The first day of the year is like baseball’s spring training – it’s all optimism, all the time.
Unless you’re a Pittsburgh Pirates fan. The “wait ’til next year” cries in the Steel City begin before pitchers and catchers even report.
So let’s look ahead and tick off the reasons 2009 could be something special for film fanatics.
- Sacha’s back: “Borat’s” Sacha Baron Cohen returns with “Bruno,” the new comedy based on his outrageous gay fashionista character. Expect a cultural firestorm as the gay marriage debate rages on, but audiences will likely be laughing too hard to complain.
- The King of the World’s next movie: “Avatar,” James Cameron’s first theatrical release since “Titanic,” is due by year’s end. It could establish 3-D movie making for good. Or it might be “The Abyss 2.” Either way, it’s the must-see movie of the year.
- A BDS break. Bush Derangement Syndrome has inspired more than a few awful movies over the last few years. With President Obama in charge, expect a massive drop in conspiracy-laden dramas and factually challenged documentaries. Filmmakers will still milk their unexpurgated hatred for all things Bush, but it won’t dominate the film world as it has for the past few years.
- Super, man: The crush of superhero movies shows no sign of abating, with promising features like “Watchmen” and “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” heading our way.
- Technology price drops: The weakened economy could drive companies to lower the prices of high-def sets, Blu-ray players and other home movie theater goodies.
(Photo: Do these superhero costumes make us look fat? A trio of heroes from the upcoming flick “Watchmen,” based on the popular comic book series)
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m eager to see 2012 and The Road …. say, how about Hottieboombalottie?
Happy New Year
I tend to be less optimistic, (I’m a die hard cynic, what can I say?).
What I’ve heard of Avatar,if true, sounds like a preachy enviromental flick. I’ve yet to see anything in the new 3D tech out there so if we can salvage something good out of the film so much the better.
I also expect the BDS to be even more open and pervasive. The combination of Bush leaving office and a socialist winning will make them lose what little restraint they’ve shown in bashing him and conservatives.
On an Obama note, one ad for ABC’s New Year’s show talked about ‘change’ in the new year, ready for ‘change’, a new start.
I think my cynicism is sadly justified.
On a positive note I am looking forward to the new PIXAR film.
Opus … I think the anger of the BDS types will dwindle a bit, although if The One doesn’t live up to the hype that anger will need a place to come out.
Yeah, I watched Ryan Seacrest sputter out ‘hope’ and ‘change’ about a dozen times last night. That and the word ‘amazing.’ How ’bout we give the “A” word a rest for a spell?
And if anyone can make 3-D a justifiable form for today’s cinema, it’s Cameron.
One day, people will speak of ‘The Great Superhero Movie Bubble of 2009′.
Count on it. There has already been grumbling about his cabinet picks, and he hasn’t even served a day as president yet! Remember that the angry left also hated Clinton, a fact that most people seem to have forgotten. If and when they they turn on him, expect the same sort of language they used against Rice and Powell (before he turned to the cause of Hope and Change).
I don’t see them turning on Obama, complain a lot yes, but not turn on him. They’ll never use the same names and insults that were used against Rice, Powell or any other minority conservative.
Regarding BDS, the Oscars…….if I had to make a new years prediction it would be that it will be a Bush Bash.
Yeah, the Oscars will likely be a forum to bash Bush … and ignore Obama’s lack of support for gay marriage.
But as for the future … even if Hollywood turns on Obama I suspect they’ll do so quietly. The far left groups (Soros and co.) will be more vocal, but I can’t imagine, say, Julia Roberts, slamming Obama in an interview.
One film I’m looking forward to is Mall cop. Looks like stupid fun.
Christian, you forgot to list the Coen Brothers’ next film, “A Serious Man”! Anytime they have something in the works, it’s something to look forward to.
Serious omission on my part, Nick. Every Coen movie is an event at this point…