Slate of coming fall movies includes ‘Beetlejuice” sequel, the ‘Joker’ and lots of action

Ah, fall. Time to settle in with coziness after the summer blockbusters. Here’s what Hollywood has in store over the next few months.

Friday, Sept. 6

“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” — I really hope this turns out great, but I’m wary of the “10-year curse” for sequels: Followup films that take more than a decade to appear usually flop. On the bright side, Tim Burton’s back as director with stars Michael Keaton, Catherine O’Hara and Winona Ryder returning, as well. That’s a strong start! The story finds three generations of the Deetz family returning home to Winter River after a family tragedy. But that pesky Beetlejuice gets re-summoned after a portal to the Afterlife accidentally gets opened. Stay clear of the worm holes in the desert!

“The Front Room” — Pop star/actress Brandy stars in this thriller about a newly pregnant couple who are forced to take in an ailing, estranged stepmother. Um, no thanks.

Sept. 13

“Speak No Evil” —James McAvoy (”X-Men: Apocalypse,” “Glass”) stars in this horror tale about a family who is invited to spend a weekend in an idyllic country house, unaware that their dream vacation will soon become a psychological nightmare. That smells like a bad Yelp review.

“Am I Racist?” — This comedy/documentary hybrid stars Matt Walsh as himself investigating diversity, equity and inclusion practices in modern society, exposing absurdities through undercover social experiments.

“The Killer’s Game” — Dave Bautista stars as a veteran assassin who is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness and authorizes a kill on himself. But when assassins target his girlfriend, as well, he re-thinks the order. Grammarly is great for checking mistakes before you send out stuff, dude.

Sept. 20

“Never Let Go” — Oscar winner Halle Berry stars in this tale of a family that has been haunted by an evil spirit for years. But their safety and surroundings come into question when one of their children questions if the evil is real. Like mom and dad would lie about that! You’re grounded! With the evil spirit!

“Transformers One” — This animated feature tells the untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, who would later become sworn enemies. It boasts a star voice cast with Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jon Hamm and more. Transformers transform!

Sept. 27

“Bagman” — A father (Sam Claflin, “The Hunger Games”) must confront his fears when a malevolent, mythical being from his childhood known as the Bagman returns to haunt and torment his family.

“Lee” — Kate Winslet stars as American photographer Lee Miller, a fashion model who became an acclaimed war correspondent for Vogue magazine during World War II. Strike a pose! Also starring Alexander Skarsgård and Josh O’Conner.

“Megalopolis” — Francis Ford Coppola writes and directs this futuristic tale about an architect (Adam Driver) who wants to rebuild New York City as a utopia following a devastating disaster. Who can tell the difference?

“The Wild Robot” — Family-friendly animation about an intelligent robot called Roz (voice of Lupita Nyong’o), who after a shipwreck is stranded on an uninhabited island and to survive the harsh environment must bond with the island’s animals and care for an orphaned baby goose. Expect to feel all the feels.

Oct. 4

“Joker: Folie à Deux”

— Joaquin Phoenix reprises his brilliant Oscar-winning role as failed comedian Arthur Fleck, who meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn (Lady Gaga), while in Arkham State Hospital. Upon release, the pair embark on a doomed romantic misadventure. Of course they do. Director Todd Phillips returns for this sequel.

“Monster Summer” — When a mysterious force begins to disrupt their summer fun, a group of young friends team up with a retired police detective (Mel Gibson) to embark on an adventure to save their island. This kind of looks like “Stranger Things” only set by an ocean.

“White Bird” — Based on the book by the best-selling author of “Wonder,” this film explores how one act of kindness can live on forever. Starring Gillian Anderson and Oscar winner Helen Mirren.

Oct. 11

“Saturday Night” — This is a comedic retelling of the events that happened 90 minutes before the first broadcast of the iconic TV show “Saturday Night Live.” Jason Reitman (”Ghostbusters: Afterlife”) directs a stellar cast that includes Dylan O’Brien, J.K. Simmons, Willem Dafoe and Finn Wolfhard. It’s not “Live! From New York,” but it should be a raucous time.

“Terrifier 3” — Somehow I missed “Terrifier” 1 and 2, but Art the Clown apparently returns to unleash chaos on unsuspecting residents of a small town as they peacefully drift off to sleep on Christmas Eve. Oh, so this is a Christmas movie? Got it.

“Piece by Piece” — A vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams, told through the colorful lens of LEGO animation. Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Gwen Stefani, Timbaland, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes and many more lend voice work.

Oct. 18

“Flight Risk” — Mel Gibson directs Mark Wahlberg as a pilot who transports an air marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested as not everyone on board is who they seem. But will there still be beverage service?

“Goodrich” — A father (Michael Keaton) has his life upended when his wife enters a rehab program, leaving him on his own with their young kids. So he leans on his daughter (Mila Kunis) from his first marriage and ultimately evolves into the father she never had.

Oct. 25

“Venom: The Last Dance” — The third and final (yeah, right) movie in the series based on the comics has Eddie/Venom (Tom Hardy) being hunted in both of their worlds and the duo (are they a duo, though?) is forced into a devastating decision that will bring on its “last dance.”

Nov. 1

“Here”— This film reunites the director (Robert Zemeckis), writer (Eric Roth), and stars of “Forrest Gump” (Tom Hanks and Robin Wright) in a story about multiple families and a special place they inhabit.

“Absolution” — An aging gangster (Liam Neeson, who seems to have made these roles his specialty) attempts to reconnect with his children and rectify the mistakes of his past, but the criminal underworld won’t loosen its grip willingly. It never does. (Like I would know.)

Reach Rod Pocowatchit at rodrick@rawdzilla.com