But for a brief moment let's look ahead at the 2009's genuine releases. Take this list with a pinch of salt. Of those films in my 2008 list, Valkyrie, Star Trek and The International were bumped to 2009 and MR73, Oliver Marchal's follow up to the brilliant 36, didn't even get a UK release; I'm awaiting the DVD. Of those three bumped films, Valkyrie and The International no longer hold much appeal - if they'd been any good they'd have been released when they were originally slated to, or at least that's what one would expect. I am still looking forward to Star Trek though but I can't have it on both my 2008 and 2009 preview, so with that in mind my top 10 most anticipated of '09 are...
10. Terminator: Salvation
The first two Terminator movies are rightly very highly regarded but the 3rd one is actually a very good film as well. Breathtaking chase sequences, particular one involving an enormous truck, complemented what was actually a very nicely written plot, one that advanced the SkyNet/John Connor/T-800 storyline whilst staying true to the previous films. I have concerns over the director and also the 25 year gap between T3 and T4. Nick Stahl did well as the younger John Connor but they seem to have cast well in Christian Bale as the adult Connor. If they have a decent script, and with Bale on board that seems likely, let's hope they can do this thing justice, however McG is best known for directing Charlie's Angels, and that isn't exactly a stellar resume (although I have to confess I thought the sequel, which he also helmed, was pretty good!)
9. Avatar
Well anyone who directs a film to almost $2 billion worldwide, completely obliterating any previous box office record, wins a record 11 Oscars and then takes 12 years off certainly knows how to ramp up expectations for his next project. James Cameron has done just that and we have to wait til December to see how he follows the most successful film of all time.
8. Inglorious Basterds
Well I have a couple of concerns, one: that's not how you spell bastards, and two: Tarantino has been off form over his last two films. I didn't care for Death Proof at all and was disappointed by Kill Bill Vol. 2. However, the guy is still an incredible talent and one of the most unique filmmakers in the business so any new Tarantino film has to be something to look forward to. Basterds stars Brad Pitt in the long-awaited WWII project.
7. Man Who Stares at Goats
Grant Heslov co-wrote Good Night, and Good Luck with George Clooney and that was unquestionably one of the smartest screenplays of that year. The film was very highly received and Heslov has graduated to the director's chair for a film that at the very least has one of the more intriguing titles of the year. Clooney, McGregor, Spacey and Bridges head an impressive cast in an Iraq based comedy.
6. The Informant
I'm not convinced Soderbergh has done anything of especial merit since Traffic but he is still a name I look out for when composing something like this and The Informant looks interesting. Matt Damon stars as the vice president turned informant Mark Whitacre, who accuses the US government of price fixing. It appears it doesn't know what it wants to be however as IMDb lists it as a comedy/crime/thriller/drama. A shame it's not also a sci-fi/western as well.
5. Duplicity
Tony Gilroy's Michael Clayton landed atop my 2007 list so his follow up is a no-brainer in any preview list. Duplicity stars Julia Roberts, Clive Owen, Tom Wilkinson and Paul Giamatti, which is also a no-brainer. This has quality written all over it and one hopes this can capture the absorbing atmosphere of his debut film. He certainly knew how to get great performances out of his actors so at the very least we should be in for an acting masterclass. The plot sees Roberts and Owen team up pull the "ultimate con job" on their bosses. Sounds like there is comedic potential but IMDb assures us this is a pure thriller.
4. State of Play
Tony Gilroy's second appearance on this list, this time as writer, in Kevin MacDonald's State of Play. MacDonald's last film, The Last King of Scotland, was complete crap and saved only by an astonishing lead performance, but he is sure to fare better with this adaptation of a well-received British TV political thriller. Rachel McAdams, Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman and Helen Mirren star.
3. This Side of the Truth
Here's why this is going to be great:
1. Jeffrey Tambor
2. Ricky Gervais
3. Rob Lowe
4. Jason Bateman
5. Tina Fey
6. Patrick Stewart
and 7. Jeffrey Tambor.
Have I mentioned before that Jeffrey Tambor is quite possibly my favourite actor in the world? For the uninitiated, check out The Larry Sanders Show and you too will be convinced of his brilliance. His Arrested Development efforts weren't too shabby either and I know Gervais is a big fan of both shows so it is no surprise to see him team up with him in his latest film, the first feature film that he has written and directed. Gervais added his own inimitable style to Ghost Town, a highly enjoyable Hollywood debut, but this promises to be even better. In a world where nobody has ever lied, Gervais invents dishonesty out of boredom. Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill, Jason Bateman and Christopher Guest also star.
2. Shutter Island
Martin Scorsese directs Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Emily Mortimer, Michelle Williams, Max von Sydow, Jackie Earle Haley, Patricia Clarkson and Ted Levine in a "Mystery/Crime/Thriller." It's from a Dennis Lehane novel, he who also wrote Mystic River, which didn't fare too badly come Oscar time winning 2 of it's 6 Oscar nominations, all of which came in the most prestigious categories. With one of the best casts of the year, it's a decent bet that this may follow suit.
1. Arrested Development: The Movie
So it hasn't even been officially announced, they're not even in pre-production and it certainly doesn't have a release date, but I figure if enough people like me make this their most anticipated film of 2009 then the powers that be will make it happen. Please please please please please.
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