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Choke – Opens September 26th

Fox Searchlight looks like it has a winner on its hands in Choke, an adaptation of the 2001 novel of the same name by Chuck Palahniuk, the man responsible for writing the beloved Fight Club. In this one, Sam Rockwell stars as Victor Mancini, a Colonial Williamsburg historical re-enactor who deliberately chokes - hence the title - in upscale restaurants to form relationships with the wealthy patrons who make the effort to "save" him. However, his life takes an interesting turn when his deranged mother (Anjelica Huston) reveals shocking truths behind his father's identity, which Victor aims to solve before it's too late.

It's unfortunate, though, that the first preview of the film fails to deliver on what the adaptation is essentially about. Instead, it relies more on snarky Victor dialogue to carry a majority of the trailer's weight. Perhaps this is a case of a comedy merely wetting the witty appetites of its viewers, in hopes that their interests are piqued just enough to view future clips.

Grade: B-
Also expected to be released on this date: Eagle Eye, Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Religulous – Opens October 3rd

A documentary about religion. It's a wonder why comedian Bill Maher didn't think to make it sooner. Host of HBO's Real Time With Bill Maher, the comic is an outspoken critic of organized religion. For example, a little over three years ago he had this to say about the topic on MSNBC's Scarborough Country: "Yes, we are a nation that is unenlightened because of religion. I do believe that. I think that religion stops people from thinking. I think it justifies crazies. ... I think religion is a neurological disorder."

In the film, Maher embarks on a journey to religious destinations, and speaks with a number of believers from varying backgrounds, like Christians, Muslims, polygamists and Satanists. The satirical docu - which is implied even in its name, Religulous, a "religion" and "ridiculous" combo - makes interesting use of Gnarls Barkley's hit song, Crazy, in the trailer, playing the song overtop video of people praying and crying out to their savior. Originally expected to coincide with Easter 2008, post-production delays from the writers' strike pushed its release to July 11th, and then again to October 3rd.

Grade: A
Also expected to be released on this date: Nights in Rodanthe, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Possession, How to Lose Friends & Alienate People

Twilight – Opens December 12th

The first novel in Stephenie Meyer's hugely successful young adult vampire series, Twilight, released in 2005, is getting the big screen treatment courtesy of Summit Entertainment. The story, told in the modern day, is about a true love that blossoms between a vampire, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), and a human, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart). At just 58 seconds, the trailer doesn't share much beyond that, but enough slick action scenes – an out-of-control car! - and quick cutting - a deer in the woods! - proves that director Catherine Hardwicke probably nailed the adaptation, without relying on stereotypical vampire imagery like fangs, blood and biting. (None of that is pictured here, at least). Depending on this one's box office performance, Summit could turn Meyer's series into a movie franchise. The series' fourth book hits stores later this summer.

Grade: B
Also expected to be released on this date: The Day the Earth Stood Still, Seven Pounds, The Reader

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