September 2013: The 5 Releases You Can't Miss

September often tends to pack a few blockbuster releases before the Autumn's onslaught, and in 2013 that's very much the case!
The calm before the storm. That's what September is in proverbal terms- a month which brings with it a host of anticipated entertainment releases, all the while opening the floodgates for the plethora of big releases coming our way in October, November and December. After this coming month, we've still got Grand Theft Auto Online, Batman: Arkham Origins, Thor: The Dark World, LEGO Marvel Superheroes, Doctor Who's 50th Anniversary Special/2013 Christmas Special, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Call of Duty: Ghosts, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, Arrow, Anchorman: The Legend Continues and plenty more thrilling entertainment content to eagerly await.

For now, though, there's still a fair reason or five to be thrilled with what's to come in the next four weeks. Here's our guide to all that's hot heading your way in September 2013...

5. ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS II- Sometimes it's the little ones that surprise you. The Angry Birds franchise has been slowly chirping away, gathering strength for a few franchise instalments now, but undoubtedly Angry Birds Star Wars was the series' finest hour so far. That fact alone bodes fortuitously for the release of this 'Prequel Trilogy'-themed sequel, featuring Skylanders-esque bonus toy character integration and plenty of new Force and Sith powers to help hurtle those persistent bird warriors at their Pig opponents! (Thursday 19th)
4. ABOUT TIME- While 2013's remaining big blockbusters such as Gravity, The Hunger Games, Anchorman and The Hobbit all look magnificent, there's something to be said for the understated pieces of cinema heading to the box office before the year's end. About Time is penned by Love Actually's Richard Curtis, so you know roughly the kind of narrative to expect here amongst its science-fiction time-travel strands, yet its cast could turn out to be a cracking little ensemble, featuring Harry Potter's Domnhall Gleeson, the legend that is Bill Nighy, Sherlock Holmes' Rachel McAdams and plenty more British stars. This could be 2013's most innovative romantic-comedy, and you know what? It's about time. (Wednesday 4th)
3. THE NEWSROOM- With the preview of Season Two's first episode under its belt via Sky On Demand, The Newsroom can now make a fully-fledged return to Sky Atlantic. Season Two consists of nine episodes, chronicling the aftermath of a PR disaster that befalls the News Night team when a potentially catastrophic story is leaked to the public. This is an intriguing set-up, and while the first episode wasn't one of the show's best, once again there's plenty of potential for the series to reclaim its throne as one of the best US dramas ever to have been put into production...(Monday 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th)
2. MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D- If this prestigious shortlist hasn't already made it abundantly clear, then I'll put it simply for you- television is making a big comeback this Autumn. Amongst the newcomers in this impending season of descending leaves and- presumably- a return for Britain's wet weather is Marvel's Agents of SHIELD. Perhaps the most audacious offering of the lot, the show takes place in the same universe as Avengers Assemble, Iron Man 3 and the like, which could help it to bridge between Iron Man 3 and the incoming release of Thor: The Dark World next month. For Marvel fans, there really is no better place to be than Channel 4 this month. In other words- Excelsior! (TBC)
1. GRAND THEFT AUTO V- Inevitably, though, virtually every other release known to man that could come to retail this month would be unable to quell this writer's anticipation for Rockstar Games' latest effort. Grand Theft Auto IV redefined the current-generation back in 2008, and it would be foolish not to expect the same grand endeavour from GTA V in two weeks' time. Set in the open world of Los Santos, this fifth instalment introduces three new protagonists, a dynamic combat gameplay system, breathtaking 360/PS3 visuals and an Online experience like no other. Be prepared for Rockstar to rock your world again just as no other video games developer possibly can...(Tuesday 17th)