Summer is over, and with it a dismal string of would-be blockbusters. The second weekend of September welcomes movie openings that serve as an antidote to summer’s mindless movie fare. From a dark thriller about Brooklyn's drug underworld ("The Drop") to the indie drama featuring actors better known for their comedic chops (“The Skeleton Twins”), here is a selection of films opening in theaters on Friday:

“The Drop,” Michael R. Roskam, Director

A “money drop” made to a Brooklyn bar owned by Marv (James Gandolfini in his last role) doesn’t go as planned when the bar is robbed in the much-anticipated dark thriller “The Drop,” also starring Tom Hardy and Noomi Rapace. Bartender Bob Saginowski (Hardy), who works for his cousin Marv, finds himself embroiled in an investigation that unravels the dark underpinnings of an entire neighborhood -- including local gangsters, friends and family -- complicit in the drug trade.

“The Skeleton Twins,” Craig Johnson, Director

In the indie drama “The Skeleton Twins,” estranged twins Maggie (Kristin Wiig) and Milo (Bill Hader) have not seen or talked to each other in 10 years, since their father's suicide drove them apart. But when they both narrowly miss getting killed on the same day, they decide to reunite and reconcile, realizing that their lives are more complete with each other to lean on. Betsy Sharkey of the Los Angeles Times says that the film “makes you glad [the actors are] taking on life’s weightier issues,” and Chris Nashawaty of Entertainment Weekly says “the co-stars elevate the film beyond formula.” “The Skeleton Twins” also stars Luke Wilson.

“No Good Deed,” Sam Miller, Director

In “No Good Deed,” former DA turned stay-at-home mom (Taraji P. Henson) makes the mistake of her life by inviting handsome stranger (Idris Elba) into her home after his car runs off the road. In this thriller, events change for the worse when he turns around and kidnaps the entire terrified family.

“Dolphin Tale 2,” Charles Martin Smith, Director

Time is running out for Winter the dolphin to find another companion at the Clearwater Marine Hospital, since dolphins’ basic survival is dependent on social interaction. The team of people who saved her life in the first “Dolphin Tale” reconvene when her surrogate mother dies. Perhaps "Dolphin Tale 2" will get the kind of glowing reviews critics such as Blake Wilson of the blog Movies Taken Seriously gave the first film, calling it a "heartwarming, dramatic" film that is "one of those rare family gems that is excellent in every way." Starring Ashley Judd, Cozi Zuehlsdorff, Harry Connick, Jr., Morgan Freeman and Nathan Gamble.