Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett in Robin Hood
A new decade, a new year and a bunch of new films to get excited about over the next twelve months – yey!
The big thing of 2010 will definitely be 3-D and, as such, the revival of packed cinemas thanks to the shiny new technology that has emerged over the last couple of years. Forget the retro cool card glasses of the last century; it’s all about comedy, oversized Buddy Holly style gigs in this millennium. It also seems to be the year of the remake and sequel, fear not though, there will be plenty of new stuff and indie films coming your way too.
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Nottingham is going to be celebrated in the only way Hollywood knows how, with a big budget Robin Hood movie from one of the biggest directors of the last four decades, Ridley Scott, inspiringly called Robin Hood. With, allegedly, the most historically accurate portrayal of our City’s most famous son, it will star the oldest Robin Hood to date in Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian and Brit actor Matthew Macfadyen as the Sheriff of Nottingham. With release date set for mid-May, rumours are that the premiere may be held in Nottingham.
A Nottinghamian to keep an eye on is Toby Kebbell, who is in both Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. The boy has done good and both films are expected to be blockbusters in 2010 and boast co-stars in the form of Jake Gyllenhaal, Nicholas Cage, Megan Fox and Ben Kingsley.
Sequels
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| Ms.Johansson as Black Widow in Iron Man 2 |
No-one likes a good story to end and thankfully, in some cases, some long anticipated sequels are due to be released throughout the year: the Fanboy favourite, following the 2008 success of the first film, will be Iron Man 2 starring Robert Downey Jr., Scralett Johannson and Mickey Rourke. After revealing his superhero identity to the world in the last film, Iron Man may end up regretting that decision when his hands become rather full with resisting government pressure and fighting his enemies. Expect the expected - but done really well. After a massive ten year wait and an entire script re-write, Pixar are finally releasing Toy Story 3; Andy has grown up, gone to college and left his toy box behind in a day care centre. With all the original voice cast and new characters to boot, this is set to be one of the top films of the summer. Another franchise that has waited a full decade is Wes Craven’s Scream 4; the Scream films helped the resurgence of horror in the nineties and spawned numerous parodies and homage, but have they had their time? Starting again with a new trilogy, Kevin Williamson is back on script writing duties – here’s hoping it’s a big hit and not a massive mistake.
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| SJP in SATC 2 |
One for the ladies will be Sex and the City 2; part-filmed in Morocco, I can tell you little else as the plot appears to be a closely guarded secret (but if you do want some spoilers, head this way). For all those who have had their hearts captured by the vampiric forces of the Twilight trilogy, sorry, saga, the third instalment, Eclipse, is due for a June release. Longing looks, sparkles and angst are all guaranteed. November will see the release of the first part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (the second part will be released in 2011). Since Dumbledore shuffled off this mortal coil in the last film, Voldemort is now in control of Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic – seems Harry and chums have got their work cut out for them. The topical yet odd fellow of the sequel list for 2010 is Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps. As the first ever Oliver Stone sequel, Michael Douglas is back as the newly emancipated Gordon Gekko in this financial thriller. Yeah there’s loads and I haven’t even mentioned these: Little Fockers, Jackass 3, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Dawn Treader, Saw VII and Shrek Forever After. Warning: Saw and Jackass are in 3-D...
Remakes
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| Freddy is back on Elm Street |
The words “leave it the hell alone” seem to fall on deaf ears and egos in Hollywood a lot of the time; let’s see who wasn’t listening in 2010. First up is Evil Dead. Any fans of the originals (yes, plural) will know that the first one was released in 1981 and labelled as a ‘video nasty’, then there was a sort-of remake in 1987 followed by a sequel in 1992. Oh, and they were all great in a lo-tech, proper funny horror way, so why Sam Raimi has decided to remake it is beyond me. Other horror remakes include from the 1970s, The Crazies and Piranha, and a ‘reimagining’ of the 1980s cult classic Nightmare on Elm Street. The latter has escaped a complete bashing by only being produced and not directed by the king of cleavage, army love and explosions, Michael Bay. Another potential abomination is The Warriors, it’s set in LA this time instead of New York, great. The epic Clash of the Titans will be hitting screens in Marchand promisingly stars Liam Neeson as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes as Hades and British Bond Girl Gemma Arterton as Io. And just to prove nothing is sacred, Karate Kid starring Jackie Chan and the spawn of Will Smith, Jaden Smith. You don’t even want to consider what they’re having a go at in 2011...
