ALIENS AND ZOMBIES
The Predator
S
eptember is considered a“ dump month” for films that studios feel have lower expectations commercially and critically. We also get films that are harder to market and genre films( horror, sci-fi, etc.) that are often geared to teens with fewer social options. Since the studios are contractually obligated to release these films, they tend to dump them in slow months( like January and
By Lori Vernon
September). However, some of these movies about aliens, zombies, and crazy killers may not be so bad! Here’ s a short list; judge for yourselves.
The Predator Directed by Shane Black Rated: R • September 14
Yes, it’ s those predators from outer space( the 4th in the series – not counting the Alien vs. Predator films), once again! This time the lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier after genetically enhancing themselves with DNA from other species. When a boy( Jacob Tremblay) accidentally triggers an alert that brings the aliens back to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers( Boyd Holbrook, Thomas Jane, Trevante Rhodes), and a disgruntled science teacher( Olivia Munn) can save the human race. Sterling K. Brown, Alfie Allen and Keegan-Michael Key also star. girlfriend of Duncan( Chris O ' Dowd)- an obsessive fan of obscure rocker Tucker Crowe( Ethan Hawke). When the acoustic demo of Tucker ' s hit record from 25 years ago surfaces, its release leads to a life-changing encounter with the elusive rocker himself.
Peppermint Directed by Pierre Morel Rated: R • September 7
Jennifer Garner returns to her Alias action-thriller roots as a pissed-off urban vigilante who will stop at nothing to exact revenge after members of a drug cartel brutally murder her husband and daughter, then walk free when a corrupt judicial system fails to bring them to justice.
The Nun Directed by Corin Hardy Rated: R • September 6 This film explores another dark corner of The Conjuring universe, this time the story of the demonic Nun Valak,( ** The Conjuring 2). When a young nun commits suicide at an abbey in Romania, the Vatican sends a priest with a haunted past( Demian Bashir), and a young novitiate about to take her vows( Taissa Farmiga), to investigate. Together, they uncover the order ' s unholy secret and must risk not only their lives and faith but their very souls as they confront the malevolent force.
Patient Zero Directed by Ruzowitsky Rated: R • September 14 When a global pandemic turns humankind into highly intelligent, adrenaline-fueled killers, an asymptomatic victim( Matt Smith) who can communicate with the infected must lead the last human survivors on a hunt for Patient Zero and a cure. Natalie Dormer, John Bradley Stanley Tucci, Clive Standen and Agyness Deyn are also featured.
ASimple Favor Directed by Paul Feig Rated: R • September 7
In this stylish, post-modern film noir, Stephanie( Anna Kendrick), a mommy vlogger trying to uncover the truth behind her new best friend Emily ' s( Blake Lively) sudden disappearance. Joined by Emily’ s husband, Sean( Henry Golding, Crazy Rich Asians), Stephanie encounters twists, betrayals, secret revelations, murder, and revenge.
Assassination Nation Directed by Sam Levinson Rated: NR • September 21 The witch-hunt metaphor is in full play here as this“ fempowerment” satire / thriller from writer-director Sam Levinson tells the modern day tale of high school senior Lily( Odessa Young) and her group of friends( Suki Waterhouse, Hari Nef and Anika Noni Rose), who live in a haze of texts, posts, selfies and chats. When an anonymous hacker
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14 illinoisentertainer. com september 2018