September, and specifically the passing of the Labor Day Holiday during the first weekend in the month in the United States, means the summer movie season (and its supposed summer blockbusters) are done, and that more adult fare will be hitting theaters.

Expect slower moving, more character-driven and psychological stories, and more Oscar-bait flicks. And usually, after August --summer's cinematic cesspit -- with the ridiculousness unwatchable-ness of stuff like "Mechanic Resurrection" and "Sausage Party" and "Ben Hur" out of the way, audiences are eager for something more substantial.

There were two big openings over the past weekend. Both were entertaining, one much more so than the other.

Sully (Rated B)
Cast: Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Laura Linney
Genre: Biographical Drama
Dwight's Rating:

You may think you know this story. But not even a steady diet of 24-hour news outlets back in 2009 can prepare you for the remarkable tale in the new film, "Sully."

No doubt you remember what happened on January 15, 2009. That's when Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger tries to make an emergency landing in New York's Hudson River after US Airways Flight 1549 strikes a flock of geese.

Miraculously, all of the 155 passengers and crew survive the harrowing ordeal, and Sullenberger becomes a national hero in the eyes of the public and the media. Despite the accolades, the famed pilot now faces an investigation that threatens to destroy his career and reputation.

Two-time Oscar winner Tom Hanks plays the title character, and Mr. Sensitive, Clint Eastwood, is the director. Who could ask for a more dynamic duo?

The story is not told in a linear fashion. And at first, it's a bit jarring. But soon it's clear that a chronological yarn would have induced plenty of yawns. Instead, "Sully" focuses primarily on the little-discussed aftermath of the flight -- the airline and the FAA's investigation, and the attempts to prove that Sully actually made the wrong decision.

During the course of the film, we see interspersed with the interrogations and testimony, scenes of the dramatic flight itself. Those are perfectly choreographed with spectacular visual effects, and are both terrifying and exhilarating. It's actually hard to say which scenes are more amazing; the investigation will make you question things you thought you knew about this "Miracle on the Hudson."

Hanks delivers another tour de force performance. Sully is a quiet man, never raises his voice, and doesn't get very emotional. Yet, the warmth and sensitivity in Hanks' eyes, combined with the performances from the fantastic supporting cast, create a remarkable and emotional (and even tear-jerking) experience.

The fact that this opened on the weekend of the 15th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in New York is likely not a coincidence. And at first, this may seem like a distasteful choice. But in the hands of a sensitive director like Eastwood, this becomes an even more inspiring and life-affirming story. It is a celebration of life and a celebration of a true hero, Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger.

And "Sully" is further proof that we need to celebrate Clint Eastwood, as one of cinema's greatest directors, and Tom Hanks as one of the greatest actors of all time.

When the Bough Breaks (Rated C)
Cast: Morris Chestnut, Regina Hall, Jaz Sinclair
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Dwight's Rating:

You've seen this one before.

If you've ever watched, "Fatal Attraction", "The Hand that Rocked The Cradle", or more recent rehashes like "Obsessed" or "No Good Deed" or "The Perfect Guy", then you've definitely seen it.

The new thriller "When The Bough Breaks" breaks no new ground, besides the addition of a crazed pregnant woman as the psychotic villain.

Young, professional and successful, John and Laura Taylor (Morris Chestnut and Regina Hall) desperately want to have a baby, but are unable to conceive. After exhausting all other options, the couple hires Anna, a beautiful young woman who agrees to become their surrogate mother. Everything seems fine until Anna starts to develop a dangerous fixation with John as the pregnancy moves further along. The Taylors now find themselves playing a deadly game with a psychopath who holds the key to their future.

The repetitiveness and predictability of these films are their biggest drawbacks. While we can see many ways in which they could have gone another way, and really could have shaken things up, the filmmakers always seem to stick close to the well-trodden path.

That being said, "When the Bough Breaks" is less painful than the most recent films in this genre, including "The Perfect Guy" which also featured Chestnut.

One reason is actually Chestnut, who does a reasonably good and believable job as the object of a psycho's obsession. Hall, too, is fine, but isn't given all that much to do, which is a shame, as she is a capable and multi-faceted actress.

Much attention has been paid to newcomer Jaz Sinclair. And she might have a promising career ahead of her. But this role is poorly conceived.

In what the screenwriter must have believed would have been an interesting plot-twist, at first we can't tell if Anna is an innocent victim. But of course, nobody is fooled. Instead, we must sift through what seems like clutter, to get to that all-too-predictable ending.

Along the way, though, there are even one or two scream-at-the-screen moments. And there have been far worse films in theaters this year. But for the most part, you'll probably wish "When the Bough Breaks" had broken the mold.

o Dwight Strachan is the host/producer of "Morning Blend" on Guardian Radio. He is a television producer and writer, and an avid TV history and film buff. Email dwight@nasguard.com and follow him on twitter @morningblend969.

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