New Movies: Aug. 13-20, 2012

Peter Hedges started out as a writer of deliberately wistful films (What's Eating Gilbert Grape, A Map of the World, About a Boy) and lately has been directing his own screenplays (Pieces of April, Dan in Real Life). Here he's looking to make a charming/inspirational Disney film: will it come together and fly well enough to overcome the cuteness of its concept?
The story: A childless couple bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears.
Starring: Jennifer Garner (Cindy Green), Joel Edgerton (Jim Green), CJ Adams (Timothy Green), Odeya Rush (Joni Jerome), Shohreh Aghdashloo (Evette Onat), Rosemarie DeWitt (Brenda Best), David Morse (James Green, Sr.), M. Emmet Walsh (Uncle Bub), Lois Smith (Aunt Mel), Lin-Manuel Miranda (Reggie), Dianne Wiest (Ms. Bernice Crudstaff), Ron Livingston (Franklin Crudstaff), Common (Coach Cal), Michael Arden (Doug Wert), Rhoda Griffis (Doctor Lesley Hunt).
Directed by: Peter Hedges.

• Information and Resources.
• Image gallery.
• Video, trailer, and clips.

This new film from the makers of Coraline is shaping up to be good, but not as remarkable as the previous film.
The story: A misunderstood boy who can speak with the dead, takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.
Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee (Norman Babcock), Tucker Albrizzi (Neil), Anna Kendrick (Courtney), Casey Affleck (Mitch), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Alvin), Leslie Mann (Sandra Babcock), Jeff Garlin (Perry Babcock), Elaine Stritch (Grandma), Bernard Hill (The Judge), Jodelle Ferland (Aggie), Tempestt Bledsoe (Sheriff Hooper), Alex Borstein (Mrs. Henscher), John Goodman (Mr. Prenderghast), Hannah Noyes (Salma), Jack Blessing (Slob Guy/Civil War Ghost).
Directed by: Chris Butler and Sam Fell.

• Information and Resources.
• Image gallery.
• Video, trailer, and clips.

Here's a chance to catch Rifftrax riffing in the theater, through one of those one-night-only Fathom events. And if you haven't seen similar events on DVD (The Rifftrax live Plan 9 from Outer Space is pretty awesome), go right out and plunk down your credit card.
The story: The stars of Mystery Science Theater 3000 are coming back to select movie theaters nationwide for only one night to take on one of the worst films of all time: "Manos" The Hands of Fate. Join Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett of RiffTrax.com on Thursday, August 16th for hilarious all-new riffing on a not-so-classic movie! This one night event will be your only chance to see the guys fire their wisecracking commentary at "Manos" The Hands of Fate on the big screen.
Starring: Bill Corbett, Kevin Murphy, Michael J. Nelson.

• Tickets and Information.
• Trailer.

Frank Ladner's self-described "quirky, sci-fi mockumentary film" had almost the tiniest crew possible ("i.e., me and my wife") and will be having a local premiere where it was filmed in southern Mississippi.
The story: Fearing an unseen threat in their woods, and facing ridicule by the local media, the small town of Farr appoints a makeshift “Monster Defense Team” to investigate and remedy the bizarre situation. This sci-fi mockumentary film follows the efforts of the team’s individual members, while allowing the quirky town residents to share their theories on what’s lurking in the woods, and what they think should be done about it.
Starring: Kayla Carlisle (Lisa Williams), Mark Easley (Himself), Mark Forte (Emil Sutton), Torrey Harriel (Ard Bridges), James Sonny Howard (Munn Feith), Frank Ladner (Leland Walles), Janna Ladner (Abby North), Sherri Marengo (Sharon Gill), Len Marshall (Leonard Hayes), Mary Etta Moody (Evette Strickland).
Directed by: Frank Ladner.

• Video, trailer, and clips.