2008 is done, my top films are in the books. A note on that – I watched Hancock after going to press and found that it should’ve had a spot in my top ten. I’m hoping that the rumored sequel gets made as the mythology the writers have set up really left me wanting more.
Anyway, 2009 does have its share of long awaited blockbusters, sequels, adaptations and originals (WHAT?!) that whetted my appetite. I’m not expecting many of these to be on my Best of 2009 list, but dammit I want to see them now. I’m giving the films that caught my eye the rating that I think they’ll get once I review them. In somewhat chronological order:
Watchmen 
Click poster for link to trailer
I need to see this film. I need it. I had heard the announcement about its release a few years back, but was clueless. It’s some comic book or something, right? This summer, the first teaser came out. I was hooked. I ordered the graphic novel off Amazon, read it in 2 days, and since then my Internet existence has basically been looking for new bits and pieces about Watchmen. It’s getting to the point that video clips and spoilers are starting to leak out at a faster pace, and I want to go into the theater seeing as little as possible. I feel like a crackhead in rehab that knows their stash is only a mouseclick away. Hopefully the lawsuit business is settled before March 6, because I can’t handle this much longer.
Terminator Salvation 
Click poster for trailer
I really, really, wanted to hate this film when it was announced. Arnie wasn’t going to a part of it, they were recasting everyone from Terminator 3 (which was enjoyable, but ultimately forgettable), and McG (yes, Charlie’s Angels McG) was signed as director. This is just a cheap cashgrab, right? All signs point to no. Badass Christian Bale, aka Mr. In Every Film Ever Made, was cast as John Connor. I went from absolute zero to freezing. Then, trailers started coming out. Looked kind of cool. The war against the machines that had been alluded to for three films has been finally realized. More trailers started coming, as did concept art and story lines – all looking incredible. I’m now in disbelief that I am currently very excited for this film. I’m prepared to have the rug pulled out from under me on May 22, but at least I’ve got my warm fuzzy feelings right now.
Star Trek (trailer on link)
Is it possible that it is cool to like Star Trek again? I remember being a kid and wanting to go see the new Star Wars film in theaters, but my dad either got confused or was apathetic because he took me to see Star Trek: Insurrection. Good God. Cool cats Patrick Stewart and LeVar Burton were unfortunately a part of the cinematic abortion, and that was when I was done with Star Trek. Until now. JJ Abrams of Lost (new season in a few weeks woooh) directs another franchise reboot where the crew is young and attractive. Maybe this belongs more in the films I’m skeptical about but willing to like, but I will most likely see this in theaters after it comes out on May 8.
Funny People
*Not since Happy Gilmore
This just has awesome written all over it. Judd Apatow directing. Starring – every person you’ve laughed at in a movie ever since you can remember. Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, aka Mr. In Every Film Ever Made, Jr., Jonah Hill, and Jason Schwartzmann star in this inside look to the world of comedians. I predict there will be reviews saying that Judd Apatow has written and directed a film that is full of vulgarity but that also has a softer side that will make it a critical gem.
Where the Wild Things Are
This movie has already earned the WALL-E award for movie that makes you go "Awwww" the most
Spike Jonze adapts my favorite book as a kid. Yeah, the kid’s name is Max. Awww. I had the audiotape to read along with the book and everything. The screentest from a while back shows a dark, quiet film with a sad characterization for the main Wild Thing – Carol. Please please please let this film be released this year. Numerous delays, reshoots and rewrites have left this sitting on the shelf. This film needs to be released this year.
The Year One
Jack Black and Michael Cera star in this film about the time of Moses. I’m excited for this film, but am not quite sure it will follow through with the promise of all of the hilarious people involved. If it does knock one out of the park, it’ll be my surprise film of the year.
Inglorious Basterds
Pretty even with fungus growing on upper lip
Quentin Tarantino finally gets to make his misspelled WWII epic, and it stars Brad Pitt with a funky mustache. Recently, Tarantino did a good job with Kill Bill and completely missed on the Death Proof portion of Grindhouse. It’ll be interesting to see how he works in 20 minute conversations about the 1990s in this film set during the 1940s, as well as how he sets up a World War II battle. This film is on the fast track – it started filming this fall and will premiere at Cannes in May.
Trick ‘r Treat (trailer on link)
I’ve only heard good things about this horror film starring Anna Paquin that was supposed to be released in 2006? 7? 8? and has only been seen a few times since. Delayed over and over again, this will probably (hopefully) be the film that will put the Saw franchise to rest. We get it, torturing people is gross. Eli Roth got the message, why can’t Saw? Plus the fat kid from Bad Santa is in it while still young. This is can’t miss cinema, people.
Sherlock Holmes
Downey tells Law that the Perfect Pushup is total crap
Robert Downey, Jr. (eeeee) stars as Holmes with Jude Law as Dr. Watson and Rachel McAdams as the female lead in this Guy Richie film. According to the picture, Bally’s Total Fitness and GNC were in business in Victorian England and Sherlock Holmes had a lifetime subscription. Elementary, my dear Watson.
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
I’m a big Denzel Washington fan. The man leaks cool everywhere he goes on screen. I mean, he got Ethan Hawke high on PCP and then bellowed lines like “I’m surgical with this bitch,” in reference to his shotgun and “King Kong ain’t got shit on me!” in Training Day. Also starring… John Travolta… uhh, well it has Denzel in it. Look for him to play someone like his character in the underrated Inside Man, which is perfectly alright with me.
Anddd films I’m skeptical about but will give a chance if someone else does first:
Observe and Report
Mr. In Every Film Ever Made, Jr., stars as a mall cop in this Rated R comedy with Ray Liotta and Anna Faris. No trailer as of yet, but as long as it looks better than Paul Blart: Mall Cop then I should be okay.
Angels & Demons
The Da Vinci Code was the most boring movie I’d ever seen in theaters. The book was written for fifth graders, so my mind really didn’t have any trouble visualizing the story. Imagine my disappointment when the movie was EXACTLY the same. Protip: Don’t adapt something if there’s nothing to add. I haven’t read the prequel, so it should fare better.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
I’m lukewarm on Harry Potter overall. The whole fandom thing kind of creeped me out and the story never seemed interesting to me. Everyone I’ve ever talked to says I’m wrong, but this could be the one I finally rent on DVD.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
My Shia crush aside, I liked Transformers. It actually had some witty writing about the awkwardness of being a teenager. Sadly, that and the incredible CGI were probably the best parts of the film. Big stars spouting lame one liners and Shia shouting “Nonononononono!/Gogogogogogo!” didn’t really do it for me. I’m expecting more of the same, but I’ll probably see this anyway.
Wolfman
If there’s one guy to play the titular character in the Wolfman remake, it’s Benicio Del Toro. He’s halfway there anyways. I don’t get why they’re releasing this film in November… after Halloween… but I really don’t know much about this one. Crossing my fingers though.
Avatar
If you talked to some people on the Internet, they’d have you believe that this new James Cameron flick won every award that has ever existed or ever will. In it, a paralyzed marine gets another shot at life by transferring his brain or soul or something to an ‘avatar’, in this case a 10 foot tall alien. Riiight. And it’s in 3D, which I am really on the fence about at this point. Annoying, revolutionary, pointless? I’m not sure yet, but I’m going to find out in December when this film hits.
Agree, disagree, know something I don’t? Leave a comment.
1 Comment
January 8, 2009 at 8:59 pm
You forgot to add Bride Wars! Whoops!
And what’s wrong with Paul Blart: Mall Cop?
P.S. Your blogs are pretty sweet.