WATCH/READ/PLAY: SEPTEMBER
FILM & TV
Morgan
Genre: Drama/Sci-Fi/Horror
Stars:Paul Giamatti, Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Brian Cox, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Michelle Yeoh
In short: A corporate risk-management consultant must decide whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid being. Sounds similar to Ex Machina, but I love watching horror and thriller type movies this time of year (Sept 2nd)
31
Genre: Horror
Stars:Malcolm McDowell, Sheri Moon Zombie, Richard Brake
In short: Five carnival workers are kidnapped and held hostage in an abandoned, Hell-like compound where they are forced to participate in a violent game, the goal of which is to survive twelve hours against a gang of sadistic clowns. Oh Rob Zombie, wanting to fuel my fears about clowns. You devil you. Not for the faint of heart of course. (Sept 2nd)
The 9th Life of Louis Drax
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Stars:Jamie Dornan, Aiden Longworth, Sarah Gadon, Aaron Paul
In short: A psychologist who begins working with a young boy who has suffered a near-fatal fall finds himself drawn into a mystery that tests the boundaries of fantasy and reality. I like Alexandre Aja’s horror offerings for the most part (The Hills Have Eyes, High Tension, Horns) and his stuff is usually gorgeous when it comes to the visuals. So I am intrigued. (Sept 2nd)
The Disappointments Room
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Stars:Kate Beckinsale, Lucas Till, Michaela Conlin
In short: A mother and her young son release unimaginable horrors from the attic of their rural dream home. If I think there might be unimaginable horror in a hidden room in my new home, I am not opening it. However, I will watch Kate Beckinsale open it. Plus, DJ Caruso. (Sept 9th)
Masters of Sex
Channel: SHOWTIME
In short: Its 1968 now. Some new faces with the new season include Andre Royo (Playing Sammy Davis Jr) as well as Neicy Nash and David Walton. I really do like this show. (September 11th)
American Horror Story
Channel: FX
In short: AHS is a hit and miss show for me. While we don’t know what the theme is as of yet, the trailers are creepy and Sarah Paulson is in it again so that is a big plus. Let’s hope the sixth season is a winner and a chiller. (September 14th)
Documentary Now!
Channel: IFC
In short: The second season of this Emmy-nominated spoof series from SNL vets Bill Hader, Seth Meyers and Fred Armisen will include parodies of classic documentaries Stop Making Sense, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, The Kid Stays in the Picture, The War Room, Salesman, and Swimming to Cambodia. Guest stars include Anne Hathaway, Mia Farrow, Peter Bogdanovich and Peter Fonda. (September 14th)
Bridget Jones’s Baby
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Stars:Renee Zellweger, Patrick Dempsey, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth
In short: The continuing adventures of British publishing executive Bridget Jones as she enters her 40s. The series is not my cup of tea, but I know some friends who are excited to see more of Bridget’s adventures. (Sept 16th)
Blair Witch
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Stars:Corin Reid, Wes Robinson, Valorie Curry
In short: After discovering a video showing what he believes to be his sister's experiences in the demonic woods of the Blair Witch, James and a group of friends head to the forest in search of his lost sibling. While ultimately the first Blair Witch was fairly laughable for me, part of me is intrigued to see if it will be any better. (Sept 16th)
Snowden
Genre: Biography/Thriller
Stars:Scott Eastwood, Shailene Woodley, Joseph Gordon Levitt
In short: Oliver Stone brings Edward Snowden’s story to the big screen . (Sept 16th)
The Big Bang Theory
Channel: CBS
In short: I am a bit behind on seasons, but I know friends who are very excited to have it back. Guests early this season include Katey Sagal and Jack McBrayer (September 19th)
The Good Place
Channel: NBC
In short: Kristen Bell stars as a New Jersey woman who attempts to change her life for the better, if she could only figure out what exactly it means to be a good person. (Oh, and—minor detail—she's dead. Due to a bureaucratic mix-up, she finds herself in a much better afterlife than she deserves.) Ted Danson will aid her in her journey. I think this looks hilarious and I heart Kristen Bell to little bitty pieces. (September 19th)
