Coming Soon...

(All that intensity has to result in something good, right?)

... to a theater near you in September. With labor day weekend quickly approaching and August quickly disappearing, here's a look at the mainstream releases coming in September.

Friday, Sept. 2:

"The Debt" — OK, technically this movie opens on Aug. 31, but it's really a Labor Day weekend release. This looks to be the class of the Labor Day movies, but I still wonder about it. On paper this should be a good film. It's directed by John Madden ("Shakespeare In Love"), with a screenplay from Matthew Vaughn ("Layer Cake," "X-Men: First Class") and Jane Goodman ("Kick Ass," "X-Men: First Class"), and a cast that features Helen Mirren and Tom Wilkinson. But the film was finished, and started making festival appearances, nearly a year ago, it's received little marketing push, and it's story seems a bit unclear. Those are all bad signs. So, while this could be the best release of Labor Day weekend, it might not be that good.

"Shark Night" — Ugh. I love shark movies. "Jaws," as dedicated readers know, is in my Top 10 favorite films of all time. But somehow this movie looks like a disaster in the making. First off, it's in 3D. That's really enough to make me skeptical, but this one has more. Second, though the trailer would seem to make you think it's heading toward "Pirahna" territory (which isn't an enticement for me, by the way), the film is rated PG-13, meaning it will really be toning down the content. In other words, look for muted attempts to showcase carnage and more being put on the shoulders of the performers. Which brings me to my third problem, the cast is unimpressive. In fact, Sara Paxon (one of the lead performers) kind of creeps me out, and has since she starred in the re-make of "Last House on the Left." This looks like Razzie material to me.

"Apollo 18" — For those hoping to get a movie that is similar to "Apollo 13," look elsewhere... This is one of those cheaply made, recovered footage horror films. It will feature shaky, documentary-style camera work and a relatively unknown cast. There is a chance it could be interesting, but more likely it is going to follow the "Paranormal Activity" model. I didn't really find anything compelling with those, but if you did, this movie is for you.

"A Good Old-Fashioned Orgy" — Ugh. This movie doesn't even appear to be good enough to be a fun Razzie nominee. It just seems sad. I have long thought Jason Sudekis was funny, based largely on his work on "Saturday Night Live" and "30 Rock." But his movies over the last two years have shown otherwise. This looks like a variation of the character he keeps playing, and the movie looks like an unmitigated disaster.

Friday, Sept. 9:

"Warrior" — This may be the most promising release of the month. Of course, sports movies can easily veer into cliche territory, but they're also a known quantity. This one focuses on mixed martial arts, something I don't know much about but is original. It's directed by Gavin O'Connor, who gave us the entertaining and under-rated "Miracle." Plus, it looks like a good cast — led by Tom Hardy, who's poised to break out following good work in "Inception" last summer and a prominent role in 2012's "The Dark Knight Rises." The trailer works for me, the film looks compelling, and I think O'Connor has even managed to overcome the Nick Nolte handicap. I remain optimistic.

"Contagion" — This film has a great cast (Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Gwenyth Paltrow, and Laurence Fishburne, among the stars) and it's directed by Steven Soderbergh ("Traffic," "Ocean's 11"). But the story here looks unnerving. It's basically about a pandemic that sweeps the world. While probably a good wake up call, who wants to leave the theater in a state of paranoia. I think this will be a good film, but you won't feel good about seeing it.

"Bucky Larson: Born to Be A Star" — This movie has an awful premise and a trailer that is even worse. This is the kind of movie that gets dumped on audiences in September. Like the flu, we just have to endure it and hope it passes quickly.

Friday, Sept. 16:

"Drive" — Ryan Gosling can be compelling, and he's made some decent movies. The trailer for this movie is interesting, and the plot for the film seems possibly interesting. It's an action movie that has depth and features some dramatic performers. I hold out hope this could be a hidden gem of the early part of fall.

"I Don't Know How She Does It" — This film, built around Sarah Jessica Parker, will probably be fine. This is the kind of movie that's geared toward a specific niche audience, and I'm not in that niche. Parker can be a compelling performer, and here she's partnered with Pierce Brosnan and Kelsey Grammer. There is the potential for comedy here.

"Straw Dogs" — This movie has some elements that could make it interesting, but every time I see the trailer I get the feeling it will be creepy, gross, and underwhelming. This just doesn't seem like a movie that will be enjoyable in any way.

Friday, Sept. 23:

"Moneyball" — On paper, a movie about the GM of the Oakland A's (Billy Beane) building a contender using spare parts seems kind of boring. But the trailer for this film — directed by Bennett Miller off a script from Aaron Sorkin — seems pretty entertaining. A decent cast — including Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman — looks like they're used well. I am actually looking forward to this film, which might be the second solid sports movie released in September. That is, of course, assuming that you can get past the fact we're celebrating the genius of a man who built a team that really didn't win anything.

"Abduction" — This is another attempt to turn Taylor Lautner into an action star. I haven't been impressed by him in the "Twilight" films, and I wasn't impressed with the trailer for "Abduction." It could be entertaining as an action film — but I was struck by how similar the camera work in this film, from John Singleton, mirrors the typical style of Michael Bay. Doubtless you will have to suspend your disbelief (and disdain for poor acting) to enjoy this film.

"Machine Gun Preacher" — I don't know what to think about this film. It's based on a true story of a man (played by Gerard Butler) who found Jesus Christ, changed his life, and worked to help those in need in Africa. The trailer looks OK, but I can't tell if it will be uplifting, silly, or offensive. I'm hoping for the former, but I'm fearing the latter.

"Killer Elite" — Finally we get our annual Jason Statham action vehicle. This one features Robert DeNiro (further proof he's lost his fastball as an actor) and Clive Owen. I read the description and had no desire to see the trailer. I can pretty much guess how this one will go. For those waiting eagerly for the next "Transporter" film, this should tide you over.

"Dolphin Tale" — Finally, a family-friendly film. Will it be cheesy? Yes. Will it be overly sweet? Yes. Will it make you weep in triumph? Probably. Am I excited to see it? I kind of am. Sue me.

Friday, Sept. 30:

"50/50" — Seth Rogen can be hit or miss with his films, but this one looks like it could be a hit. It's a step away from the typical Rogen comedy — with this film focusing on a young man (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) dealing with his battle with cancer. I like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and the trailer for this film looked pretty good. Could be a decent late September film.

"Dream House" — This film looks trippy, dark, and not that great. Daniel Craig is a decent actor, but this film looks a little too dark and a little too mirthless to be enjoyable. Supposedly there is a twist in the film not revealed in the trailer, and this film could be a surprise, but it looks like a downer.

"What's Your Number" — This comedy vehicle for Anna Farris looks like a stretch. It looks fairly predictable and like the best jokes (and I use that word lightly) may be in the trailer. Quite a step down for Chris "Captain America" Evans. This looks like another potential Razzie contender.

"Courageous" — Another Christian film from director Alex Kendrick ("Fire Proof," "Facing The Giants"). This will likely have an uplifting message and some questionable acting. If you're looking for a faith-based film, this is the one for you.