New Releases: September 26

1. Eagle Eye (3,300 Theaters, 118 Minutes, Rated PG-13):On the surface, this seems like a paranoid pot-boiler of a thriller. Shia LeBeouf and Michelle Monahan receive calls on their cellphones from a mysterious woman who forces them to do shady things just to stay alive. This puts the pair in conflict with the government and chases and danger ensue.

But, if you think about it, the concept might be too implausible. Yes, I supposed if you are 100% behind the paranoid Big Brother fantasies, you are willing to give the plot a little more leeway. But with all the variables in play here, the idea a shadowy terrorist or government organization can fill a man’s apartment with bomb making materials in just a few hours isn’t very realistic.

I know. I have no problem believing people can fly or shoot lasers from their eyes but I have an issue with this. Well, the moviemakers here are trying to create an illusion that this can happen in the real world. So the rules of believability are more strict. 

 
2. Nights In Rodanthe (2,704 Theaters, 97 Minutes, Rated PG-13): I know the name probably has a meaning in relation to the plot, but couldn’t they have picked a better title? I mean, I had a heck of a time finding the poster for the film on Google Images because I kept misspelling the name.

If this movie does half as good as the last film adapted from a Nicholas Sparks novel, The Notebook, then we people who made this might have a big hit on their hands. During my time working at the local video store, that latter movie was constantly being rented.

This is the third movie Richard Gere has made with Diane Lane (after The Cotton Club and Unfaithful). Considering he made at least two with Julia Roberts, he seems to like to recycle his leading ladies.

 3. Miracle at St. Anna (1,185 Theaters, 160 Minutes, Rated R):  Also known as Spike Lee’s “For Your Consideration Movie” It is a sweeping historical epic set during World War II adapted from a novel. That’s has Oscar bait all over it.

And yes, I did say novel. The ads seem to indicate that it might be a true story. However, the film was adapted from a 2003 novel by James McBride. The novel was inspired by real events, but this is a work of fiction.

Lee had garnered some press after calling out Clint Eastwood for including more African-Americans in his WWII film, Flags of Our Fathers. Lee’s point that the contribution of black soldiers in WWII are often not as recognized as they should be. This film gives him a chance to change things in that area.