Action, Sci-Fi and Horror
Although a lot of this category fall into sequels, remakes and local categories, there are still plenty to warrant a section of their own: Takers is the new Hayden Christensen (Baby Darth Vadar) vehicle, the plot follows a gang whose plot to steal $20 million is jeopardised by a hard-boiled detective. Getting all biblical is Legion, God gets disenchanted with humans so decides to unleash the apocalypse with the help of some angels. From Paris With Love is the French based thriller starring John Travolta, an FBI agent, and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, an embassy worker, whose paths cross during missions, hopefully as James Bond inspired as the title suggests. Following on the vampire fetish that seems to been reinvigorated is futuristic thriller, Daybreakers, released this month. Another January, post apocalyptic release with big names is The Book of Eli starring Denzil Washington, Gary Oldman and Tom Waits. A lone man fights his way across America to protect the only key to saving humanity.
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| Danny Trejo is Machete |
Tarantino and Rodriguez have teamed up again to make a film based on the faux trailer between their grindhouse films of 2007. Machete should be action packed and hilarious with Danny Trejo as the hero of the piece. On more of a thriller/horror tip is Martin Scorsese’s latest blockbuster, Shutter Island, starring his one of his favourite actors, Leonardo DiCaprio. Set in the 50s, there’s insane asylums, murderesses and a US marshall; with a strong cast and director it’s likely to be worth a watch. The Expendables must be the most anticipated film of 2010 when it comes to action, with Sly, Arnie, Dolph Lundgren, Jet Li, Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, yeah, you get the picture. I doubt the plot will make any sense but with all that testosterone flying around, it should make for an interesting watch...
Adventure and Fantasy
With the 3-D capabilities better than ever before and people needing a bit of escapism in their lives, there’ll be a number of fantasy and adventure films in 2010 that won’t be just for the kids. Harry Potter aside, the biggies this year will definitely include Alice in Wonderland - it’s had more remakes than most but the classic story can bear a number of retellings and visions. Tim Burton, master of the weird and wonderful, will surely emphasise the macabre side of the tale rather than just the cute and from the looks of it, it’s going to look amazing. Chris Columbus (Harry Potter, Home Alone and Night at the Museum) gives us Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief in February. A mythological, adventure led tale of a boy descended from a Greek god who takes on the tasks of his ancestors. If you fancy a giggle, check out Dwayne Johnson, aka The Rock, in Tooth Fairy. A big bloke becomes a tooth fairy for a week, thus hilarity surely ensues. How to Train Your Dragon is the animated tale of a Viking teen who doesn’t quite fit in with his tribe’s tradition of dragon slaying. In 3-D, this film looks set to rival Shrek on humour and story.
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| Alice in Wonderland | How to Train a Dragon |
It's a bit of a wait but innovative director, Michel Gondry, is bringing Green Hornet to the big screen - for anyone not around in the 60s, the Green Hornet is a superhero with a martial arts expert as a side kick. With a strong cast and a character that’s not been done to death, this should be one for those who love a bit of superhero action. From the land of computer games, Tekken has been turned into a film. A brave move considering previous computer game films haven’t exactly been the most watchable movies ever. Here’s hoping that the back story of the game and the use of martial arts will be enough to hold it together...
Comedy
Feeling a bit miserable? A good horror not raising hairs and a smile? Well, hopefully one of these will be released at an appropriate time to raise your spirits. Steve Carell played it as funny as you can get in Anchorman with Paul Rudd, so hopefully, Dinner for Schmucks, will also contain a big helping of the amusing idiot. In his second comedy of the year, Date Night, he is part of a classic mistaken identity plot leads a couple on a bit of an adventure. Cemetery Junction may not sound that funny but with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant penning and directing it, the 70s based comedy looks set to be a good one. Owen Wilson voices the lead in comic strip adaptation, Marmaduke. What’s not funny about a dog getting into trouble lots? Robert Downey Jr. Has stepped away from the big action adventures for Due Date, from the director of The Hangover, this promises to be a hilarious road movie...
