If Universal's summers are loud and full of explosions, their fall seems focused on quiet, thought provoking, quality filmmaking. Sure, they've got big names, but they're also big names with acting talent. No Paul Walkers in this preview list. Maybe they'll get a few Oscars out of it, and a lot of critical recognition, but if you're a Universal executive you might want to hold off on that new summer home... at least until You, Me, and Dupree hits DVD.
Here's our quick look at what Universal Pictures has in store for the remainder of the year. Click each movie title for more information and images.
The Black Dahlia
Release Date: September 15
Synopsis: Two ex-pugilist cops, Lee Blanchard (Aaron Eckhart) and Bucky Bleichert (Josh Hartnett), are called to investigate the homicide of ambitious silver-screen B-lister Betty Ann Short (Mia Kirshner) A.K.A. "The Black Dahlia"--an attack so grisly that images of the killing were kept from the public.
Man of the Year
Release Date: October 13
Synopsis: Acerbic performer Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) has made his career out of skewering politicians and speaking the mind of the exasperated nation on his talk show. He cracked scathing jokes at a fractured system night after night...until he came up with a really funny idea: why not run for president himself?
Let's Go To Prison
Release Date: November 22
Synopsis: Felon John Lyshitski (Shepard) has figured out the best way to get revenge on the now-dead judge who sent him to jail: watch the official's obnoxious son, Nelson Biederman IV (Arnett), survive the clink. John strikes gold when Nelson is wrongly convicted of a crime and sent to the pen he used to call home. He gleefully gets sent back to become Nelson's cellmate and to ensure that his new buddy gets the "full treatment." Let the games begin.
The Good Shepherd
Release Date: December 22
Synopsis: Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) understands the value of secrecy--discretion and commitment to honor have been embedded in him since childhood. As an eager, optimistic student at Yale, he is recruited to join the secret society Skull and Bones, a brotherhood and breeding ground for future world leaders. Wilson's acute mind, spotless reputation and sincere belief in American values render him a prime candidate for a career in intelligence, and he is soon recruited to work for the OSS (the precursor to the CIA) during WWII.
Children of Men
Release Date: December 25
Synopsis: Children of Men envisages a world one generation from now that has fallen into anarchy on the heels of an infertility defect in the population. The world's youngest citizen has just died at 18, and humankind is facing the likelihood of its own extinction. Set against a backdrop of London torn apart by violence and warring nationalistic sects, Children of Men follows disillusioned bureaucrat Theo (Owen) as he becomes an unlikely champion of Earth's survival. When the planet's last remaining hope is threatened, this reluctant activist is forced to face his own demons and protect her from certain peril.
