Best New Movie Bets: August 22 | 'Sin City 2' + more

Best New Bet: “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For"

 Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller co-direct this adaptation of Miller’s second installment in the “Sin City” series. When the original “Sin City” was released 10 years ago, it was a visual rarity. An ode to the black-and-white noirs of the 40’s and 50’s with a contemporary spin. Rodriguez maintained the era’s overall atmosphere, complete with the wooden acting style and a gruff narration.

One big draw to the sequel (as with the original) is its ensemble, an impressive roster that includes Mickey Rourke, Josh Brolin, Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba and Eva Green, who stars as the titular "dame". The story structure remains anthological, a series of brief intertwined stories. The biggest draw is Rodriguez, a multi-talented filmmaker who is one of the most budget proficient directors around. He also knows how to strike the balance between dark humor, mischievous intrigue and the heart of the story.

Also Opening

Based on the YA novel by Gayle Forman, “If I Stay” tells the story of a teenage cellist (Chloe Grace Moretz) who is involved in a lethal car accident with her family. The sole survivor, she hovers between life and death as she decides whether to join her family in the afterlife or stay for her boyfriend (Jamie Blackley). “If I Stay” is the feature debut of documentarian R.J. Cutler and an opportunity for Moretz to show her softer side.

Jim Caviezel stars in “When the Game Stands Tall” which is based on the true story of De La Salle High School’s 151-game winning streak between 1992-2003, chronicling the highs and lows in between their staggering accomplishment. Caviezel plays the team’s coach and “Vikings” star Alexander Ludwig portrays one of the athletes. The movie is directed by Thomas Carter who helmed the sports drama “Coach Carter”.

Limited Release

Buzz has been building around “The One I Love” ever since its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Mark Duplass and Elizabeth Moss star as a married couple who go on a private retreat to better their relationship only to encounter a strange dilemma. That last bit is a hint at an apparently huge plot twist that takes the movie in an alternate direction. The curiosity factor of the top secret shocker sets this one out as one to watch.

From “Mad Men” creator Matthew Weiner comes, “Are You Here”, a comedy about two friends (Owen Wilson and Zach Galifianakis) who head on a road trip back to their hometown after one of them receives news that their estranged father has passed away and left him a large inheritance. “Are You Here” is packed with an impressive supporting crew including Amy Poehler, Laura Ramsey and Jenna Fischer.

Best known to audiences as Sansa Stark on HBO’s monster hit “Game of Thrones”, Sophie Turner turns in her medieval costumes for “Another Me” a modern-day thriller about a teenager (Turner) stalked by a doppelganger that has their sights set on taking over her life. Claire Forlani and Jonathan Rhys Meyers co-star.

Jason Patric stars in “The Prince”, a VOD action thriller about a man (Patric) who must save his daughter after she is taken by his ex-boss (Bruce Willis). John Cusack co-stars as a friend of Patric’s character. After doing some research, it should be known that if you are planning to watch for Cusack and Willis, be warned that their screen time is limited.

[Featured Image by Dimension Films/Miramax]