September kicks off movie awards season

If August is the worst month for movies, then September can only be an improvement right?

Thankfully, that’s true.

Traditionally, September is known as the month that kicks off award season contenders.

It’s also the month where horror makes its return -- just in time for Halloween.

While this September’s offerings aren’t exactly perfect – they’re definitely a step up from the doldrums of August.

So, what’s premiering this month?

Resident Evil: Retribution: I have a weird thing for the ‘Resident Evil’ movies. I don’t think they’re ever going to win any awards and they’re not really scary – so even I can’t explain it. I think I just like Alice as a heroine. She’s badass and she’s empathetic. That’s rare in a genre like this. This installment sees a lot of fallen heroes from the franchise return – including Michelle Rodriguez’s Rain (who died in the first film) and Oded Fehr’s Carlos (who died in the third film). The film opens Sept. 14.

The Master: The always reliable Philip Seymour Hoffman stars as a 1950s veteran who is inspired to return home and start a religion when he returns from World War II. The premise sounds interesting, and it co-stars Joaquin Phoenix – a talented but troubled actor that has had his share of problems of late. Opens Sept. 14.

Stolen: The latest in the Nicholas Cage needs to eat genre. Opens Sept. 14.

Arbitrage: Richard Gere stars as a troubled hedge fund magnate desperate to complete the sale of his trading empire. He makes an error – that I’m sure will lead to some serious drama. The always solid Tim Roth and Susan Sarandon also star. Opens Sept. 14.

10 Years: This follows a group of friends on the night of their high school reunion. It stars Channing Tatum, Jenna Dewan, Rosario Dawson, Justin Long and Kate Mara. This could be a solid ensemble – and Tatum has proven he can open a movie. Opens Sept. 14.

Trouble With the Curve: Clint Eastwood is getting more press for talking to a chair right now, but this film looks both poignant and funny. It revolves around a baseball scout that is finding age starting to catch up with him. It also stars Amy Adams, Justin Timberlake and John Goodman. Eastwood said he was retiring from acting a few years ago – I guess that means unless he thinks he can get an award for the film. Still, this looks entertaining. Opens Sept. 21.

The Perks of Being a Walflower: A coming of age story starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Mae Whitman and Kate Walsh. The casting is compelling. Opens Sept. 21.

House at the End of the Street: This is one of the few horror movies that looks mildly interesting this season. It stars the always awesome Jennifer Lawrence in another haunted house movie. Maybe I’m only hoping it looks scary. Lawrence gives it some heft, though. Opens Sept. 21.

End of Watch: Jake Gyllenhaal and Anna Kendrick star in this cop drama about a pair of young police officers patrolling the mean streets of Los Angeles. Opens Sept. 21.

Hotel Transylvania: This animated tale features the voices of Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Fran Drescher, David Spade and Cee Lo Green. Looks like a fun Halloween outing for kids. Opens Sept. 28.

Looper: Bruce Willis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Emily Blunt star in this time travel story which is supposed to feature a phenomenal transformation on Gordon-Levitt’s part. Opens Sept. 28.

Won't Back Down: Viola Davis and Maggie Gyllenhaal star as mothers struggling to save their children’s inner-city school. Given the financial times – and the status of Detroit Public Schools – this one could resonate in the area. Opens Sept. 28.

What do you think? What movies are you looking forward to in September?