HOLLYWOOD—Well it’s that time of the year, the summer blockbusters are just about over, and we’re chartering into the territory of fall films.  In this five-part series we’ll take a look at films from the following genres: comedies, action, animation/family and drama. Part I of our series takes a look at horror films slated to terrify audiences in the coming months. The month of September belongs to “Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D,” which will invade theaters on September 10.  “Afterlife” is the fourth chapter in the series, which finds our favorite heroine Alice (Milla Jovovich) fighting against an army of undead, but this time in 3-D.  Joining Aliceis “Heroes” alum Ali Larter who reprises her role as Claire Redfield, and “Prison Break” star Wentworth Miller.  The series has a strong fan-base and if the film has a unique story it could work, but just because it’s in 3D doesn’t mean audiences will flock.  “Step Up 3-D” made that same mistake; while critics praised the 3-D in the film, audiences didn’t seem to buy it.

The month of October proves to be a bevy of horror flicks for audiences looking for a good scare in time for Halloween.  First up we have the chiller “Let Me In,” a remake of the film “Let the Right One In,” hitting multiplexes on October 1.  The film stars Chloe Moretz as a female vampire who befriends a boy who is tormented in school. The trailer signifies that this will be a dark film that in no way resembles the “Twilight” series. Moretz will portray the role of Abby, opposite Kodi Smit-McPhee, who will play Owen.  While the film has potential, I don’t see it as being a huge blockbuster for audiences, but you never know.

Speaking of “Twilight” stars, Nikki Reed plays a teen terrorized by a psychopath who dispatches teens in gruesome ways in the movie “Chain Letter” opening October 8.  The title explains the premise of the film about teens who disregard forwarding a chain letter they receive.  The psychopath’s weapon of choice is chains.  I must say that upon hearing the title of the film, I thought this could be interesting if all the elements fell into place, but the trailer for the flick doesn’t convey that sense of dread you’d expect from a horror film.

On October 22, audiences will be treated to “Paranormal Activity 2,” the sequel to last year’s massive hit.  The buzz around the first film was incredible, so I had to see it.  While the film was a bit of a bore in the beginning, it slowly built intense suspense throughout.  All I can say was that the ending made me jump out of my seat and left me shocked.  Little is known about the sequel. All I can tell you is that Katie is a ghost, and there is a dog and a baby in a crib.  Any guesses as to what may happen?  Let’s make the assumption that people will be afraid to sleep at night again.

“Saw 3D” arrives a week later on October 29, deciding to not battle with the film that kicked its butt last year. “Saw” has to be one of the most successful horror franchises of all time. It consistently opens to huge numbers at the box-office year after year since its debut back in 2004.  This is said to be the final installment in the series that finds Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) finally completing his masterpiece of a puzzle. Expect lots of blood, guts and body parts in 3D.  I must say I am pleasantly waiting for this film; it’ll be the perfect Halloween treat. Even though Jigsaw has been dead since the third film, his work continues to live on.

One particularly interesting film hitting theaters that same day is “My Soul to Take,” written and directed by horror icon Wes Craven. I must say I’m intrigued to learn more about the film.The film revolves around a serial killer who comes back to his hometown to terrorize several teens who were born on the same day that he died.The film will be presented to audiences in 3D, which is likely to force movie fans to choose between two horror films on Halloween weekend. The film stars Max Thierot, Shareeka Epps and Denzel Whitaker.This sounds exactly like a guilty pleasure, something fresh and different. Craven is a master of horror and tends to deliver each time. He’s currently behind the lens working on “Scream 4,” slated in theaters April 2011. So far, for all of you who enjoy being scared, fall 2010 looks to be a spooky one.