10 Most Anticipated films of 2009

The blockbuster movie season is near. Since recently completing my top 10 list from 2008, I've changed focus with an eye on 2009. After scanning many lists of proposed theatrical releases, I've selected the ten films that seem most intriguing on the surface. I certainly don't expect these to be the ten best films of the year. Many of the featured films are simply intriguing because of the people they involve or the stories they continue.


10. X Men Origins: Wolverine: First off, I really enjoyed the first two X Men films. The third one felt like overkill and really lacked substance. Also, Wolverine is easily my favorite mutant. That being said, I'm very apprehensive about this film. Rumors of numerous re-shoots haven't done anything to disperse my doubt. Thankfully, Brett Ratner, the man responsible for X-Men Last Stand will not be directing this spin-off. Unfortunately, neither will Bryan Singer. Gavin Hood (Rendition, Tstosi) gets a crack at this potentially profitable film. Rumor has it, a sequel is already in the works. It remains to be seen whether Hood can capture the same magic that Singer did in the original films. The trailer looks action packed and I'd expect nothing less. It's the cultivating of a good story that always seems to be the biggest challenge in these types of films.



9. Sherlock Holmes: Perhaps no actor had a bigger 2008 than Robert Downey Jr. His roles in Iron Man, Charlie Bartlett, and Tropic Thunder cemented his place among Hollywood's elite. This year looks quite promising for the formally troubled star as well. Sherlock Holmes could be another huge role for Downey. The film also features Rachel McAdams and Jude Law and is set for a late year release which could suggest anticipated award circuit consideration. Though I'm a bit worried about Guy Ritchie's consistency as a movie maker, when he's on, he's really on; which gives this film a lot of potential.



8. Sunshine Cleaning: This film was actually released in NY an LA last week and is set for wide release on Friday. As I, however, have not seen the film, it is still highly anticipated for me. Sunshine premiered at Sundance and received moderate accolades. It's a project from several of the people responsible for 2006's Indie darling, Little Miss Sunshine. According to many of those that have seen both films, the similarities almost distractingly glaring. Regardless of what type of reviews this film receives, I have two reasons for being very excited, Emily Blunt and Amy Adams. They are two of my absolute onscreen favorites. I expect the cuteness level to be alarmingly high.


The trailer for the film looks promising. Blunt and Adams play sisters looking to make their own paths by starting a cleaning business. Alan Arkin plays their father in a role that certainly looks reminiscent of his Oscar winning Little Miss Sunshine turn. No doubt hilarity will ensue.



7. Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince: This series of films has already exceeded my expectations. The films have managed changing production crews and directors, and still maintained fluidity from story to story. The best part about the series is that the films have grown up with the characters. Each film has become increasingly darker. I think the quality of the films has increased with each installment as well. David Yates, who directed Order of the Phoenix, will be running the show for Half Blood. If the 2007 film was any indication of what viewers can expect, I'm quite excited about the possibilities. Unlike many viewers, I have never read the books and have no idea how the story continues. I look forward to more quality Harry Potter films and completing an onscreen story that began in 2001.


6. Avatar: I've heard rumblings about this James Cameron (Titanic, Terminator) project going on 4 years. The buzz regarding the ground breaking special effects has been especially high. I know very little about the plot, but that really doesn't matter. James Cameron only makes BIG movies. I'm a little surprised that this will be a winter release, but it only increases my curiosity.


5. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: Few films in recent years have surprised me like 2007's Transformers. Michael Bay + Robots was sure to equal box office success, but I didn't have high hopes for the film. I was blown away by the entire audio / visual experience of the film. The story wasn't half bad either. It was really a sleek, entertaining, action film. I only wish I would have seen it on the big screen.

2009's Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, features many of the same characters and promises even more destruction and alien robots. When speculating about what we can expect from this summer's sequel, a look at Bay's track record isn't encouraging. Lightning rarely strikes twice in same spot (this spot being Michael Bay's brain). Hopefully, I'm wrong and this film exceeds the first in every aspect.


4. The Lovely Bones: Anytime you attach Peter Jackson's name to a film, I'm going to get excited. Bones will mark Jackson's first directorial work since 2005's King Kong. Based on the popular young adult novel by Alice Sebold, the film stars Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Saoirse Ronan, Susan Sarandon, and Stanley Tucci.

The book was a really good read and I have pretty high expectations for the film. The people involved and the source material are just too goo for anything but a good movie to be produced. Early Oscar polls list Bones among the favorites.


3. Public Enemies: Johnny Depp, Billy Crudup, and Christian Bale in a period gangster flick...what's not to like? Throw in the fact that Michael Mann (The Insider, Heat) is directing, and you've got the formula for a truly great guy movie. I know very little about guys like John Dillenger or Baby Face Nelson so I could care less about historical accuracy in this film. I just want to see Depp, Bale, and Crudup at their best.



2. Terminator Salvation: Box office domination is almost a given for this film, but I'm hoping for some substance as well. It will be hard to watch the film without thinking about Bale's outrageous rant that was released to the public months ago. This will up the unintentional comedy level tremendously. Let's hope the film is good enough to overcome that.

I'm really surprised the Bale was willing to take on the lead role in another huge franchise, but I couldn't be happier. He seems like the perfect fit for John Connor. Though I'm a bit concerned about McG's direction, I'm confident that Bale's involvement will produce a solid action / Sci-fi thriller.


1. Shutter Island: Great books don't always get adapted into great movies, but Dennis Lehane has to be pleased thus far. His two previous adaptations, Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone were both critical and commercial successes. With names like Scorsesse and DiCaprio attached to Shutter Island, this one could be the best.

Lehane is my favorite current author. His books are incredibly gritty and powerful. Shutter Island is somewhat different from most of his work, but I expect this to be one of the best films of 2009.