Oh what a difference a couple weeks and a Pixar and a WATCHMEN trailer make. Because it's up to me, I've decided that the rules I set forth when starting this column have been thrown out the window. Buzz is buzz and it doesn't matter when the film comes out. It also makes it easier to make this column a weekly venture. I will try to refrain from buzzing about films that are not in production, because you never know about those films. So lets get to the films you can count on being featured on my most anticipated film list for both the Winter/Spring and Summer editions.
5) Crossing Over (TBD 2009)
This immigration story, starring Harrison Ford and Ashley Judd, was on my Most Anticipated Films of the Fall list. Now it's moved to 2009. That could be a sign of no confidence or a desire to give the film a chance by the studio. Check out the trailer and decide whether you feel it looks like a wannabe CRASH or a mind-opening look at a real problem.
4) Giallo (TBD 2009)
I love Dario Argento. The master of bloody Italian thrillers is now back with an English language thriller starring Adrien Brody. It's been awhile since Argento has been in the thriller genre but that's where he is the best. Hopefully the film is better than this crappy quality trailer on YouTube.
3) Monsters vs. Aliens (March 27, 2009)
With the first teaser trailer, we get our first look at DreamWorks Animation's 1950s sci-fi spoof. Ever since I first saw concept art for it, I thought it had potential. The trailer is about what I expected it to be. I hope it stands up to the success of KUNG FU PANDA when it comes to animated genre flicks. We'll have to wait and see.
2) Up (May 29, 2009)
Pixar has released a longer teaser trailer for its summer animated feature UP. This trailer introduces audiences who weren't at Comic Con to Carl's sidekick Russell, the cubby boy scout. I'm really excited about this one because it throws conventional wisdom in regards to children's entertainment out the window. A 70-year-old hero? Pixar doesn't care what kids want and it doesn't really matter. Now that's really a maverick.
1) Watchmen (March 6, 2009)
Until Zack Snyder's adaptation of the amazing graphic novel WATCHMEN comes out, it will remain the most anticipated film in my book. When they released the latest trailer, I didn't know it was going to be so story oriented. For those who don't know much about the source material, check out the new trailer. The faithfulness is impressive. I really hope it lives up to the hype.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
