The dog days of August have just about come and gone, and with their departure comes a new slate of films to look forward to. Whether you’re able to catch these releases in a theater or the comfort of your own home, here are the most anticipated films debuting next month.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (Sept. 3)
Obviously. Marvel continues to dominate the news entertainment cycle. Shang-Chi had its world premiere last week in Los Angeles and has since earned the favor of critics, garnering a rotten tomatoes score of 92% off of 84 reviews.
There are numerous things to look forward to with Shang-Chi. Awkwafina and Simu Liu reportedly have great chemistry on-screen together. Seeing an Asian-led cast in a cinematic juggernaut that has been spotty on racial diversity should be enough to attract audiences. The fight sequences look breathless and creative and hopefully will inspire audiences to check out other Asian martial arts films. Jackie Chan’s Police Story is right there on HBO Max. Just saying. Then there’s heartthrob Tony Leung. Full stop.
Shang-Chi will run in theaters for 45 days before going on Disney+.
Malignant (Sept. 10)
Director James Wan has come a long way from his roots as the director for Saw. Since then, the filmmaker has had his hand in several household film franchises like Insidious, The Conjuring, Aquaman, even helming a place in The Fast and Furious world with Furious 7. He also has several producer credits for the innumerable spin-offs of said franchises. Suffice to say, Wan is a busy guy, and often brings originality and his unique voice to whatever project he’s working on.
Hence the placement of his newest film on this list. He makes his return to the horror genre with Malignant, an original film about a woman who’s paralyzed by terrifying visions of murder, only to discover that these visions are in fact reality. Because the film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, the film will simultaneously run in theaters and on HBO Max.
The Card Counter (Sept. 10)
There’s an intriguing blend of talent operating in Paul Schrader’s The Card Counter. Oscar Isaac plays the titular role as a former military interrogator who is haunted by his past. Starring alongside Isaac is Willem Dafoe and Tiffany Haddish, with cinema god Martin Scorsese serving as executive producer. Described as a revenge thriller, the film’s preview footage promises Schrader’s trademark style of uncompromising intensity. The black-and-white flashbacks sequences alone invite interest and hint at a different tone and pacing from Schrader’s previous film First Reformed.
The film is set to debut at the Venice International Film Festival before going to wide release. As of now, the film is set to play in theaters only.
Blue Bayou (Sept. 17)
Blue Bayou follows the story of a Korean American man played by writer/director Justin Chon as he confronts his dark past after an arrest leads to his possible deportation to Korea, a place he hasn’t been to since he left at the age of 3. The film touches on racial identity, the blended American family, love and corrupt law enforcement. The film debuted at this year’s Cannes film festival.
If nothing else, come for the beautiful visuals featured in the preview footage and stay for the breathtaking score. Blue Bayou is set to be released in theaters.
Prisoners of the Ghostland (Sept. 17)
Probably the most out-there entry on this list, Prisoners of the Ghostland features Nicolas Cage as notorious samurai sword-wielding Hero on a mission to rescue the abducted daughter of a wealthy warlord in exchange for his freedom. His success hinges on him breaking an evil curse within 3 days, or else the suit provided to him will self-destruct.
Early reports indicate Cage is at his Cage-iest in this supernatural thriller. The actor himself declares it to be the wildest movie he’s ever made. Considering this is coming from the same studio that released Mandy and Color Out of Space, that’s saying something. Catch this one in a theater if you can do so safely.
Prisoners of the Ghostland is set to be released in theaters and VOD.
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