From sweeping science-fiction epics to visceral war dramas, the year of 2009 yielded a plethora of films that could be branded as certified aesthetic wonders. However, as one masterful year of cinema concludes and another commences, avid movie-goers establish a whole new set of expectations for the year 2010. On first sight, the list of films scheduled for this year may appear slightly underwhelming, with a heavy concentration of interminable franchises. Though, in all fairness, several of the films planned for this year are sequels of ‘quality’ films that actually warrant audience anticipation. From robotic superheroes to dreamy vampires, the year 2010 promises not to be void of entertainment, providing viewers with an adequate balance of the familiar and the beloved. The following is a list of anticipated films that cannot be missed, should be seen with apprehension, or avoided all together.
Must-See:
“Alice in Wonderland” (Tim Burton)
The infamous duo (Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter) reunites on the silver screen, breathing new life into author Lewis Carroll’s classic characters, the mysterious Mad Hatter and the enraged Red Queen. Those already enthralled by the gothic whimsy of Burton’s earlier films, should prepare for yet another trippy adventure inspired by the cherished children’s novels. (March 5th)
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” (David Yates)
Bloody Hell! After nine years, we have finally reached the last chapter of J.K. Rowling’s engrossing children’s fantasy. Well, almost. The last chapter, split into two feature films (the other half scheduled for next summer), is sure to pack a wallop as Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and friends, Ron and Hermione (Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson), prepare for the final showdown with the always menacing Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). (Nov. 19th)
“Iron Man 2” (Jon Favreau)
Robert Downey Jr. is well into his prime as an actor, reprising his role as motor-mouth billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (a.k.a. Iron Man). This time, Iron Man has a bone to pick with angry Oscar nominee Mickey Rourke, embodying his Russian arch-nemesis Whiplash. (May 7th)
“Tron Legacy” (Joseph Kosinski)
If movie-goers’ craving for action was not satisfied from all the anticipated “Iron Man” sequel promises, they are sure to be intrigued by the follow-up to Steven Lisberger’s groundbreaking 1982 sci-fi thriller “Tron.” This year’s “Crazy Heart” Oscar-hopeful Jeff Bridges returns as the brilliant video game designer Kevin Flynn trapped in a cyber universe alongside his tech-savvy son Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) for an adventure to remember. (Dec. 17th)
“Shutter Island” (Martin Scorsese)
Scorsese’s adaptation of Dennis Lehane’s dark and twisted novel about a sinister mental institution, isolated on Boston’s outer harbor, is guaranteed to send chills down the spines of even the most hardcore horror buffs. U.S. Marshall Teddy Daniels (Leonardo Dicaprio) embarks on perilous investigation of the asylum to expose its buried secrets. (Feb. 19th)
“Toy Story 3” (Lee Unkrich)
In the third installment to one of Pixar’s crowning achievements, Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) and the rest of the Toys “R” Us gang fear becoming obsolete as their long time owner Andy heads off to college. You can always count on Pixar, as they never disappoint. (June 18th)
Maybe:
"A Nightmare on Elm Street" (Remake) (Sam Bayer)
In what promises to be the best of the 48 (ok, so there are not that many) installments in this classic horror franchise, “Watchmen’s” Jackie Earle Hayley replaces once-faithful Robert Englund as the iconic horror menace Freddy Krueger. Now, Haley can suit up in Freddy’s tattered Christmas sweater, grimy fedora, and rusted razor claws, but can he outmatch Englund’s eerie genius? It may be worth a trip to the multiplex to find out. (April 30th)
“Shrek Forever After” (Mike Mitchell)
The last two entries in the uninspiring “Shrek” series lacked the relentless comic energy of the ingenious first film. Audiences can only hope that Shrek (Mike Myers), Donkey (Eddie Murphy), and Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) provide enough charm and wit, complete with cheeky pop-culture references, to make this fourth and final escapade a trip worth taking. (May 21st)
Skip it:
“The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” (David Slade)
The nightmarish allure present in the original “Twilight” was left for dead in the lackluster “New Moon” sequel. Who will the love-struck Bella Swan (Kirsten Stewart) choose as her hunky supernatural lover? This is a question on literally no one’s mind, considering the cult following of book series. Those who choose to avoid the third installment will be of a small minority. But let’s face it; it is not author Stephenie Meyer’s romantic narrative that has been sizzling on the big screen (i.e. Edward and Jacob). With cheap appeal like that, viewers are better off picking up this month’s issue of Cosmopolitan. (June 30th)
“Sex and the City 2” (Michael Patrick King)
Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), Samantha (Kim Cattrall), and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) are back for another titillating exercise in fashion, romance, and unabashed superficiality. While the film’s 2008 predecessor garnered a few laughs, the show’s irreverent wit and edge is rapidly loosing steam. The fabulous foursome has endured their fair share of mid-life crises and it is time they return home to the big apple while they still have some dignity. (May 28th)
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ou_guy81 2 years, 3 months ago
Wow! I really can't wait for 2010 movies. Thanks for the heads-up on all these great movies. :)