Upcoming Movies 2009

2009 is probably going to be another great year for movies yet again. The economy may be down but that won't stop audiences flocking to the theaters for the great movies coming out. My roommate keeps telling me that movies actually thrive really well during times like these because people want something enjoyable and entertaining enough to take their minds off the nation's situation. Every year we get our fair share of disappointments and surprises and this year will be no different. But to keep us on our toes, I'm going to make a list of movies that I'm excited for this coming year.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

This looks like a total winner. The action looks amazing, the effects, the cast and characters (who hasn’t been looking forward to seeing Gambit for god’s sake!). The plot line may be questionable, but let’s face it: we’re all wondering just where the hell Wolverine came from anyway.

Release Date: May 1

Public Enemies

I don’t know where this movie is going, but Johnny Depp as a gangster? Sold. The era is classic and perfect for the man that can pull off anything. Throw in Christian Bale, Giovanni Ribisi, and Stephen Dorff (an old crush of mine) and you most likely have a winner.

Release Date: July 1

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Heath Ledger’s last movie…sigh. I am looking forward to this movie simply because it looks AMAZING. Johnny Depp, Christopher Plummer, Jude Law, Colin Farrell. Talk about an all-star cast. Directed by Terry Gilliam, despite what people say, the man has an eye for cinematography and a great imagination. Let’s hope that this is a winner.

Release Date: June 6 (in the UK, but expect the same time here)

Where the Wild Things Are

My generation has grown up with this story. It’s a staple of our childhood. Ask anyone born in the 80’s and you’ll get an emphatic reply about how much they’re looking forward to it. There’s not much to say except, it’s going to be awesome.

Release Date: October 16

Inglorious Basterds

The next Quentin Tarantino movie. Those of you who know me, know that I am a diehard Tarantino fan. There isn’t a thing he’s done that I don’t like. The cast includes Brad Pitt, Mike Myers, Dianne Kruger, Sam Jackson as the narrator, and BJ Novak (who’s an Office fan?).

Release Date: August 29

New Moon

The sequel to the Twilight movie. I can’t say that I was the biggest fan of the first movie because of the cheesy electric guitar and pretty terrible camera work and unimpressive effects…and the second book is my favorite because it displays some form of tragedy in it. But I’m looking forward to a new director, Chris Weitz, and Robert Pattinson of course (my husband…)

Release Date: November 20

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

I’m such a big Harry Potter fan that I’m actually enrolled in a Harry Potter class. However, this was not my favorite book. Although I’m really excited (SUPER EXCITED) to see Luna Lovegood. I can’t wait and even though I don’t want to see Harry and Ginny make out (because I despise Ginny) it’ll still be on my list.

Release Date: July 17

Bronson

I just heard about this movie and have been watching the trailer nonstop. If you haven’t seen it, please feel free to click on the picture where you’ll be taken to the site to watch the trailer. I saw in the trailer that it’s going to be considered like the new A Clockwork Orange (one of my favorites) and the song really makes the trailer work. If you’re interested, it’s called “It’s a Sin” by the Pet Shop Boys. Anyway it’s Sundance’s number one choice for 2009 and it’s certainly mine as well

Release Date: March 13 (UK again, but we’ll see if it’s released here within the year)

Click here to see more!

All pictures are also clickable if you want to see more information about the films. Enjoy!

My Favorite Movie Scenes

OH NO! FAVORITES!

What makes a movie for me is the beauty of it. The "aesthetics" if you will. Colors, lighting, music, softly spoken lines of insightfulness, soft focusing, simple cuts. And not just scenes, but amazing insert shots of falling snow, flying feathers, or a blinking eye. Only a few come to mind when I think of great movie scenes and these can come from my favorite movies or some that I just happen to like all the same. So here's a list of 10 movie scenes I can think of so far. I'll probably do another one eventually. And I'll indicate my list of favorites by using the same heart icon every time I post a favorites list. Deal?

WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS!

10. Slumdog Millionaire (2008) – The whole part where two brothers are on the train selling their little cheap nothings. I love that Danny Boyle uses MIA’s song “Paper Planes” because it’s so fitting. Every time I hear that song I want to watch this movie.

9. Dawn of the Dead (2004) – The scene that always sends my heart racing is when they’re driving the buses and just as they burst through the gates they’re knocking down zombies but are immediately slowed by the sheer mass of bodies. Then the propane tank is shot and they all fall down like dominoes. Nothing but silence and awe as the survivors stare out over the calm. That part of the movie always gets my adrenaline running.

8. Moulin Rouge! (2001) – When Nicole Kidman dies and Ewan McGregor is crying. The camera pans over the scene where everyone backstage is circled around them and over the curtain where everyone is applauding. It’s bittersweet and ironic but I love it.

7. Penelope (2006) – When Christina Ricci leaves the wedding and runs up the stairs. Her dress flows behind her in slow motion sending out a flurry of feathers and her gorgeous hair flies behind her.

6. Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind (2004) – During the montage at the end, when his memory of Kate Winslet is dwindling down to nothing and the music picks up as he’s driving away. It starts as Kate Winslet whispers “Meet me in Montauk.” It’s heartbreaking.

5. The Fall (2006) – As the monkey, that belongs to Charles Darwin, runs to chase a butterfly, and is shot. When Darwin goes to the monkey and the guards all just run down the stairs and point their arrows at him. What a crazy moment.

4. Millions (2004) – Another Danny Boyle film (my second favorite actually) but the part that I love most is the one that doesn’t really go along with the films quirky plot. When the little boy tells the story about the bank robbery, the whole scene is amazing. The fast paced action and genius of the robbery is just too cool for words.

3. Le Fabuleux destin d’Amélie Poulain (2001) – There are 2 scenes I appreciate greatly. The part where they show Amelie as a child and play the opening credits and the part where they show what everyone likes and dislikes. I love it when Amelie dips her hand in a sack of grain and then goes to skip stones. It’s peaceful and it’s a life I wish I had.

2. Ratatouille (2007) – After the unveiling of Remy as the true chef and the review is being read aloud, there is soft music playing in the background and Remy denies going back home. Instead, he parks himself on a bridge and watches the Eiffel Tower all through the night and to sunrise. Paris is amazing.

1. Edward Scissorhands (1990) – The very end when Winona Ryder finishes her story and says, “sometimes you can still catch me dancing in it…” and Johnny Depp is making her ice sculpture and the music picks up and snow comes crashing down onto a pot of flowers. Absolutely amazing. Breathtakingly beautiful.

There you have it. My list of favorite scenes. These aren't all of them, but they're the ones I can recall most clearly.

Rantings of a Stunod

This blog is going to be dedicated to my humble opinions on movies, to present a new point of perspective (hopefully) and get some feedback on what others think. I like to think that my taste in movies is pretty eclectic and sometimes disagreeable. However, because I'm practically everywhere in movies, I can relate to everyone's favorite movies. I've seen bad and excellent films and my share of ok films, however, I rarely ever just like a film. I usually love it or I don't. Rarely any middle ground exists for me but I'll try to keep it on the reels (haha, get it?)

So enjoy my rantings and try to keep an open mind, usually I try to myself, and I'll do my best to keep you posted on movie news, upcoming events, and my own personal lists of awesomeness in film.

Thanks and I hope to see you soon!

P.S.

The picture is an homage to Amelie located in the Deux Moulins in Paris. I think it's a good likeness.