ut with the old, in with the new. As summer comes to an end, so too do cash-in blockbusters and sequels. Say goodbye to Pirates of the Caribbean; say goodbye to Harry Potter; even say goodbye to the Fantastic Four. As the leaves change, big-budget Prestige Pics begin to open in droves, securing ample time for significant Oscar buzz. With only a few residual dumb comedies, now is the time for critical darlings like Nicole Kidman and Tom Hanks to display their acting chops in the hopes of convincing someone to hand them a silver or gold statue. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that actors like shiny things. Take 2007’s Fall Movie Preview as proof as we take a look at what you’ll be spending money to see on Friday nights in the months to come.


Margot at the Wedding
Opening November 16, 2007

From the fantastic Whit Stillman-esque Kicking and Screaming to his first masterpiece, The Squid and the Whale, writer/director Noah Baumbach has built a reputation as a dialogist of Rohmerian proportions. Like Squid, Baumbach's latest, Margot at the Wedding, explores strained relationships between hyper-literate and eloquent yet emotionally challenged characters. Writer Margot (Nicole Kidman) visits her sister (Jennifer Jason Leigh) on the eve of the latter's wedding to everyman, Malcolm (Jack Black). Witty barbs and revisited hurt follow. It could mark a comeback of sorts for Jennifer Jason Leigh (aka Mrs. Baumbach); if only Jason Lee could comeback. -S.T.



I’m Not There
Opening November 21, 2007

Yes, biopics have become played, but this one offers a promising new twist. First of all, it’s about living-legend Bob Dylan, which is reason enough to go see it. But, like Dylan’s music itself, the film employs a variation on the traditional formula. Six different periods of his life are presented, and six different actors take on the iconic role, including Marcus Carl Franklin, Ben Whishaw, Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Richard Gere, and Cate Blanchett (?!!). The film is making the festival circuit before its wide release on November 21. -R.T.



Cassandra's Dream
Opening November 30, 2007

Cassandra’s Dream represents the third installment in Woody Allen's “London Trilogy”. Thankfully, he’s gone back to Matchpoint-style drama after the relative disappointment of Scoop. Woody Allen making stronger dramas then comedies; has the world turned upside down? Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor star as brothers who compete for the love of a young Eve-like archetype (played by Hayley Atwell), who places them in a dangerous rivalry. -R.T.