From stories about rival families and historical characters to tales of hit men and ghosts with down-to-earth agendas, the films of September 2008 are a diverse bunch indeed. Just take a look at the release schedule below.      

SEPTEMBER 5:

Bangkok Dangerous. What would Hollywood do without movies about hit men? This time it’s Nicolas Cage, a professional hit man sent to Bangkok to do a few jobs. Naturally, he falls for a beautiful woman, so complications ensue.  

SEPTEMBER 12:

The Women. An amazing cast has been assembled for this remake of George Cukor’s 1939 film. It includes  Annette Bening, Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Bette Midler, Jada Pinkett Smith, Candice Bergen and Carrie Fisher. The simple plot involves a wife with a cheating husband who bonds with a group of other woman.

Burn After Reading. Another great cast! George Clooney, Frances McDormand, Brad Pitt, and Tilda Swinton display their acting versatility in this Coen Brothers crime comedy revolving around the memoirs of a CIA agent.   

The Family That Preys. Can two families from different walks of life work together? Tyler Perry explores the possibility with characters played by Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard as two rival matriarchs. 

Righteous Kill. In this mystery film directed by Jon Avnet, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino portray police detectives who may have put an innocent person in jail.  

SEPTEMBER 19:

Battle in Seattle. This action movie focuses on riots that break out over World Trade Organization meetings. Cast members include Andre Benjamin, Charlize Theron, Woody Harrelson, Michele Rodriguez and Channing Tatum.

Lakeview Terrace. If a policeman lives next door to you and decides he wants you to move, what are your options? The interracial husband and wife who face Samuel L. Jackson’s ire soon find out in this dramatic thriller.  

My Best Friend’s Girl. Time for a bit of comedy!  Dane Cook falls for his best friend’s former girl friend (Kate Hudson) after taking her on a date -- which was supposed to be lousy so that she would see how great her ex really is.   

Taken. When his estranged daughter is forced into the slave trade, Liam Neeson must save her. Maggie Grace and Famke Janssen also appear in key roles here.

Igor. Who will win the annual Evil Science Fair? “Igor” wants to be a Mad Scientist and take home the prize in this irreverent animated funfest.

Ghost Town. Ricky Gervais plays a man brought back to life after seven minutes in this spirited comedy. The problem? He now sees dead people -- and they want something from him. Particularly, Greg Kinnear’s character, who’s dead set on preventing his widow from marrying again.  

The Duchess. The fascinating life of the Duchess of Devonshire, a celebrity of the 18th Century, is chronicled in this historical movie starring Keira Knightley. It should be a treat for viewers who love those lush period costume dramas.

SEPTEMBER 26:

Miracle at St. Anna. Four black America soldiers find themselves trapped in an Italian village during World War II. Derek Luke stars in this Spike Lee war drama.

Choke. Sam Rockwell and Anjelica Huston head the cast in this dramedy about a con man who takes advantage of people who rescue him from choking to death.

Eagle Eye. Shia LaBeouf returns in another thriller – this one about a political assassination plot. Hope it’s as suspenseful and entertaining as Disturbia!   

Nights in Rodanthe. A life-changing romance takes place here between an unhappily married woman and a man estranged from his son. Richard Gere and Diane Lane co-star.

The Lucky Ones. After suffering injuries in the Iraq War, three soldiers return home and learn that life has moved on without them. Michael Pena, Rachel McAdams and Tim Robbins appear in key roles in this comedy/drama.

Blindness. An epidemic of blindness causes mass quarantine in this mystery thriller starring Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo.

Remember All Release Dates Are Subject To Change.

(Poster: The Duchess. © 2008 Paramount Vantage. All Rights Reserved.)