The Good Place
Channel: NBC
In short: Kristen Bell stars as a New Jersey woman who attempts to change her life for the better, if she could only figure out what exactly it means to be a good person. (Oh, and—minor detail—she's dead. Due to a bureaucratic mix-up, she finds herself in a much better afterlife than she deserves.) Ted Danson will aid her in her journey. I think this looks hilarious and I heart Kristen Bell to little bitty pieces. (September 19th)
Lucifer
Channel: FOX
In short: While nothing like the Mike Carey series that is quite beloved to me, the Rogue and I thought it was fun. Tricia Helfer plays Luci’s mother and I am very excited to see her all villainy again. Michael Imperioli will also join as Lucifer’s brother Uriel. Should be fun. (September 19th)
Brooklyn Nine Nine
Channel: FOX
In short: The Rogue and I binge watched this on Hulu and kind of got hooked. Fourth season guests include Ken Marino and Maya Rudolph. Expect a two-episode crossover with fellow Fox series New Girl in October. (September 20th)
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Channel: ABC
In short: The big addition for this fourth season is Gabriel Luna as Ghost Rider—though the more recent, Robbie Reyes version of the character (rather than the Johnny Blaze version popularized on screen by Nicolas Cage). Jason O’Mara also joins the cast as the new director of S.H.I.E.L.D. While I am sad to see Agent Carter go, at least I still have some Marvel goodness (September 20th)
SCREAM QUEENS
Channel: FOX
In short: Much of last year's cast (including Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Roberts, Lea Michele, Niecy Nash, Abigail Breslin, Keke Palmer, and Billie Lourd) will return for a second season that serves as a sequel to the first, though the setting has been moved to a hospital rather than a sorority house, with events taking place three years later. Newcomers include John Stamos, Taylor Lautner, Colton Haynes, and Jerry O'Connell. Last season was hit and miss for me, but I am willing to give the second season a shot. (September 20th)
This is Us
Channel: NBC
In short: I don’t watch a lot of shows like this, but this one looks interesting. Plus Dan Fogelman (Crazy, Stupid, Love writer among other great things). It is more of a dramedy, but has a decent cast. I am willing to give it a go. (September 20th)
The Blacklist
Channel: NBC
In short: I am so so behind (September 22nd)
The Blacklist
Channel: NBC
In short: Two different priests attempt to aid a family troubled by demonic possession in this modern-day psychological thriller based on the classic 1973 horror film and William Peter Blatty's 1971 novel. Geena Davis, Ben Daniels, Alfonso Herrera, and Alan Ruck star. The adaptation comes from screenwriter Jeremy Slater (2015's Fantastic Four, though in his defense it was changed quite a bit in rewrites), with Rupert Wyatt (Rise of the Planet of the Apes) directing the pilot and producing. Buzz behind it is fairly good so I am willing to give it a go. Plus horror! (September 22nd)
Longmire
Channel: Netflix
In short: I started watching this because of Katee Sackhoff. While the location may be fictional, I do get a kick out of hearing about Montana locations and some crimes that are eerily familiar. (September 22nd)
Transparent
Channel:AMAZON
In short: Airing earlier than in past years, Amazon's critically acclaimed comedy returns for a flashback-heavy third season that will include a guest appearance from Caitlyn Jenner. The series has already been renewed for a 4th season. (September 22nd)
The Magnificent Seven
Genre: Action/Western
Stars:Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D’Onofrio
In short: Seven gun men in the old west gradually come together to help a poor village against savage thieves. Oddly I have seen Seven Samurai, but the original of Magnificent Seven. I’m looking forward to seeing Pratt and Denzel play off each other. Yay. (Sept 23rd)
The Dressmaker
Genre: Drama
Stars:Kate Winslet, Liam Hemsworth, Hugo Weaving
In short: A glamorous woman returns to her small town in rural Australia. With her sewing machine and haute couture style, she transforms the women and exacts sweet revenge on those who did her wrong. This is a movie I think I will like if but for the costumes alone. (Sept 23rd)
Once Upon A Time
Channel: ABC