So, there you have it, a brief glimpse at how 2010 will be panning out in the film world. And remember: hang onto your 3-D glasses, it’s the perfect way to feel a bit better about not having handed over an additional 80p to the scum who believe their popcorn has been lightly dusted with gold.
Coming to a cinema near you in 2010
Write Commentby Beane Jan 06, 2010, 10:32:31 amwoah there - let's not forget 'Predators' with Danny Trejo in!
by Jared Jan 06, 2010, 10:51:34 amMost excited about: Machete, Iron Man 2 and Toy Story 3
Least excited about: Sex in the City 2
Most annoyed at the concept: Karate Kid remake
Most likely to disappoint: Robin Hood
Most likely to be a stooopid but funny watch at the cinema: The Expendables
by theonelikethe Jan 06, 2010, 11:12:45 amwell looking forward to alice in wonderland.
machete and toy story 3 should be good too.
by Metal Monkey Jan 06, 2010, 03:11:32 pmwoah there - let's not forget 'Predators' with Danny Trejo in!
SorryHow could I have missed a sequel to such a popular franchise... can you forgive me? I also missed the long awaited remake of Footloose which I imagine you were just too upset about to mention?
Personally, I'm most looking forward to Machete and Alice in Wonderland.
by floydy Jan 06, 2010, 03:34:31 pmthe road
and not looking forward to it, if you've read the book I'm sure you'll understand
by Metal Monkey Jan 06, 2010, 03:57:51 pmIs that the one from the writer of No Country for Old Men? Does sound quite bleak, you recommend though?
by theonelikethe Jan 06, 2010, 03:58:49 pm
I also missed the long awaited remake of Footloose which I imagine you were just too upset about to mention?
is this true?! say it ain't so!
by Stillman Jan 06, 2010, 05:31:50 pmiron man 2 ... not sure about it, trailer looks a bit iffy to me (but cheadle as war machine looks awesome)
shutter island though....
by Metal Monkey Jan 06, 2010, 06:43:02 pm
I also missed the long awaited remake of Footloose which I imagine you were just too upset about to mention?
is this true?! say it ain't so!
Yup. Was supposed to be your boy Efron but they've got Chace Crawford instead because Zac was tired or something... http://www.hollywoodgrind.com/?s=footloose
by Beane Jan 06, 2010, 06:49:50 pmwoah there - let's not forget 'Predators' with Danny Trejo in!
Sorry
Footloose? Is that some kind of spin off film from Predator? Sounds good. Tough marine unit stranded on foot, no tanks, limited weaponry. I'm thinking set somewhere in a desert or something. Will keep an eye out for it
As for 'predators' all you need to know is this...QuoteDanny Trejo plays a Mexican enforcer called Cuchillo from a drug cartel who has twin uzi strapped to his back
That's an oscar locked down right there baby
by Metal Monkey Jan 06, 2010, 07:10:50 pmFootloose? Is that some kind of spin off film from Predator? Sounds good. Tough marine unit stranded on foot, no tanks, limited weaponry. I'm thinking set somewhere in a desert or something. Will keep an eye out for it
As for 'predators' all you need to know is this...QuoteDanny Trejo plays a Mexican enforcer called Cuchillo from a drug cartel who has twin uzi strapped to his back
That's an oscar locked down right there baby
Ooooh, maybe my arm could be twisted for Snr Trejo, he's badass.
You're right about Footloose though, it is a spin off! It's gonna be a gritty tale about rogue Predators realising they must protect humankind. Now the aliens have been eliminated, they pledge to try to protect the human race by pulling loose all the feet of pin-up teens employed by mass corporations. The plot seems a little holey to me...
by Bloggertron Jan 06, 2010, 07:57:20 pmHave we forgotten about Tron?
by myhouse-yourhouse Jan 06, 2010, 08:26:51 pmReally looking forward to the Chris Morris film about Jihadists.
by Purple_Jim Jan 06, 2010, 08:42:50 pmI am looking forward to The Lovely Bones
by Purple_Jim Jan 06, 2010, 08:44:04 pmHave we forgotten about Tron?
