ARMCHAIR-CRITIC.COM 2010 MOVIE REVIEW
After a fairly decent 2009 movie season I was curious to look ahead and see what is coming down the pipe for next year. Looks like 2010 may be an even bigger year than the previous one. If 2009 was the time for sleepers and innovation (Paranormal Activity, District 9) 2010 looks to be strictly blockbusters, so here… we… go…
DAYBREAKERS (Jan 8th, 2010)
Plot: It’s 2019 and vampires have taken over the world. In fact they have fed on every human being there is and are starting to run out of a food source. While the vampires figure out how to survive with the dwindling blood supply, the remaining humans plot their revenge.
Cast: Willem Dafoe, Isabel Lucas, Ethan Hawke, Sam Neill
Director: Michael & Peter Spierig
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Horror
Why it made my list: Well first of all it has Willem Dafoe in it. But it looks to be a stylish, futuristic take on the overplayed, over romanticized vampire story that has recently been such a fad. I’m thinking this will be less “emo” twilight vampires, and more “Gattica” meets “Blade”.
THE BOOK OF ELI (Jan 15th, 2010)
Plot: In post-apocalyptic America one man is on a mission to protect a sacred book that may be the salvation of us all.
Cast: Mila Kunis, Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Malcolm McDowell, Jennifer Beals, Tom Waits
Director: Albert & Allen Hughes
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Disaster, Western
Why it made my list: It has Mila Kunis in it. Eli looks to be a movie taken straight out of the video game Fall Out. With the directors of “From Hell” and “Menace II Society” this stylish post-apocalyptic western should live up to the hype. Where “The Road” was a moody drama about living after a disaster, this should be more steam-punk action and a lot of fun.
LEGION (Jan 22nd, 2010)
Plot: The biblical apocalypse is upon us and one angle has come to save mankind and protect the unborn second coming.
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Paul Bettany, Kevin Durand, Tyrese Gibson
Director: Scott Stewart
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Thriller
Why it made my list: The preview for this movie caught my eye a while ago. I always liked the idea and characters in Milton’s “Paradise Lost” and I wonder if this movie may be made with that type of thought process in mind. Regardless it should be pretty cool.
EDGE OF DARKNESS (Jan 29th, 2010)
Plot: Detective Thomas Craven is investigating the death of his activist daughter. As he digs deeper through her secretes he find more than he asked for.
Cast: Mel Gibson, Danny Huston, Ray Winstone
Director: Martin Campbell
Genre: Drama, Conspiracy, Thriller
Why it made my list: The director of some of the best James Bond movies (Casino Royale, GoldenEye) and the Zorro films will try to wrangle in Mel Gibson’s return to the front of the camera. Some may be uneasy about Mel these days but I still love old Riggs and say give him the chance to redeem himself. Hopefully this film will be more “Payback” and less lifetime movie of the week.
THE WOLFMAN (Feb 12th, 2010)
Plot: American Lawrence Talbot returns home to Great Britain in search of his missing brother. Only to find a dark destiny awaits him. Even a noble man can be turned when the moon is bright.
Cast: Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins
Director: Joe Johnston
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Why it made my list: Anthony Hopkins makes his way into another classic horror remake as the director of “The Rocketeer” and “Hidalgo” should make The Wolfman’s return a great and fun adventure for us all.
SHUTTER ISLAND (Feb 19th, 2010)
Plot: U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels investigates an escape from a mental hospital for the criminally insane on remote Shutter Island.
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max Von Sydow
Director: Martin Scorsese
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Why it made my list: I love Scorsese he is such a good director he has actually made me a fan of Leo. But, I am scared that this movie runs the risk of a cliché’ twist ending which he telegraphed to everyone through the preview. I hope I’m wrong, and will go see it to find out.
A COUPLE OF DICKS
(Feb 26th, 2010)
Plot: Buddy cop movie hilarity when two investigators try to locate a stolen baseball card and get in over their heads.
Cast: Bruce Willis, Jason Lee, Seann William Scott, Tracy Morgan
Director: Kevin Smith
Genre: Comedy
Why it made my list: Indy comedy king Kevin Smith may have a mainstream hit on his hands. First of all Bruce Willis is awesome in comedic roles (Hudson Hawk) and every time Tracy Morgan opens his mouth something funny happens. This movie is definitely flagged as one I’m looking forward to seeing.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
(March 5th, 2010)
Plot: In a sequel to the original Alice, the now 19 year old returns to the magical world of her youth and helps some old friends over throw a tyrant of a Red Queen.
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonha, Carter, Crispin Glover, Anne Hathaway, Christopher Lee, Alan Rickman
Director: Tim Burton
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Why it made my list: March 5th really is a very important date. Tim Burton’s real life Dr. Seuss world is put to work on yet another children’s classic. Expect the unexpected and don’t be late.
CLASH OF THE TITANS
(March 26th, 2010)
Plot: Remake of the classic. Perseus and Pegasus fly through Greek mythology fighting all the classic enemies.
Cast: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes,
Director: Louis Leterrier
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
Why it made my list: The original “Clash of the Titans” was one of my favorite movies when I was young. Hopefully they stay true to the mythology as the original did. Although I doubt the mechanical owl will make an appearance. I’m always excited about movies like this one. With the star from “Terminator Salvation” and the director of “Unleashed” this movie may be a winner.
NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET
(April 30th, 2010)
Plot: Freddie’s back, in the remake of the original horror flick. Learn from the beginning about the killer who will get your children when you can’t protect them. In their dreams: Don’t Fall Asleep.