In short: This show is not what it once was, but I still occasionally watch it while doing other things. New characters this year include Aladdin and Jafar…cause you know Disney character palooza. (September 25th)
Poldark
Channel: PBS
In short: While I will likely wait until it shows up on Amazon again, I got hooked on this drama starring Aidan Turner.(September 25th)
Quantico
Channel: ABC
In short: One of the few new series of last year that I really enjoyed. Poor Alex. Blair Underwood and Russell Tovey join the series for the second season. (September 25th)
Aftermath
Channel: SYFY
In short: A Canadian-produced, post-apocalyptic thriller, Aftermath follows a family trying to survive after a variety of plagues (meteors, earthquakes, massive storms, and a literal plague—plus supernatural creatures for good measure) wipe out most of the planet. Anne Heche and James Tupper star. If Syfy gives me a way to watch it without a subscription to cable, I will give it a go. (September 25th)
Channel Zero
Channel: SYFY
In short: This new horror anthology series comes from Nick Antosca and Max Landis. The six-episode first season, subtitled Candle Cove, is based on Kris Straub's online "creepypasta" of the same name about a disturbing childrens' television program from the 1980s. A second season (with a completely different story, The No-End House) will air next year. Again, give me a way to watch it and I probably will. (September 25th)
Drunk History
Channel: COMEDY CENTRAL
In short: Guests this 4th season include Lin-Manuel Miranda, Paget Brewster, Dave Grohl, Thomas Middleditch, Aubrey Plaza, Ben Folds, Tony Hale, and more. Oh how we love this show (September 25th)
Criminal Minds
Channel: CBS
In short: I have been binge watching the series the past month or so. Still only on Season 9, but may watch if I can catch up in time. Aisha Tyler and Adam Rodriguez (CSI: Miami) have been added to the full-time cast for the show's 12th season, which will also see the return of Paget Brewster for a multi-episode arc. No more Thomas Gibson though. (September 28th)
Luke Cage
Channel: NETFLIX
In short: The third of five planned Marvel series to debut on Netflix stars Mike Colter as the title character, a crime-fighting ex-con with superpowers. (You've already seen him on Jessica Jones.) Mahershala Ali, Alfre Woodard, Simone Missick, Theo Rossi, Frank Whaley, and Sonia Braga also star. Writer Cheo Hodari Coker, who previously worked on shows such as Ray Donovan and Southland, serves as showrunner. Whoo hoo. (September 30th)
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
Stars:Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Samuel L Jackson, Kim Dickens
In short: When Jacob discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, he finds Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. But the mystery and danger deepen as he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers. I liked the book and while the trailer shows that they have changed some major things I am willing to give it a go. (Sept 30th)
Deepwater Horizon
Genre: Drama
Stars:Dylan o’Brien, mark Wahlberg, Kate Hudson, Kurt Russell
In short: A story set on the offshore drilling rig Deepwater Horizon, which exploded during April 2010 and created the worst oil spill in U.S. history. My dad wants to see this. (Sept 30th)
Masterminds
Genre: Comedy/Crime
Stars:Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Jason Sudeikis, Owen Wilson, Zach Galifianakis
In short: A night guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history. (Sept 30th)
BOOKS
Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs (Sept 3rd)
In short: Before Miss Peregrine gave them a home, the story of peculiars was written in the Tales. Wealthy cannibals who dine on the discarded limbs of peculiars. A fork-tongued princess. These are but a few of the truly brilliant stories in Tales of the Peculiar—the collection of fairy tales known to hide information about the peculiar world, including clues to the locations of time loops—first introduced by Ransom Riggs in his #1 bestselling Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children series. Riggs now invites you to share his secrets of peculiar history, with a collection of original stories in this deluxe volume of Tales of the Peculiar. Featuring stunning illustrations from world-renowned artist Andrew Davidson, this compelling, rich, and truly peculiar anthology is the perfect gift for not only fans, but for all lovers of great storytelling.
