Atlantic City Weekly

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WHILE I'M OFF IN Toronto checking out what Oscar-hunting American movie companies and the international filmmakers have in store for us, here is a look at some of the films scheduled for release through the holiday season. This week's column will look at movies in September and October. Next week we'll explore the cinema options for November and December. Among the films on tap are Jamie Fox as Ray Charles, and a political swipe at the Bush family by John Sayles. The extremely busy Jude Law has six films in the can, including Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Alfie.

September

The Forgotten -- Joseph Ruben (The Stepfather) directs Julianne Moore, Dominic West, Gary Sinise, Alfre Woodard and Anthony Edwards in this psychological thriller about a woman searching for her missing son. However, he may not exist. Sept. 24

Head in the Clouds -- A romantic epic set in Europe during World War II starring off-screen lovers Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend as on-screen lovers, with Penelope Cruz as a sexy dancer and roommate in Paris. Sept. 17

Mr. 3000 -- Bernie Mac in his first leading man role, a retired baseball player who "unretires" when three of his hits are disqualified. He needs the 3000 of the title to guarantee a Hall of Fame spot. With Angela Bassett. Sept. 17

Silver City - John Sayles tosses his hat into the political movie ring with this drama about a clueless candidate for governor (Chris Cooper), backed by his powerful father (Yes, the Bushes are in there). With Richard Dreyfuss, Billy Zane, Maria Bello, Danny Huston and Daryl Hannah. Sept. 17

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow -- Jude Law co-stars with Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie and Giovanni Ribisi in this high tech tribute to the sci-fi movie serials of yester year. The film mixes live actors with digital animation in a tale about our hero, Sky Captain, and his reporter ex-girlfriend who must rescue his sidekick (Ribisi) and a group of scientists from the evil Dr. Totenkopf. Sept. 17

October

Alfie -- What's it all about Alfie? Most of today's moviegoers have no idea a 1967 drama about a womanizing Brit made a sexy star out of Michael Caine (Oscar nominated for his performance), not to mention providing a hit song for Dionne Warwick. Jude Law stars in the remake; his lady friends include Susan Sarandon, Jane Krakowski, Nia Long, Marisa Tomei and Sienna Miller. Oct. 22

Be Cool -- John Travolta and Danny DeVito are back in this sequel to Get Shorty, joined by Uma Thurman and Vince Vaughn. Oct. 31

Neverland ­ Johnny Depp stars as James M. Barrie, the Scottish author inspired to write Peter Pan through his relationship with a widow (Kate Winslet) and her two young sons. With Dustin Hoffman and Julie Christie, directed by Marc Forstar (Monster's Ball) Oct. 22.

Friday Night Lights -- Football saga set in pigskin crazy Texas about the battle to win the state championship. Stars Derek Luke, Billy Bob Thornton and in his major role debut, country star Tim McGraw. Oct. 8

The Grunge -- The Ring was a remake of a Japanese horror hit. For this remake of another Japanese hit, Ju-on, the film's director, Takashi Shimizu, was hired. It's a haunted house saga, Nippon style, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jason Behr and Bill Pullman. Oct. 22

I Heart Huckabees -- David O. Russell (Three Kings) helms this existential comedy about existential detectives (Dustin Hoffman, Lily Tomlin) hired to help their clients discover their place in the universe. With Naomi Watts, Mark Wahlberg and Jason Schwartzman. Oct. 1

Ladder 49 -- A tribute to heroic firefighters who won't leave a comrade behind, starring John Travolta, Joaquin Phoenix, Morris Chestnut, Robert Patrick and Jacinda Barrett. Oct. 1