Awesome Fall Movies on the Way

Now that fall is here and summer blockbusters are over, conventional wisdom has it that we'll see smarter, better movies in theaters. Do this fall’s movies look like they’re all that? We preview some of the more promising flicks coming up and investigate what kinds of awesomeness they may have to offer.

"Jennifer’s Body," opening September 18

Famous people involved
This movie stars pin-up girl of the year Megan Fox as well as Amanda Seyfried (the main girl in "Mamma Mia!" and the dumb girl in "Mean Girls"). Seth from "The O.C." is in it, too. Not to mention this is the first movie Diablo Cody has written since "Juno."

What happens?
Adam Brody's character tries to sacrifice uber-popular cheerleader Jennifer (Fox) to the devil so his rock band will become famous. Instead, Megan Fox gets possessed by demons and starts seducing high school boys. Except she eats them instead of getting with them.

Where’s the appeal?
Jennifer's Megan’s Body, for one thing.

Will it be cool?
Probably—"Juno" is a hilarious, insightful movie about high school life, and there’s a good chance Diablo Cody has written another winner. If anyone can write a movie about a demon-possessed cheerleader and make it meaningful, it’s probably her.

"Whip It," opening October 2

Famous people involved
Ellen Page (who played Juno) stars, Drew Barrymore directs AND co-stars, plus Jimmy Fallon is in it.

What happens?

Juno—errrr—Ellen Page, plays Bliss, a small town misfit who ditches the beauty pageants her mom makes her enter and joins a roller derby team instead. Violence, romance, and laughs ensue.

What’s the appeal?
Many scenes seem to involve girls on roller skates punching each other and jumping over collapsed bodies to win the roller race.

Will it be cool?
Did you just read that last part? Of course it will be cool—people are punching each other while racing on roller skates.

"Zombieland," opening October 9

Famous people involved
It stars Woody Harrelson (the serial killer star of "Natural Born Killers") and Jesse Eisenberg from "Adventureland," who just might be the next Michael Cera-style comedy star.

What happens?
Tough guy Woody Harrelson tries to teach dorky Jesse Eisenberg how to survive in a post-apocalyptic world infested with zombies. Which basically means lots of zombie killing.

What’s the appeal?
Eisenberg nervously fumbling his way through zombie-killin’ lessons and awkwardly trying to woo a girl.

Will it be cool?
Check this line from the movie: “My mother always told me someday you’ll be good at something. I don’t think she could have guessed that something would be zombie killing.” It looks HUH-larious.

"Where the Wild Things Are," opening October 16

Famous people involved
Not really so many famous people here. The director, Spike Jonze, is a minor celebrity, and popular comedy author Dave Eggers wrote the script. Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs does the music. But no one wildly famous stars in it.

What happens?
You read the book when you were four: A little boy is sent to bed without supper and imagines himself king of a land full of cuddly wild beasts.

What’s the appeal?
Well, it is based on the coolest kids book ever. Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are is a total classic on par with most Shakespeare.

Will it be cool?
You gotta see the trailer. The little kid in his wolf costume is ten kinds of cute, and honestly, it looks like the most original and adorable movie of the year.

"The Twilight Saga: New Moon," opening November 20

Famous people involved
Kristen Stewart and heartthrob Robert Pattinson are crazy famous because of "Twilight," so series newcomer Taylor Lautner pretty much counts as famous, too. And Dakota Fanning is in it with creepy Volturi eyes.

What happens?
You know... and if you don’t, read Dan’s blog. Long story short, Bella flirts with death because she can’t bear the thought of never seeing shirtless Edward Cullen again. But then shirtless Jacob Black enters her world and she flirts with him and death.

What’s the appeal?
Gratuitous shirtless scenes with pale hottie Robert Pattinson and ripped hottie Taylor Lautner. And I think there’s like vampires in it or something….

Will it be cool?
It doesn’t need to be cool—tons of people will see it either way—but the darker storyline does seem to indicate "New Moon" will leave behind some of the first movie’s sappiness.

What do you think of these upcoming flicks? Does "New Moon" look better than "Twilight"? What other fall movies are you psyched about?

Related post: What Was Your Favorite Summer Movie?