9 Most Anticipated Films of 2010

These aren't in any sort of order:

NEVER LET ME GO
Dir. Mark Romanek    Release Date: September 15th

Based on the best selling novel of the same name by British author Kazuo Ishiguro. Never Let Me Go is a great story about relationships that span a lifetime, with a slight sci-fi undertone.

Mark Romanek  is known most for his award winning music-videos for artists like Nine Inch Nails and Michael Jackson. He his first feature length film was ONE HOUR PHOTO. Which starred Robin Williams.

Never Let Me Go stars Andrew Garfield (The newly cast Spider-Man in the franchise reboot), Carey Mulligan ( Academy Award Nominee from last year's An Education), and Keira Knightley (Academy Award Nominee).

Try to go into this film not knowing much about the story, it will be much more rewarding in the long run. Although I do recommend reading the book.

Never Let Me Go Trailer  is slightly a spoiler. Check it out if you're interested.



THE SOCIAL NETWORK
Dir. David Fincher      Release Date: October 1st

Based upon the true story (screenplay based upon the novel The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook by Ben Mezrich) about how Facebook came about.

The Social Network has a gripping, and emotional story. It's the tale of a Harvard graduate who put life's social networks online and become an idol for it.

David Fincher is known for such films as FIGHT CLUB, SE7EN and BENJAMIN BUTTON.

It stars Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland, Squid and the Whale), Andrew Garfield (Never Let Me Go) and Justin Timberlake ( Alpha Dog).

I recommend reading the novel as well.

The Social Network Trailer


DUE DATE
Dir. Todd Phillips   Release Date: November 5th

Due Date is about a road trip gone wrong, in which an expectant father (Robert Downey Jr.) is forced to hitch a ride with an aspiring actor (Zach Galifianakis) so he can make his child's birth. The premise sounds fun, and after last year's THE HANGOVER I'm more than willing to give Phillips a chance.

This could be the comedy of the year.


Due Date Trailer




127 HOURS
Dir. Danny Boyle   Release Date:  November 5th

Another fascinating true story, this time about survival and a man's struggle against himself and nature.

Mountain climber Aron Ralston (James Franco) is trapped in an isolated canyon after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm while he is hiking in Utah. He spends five days alone trying to free himself.

Danny Boyle is known for his critically acclaimed films such as SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (which he won the Academy Award for Best Director), 28 DAYS LATER, TRAINSPOTTING.

I loved Slumdog, and I'm a big fan of Boyle's distinct visual style. The trailer for the film gives me hope that this could possibly be his best film yet.

127 Hours Trailer



BLACK SWAN
Dir. Darren Aronofsky   Release Date:  December 1st

I have written quite a bit about Black Swan.  It's safe to say that if you enjoyed THE WRESTLER or REQUIEM FOR A DREAM you are looking forward to this film.

It's a psychological thriller/ horror set in a Ballet company in New York City.

It's the story of a perfectionist ballerina (Nathalie Portman) who's mental well being is jeopardized when another ballerina (Mila Kunis) seeks to take her role in the upcoming production of Swan Lake.

The film is said the be graphic, sexual, and terrifying. Essentially exactly what Aronofsky is known for.

Black Swan Trailer



TRON LEGACY
Dir. Joseph Kosinski    Release Date: December 17th

This one is the geeky guilty pleasure of the bunch. Having been a fan of the original TRON since I saw it on a dusty VHS tape, I was over-joyed when I found out about Tron Legacy.

It's the direct continuation of the story, set about 20 years after the original.

Joseph Kosinski is best known for his commercial work, having done commercials for Nike and other big companies. His sleek, simplistic style is the perfect match for this project. Much a kin to Kubrick, who would have been my first choice for this project (R.I.P  S.Kubrick).

Another exciting aspect to the film is that Daft Punk is providing the score. Another perfect fit for the futuristic world of Tron.

Tron Legacy was also filmed in 3D much like Avatar. This is obviously much better than post-conversion 3D which usually ends up not working out to well a la Clash of the Titans. So the 3D aspect should be entertaining and could add some great depth to the film.

The film stars Garret Hedlund and Jeff Bridges among others.

All in all I'm super excited, hopefully its worth seeing.

Tron Legacy Trailer



SOMEWHERE
Dir. Sofia Coppola    Release Date: December 22nd

It's the story of a Hollywood bad-boy type reconnecting with his daughter and making changes in his life.

Like I said in the previous post I'm a big fan of Sofia Coppola so this film is definitely on my list.

Somewhere stars Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning.

Watch the trailer here, it's very well done:

Somewhere Trailer



THE ILLUSIONIST
Dir. Sylvain Chomet   Release Date: December 23rd

A struggling illusionist travels to a sleepy Scottish town where he meets a girl who thinks he is a real magician.

This story comes from a screenplay written by Jacques Tati (Playtime, Mon Oncle) that was never made into a film until now.

The animators have made the Illusionist resemble Tati, since he would have most likely starred in the adaptation had it been made.

This is an animated feature from French filmmaker Sylvain Chomet, known for his previous film THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE.

I highly recommend seeing Triplets, it's an amazing film filled with beautiful animation and a touching story.

The Illusionist Trailer

and a little something extra:

The Triplets of Belleville Trailer


TRUE GRIT
Dir. The Coen Brothers      Release Date: December 25th

True Grit is the second film adaptation of the book by Charles Portis. The first film, titled True Grit as well, came out in 1969 and John Wayne won an Academy Award for Best Actor.

True Grit is the story of Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), a 14 year old girl who searches for the drifter that killed her father. She persuades the an alcoholic marshal (Jeff Bridges) to help her find the killer.

Little is known about the film since only this production still has been shown and there's been no trailer.

But if you're a fan of the Coen Brother's other works such as FARGO, THE BIG LEBOWSKI, BLOOD SIMPLE, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, as well as last year's A SERIOUS MAN, you will no doubt be anticipating this film.

I know I am.

True Grit stars Josh Brolin, Matt Damon, Bridges and Steinfeld whom I mentioned above.

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Well thanks for reading! Please list your most anticipated films in the comments below.

SOMEWHERE

Somewhere is Sofia Coppola's new film coming out December 22nd in the states.

Sofia Coppola is known for her critically acclaimed films such as Lost in Translation and The Virgin Suicides. She is also the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather).

Somewhere stars Stephen Dorff  and Elle Fanning.

I'm quite excited for this film, I have enjoyed all of Sofia Coppola's films to date even Marie Antoinette which rubbed some critics the wrong way.

I think Coppola is great with composition and each shot is emotionally complex. It makes for a much different viewing experience than the films that rely heavily on plot. With Coppola you can just marvel at the scenery and the music of the film and be content. Which is pretty impressive in my opinion.

Here is the link to the trailer for those of you that haven't seen it:

Somewhere Trailer