Best of 2009!

So ends another year. We have not only that change, but the end of the decade and a full moon! The wolves are going to be out tonight!


Anyways, Yahoo! put together their "Most Watched Trailers of 2009". Over at RopeofSilicon was their opinion on the top 25 movies of the year. Im going to give one final post of the decade and rate my favorite trailers, top soundtracks, and my favorite movies.

Trailers of 2009: KEEP IN MIND. IM NOT SAYING THESE WERE ALL GOOD MOVIES. The trailer simply got me more excited than other previews...

12. Inkheart


11. Drag Me To Hell



10. Sunshine Cleaning



9. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince


8. Avatar

7. Nine



6. Watchmen



5. 2012

4. UP

3. Where the Wild Things Are



2. Transformers


1. Star Trek

BEST SOUNDTRACKS OF 2009:

5. Grey Gardens (Rachel Portman)

4. Coraline (Bruno Coulais & other various artists)

3. Star Trek (Michael Giacchino)

2. Up (Michael Giacchino)

1. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Nicholas Hooper)


The Ones Buzzing That I Havent Seen Yet that will no doubt change my best movie list.
Single Man
Me and Orson Welles
Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
Red Cliff
The White Ribbon
A Prophet
Up in the Air
The Hurt Locker
The Lovely Bones

Biggest Disappointments
5. Wolverine (I knew it would suck… but a tiny part of me wished it would have be amazing… something more serious -instead of campy/cartoony)

4. Monsters Vs. Aliens (Dreamworks follow-up to a favorite of mine (‘Kung Fu Panda’)… did not wow, and was just another film that over did the 3D)

3. Inkheart (I loved the Trailer… which tricked me into thinking this would be a great movie)

2. Transformers 2 (No story / just graphics only works for the box office)

1. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (Stunning cinematography, soundtrack, and graphics could not save a screenplay overly saturated with teen romances and an ending entirely void of emotion and action – notice I said screenplay… not story.)


Best movies (While thinking about this… I really realized how few non-blockbuster movies Ive seen...pathetic)
6. Coraline
5. Fantastic Mr. Fox
4. Star Trek
3. An education
2. Inglorious bastards
1. Up

Kick Ass

I like the premise...

Valentines Day

Valentines day... ugh. Typical. Anyways, I read the script a while back.... didnt really care for it. But the trailer looks great, much better than I would have expected. And it will obviously do well considering the cast (not to mention the ridiculous hype surrounding Taylor Lautner and Swift). I like seeing who was cast to play each character.

Clash of the Titans

I dont like this preview. It looks rushed. Compare it to "Avatar", that came out last week, and you will find... that there is no comparison. This just looks like jumbled action sequences that do not flow in the least. But, the story is one to look forward to... Hope it isnt all messed up in the end.

The Fourth Kind

So, check out this trailer. I dont have much of an opinion, but it looks like its up my alley. Kinda scary, but we'll see...

Goats

So, this is "The Men Who Stare at Goats", George Clooney's comedy that makes a huge string of his films that is coming out over the next year. The guy has been busy. So check out this trailer. It looks hilarious.

Avatar

Ok, so I didnt watch "Wolfman" before posting. Looks pretty good.

Anyways, James Cameron is back. Hes got plenty to live up to. (If you dont know who I'm talking about... look him up). But he is back with the CGI laden "Avatar". Again, I know nothing about this film. And am posting the trailer without watching it first. But, knowing me and my love for CGI and fantasy, the pictures look pretty cool. Lets watch together...

"Alice" trailer

The new "Alice in Wonderland" trailer is out! Well, sort of. It leaked online, and Disney quickly acted to hush it all up and premeire it as they see fit. Anyways, I cant find a spot that will allow me to show the trailer here on my site. So im going to forward you a link to the website... which looks frightfully like my own... called 'WHY AM I NOT MYSELF?'

Take a look at the trailer, though the quality isnt great, its certainly worth taking a peek at.

My take on it... its a teaser. But as much as a teaser is supposed to be exciting and 'tease' an audience, this one seems to fall short. I appreciate Johnny Depp, but dont like how the movie seems to be just as much about him as Alice. And I dont even think they made mention of the girls name, just his. Ugh... star power. Cant live with it... or without it. Anyways, im stoked about the Queen of Hearts/Carter. Thats fun in itself.

