Genre: Drama, Teen, Urban
Release Date: August 2
Scoop: Disaffected Latino teenagers come of age in a gentrifying community in the Echo Park district of Los Angeles, when 15-yearl-old, Magdalena, the daughter of a Mexican-American family who runs a storefront church, falls pregnant a few months before her highly anticipated Quinceañera celebration.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Culture clash is especially ripe for investigation when teen angst, ornate Quinceañera dresses and white Hummer limos are in the picture. Having earned both a Grand Jury Prize and an Audience Award in Redford-land, let’s see what this Sundance double-winner serves up.
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 flashes
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Genre: Animated, Children, Comedy
Release Date: August 4
Scoop: A free-wheeling cow named Otis and his misfit farm animal friends regularly play tricks on humans–sing, dance and party–but when Otis is suddenly placed in a position of responsibility around the barnyard, he must find the courage and confidence to become a leader.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Late night human-tipping–yeah!
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
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The Descent
Genre: Horror; Adventure, Thriller
Release Date: August 4
Scoop: On a daredevil caving holiday in the Appalachian Mountains, six female friends are unexpectedly trapped in an underground maze when a rock fall blocks their exit.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Carrie Fully Loaded anyone?! Billed as the ‘first all-female horror pic’–oh well, now there’s no need to make a movie-version of The View.
Snapshot Prediction: 2 out of 5 flashes
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The Night Listener
Genre: Adaptation, Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Release Date: August 4
Scoop: A psychological thriller that revolves around the celebrated writer and popular late-night radio show host, Gabriel Noone, who develops an intense relationship with a young listener named Pete and his adopted mother, just as his own domestic life is undergoing changes.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Pass the popcorn! Nothing like it when Robin Williams plays the distressed anti-hero. Toni Collette and Sandra Oh make us even more curious.
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 flashes
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Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Genre: Comedy, Sports
Release Date: August 4
Scoop: Ricky Bobby is a go-for-broke race car driver who, in races, either finishes first or doesn’t finish at all. Unhappy with these results, Bobby’s team owner brings over Jean Girard, a French Formula One driver, who quickly becomes Bobby’s biggest rival.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: A high-octane sports satire of the NASCAR world in which we must endure over-the-top branding and product placement in the name of taking an ironic look at its over-the-top branding and product placement. While there’s Will Ferrell, we’re already feeling the redundancy.
Snapshot Prediction: 2.5 out of 5 flashes
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The Bridesmaid
Genre: Adaptation, Foreign, Thriller
Release Date: August 4
Scoop: When handsome young Philippe falls in love with a stunning but strangely aloof Senta–it is love at first sight. But when she declares that, as proof of their love for each other, each of them should kill a total stranger, how far is Philippe willing to go?
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Follow that wise old French saying: Forget the bridezilla, it’s all about the bridesmaid!
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 flashes
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World Trade Center
Genre: Drama, Historical, Biopic
Release Date: August 9
Scoop: The true story of Will Jimeno and John McLoughlin, two Port Authority police officers who rushed into the burning World Trade Center on 9/11 to help rescue people, but became trapped themselves when the tower collapsed.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Let’s hope that authenticity, and not bravado, shines through Oliver Stone’s controversial outing.
Snapshot Prediction: 2.5 out of 5 flashes
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Half Nelson
Genre: Drama, Urban
Release Date: August 11
Scoop: An idealistic, inner-city junior high school teacher spends his time outside school on the edge of consciousness, dealing with his drug habit.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Finally, the equation is reversed…And besides, Ryan Gosling always offers up a nuanced performance.
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 flashes
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Pulse
Genre: Horror, Remake
Release Date: August 11
Scoop: A website which at first appears to be merely a scary hoax with an irresistible marketing ploy turns out to be run by a sinister and deadly force.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Thank heavens this is not a thriller set in a confessional booth!
Snapshot Prediction: 2 out of 5 flashes
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Step Up
Genre: Dance, Drama, Urban
Release Date: August 11
Scoop: Tyler Gage, a rebel from the wrong side of Baltimore’s tracks meets Nora, a privileged ballet dancer attending an elite arts school. As sparks fly between them, Tyler realizes he has just one performance to prove that he can step up to a life far larger than he ever imagined.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Maybe we needed a little bit more breathing time between Take the Lead and this possible klunker to fully appreciate Jenna Dewan‘s multi-talented skill set.
Snapshot Prediction: 2 out of 5 flashes
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Zoom
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family, Teen
Release Date: August 11
Scoop: An unpopular high school girl is whisked away by her mysterious father to a school for superheroes where she discovers her talents.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: The all-white uniforms add a possible touch of Hollywood-style family chic–especially for the little ones. So, we’re not sure about the movie, but it should definitely inspire party costumes for next season.
Snapshot Prediction: 2 out of 5 flashes
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10th and Wolf
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Release Date: August 18
Scoop: Based on the true-life accounts of FBI Special Agent Joseph D. Pistone, otherwise known as “Donnie Brasco,” the story of Marine Sgt. Tommy Santoro, who in 1991, thought he had left behind his family’s ties to organized crime–until his homecoming.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Although we’re being dramatic, it’s felt like forever since Giovanni Ribisi has had his acting chops up for review. We’re excited to see the underrated thespian on screen again, particularly with James Marsden.