Leave Me by Gayle Forman (Sept 6th)
In short: International bestselling author Gayle Forman's trademark humor and insight abound in this masterful adult debut, showing us that sometimes you have to leave home in order to find it again. For every woman who has ever fantasized about driving past her exit on the highway instead of going home to make dinner, for every woman who has ever dreamed of boarding a train to a place where no one needs constant attention--meet Maribeth Klein. A harried working mother who's so busy taking care of her husband and twins, she doesn't even realize she's had a heart attack. Afterward, surprised to discover that her recuperation seems to be an imposition on those who rely on her, Maribeth does the unthinkable: She packs a bag and leaves. But, as is so often the case, once we get to where we're going, we see our lives from a different perspective. Far from the demands of family and career and with the help of liberating new friendships, Maribeth is finally able to own up to secrets she has been keeping from those she loves and from herself. With big-hearted characters who stumble and trip, grow and forgive, Leave Me is about facing our fears. Gayle Forman, a dazzling observer of human nature, has written an irresistible novel that confronts the ambivalence of modern motherhood head-on.
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J Maas (Sept 6th)
In short: The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those don't. As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear. Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?
Navigators of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J Anderson (Sept 13th)
In short: Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's Navigators of Dune is the climactic finale of the Great Schools of Dune trilogy, set 10,000 years before Frank Herbert's classic Dune. The story line tells the origins of the Bene Gesserit Sisterhood and its breeding program, the human-computer Mentats, and the Navigators (the Spacing Guild), as well as a crucial battle for the future of the human race, in which reason faces off against fanaticism. These events have far-reaching consequences that will set the stage for Dune, millennia later.
Death’s End by Cixin Liu (Sept 20th)
In short: With The Three-Body Problem, English-speaking readers got their first chance to experience the multiple-award-winning and bestselling Three-Body Trilogy by China's most beloved science fiction author, Cixin Liu. Three-Body was released to great acclaim including coverage in The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. It was also named a finalist for the Nebula Award, making it the first translated novel to be nominated for a major SF award since Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities in 1976. Now this epic trilogy concludes with Death's End. Half a century after the Doomsday Battle, the uneasy balance of Dark Forest Deterrence keeps the Trisolaran invaders at bay. Earth enjoys unprecedented prosperity due to the infusion of Trisolaran knowledge. With human science advancing daily and the Trisolarans adopting Earth culture, it seems that the two civilizations will soon be able to co-exist peacefully as equals without the terrible threat of mutually assured annihilation. But the peace has also made humanity complacent. Cheng Xin, an aerospace engineer from the early 21st century, awakens from hibernation in this new age. She brings with her knowledge of a long-forgotten program dating from the beginning of the Trisolar Crisis, and her very presence may upset the delicate balance between two worlds. Will humanity reach for the stars or die in its cradle?
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake (Sept 20th)
In short: In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born: three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose...it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown
Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige(Sept 20th)
In short: Seventeen-year-old Snow has spent the majority of her life within the walls of the Whittaker Institute, a high security mental hospital in upstate New York. Deep down, she knows she's not crazy and doesn't belong there. When she meets a mysterious, handsome new orderly and dreams about a strange twisted tree she realizes she must escape and figure out who she really is. Using her trusting friend Bale as a distraction, Snow breaks free and races into the nearby woods. Suddenly, everything isn't what it seems, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur, and she finds herself in icy Algid--her true home--with witches, thieves, and a strangely alluring boy named Kai, none of whom she's sure she can trust. As secret after secret is revealed, Snow discovers that she is on the run from a royal lineage she's destined to inherit, a father more powerful and ruthless than she could have imagined, and choices of the heart that could change the fate of everything...including Snow's return to the world she once knew.
The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis (Sept 20th)
In short: Alex Craft knows how to kill someone. And she doesn’t feel bad about it. When her older sister, Anna, was murdered three years ago and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best. The language of violence. While her crime goes unpunished, Alex knows she can’t be trusted among other people, even in her small hometown. She relegates herself to the shadows, a girl who goes unseen in plain sight, unremarkable in the high school hallways. But Jack Fisher sees her. He’s the guy all other guys want to be: the star athlete gunning for valedictorian with the prom queen on his arm. Guilt over the role he played the night Anna’s body was discovered hasn’t let him forget Alex over the years, and now her green eyes amid a constellation of freckles have his attention. He doesn’t want to only see Alex Craft; he wants to know her. So does Peekay, the preacher’s kid, a girl whose identity is entangled with her dad’s job, though that does not stop her from knowing the taste of beer or missing the touch of her ex-boyfriend. When Peekay and Alex start working together at the animal shelter, a friendship forms and Alex’s protective nature extends to more than just the dogs and cats they care for. Circumstances bring Alex, Jack, and Peekay together as their senior year unfolds. While partying one night, Alex’s darker nature breaks out, setting the teens on a collision course that will change their lives forever.
