As we turn away from 2009 with a grateful tear in our eye, we find ourselves immediately swept into the loving arms of 2010. Any reluctance instantly melts at the sight of the incredible cinematic treats which await us. Here are ten of the best, a bit about what makes them so great and when we can expect to receive them... Happy New Year indeed.1. Scott Pilgrim Vs The World (27th August)
Bryan Lee O'Malley's original graphic novels are a source of infinite wonder and joy. Titular hero Scott Pilgrim must do battle with seven evil ex-boyfriends in order to win the heart of his elusive dream girl Ramona Flowers. It's a unique fusion of computer game/indie band pop culture with inventive action, dry wit and sincere romance. If directing prodigy Edgar Wright can find a way to translate the striking look and mesmerising wackiness from page to screen, then this could be the next big thing you're obsessed with.
2. Twilight Saga: Eclipse (30th June US/9th July UK)
If you have a girlfriend, a sister, or are in fact a girl... then you will watch this at least three times this summer. Robert Pattinson's face and Taylor Lautner's abs continue to fight for Kristen Stewart's love, in a doomed effort to make her smile. A higher quota of vampire and werewolf fighting should make it just about acceptable for guys to sneak into cinemas full of swooning girls. Expect 'I like Twilight' to soon replace 'I Love You' as the phrase most women want to hear.
3. Toy Story 3 (18th June US/23rd July UK)
Returning to their flagship franchise Pixar simply cannot fail to make another hit. In contrast to Disney's embarrassing trend towards appalling straight-to-DVD sequels, it's nice to see Buzz and Woody back on the big screen. Hopefully polished visuals and fancy 3D will also be accompanied by a script which equals the multi-layered magnificence of its predecessors.
4. Alice in Wonderland (5th March)
A potentially perfect marriage of subject matter and director, Tim Burton takes us down the rabbit hole for Lewis Carrol's dark children's fantasy. His trademark Gothic visuals and the presence of Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter guarantees it will at least be interesting to look at and a bit odd.
5. Tron Legacy (17th December)
The 80's original pioneered CGI and its iconic neon style still has an enduring magical charm. This overdue and somewhat unexpected sequel should be a delightful success, provided it doesn't try to hard to update the 'futuristic' look of the first film and keeps its retro fan-base happy.
6. The A-Team (11th June US/30 July UK)
This continues the pattern of risk adverse Hollywood studios plundering the goldmine of 1980's television for proven winners in the absence of fresh ideas. Apparently 1990 was the last time anyone thought of something cool that didn't involve vampires. Interesting to see how the A-team works without Mr T. Perhaps he was too busy pimping snacks and 'World of Warcraft' to pity any more fools. But with a the right plot, good natured mercenaries who own a van could become very popular again.
7. Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader (10th December)
'Prince Caspian' was exponentially better than 'The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe', thanks to its maturing cast finally being capable of credible action scenes. Its plot was also less reliant on painfully heavy handed religious metaphors. 'Voyage of the Dawn Treader' always seemed to be the most popular of the books and TV series, perhaps because it explored the world of Narnia at it's most fantastical. Dragons, dwarfs, mermaids and a mouse knight voiced by a former transvestite comedian (Eddy Izzard) should make it an interesting adventure.
8. Iron Man 2 (7th May)
Looks set to follow in the proud footsteps of 'Spiderman 2' and 'Dark Knight' as a superhero sequel which is both bigger and better than a promising first outing. Robert Downey Jr is a perfect fit for Tony Stark, the billionaire playboy who dons a flashy suit to become Iron Man. He's captured just the right mix of playful arrogance and troubled intensity. Mickey Rourke's thuggish Russian villain, Scarlett Johansson in a catsuit and actions sequences pushed to the next level could make this brilliant.
9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I (19th November)
Harry, Hermione and Ron (*the world's most popular ginger) begin their final battle against the evil lord Voldemort, as the franchise grows darker and increasingly watchable. Although most of the satisfying resolutions will be saved for the climactic second part, this penultimate instalment of boy wizardry should still be essential box office magic.
10. The Beaver (release date unknown)
Watch Mel Gibson try to make you forget everything you wish you didn't know about him through the power of laughter, in this black comedy about a Toy company CEO who has a breakdown and starts letting out his inner angst though a talking beaver puppet. It's directed by Jodie Foster with a script rumoured to have been one of the best still on the market. Could be a major step towards public rehabilitation for Gibson, assuming you forgive him enough to buy a ticket.
Finally, Look out for.... Anna Kendrick.
The young Twilight actress is THE next big thing. Her performance in 'Up in the Air' has already brought her well deserved awards and countless nominations. She should soon find her self in the running for a best supporting actress Oscar. Expect her to be a household name by the time 'Up in the Air' reaches DVD. She's already finished filming Eclipse and Scott Pilgrim... keep an eye on her, greatness beckons.