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 flashes
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Factotum
Genre: Adaptation, Biopic, Drama
Release Date: August 18
Scoop: Henry, a writer, quests for the booze and women that sidetrack and seduce him, rather than inspire greatness. When he falls for Jan, the soulful connection fails to save either from their self-destructive ways, as their relationship teeters on the edge.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: With Matt Dillon, Marisa Tomei and Lili Taylor, solid casting should make for a solidly told tale.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
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The Illusionist
Genre: Adaptation, Drama, Period
Release Date: August 18
Scoop: Set in early 20th century Vienna, a stage magician uses his magic to win back the great love of his life from a brutal enemy, her fiance, who is also the powerful crowned prince of Austria.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Voila! This August does have much to offer!
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 flashes
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Material Girls
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: August 18
Scoop: Two young heiresses lose their father’s fortune and are forced to fend for themselves in the real world.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Is Hilary really ready to share a little comedy spotlight with sis? Only August will tell…
Snapshot Prediction: 2 out of 5 flashes
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Snakes on a Plane
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: August 18
Scoop: A ruthless assassin unleashes a crate full of lethal snakes aboard a passenger jet in flying overseas, in order to eliminate a witness in protective custody. The rookie pilot and frightened passengers must band together to survive.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Let’s just admit to it now: who isn’t wait for this Sam Jackson starrer to slither out into the theaters?!
Snapshot Prediction: 4.5 out of 5 flashes
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Accepted
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: August 18
Scoop: How does a guy, who’s been rejected from several colleges, please his parents, and get noticed by his dream girl? Simple: open his own university.
Bartleby “B” Gaines and his band of misfit freshmen take “liberal” arts literally when they fool their parents and peers to create the esteemed South Harmon Institute of Technology.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Sure why not, we could use a misfit, under-achiever teen summer movie.
Snapshot Prediction: 2.5 out of 5 flashes
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Trust the Man
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romantic Comedy
Release Date: August 18
Scoop: A comedy following the romantic escapades of two couples–a successful actress and her stay-at-home husband, and her slacker younger brother and his aspiring novelist girlfriend–as they search for love in the midst of careers, family, infidelity and the ever-daunting search for Manhattan street parking.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Ho-hum. Nice cast, but still: Ho hum.
Snapshot Prediction: 2.5 out of 5 flashes
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Beerfest
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: August 25
Scoop: Two brothers go to Oktoberfest in Germany and stumble upon a super-secret centuries-old competition with beer games. After the brothers are dealt a humiliating defeat, they return to the U.S. and assemble a group of all-star beer drinkers.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: How do you say lots of b-list burping in German?
Snapshot Prediction: 1.5 out of 5 flashes
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How to Eat Fried Worms
Genre: Adaptation, Comedy, Family
Release Date: August 25
Scoop: A story that centers on an 11-year-old named Billy, who, in order to appease the school bully and earn the respect of his new classmates, agrees to a bet that calls for him to eat 10 worms in one day.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: WARNING: Kids, don’t try this at home!
Snapshot Prediction: 2 out of 5 flashes
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Idlewild
Genre: Music, Musical, Period, Romance
Release Date: August 25
Scoop: Set against the backdrop of a 1930s southern speakeasy, a shy piano player and the club’s showy lead performer/manager both struggle to keep their dreams alive.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: When the style-icon gentlemen, Andre 3000 and Big Boi, who brought you the Grammy-winning smash hit album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below roll into your local theaters, there’s only one thing to say: “Hey Ya!”
Snapshot Prediction: 4 out of 5 flashes
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Invincible
Genre: Biopic, Drama, Sports
Release Date: August 25
Scoop: Inspired by the true story of Vince Papale, a down-on-his-luck teacher and part-time bartender lives every fan’s fantasy of moving from the stands to the field when he makes it onto his hometown’s professional football team during an open tryout.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: While this uplifting, real-life inspired sports story genre is starting to wear thin this decade, there’s still always something rich that takes place when Mark Wahlberg commits to a ‘down-and-out-yet-hopeful-naive’ lead role. Besides, Greg Kinnear rarely disappoints.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
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The Quiet
Genre: Thriller
Release Date: August 25
Scoop: An intense story about family secrets, friendship, trust, and betrayal where happy faces disguise ugly truths. Popular cheerleader Nina Deer’s world is turned upside down when her parents adopt a recently orphaned deaf girl, Dot. But in this suburban home, things are not what they seem.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Secrets and lies and adoption and cheerleaders and deafness–sounds like good thriller ingredients.
Snapshot Prediction: 3.5 out of 5 flashes
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Looking for Kitty
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Release Date: August 25
Scoop: After hiring a down-and-out private investigator, an upstate New York, high school baseball coach ventures to Manhattan for the first time to track down his wife who ran away with a second rate rock star.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: ‘Modest and engaging’ seems to be the word that’s out on this Tribeca Fest debuter.
Snapshot Prediction: 3 out of 5 flashes
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Sherrybaby
Genre: Drama
Release Date: August 25
Scoop: After serving a three-year prison sentence, a well-meaning, recovering drug user–who’s eager to re-establish a relationship with her young daughter–quickly discovers that coming back to the world she left behind is far more difficult than she had planned.
If a Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words, We Say: Trust us on this one: Maggie Gyllenhaal‘s, perhpas, never dug so deep into a character study. Some may bark, “Hard to watch,” but will ultimately admit, “Hard to not keep watching!”
Snapshot Prediction: 4.5 out of 5 flashes