District 9

Return of the King! Peter Jackson is coming back, and apparently doing it in style only fitting to him!

This August, we are to be treated to his return (though as a producer) with the film "District 9". If you havent seen the trailer yet, check it out. Its great how it starts with a documentry like feel, then switches half way through. Certainly catches your attention....

And if you liked that, what do you make of the new promotional poster just released?

Dont Get Excited Just Yet...

I wish I could be excited about another M. Night Shyamalan film, but I'm at the point where I think the guy has had too many failed chances. Maybe he should just be a writer, his ideas are good... but poorly executed.

Regardless, there are those who continue to have faith in him, as 'The Last Airbender' is due out next summer.

I wont hold my breath for greatness...

Speaking of not holding ones' breath, there is a new trailer out for 'G.I. Joe'. And with each new trailer... it continues to look terrible.

Nine

Wow. I watched this trailer earlier today and was shocked at not only being unaware of the story already existing on broadway, but the cast for the film adaptation.... it just builds and builds throughout the trailer. Really, it is a pretty amazing group of people. All celebrities that have made tremendous influences in Hollywood (And managing to keep away from being consistent tabloid cover stories).

The story is apparently based off of Federico Fellini's film (arguably my favorite film of all time) "8 1/2" which was made into a broadway musical called "Nine" (something I never heard of until earlier today).

To put it plainly... the movie is about... well... I suggest just going to see it. Then read about it. There is so much within that film and stating it is fascinating does not give it justice.

Here is the trailer for "Nine", which is directed by Rob Marshall and looks wonderful.

2012

I saw this trailer months ago. And just now remembered it. With the Mayan calendar ending in 2012, and all the disastrous predictions, you had to have guessed someone was going to try cashing in. Yet, I have heard nothing, NOTHING, about this since I originally saw the trailer. So I did a little digging.

This film has a good group of actors, John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Danny Glover, Oliver Platt, Woody Harrelson and Directed by Roland Emmerich.

Ive been to quite a few movies this summer, and not once has this been advertised. From what I've read, it sounds similar to all other global disaster movies. But then again, I havent even found much to read.

The film is due out this November. What do you think of the teaser?

Shutter Island

Perhaps one of the most under-appreciated directors (if you count appreciation by number of Oscar wins in comparison to nominations), Martin Scorsese will release his next highly anticipated film Oct 2, 2009. This one seems like a horror film, almost, which is a very interesting change of pace for the only man with eyebrows comparable to my own.

None the less, take a peek at the trailer:

Pixar's Next Big Move... and something else....

Pixar just released the trailer for their next movie and only (thus far) franchise, 'Toy Story 3'.  I love the Toy Story movies, and look forward to the next, but would love to see some more Incredibles, Nemo, or Monsters Inc.  Alas, the next movie will be 'Cars 2', which... I dont think I could care less about (maybe I should re-watch it).  

Anyways, enjoy the trailer!

 And then... on a less exciting note, the next film in the Twilight series.... "New Moon" just released a new trailer.  What do you think?

DisneyNature

Disney recently put out the feature film 'Earth'.  With each ticket, a tree is planted.  Noble.  

What I didn't appreciate about 'Earth' was that it was basically all footage from the BBC's 'Planet Earth'.   That annoyed me a bit.  I hate feeling like we, in America, are thought of as idiots who easily forget or do not watch anything from other countries.

But now, they are readying their next project; 'Oceans'.

 I haven't watched all of 'Planet Earth' yet, but do not recognize the footage.  Which is great!  (Not to mention the animals of the ocean have always fascinated me, so Im much more excited for this one).  It is due out next year, April 22, 2010.  

Take a peak at the trailer.  Im assuming this is a teaser, as it seems just a bunch of footage placed together with some easy to edit to music.

http://disney.go.com/disneynature/oceans/

Pucker up!