Tron Cowdrey. WE WILL NEVER FORGET!
by Cookpassbabtridge Jan 07, 2010, 04:19:46 pmChristopher Nolan's new one will do rather well I reckon. He's gonna get well pissed off with people asking him about the next Batman film though.
But yeah, The Expendables is Cookpassbabtridge's 'Film Of The Year' already. It trumps Machete cast member by cast member. I mean sure, Machete has Seagal, but The Expendables has Stone Cold Steve Austin. Machete has De Niro, but The Expendables has Jason Statham.
by shifter Jan 11, 2010, 02:11:04 pmawesome, ive been out of the movie loop for a while and didnt know anything about this Expendables lark. Arnie, sly, willis?! WTF! Iron man 2 better be as good as the 1st one, best marvel film yet for me.does anyone know if the Avengers film is in the pipeline yet, hope they dont fuck that up. Definately keen on the new tron as well, especially in 3D
by Beane Jan 11, 2010, 03:28:27 pmNew Trailer for the A Team film with, erm, none of the original cast. Due out in June I believe...
http://www.411mania.com/movies/news/126433/%5BMovies%5D-Leaked-Trailer-for-The-A-Team!.htm
by Cookpassbabtridge Jan 14, 2010, 07:33:51 pmNew Trailer for the A Team film with, erm, none of the original cast. Due out in June I believe...
http://www.411mania.com/movies/news/126433/%5BMovies%5D-Leaked-Trailer-for-The-A-Team!.htm
Looks terrible.
by Metal Monkey Jan 15, 2010, 12:21:40 pmLiam Neeson looks like he's nailed the part of Hannibal, otherwise... looks like it could well be a bit gash.
by Jared Jan 15, 2010, 12:27:52 pmI watched this trailer last night too. Yeah, it looks gash.
Funny how Mr Neeson seems to have gone from being a very respectable thespian to a balls-out action hero in the last year or so. I blame Taken!
by floydy Jan 15, 2010, 04:29:11 pmyeah, 8 million a film could do that
by NS Jan 16, 2010, 01:21:04 amJust been to 44 inch chest (you fackin' cant). not as good as sexy beast. Ray Winstone gives what looks like a draining performance though, props. Nah shat it you slaaag !
by Cookpassbabtridge Jan 17, 2010, 02:51:47 pmI watched this trailer last night too. Yeah, it looks gash.
Funny how Mr Neeson seems to have gone from being a very respectable thespian to a balls-out action hero in the last year or so. I blame Taken!
The only thing Taken should take the blame for is trying to muster up some testosterone from our increasingly pussy nation of Royal Mail strikes and complaining about a bit of snow.
Taken is one of the best action films of the past ten years. It's essentially Commando but for the 21st century. Even the two plotlines are identical.
If anything Neeson is trying to erase his cringeworthy performance in The Phantom Menace by doing as many badass roles as possible. Batman Begins, Taken and now The A-Team may well do that.
He deserves a bloody good round of applause if you ask me. Ewan McGregor would have done the same if he could, but he's too much of a flesh lettuce.
by Beane Jan 17, 2010, 03:35:17 pmoh dear...<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/jy3TwgpOfr0&rel=0" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/jy3TwgpOfr0&rel=0</a>
Mr Miyagi wouldn't be happy
by Jared Jan 29, 2010, 12:24:39 am
I've just realised that the guy playing Face in the new A-Team movie is the guy from The Hangover. He was good in that, but I doubt he's going to be able to save the A-Team from being shite. for those that have yet to suffer the trailer, here it is:
In other shite-sounding remake news, there's going to be a TV series of Teen Wolf. Doh!
by New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Co. Jan 29, 2010, 12:14:06 pmOutside of the world of dreadful remakes and ill-conceived TV adaptations, A Prophet is on at Broaders this week and next and is supposed to be amazing. Real 'Best-film-of-the-year-yes-I-know-it's-only-January-but-trust-me' stuff. Anyone been to see it/planning on going?