Cast: Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara
Director: Samuel Bayer
Genre: Horror, Fantasy
Why it made my list: The former Music Video director should make the new Freddy rock. I miss the comedic appeal of nightmare stalking Kruger and am excited to see what Michael Bay’s horror remake team has done with it.
IRON MAN 2 (May 7th, 2010)
Plot: The Highly anticipated sequel to our first foray into the Iron Man mythos. Tony Stark returns and this time he brought friends.
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Sam. L Jackson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paul Bettany, Don Cheadle
Director: Jon Favreau
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Sci-fi
Why it made my list: The first movie launched Robert Downey Jr. back into superstar status. This star studded cast should provide a great movie that we all hope is as fun of a ride as the first one.
ROBIN HOOD (May 14th, 2010)
Plot: The legendary English archer Robin Hood returns to fight the barons who have wronged the people of England after the death of King Richard.
Cast: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, William Hurt, Max Von Sydow
Director: Ridley Scott
Genre: Action, Drama
Why it made my list: I dare say Ridley Scott is one of my favorite directors of all time. His action packed movies are always linked to history in a believable way and I have a feeling this will be one of the best Robin Hoods ever. With actual English accents this time (looking at you Costner)
PRINCE OF PERSIA
THE SANDS OF TIME
(May 28th, 2010)
Plot: A prince teams up with the enemy’s princess to stop a tyrant from releasing the sands of time and in the process destroying the world.
Cast: Jake Gyllenhall, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley
Director: Mike Newell
Genre: Action, Adventure
Why it made my list: A noticeably more muscular Jake Gyllenhall will bring one of my favorite video games of all time to life. Storyteller director Newell (Donnie Brasco, Harry Potter) should make it an entertaining and fantastic joy ride through time and back.
THE A-TEAM
(June 11th, 2010)
Plot: Four Iraqi war vets are framed for a crime. They are out to get their honor back with the US military.
Cast: Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Jessica Biel
Director: Joe Carnahan
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Why it made my list: Come on! It’s the A-Team. The director of “Smokin Aces” is bringing the beloved television series back to life, with Liam Neeson as Col. Smith to boot. I demand awesomeness and expect nothing less. I pity the fool who makes a bad A-Team remake!
JONAH HEX (June 18th, 2010)
Plot: A voodoo necromancer plans to liberate the south by raising an army of the undead. He is pursued through the wild west by a scarred bounty hunter.
Cast: Megan Fox, Josh Brolin, John Malkovich
Director: Jimmy Hayward
Genre: Action, Horror, Western
Why it made my list: Megan Fox.
TWILIGHT: ECLIPSE
(June 30th, 2010)
Plot: In the strangest love triangle ever Bella must choose between the Vampire (Edward) and the Werewolf (Jacob)… again.
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Dakota Fanning
Director: David Slade
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Thiller, Emo
Why it made my list: I’m not exactly a fan of the watered down vampire romance movies in the twilight saga. I saw the first one and was not impressed but I’m sure many a 12 year old girl will make this movie a big deal again in 2010. I am also sure there will be a lot of sighing and awkward silence in the film. But this time it is directed by the same guy who did “30 days of Night” so maybe this one will be violent and at least entertaining.
PREDATORS (July 7th, 2010)
Plot: An elite military unit is hunted by a ruthless alien race.
Cast: Topher Grace, Andrien Brody, Danny Trejo
Director: Nimrod Antal
Genre: Action, Sci-fi, Thriller
Why it made my list: Forget all the AVP movies. This is a true sequel to the original Predator movie. In the spirit that “Aliens” is a sequel to the original “Alien” movie. It will be interesting to see Topher instead of Arnold though.
THE EXPENDABLES
(Aug. 20th, 2010)
Plot: A team of mercenaries go blow stuff up in South America and overthrow a dictator.
Cast: Read Below
Director: Sylvester Stallone
Genre: Action, Adventure, Awesome
Why it made my list: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Eric Roberts, Randy Couture, Steve Austin, Mickey Rourke, Brittany Murphy, Gary Daniels, Senya Amoaku, Danny Trejo, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger! If this movie came out in 1989 there would have never been another movie made till the new millennia.
PRIEST (Oct. 1st, 2010)
Plot: In a post-apocalyptic world a priest goes to retrieve his niece from the vampires who kidnapped her.
Cast: Paul Bettany, Cam Gigandet, Maggie Q, Christopher Plummer
Director: Scott Stewart
Genre: Action, Horror, Thriller
Why it made my list: Don’t really know a lot about this one. But it’s the director of Legion and that looks pretty good. Plus ever since I saw Paul Bettany play Geoffrey Chaucer in Knights Tale I thought he was pretty cool.
HARRY POTTER:
AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS
(Nov. 19th, 2010)
Plot: Harry is back to fight Voldemort in this part one, of the two movie grand finale to the Harry Potter Series.
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham carter,
Director: David Yates
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
Why it made my list: The director of the previous two Potter movies will finish out the series with a two part movie finale. Expect the decade of Potter to be about over.
TRON: LEGACY
(Dec. 17th, 2010)
Plot: Step back into the world of Tron while an employee tries yet again to take out the Master Control.
Cast: Jeff Bridges, John Hurt, Michael Sheen, Serinda Swan
Director: Joseoh Kosinski
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure
Why it made my list: Is there any way this movie can be as futuristic and cool as the first one was at the time of its release? I doubt it, but the idea that it ever could got it on this list.
So there you have it. This is what I plan on seeing in the upcoming year. I’m sure there will be some that I haven’t heard about or others that didn’t look good at first glance but turn out to be great. Hopefully this list will let you know what to expect and look forward too. As the year progresses expect to see some Armchair-Critic.com reviews for these films. Keep watching.
