The fall is a strange time for Hollywood. You could call it the hangover from the party that was the summer of movies. Late August and all of September often contain movies that aren’t quite cut out for the summer (chick flicks, second-rate action movies, etc.), but sometimes have gems in the mix (“3:10 To Yuma,” “Miracle At St. Anna”). Nevertheless, I have compiled a list of nine films that I think will be moderately-to-very popular come autumn. Once you see the leaves turning and notice the temperature dropping, refer to this list for your movie-going FAQs.

Going The Distance, Aug. 27

Directed by: Nanette Burstein

Starring: Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Ron Livingston

Garrett (Long) is an aspiring music producer. His girlfriend Erin (Barrymore) is an aspiring journalist. They are perfect for each other, except for the fact that they live 3,000 miles apart. “Going The Distance” follows the two as they navigate through the endless walls that come with a long-distance relationship (doubters, other singles, temptation). This “chick-flick” of a movie should attract many-a-female.

Machete, Sept. 3

Directed by: Robert Rodriguez, Ethan Maniquis

Starring: Danny Trejo, Robert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Steven Seagal

From director Robert Rodriguez comes another action-packed, comic, “Kill Bill”-ish thrill ride. Machete (Trejo) is set out on righting the wrongs that the corrupt Sen. McLaughlin (Robert De Niro) has committed. Employing such big names as De Niro, Alba and Seagal, “Machete” looks like it will be one hell of an action flick.

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, Sept. 24

Directed by: Zack Snyder

Starring: Emily Barclay, Ryan Kwanten, Jay Laga’aia, Miriam Margolyes, Richard Roxburgh

Based on the books authored by Kathryn Lasky, Zack Snyder makes his animation debut with “Legend of the Guardians.” Soren, a young owl who aspires to become one of the “Guardians” that his father tells him about, is put into an extraordinary situation when he and his brother are taken by a band of renegade owls. It is then up to Soren to fulfill his dream and fly to Ga’Hoole and join forces with the Guardians and save the Owl Kingdom. While the plot sounds insane and somewhat stupid at times, the animation looks solid and the flick should be, at least, a mildly entertaining movie.

The Social Network, Oct. 1

Directed by: David Fincher

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Andrew Garfield, Joseph Mazzello, Armie Hammer

Ever wonder how Facebook got started? See this movie. Eisenberg, Timberlake and Garfield play the three founders of Facebook in a film that could very well define our generation. Director David Fincher and writer Andrew Sorkin promise to produce a film that will hit very close to home for all Facebook users alike.

Jackass 3-D, Oct. 15

Directed by: Jeff Tremaine

Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Steve-O

Not much to say here. Knoxville and his lovable band of idiots are back and at it again, but in 3-D this time. Although it’s still in shooting stages, “Jackass 3-D” should be full of laughs and probably more than a few “WTF’s.” Hopefully the last “Jackass” of the series, this one really should bring audiences to their feet, generate five-star reviews and leave people crying as they leave the theater. Well, maybe not the last part.

Conviction, Oct. 15

Directed by: Tony Goldwyn

Starring: Hilary Swank, Minnie Driver, Sam Rockwell, Melissa Leo, Loren Dean

After her brother (Rockwell) is sentenced to life in prison on murder charges, Anne Waters (Swank) puts herself through law school just so she can fight for his innocence. Waters, an unemployed and single mother, spends well over a decade obtaining her law license and compiling evidence to overturn her brother’s sentence. Directed by Tony Goldwyn and based on a true story, “Conviction” promises to move audiences.

Paranormal Activity 2, Oct. 22

Directed by: Kip Williams

While no plot details are available, the trailer to the film has generated a lot of buzz around Hollywood. After the booming success of “Paranormal Activity,” Paramount wants to cash in on a quick sequel. What looks to be a high-end house (in the trailer) is haunted by an entity that has yet to be identified. Hopefully this installment of the series doesn’t kill the buzz that the first film generated, but I have a feeling it will.

Morning Glory, Nov. 12

Directed by: Roger Michell

Starring: Harrison Ford, Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Jeff Goldblum, Patrick Wilson

After being fired from her former news station, driven TV producer Becky Fuller (McAdams) is hired by “Daybreak,” a failing morning show in New England. Having to deal with uncharismatic on-air hosts (Keaton and Ford), bad ratings and an unreceptive production team, Fuller must find a way to revamp not only “Daybreak,” but her life as well. “Morning Glory” looks like it could be 2010’s “Up In The Air,” just a little bit more on the comedy side. Whatever the case, I think that this movie will be quite pleasing.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 1, Nov. 19

Directed by: David Yates

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Bill Nighy

The first half of the final installment of the “Harry Potter” series looks to be extremely exciting. After the death of Dumbledore, the world of wizardry has broken out into war between forces for good and forces for Voldemort. As Harry (Radcliffe), Ron (Grint) and Hermoine (Watson) embark on their journey to find the ever-powerful Horcruxes, the Dark Lord looms closer and closer, waiting for his chance to strike down Harry and become ruler of all wizards.