Summer movie season is out the door and gone with it are the big buttery popcorn releases. Yes, that’s right, make way for Hollywood’s leftovers and Oscar-hopefuls, because nothing big truly sweeps in until the leaves are fallen, the turkeys are in the ovens and Kris Kringle is ready to squeeze his chubby patootie down the chimney.

However, if you must see movies next month, here are my picks. Click on the link to read about plot and watch the trailer.

The Wicker Man (September 1st)
The Good: Nicholas Cage is almost always good. It’s a creepy thriller and it’s directed by Neil Labute.

The Bad: It’s a remake and it’s not being screened for critics.

Hollywoodland (September 8th)

The Good: Kind of feels like an “L.A. Confidential” and we all know how good that movie is. Plus, Ben Affleck looks to dispel the rumors that he can’t act worth a lick.

The Bad: You can practically see the filmmakers salivating at the feet of Oscar, which means it might be aiming to high.

Gridiron Gang (September 15th)

The Good: Inspiring true football story about gangbangers turned good kids, starring The Rock and Xzibit.

The Bad: Um, inspiring true football story about gangbangers turned good kids, starring The Rock and Xzibit.

The Last Kiss (September 15th)

The Good: Zach Braff (from NBC’s “Scrubs”) is a comedic genius. Tony Goldwyn (Carl in “Ghost”) is an underappreciated actor and an up-and-coming director. Oh and the rest of the cast is pretty decent too.
The Bad: Like “Hollywoodland” this might be an Oscar wannabe that will fall flat because of predictability and cliche.

The Black Dahlia (September 15th)

The Good: James Ellroy (writer of “LA Confidential”) and Brian De Palma (”The Untouchables”) team to bring one of California’s most notorious unsolved murders to the big screen. Given De Palma’s track record of excellent directing and Ellroy’s ability to craft tightly woven suspense, this should be good.

The Bad: De Palma means violent and bloody, so this is definitely something you want to check out on Screen-It.

Enjoy and let me know if there is anything I missed. BTW, the remake of Lassie does not count.