Here's a preview of what's opening in theaters this weekend, including the dance remake "Footloose"; the family drama "Fireflies in the Garden," starring Julia Roberts and Ryan Reynolds; the comedy "The Big Year," starring Steve Martin, Owen Wilson and Jack Black; and the sci-fi thriller prequel "The Thing."
In Theaters Now (October)
Who: Julianne Hough, Kenny Wormald, Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell; directed by Craig BrewerWhat: City kid Ren McCormack moves to a small town where rock music and dancing have been banned. His rebellious spirit shakes up the populace.
'Fireflies in the Garden' (Oct. 14)
Who: Julia Roberts, Ryan Reynolds, Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson; directed by Dennis LeeWhat: The Taylor family is devastated by an accident that takes place on the day their matriarch (Roberts) is due to graduate from college — decades after leaving to raise her children.
Who: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Joel Edgerton, Eric Christian Olsen, Ulrich Thomsen; directed by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.What: In this prequel to the 1982 John Carpenter sci-fi classic, we see what happens to the Norwegian scientific team after they dig an alien form from the Antarctic ice.
Who: Steve Martin, Owen Wilson, Jack Black, JoBeth Williams, Rosamund Pike; directed by David FrankelWhat: Three avid bird watchers compete to spot the rarest birds in North America at a prestigious annual event.
'The Ides of March' (Oct. 7)
Who: George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei; directed by George ClooneyWhat: An idealistic campaign manager (Gosling) learns a lesson or two in political games while working for a left-wing governor (Clooney) running for president.
Who: Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Dakota Goyo; directed by Shawn LevyWhat: Set in the near future, robot boxing is a top sport. A struggling promoter and former boxer (Jackman) and his estranged 11-year-old son think they may have found a champion in a discarded robot and go up against the big guys.