Disney is FINALLY releasing a classic animation film!  We should all rejoice.  Especially, because animated films are finally becoming more and more diverse.  We have an Asian hero in UP and an African-American princess/(prince -  I think) in Dinsey's 'The Princess and the Frog'.  It looks beautiful.  

Disney released its Theatrical Trailer the other day. Check it out!

New Transformers 2 Trailer

So, it was just yesterday... or three days ago... that I was talking about all the exciting movies coming out this summer.  Now, how ironic is is that a new trailer for Transformers 2  was JUST RELEASED?!?!  

Ok.... Summer is approaching... so it isnt that ironic.  But lets talk Michael Bay and Transformers for a moment.  

Michael Bay is a unique direcctor... again, no.... Bret Raitner is desperatly trying to follow in his footsteps.  But Michael Bay is a drector who knows the blockbuster.  Do we always like it?  No.  But is Bay is the king of the popcorn movie?  

Yes.  

You will probably never leave a film done by Michael Bay with thoughts about how complex life is.  No.  You will leave screaming in the parking lot as you walk to your car "And then when the truck was lifted into the air and slammed into a jet.  The explosion was so huge, remember? OMG and then when the Eiffel Tower was bombed and the blast destroyed all of paris!"  

Yeah.... Thats Michael Bay.  

Anyways, you have to give him props.  The general public loves his movies.  Then again... will they go down in time?  (Have you seen Pearl Harbor more than once?)

But, I do have to say, I love me some Megan Fox.  She is going to be playing Aspen in Michael Turner's (RIP) comic turned film 'Fathom'.   Whether she

 is right for a leading role.... I doubt it.  But she makes anyone (man, woman, & gay man and woman) stare at the screen.  

Here is the new trailer I was talking about earlier.  Phew!  It sure is easy to get sidetracked!

Wolverine: Origins & Why It Is Hard For Me To Care

So, unless you are part of a terrorist group living in the mountains, we all know that the wolverine prequel.... cleverly titled "Wolverine: Origins" is due out in a mere matter of days.  Yaaaaay.......  

Now, I think I am the only Xmen fan that isnt excited about this.  Why?  Lets discuss....shaaaaaaall we?

Ok, so Bryan Singer got it right.  He was successfully able to translate a comic book into film for the first time in years.  (argue with me that there was a good comic book film since Batman Returns... because I dont remember one).  His films were extreme successes and cleared the road for Spiderman, Batman, and everything else that has hit the screen lately.  He also was able to revamp a comic book, update it, mold it, and keep fans glued to the screen.

 

 

That being said, Xmen 3 was an atrocity.  It was a laughable excuse for ending a franchise.  I admit, there have been worse (matrix revolutions...) but this was downright sad.  There were so many subplots (most without resolution), so many characters, and hardly any clever dialogue to tie a story together. Characters were coming in and out, making cameos, being killed off/sapped of their awesomeness.... and not at all in a way to do them justice.  And can anyone argue that the Phoenix story, that had a whole movie dedicated to developing it (x2)was done in a way that anyone (fan or not) could appreciate or even understand?  Even actress Famake Janssen was not happy!  I mean, can you blame her? She looked constipated throughout the entire film! And honestly, what would they call Juggernauts action figure? 'Bondage clad Juggernaunt'? Hope they got the actor's popeye expression right. End of story, my love for the xmen movie franchise has been tainted.

Now, we are treated with a Xmen Origins film.  Yes, I agree that it is a good idea.  And who better to have their own movie than Wolverine.  But can you look at the trailer and honestly think that this movie doesnt look like a huge sellout?  Young versions of Storm and Cyclops? Gambit not looking nearly as cool as I had imagined. Wolverine showing his ass (im not even kidding... there are nudie shots)? Using a totally different actor to play Sabertooth and Striker? and, seriously.... Ryan Renyolds?  Gross.

I mean.... my levels of skepticism are huge... But, all this said, I will no doubt go see it in hopes that this will all change.  All Im saying is that.... the addition of so much information is ridiculous.  Cameos are silly.  Changing actors is annoying.  And when we do look at the trailer, its jammed with so many explosions and teeth baring, it's story already seems diluted.  

