DeHaan (THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES) get caught up in a love affair during the 17th century Tulip Mania economic collapse. Directed by Justin Chadwick (THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL), and co-stars Judi Dench, Christoph Waltz, Zach Galifianakis, and Cara Delevinge.

GOON: LAST OF THE ENFORCERS - Seann William Scott reprises his GOON role in this sequel to the 2011 ice hockey cult-favorite. 

THE LIMEHOUSE GOLEM – This British horror-thriller is adapted from the novel of the same name, in which a series of murders in Victorian London may be committed by a legendary creature from dark times. It stars Bill Nighy (SHAWN OF THE DEAD), Olivia Cooke, and Eddie Marsan.

HOME AGAIN – In this romantic comedy, Reese Witherspoon plays a single mom who allows three young men to move in with her. Co-stars Michael Sheen, Lake Bell, and Candice Bergen.

MOTHER! – Visionary director Darren Aronofsky (BLACK SWAN) returns with this psychological horror film in which a couple has their lives disrupted by the arrival of another couple. Stars Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris, and Michelle Pfeiffer.

AMERICAN ASSASSIN – Based on the novel of the same name, Michael Keaton plays a Cold War veteran who trains a new black ops recruit. Co-stars Dylan O’Brien and Taylor Kitsch.

WOODSHOCK – Kirsten Dunst plays a grieving woman who begins to cope by discovering a new drug.

BRAD’S STATUS – In this comedy, Ben Stiller plays a successful career-man who begins to compare his life to his four college friends. Co-stars Michael Sheen, Luke Wilson, and Jenna Fischer. It is written and directed by Mike White (SCHOOL OF ROCK).

KINGSMAN: THE GOLDEN CIRCLE – The much anticipated sequel to the 2014 spy-comedy smash-hit. Matthew Vaughn (STARDUST) returns to direct, and his mighty cast includes Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Mark Strong, Halle Berry, Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, and a few other surprises.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES – The famed tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs comes to the big screen, with Emma Stone (LA LA LAND) playing King, and Steve Carell (FOXCATCHER) as Riggs. It co-stars Bill Pullman, Alan Cumming, Elisabeth Shue, and Sarah Silverman. It is helmed by the directing team of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, who brought us LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE in 2006.

STRONGER – Every Fall, Jake Gyllenhaal seems to show up with a powerhouse performance film, and 2017 is no different. In this true-story drama, he plays a survivor of the Boston Marathon Bombing who loses his legs.

AMERICAN MADE – Based on a true story, this biographical drama has Tom Cruise playing a former TWA pilot who became a drug smuggler for the Cartel. It is directed by Doug Liman (EDGE OF TOMORROW), and co-stars Domhnall Gleeson (THE FORCE AWAKENS).

FLATLINERS – Not a remake but a sequel to the 1990 film of the same name, in which medical students conduct experiments with near-death experiences. It is directed by Niels Arden Oplev, who brought us the Swedish version of THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO in 2009. It stars Ellen Page, Diego Luna, and Kiefer Sutherland as his character from the ’90 film.

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Next month, Reel Speak previews the month of October.