The trailer makes it look a bit like a bog standard rise-and-fall ganster yarn but apparently it's a bit better than that. (what do I know, though? I haven't seen it yet).
by Stillman Jan 29, 2010, 01:10:05 pm
The trailer makes it look a bit like a bog standard rise-and-fall ganster yarn
I'm in for this reason alone. It can't fail to impress me, it's one of those genres that is guarenteed to entertain, a bit like revenge thrillers (point blank, out for justice)
by New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Co. Jan 29, 2010, 01:30:31 pmYes, sorry, reading that back it comes across as 'rise-and-fall gangster yarns are usually rubbish' but I didn't mean that, I meant this thing is supposed to be more than just a rise-and-fall gangster yarn, though that might not come across in the trailer.
It's a genre I like too, but I can't bear Danny Dyer, so I feel like around half the films in it are a closed book to me.
by theonelikethe Jan 29, 2010, 01:48:35 pmYes, sorry, reading that back it comes across as 'rise-and-fall gangster yarns are usually rubbish' but I didn't mean that, I meant this thing is supposed to be more than just a rise-and-fall gangster yarn, though that might not come across in the trailer.
It's a genre I like too, but I can't bear Danny Dyer, so I feel like around half the films in it are a closed book to me.
such an apt name though. he is fucking dire and needs to die.
by Daysleeper Jan 29, 2010, 02:51:39 pmOutside of the world of dreadful remakes and ill-conceived TV adaptations, A Prophet is on at Broaders this week and next and is supposed to be amazing. Real 'Best-film-of-the-year-yes-I-know-it's-only-January-but-trust-me' stuff. Anyone been to see it/planning on going?
The trailer makes it look a bit like a bog standard rise-and-fall ganster yarn but apparently it's a bit better than that. (what do I know, though? I haven't seen it yet).
Heard good things about it - seeing it on Thursday after work.
by Stillman Jan 31, 2010, 08:44:31 pmaccording to imdb, there is a new aliens vs predator reboot called "predators" coming out in may. It is beyond my understanding how since alien 3 any of these films turn out shit, but they always do. I think they should borrow more heavily from the aliens comics.
by Beane Feb 01, 2010, 12:16:53 pmaccording to imdb, there is a new aliens vs predator reboot called "predators" coming out in may. It is beyond my understanding how since alien 3 any of these films turn out shit, but they always do. I think they should borrow more heavily from the aliens comics.
I told you this in the second post in this thread. Keep up old crisp
As for the Alien films - it's all about the prequel that Ridley Scott's said he's doing after that Robin Hood monstrosity is finished.
Saw The Prophet last night. Not bad but well over hyped. I'd give it 7/10 noodles. Didn't quite understand the end either so if anyone else has seen it I might have to pick your brains a bit
by Stillman Feb 01, 2010, 09:16:33 pmaccording to imdb, there is a new aliens vs predator reboot called "predators" coming out in may. It is beyond my understanding how since alien 3 any of these films turn out shit, but they always do. I think they should borrow more heavily from the aliens comics.
I told you this in the second post in this thread. Keep up old crisp
As for the Alien films - it's all about the prequel that Ridley Scott's said he's doing after that Robin Hood monstrosity is finished.
Saw The Prophet last night. Not bad but well over hyped. I'd give it 7/10 noodles. Didn't quite understand the end either so if anyone else has seen it I might have to pick your brains a bit
Whoops
sorry beane. Let's hope ridley can restore some dignity to the films.
by Cookpassbabtridge Feb 02, 2010, 02:19:04 pmI thought Alien Resurrection was a good bit of fun actually. It wasn't bad at all, considering it was the fourth installment in the series. Usually they cock things up by the sequel.
by Daysleeper Feb 10, 2010, 04:09:56 pmSaw The Prophet last night. Not bad but well over hyped. I'd give it 7/10 noodles. Didn't quite understand the end either so if anyone else has seen it I might have to pick your brains a bit
I went to see A Prophet last Thursday. I loved how brutal and grim it was - pretty relentless at times too. But the last quarter got blooming confusing, I lost track of who was who. Will definitely have to watch the DVD to try and make more sense out of it.
I liked how the old guy in prison looked like Anthony Warrell-Thompson.
It was also nice to learn that if you fire multiple gun shots on a French street outside a busy cafe, you can still drive away in a big van without any problems.