We'll see...  I have very low expectations (not at all helped by the picture above), but I promise to let you know what I think of the film.  If it wins my attention back and rekindles my love for the series....I will eat every single word I've said against 'Wolverine: Origins' with oil covered chopsticks made of bamboo.  

Live Long And.... uh....

Its not often I use the word cute.  But the other day, my mom asked me a very cute question.  We were in the car and she says "Do you know what that new sign is that everyone is doing with their hands?"  I didnt know what she was reffering to.  "you know, the one like this" and she makes a very feeble attempt at crossing her index with her middle and her ring with her pinky - making a "V" in the middle.  I almost died laughing.  When I composed myself, I showed her the Star Trek sign "live long and prosper".  She claims that everyone is doing it on tv, and by everyone.... apparently she means Reece Witherspoon.  I came home and showed her the newest trailer, and realized what an amazingly well put together trailer it was. 

 Everything about it (minus the harold and kumar guy... who kinda looks silly in a serious role and the sex scene...that has never really worked for me in a sci fi film) is great.  Take a look at it again, it really has a beautiful action arc.  (click on the entire screen and let it take you to the youtube page, because for whatever reason, they get cut off on this site)

 

I saw Zachary Quinto at a bar the other night, and couldn't care less.  But now, after watching the trailer like four times yesterday, Im quite a bit more excited.

J.J. Abrams won me over with 'Cloverfield' and in general has a fresh take on sci-fi, something a nerd like me really appreciates.   And being a nerd, you might not believe when I say I have never seen anything Star Trek.... no movies, never a show, nothing.  So, I'm excited to be able to go to this movie as a newcomer, not expecting as much as everyone else.  

And I have to mention the music.  It is so good!  I had to find out who did it, and although it took me forever, it was worth it.  It is by a company called Two Steps From Hell and the song is called Freedom Fighters.  So, do you think that they editor of the trailer edited the footage to the soundtrack, or the composer created the piece for the trailer?  I dont know. (I tried downloading the music from here but it didn't work for me... and it isn't on Itunes as far as I can tell)

Freedom Fighters - Two Steps From Hell

Coming Soon...

I think many movies, and believe me when I say many, are bad.  It seems that so many of Hollywood's finest, have stopped trying.  My generation is who will either empower Hollywood or destroy it.  There are so many comic books, children's tales, and  saturday morning cartoons that make fans foam with excitement, simply at the thought of seeing their favorite characters on the big screen.  As Spring is now in full swing, so far we have be given Watchmen and now Wolverine is right around the corner, could we ask for more this year?  Always. But at what cost? Is it too much to ask, for a great movie once in a flipping while? I don't understand why we continue to get these huge budget disappointments!

Anyways, also approaching us this year is the cult favorite, G.I. Joe.  Now, if you are a fan of the series and clouded by your desire to see these fun characters on the screen, you may not have thought the same of the preview as I did.  It looks absolutely ridiculous (in my opinion).  If there is no explanation presented as to why someone can jump onto a recently crashed car, hurtling - no flying- down the street, climb on it, and jump off  in order to attack or save someone.... Im out. (I hated 'Wanted' ....btw.)

Then, there is the highly anticipated Where the Wild Things Are, by Spike Jonze.  This movie apparently has been a mess since the day the camera was first loaded.  

I found this on Wikipedia: "On February 20, 2008, rumors emerged that Warner Bros. was considering reshooting the entire film.^[3] Producer Gary Goetzman responded, "We support Spike's vision. We're helping him make the vision he wants to make."^[4]

Academy Award winning visual effects supervisor Howard Berger (The Chronicles of Narnia) turned down offers to work on the film four times. Although the book inspired him as a child to work in special effects, he felt filming it was a "horrible idea".^[5]

Anime voice actors Melissa Davis and Rachel Rivera were originally supposed to also provide voices for the film, but decided to not be involved"

So, Um... Yikes.  But!  Unlike G.I. Joe, this film has one of the best trailers I've seen this year.  Take a look, there may still be hope for this film!  Lets cross our fingers, knock on wood, and stay away from mirrors.... Ok, ok... this is Hollywood, I wont ask the last one of you.  ;)

Oh, and again... Do yourself a favor and watch it in HD.