September is usually a quiet month for movies, sitting in between the bombast of the summer blockbuster season and the release of awards contenders in the winter. But from horror to drama to animated family fun, there’s something for everyone. Check out the list below for some of the biggest and most interesting films to see this month.
It Chapter Two (Sept. 6)
Rating: R
Starring: Bill Skarsgard, James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa
Set 27 years after the events of 2017’s It, Chapter Two follows the Loser’s Club as they return to Derry to face the fears of their past. Bill Skarsgard returns as Pennywise the clown along with the young cast, including Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things), Jack Dylan Grazer (Shazam) and Sophia Lillis (Sharp Objects). James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader and Isaiah Mustafa portray the adult versions of the Loser’s Club.
My take: The first It received overwhelmingly positive reviews and is currently the highest-grossing horror film of all time. As someone who does not like horror movies, the first movie was surprisingly entertaining. I’m not familiar with the original story, so I’m interested to see how it all ends.
See this if you liked: It, Pet Sematary, Carrie, The Shining
The Goldfinch (Sept. 13)
Rating: R
Starring: Ansel Elgort, Sarah Paulson, Luke Wilson, Jeffrey Wright, Nicole Kidman
Theo Decker suffered a terrible tragedy when he was 13, changing the course of his life forever. This coming-of-age story takes Theo through grief, guilt, love and redemption. Along his journey through the world of art crime, a small painting of a goldfinch is Theo’s only source of hope. Ansel Elgort stars as Theo and leads an all-star cast including Sarah Paulson, Jeffrey Wright and Nicole Kidman.
My take: This is a stellar cast and looks like an interesting premise. The trailer looks beautiful as well. Wouldn’t be surprised if this is a contender come awards season.
See this if you liked: Brooklyn, The Fault in Our Stars, Gone Girl
Hustlers (Sept. 13)
Rating: R
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu, Julia Stiles, Keke Palmer, Lili Reinhart, Lizzo, Cardi B
A group of strippers, led by Jennifer Lopez, take matters into their own hands as the sex industry declines during the late 2000s financial crisis. They end up hustling dozens of wealthy men before it all goes wrong.
My take: What a cast! The fact that this is based on a true story makes it all the more compelling. I’m hopeful the cast can balance out a truly bizarre story.
See this if you liked: Bad Moms, Bridesmaids
Downton Abbey (Sept. 20)
Rating: PG
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Elizabeth McGovern, Imelda Staunton, Maggie Smith
A continuation of the British television phenomenon, Downton Abbey follows the Crawley family and their household as they prepare for a royal visit by King George V and Queen Mary. Most of the original cast from the original award-winning series returns, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner Maggie Smith.
My take: I absolutely loved the original series, so this is one of my most anticipated movies of this year. I’ll be interested to see how they introduce the massive cast for a movie-going audience who may not all be familiar with the premise. Maggie Smith is the GOAT.
See this if you liked: Downton Abbey (the series), Shakespeare in Love, The Other Boleyn Girl, The Favourite
Ad Astra (Sept. 20)
Rating: PG-13
Starring: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler, Donald Sutherland
Brad Pitt stars as astronaut Roy McBride, who travels into deep space in search of his father and solve a mystery that threatens the survival of mankind.
My take: I’m a sucker for space movies, and this one looks visually stunning. This is definitely going to be an Oscar contender, and as one of the last holdovers from the pre-Disney Fox era, all eyes will be on the critical reception as well as the box office.
See this if you liked: First Man, Apollo 13, Gravity, Interstellar
Abominable (Sept. 27)
Rating: PG
Starring: Chloe Bennet, Eddie Izzard, Sarah Paulson, Michelle Wong
Three young friends encounter a young Yeti in Shanghai and embark on an adventure to reunite him with his family before he is captured by a wealthy collector and zoologist.
My take: This is the only family-friendly release this month, so I’m sure that will help its numbers. DreamWorks is hit-or-miss for me, but I hope it’s more How to Train Your Dragon than it is Shark Tale.
See this if you liked: How to Train Your Dragon, Kung Fu Panda, Trolls
Movies with Mitchell 