Magic Binds (Kate Daniels #9) by Ilona Andrews (Sept 20th)
In short: Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this… Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar… Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead. The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…
The Tao of Bill Murray by Gavin Edwards (Sept 20th)
In short: This collection of the most epic, hilarious, and strange Bill Murray stories, many of which have never before been reported, spotlights the star s extraordinary ability to infuse the everyday with surprise, absurdity, and wonder. No one will ever believe you. New York Times bestselling author Gavin Edwards, like the rest of us, has always been fascinated with Bill Murray in particular the beloved actor s adventures off-screen, which rival his filmography for sheer entertainment value. Edwards traveled to the places where Murray has lived, worked, and partied, in search of the most outrageous and hilarious Bill Murray stories from the past four decades, many of which have never before been reported. Bill once paid a child five dollars to ride his bike into a swimming pool. The star convinced Harvard s JV women s basketball team to play with him in a private game of hoops. Many of these surreal encounters ended with Bill whispering, No one will ever believe you into a stranger s ear. But The Tao of Bill Murray is more than just a collection of wacky anecdotes. This volume puts the actor s public clowning into a larger context, as Edwards distills Murray s unique way of being into a set of guiding principles. A sideways mix of comedy and philosophy, full of photo bombs, late-night party crashes, and movie-set antics, this is the perfect book for anyone who calls themselves a Bill Murray fan which is to say, everyone.
The Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan (Sept 20th)
In short: Nina Redmond is a librarian with a gift for finding the perfect book for her readers. But can she write her own happy-ever-after? In this valentine to readers, librarians, and book-lovers the world over, the New York Times-bestselling author of Little Beach Street Bakery returns with a funny, moving new novel for fans of Meg Donohue, Sophie Kinsella, and Nina George’s The Little Paris Bookshop.
Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2) by Leigh Bardugo (Sept 27th)
In short: Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world.
GAMES
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice
Platform: Nintendo 3DS
In short: Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice sees Phoenix in a brand new location: a courtroom situated in the Kingdom of Khura'in, origin of the Kurain Channeling Technique, where mysterious séance trials decide the fate of all defendants. Meanwhile, defense attorney Apollo Justice faces his own challenges holding down the fort at the Wright Anything Agency, as he takes on a case that will have explosive implications. Both our heroes are joined by a host of returning friends and adversaries in their fight to bring about justice. (Sept 8th)
ReCore
Platform: Xbox One, Windows PC
In short: From the legendary creator Keiji Inafune, and the makers of Metroid Prime comes ReCore, an action-adventure crafted for a new generation. As one of the last remaining humans on a planet controlled by robotic foes bent on your destruction, you must forge friendships with a courageous group of robot companions, each with unique abilities and powers. Lead this band of unlikely heroes on an epic adventure through a mysterious, dynamic world. You can’t save mankind alone. Survival Starts in the Core. (Sept 13th)
Destiny: Rise of Iron
Platform: Xbox One, Playstation4
In short: The fourth expansion of Destiny. The wall which stood for centuries along the southern border of Old Russia has collapsed. Fallen mutants now scavenge the tombs of the Golden Age, and the plague they have unearthed in the wastes is more dangerous than even they understand. Join Lord Saladin. Journey into the Plaguelands. Learn the fate of the Iron Lords and stop the growing threat before it is too late. (Sept 20th)
XCOM 2
Platform: Xbox One, Playstation4
In short: XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown, the 2012 award-winning strategy game of the year. Earth has changed and is now under alien rule. Facing impossible odds you must rebuild XCOM, and ignite a global resistance to reclaim our world and save humanity. (Sept 27th)
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