Look on the bright side…

…even if you’re broke you’re still going to be entertained. 2009 promises to be one very interesting and exciting year in movies. Expect some big returns, revamps and lots of action. One thing’s for certain: it’s the year of sci-fi and fantasy. From Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, to Watchmen and Star Trek, let’s just say nerds everywhere are rejoicing. This is going to be their year. Here’s what the new year is ushering in:

2012

ANGELS & DEMONS

I always liked Dan Brown’s first novel better than the better-known Da Vinci Code, and with this sequel (I know it’s a prequel because this is Robert Langdon’s first adventure, but reports say that it was filmed as a sequel) starring Tom Hanks again as Robert Langdon, with Stellan Skarsgaard and Ewan McGregor, this looks to be one of the largely anticipated movies of the year.

ASTRO BOY

Two words: Hell. Yeah.

AVATAR

THE BROTHERS BLOOM

DEFIANCE

DRAG ME TO HELL

DRAGON BALL EVOLUTION

I’m sorry, but I think this movie is destined for B status. It’s poorly-cast, and I have no idea how this is going to fly among hardcore Dragon Ball fans, seeing as how ridiculously different this movie looks from the actual anime it is based on. Best of luck, Dragon Ball Evolution.

DUPLICITY

FANBOYS

Finally finally fucking finally. I’d been waiting for this film for two years and its release date keeps getting pushed back.

FAST AND FURIOUS

G.I. JOE: RISE OF COBRA

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE

ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS

What makes me love this movie is that so many people (including myself) think that it’s somehow spelled wrong unintentionally by websites, only to find that Quentin Tarantino is just intentionally messing with you. Starring Brad Pitt as a member of a Nazi-fighting troop, the latest Tarantino offering promises to be lots of fun.

THE LOVELY BONES

Peter Jackson has been on hiatus since the Lord of the Rings films. He’s back with a film based on the excellent book by Alice Sebold. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel Weisz.

PUBLIC ENEMIES

Johnny Depp and Christian Bale tag team in this Michael Mann movie based on real events, the life of gangster John Dillinger.

SHERLOCK HOLMES

Didn’t I say this was going to be Robert Downey Jr’s decade? Along with Christian Bale, he’s one of the most bankable stars of the moment. Costarring Jude Law in this revamping of the beloved Arthur Conan Doyle detective and directed by Guy Ritchie, this is one of the most buzzed about movies out there. Here’s hoping Jude Law can redeem himself in this one.

STAR TREK

STREET FIGHTER: THE LEGEND OF CHUN-LI

Poor Kristen Kreuk’s movie is destined for the B movie shelves as well. Too bad that Street Fighter, a franchise that I think will never get old, can’t seem to churn out any good movies. I’m sure everyone remembers (or at least wants to forget) the horrible Van Damme-led Street Fighter movie of past.

THE SOLOIST

This year will be Robert Downey Jr’s year. Actually, it will probably be a Robert Downey Jr decade, maybe, because this guy has been on a non-stop wonder train, consistently wowing in films like Charlie Bartlett, A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, Iron Man, and in this 2009 offering alongside Jamie Foxx, this guy is pretty much on everyone’s it list right now. The Soloist is going to be a film that will most probably rake in some awards, especially for Jamie Foxx. It might just give Jamie Foxx his second Oscar.

TAKEN

Liam Neeson has never been a badass. Consider this the movie to be a badass. Yep. They should definitely change the tag line to that.

TERMINATOR: SALVATION

Probably one of the most anticipated films of 2009, McG’s Terminator Salvation is looking to be a blockbuster hit. Knowing Christian Bale and his knack for choosing movies that are full of character and substance, I am expecting this to be one of 2009’s money makers. You’ll see this movie because Christian Bale is in it, and he’s the most bankable actor these days. You’ll see this movie because well…it looks pretty badass.

TRANSFORMERS 2: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN

I’m sure Shia LaBeouf will redeem himself for the horrible piece of crap that was Eagle Eye. Now, if only Shia could do small, independent movies that actually have some substance, I would respect him more. This guy has a lot of potential. I wish he would do more interesting, more challenging roles. However, given the monstrous amount of money that Transformers made, I have no doubt that this will own in the box office as well.

UNDERWORLD: RISE OF THE LYCANS

Ooh, exciting! Although the awesome Kate Beckinsale won’t reprise her role as the kickass vampire Selene, and her real-life hubby and director of the previous Underworld films Len Wiseman won’t be coming back to direct this prequel, this looks to be one of the exciting films of the year. Hope it won’t disappoint.

WATCHMEN

Now, if only Watchmen could get out of lawsuit hell. If WB and Fox don’t get their shit together before the scheduled release date, I know many people who will be extremely angry.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE

X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE

If this isn’t the most anticipated movie of the year, I don’t know what is. The trailer itself was the subject of many a query, google and raving. Let’s hope this will be the first of many Origins to come.

YOUTH IN REVOLT

And of course there’s this little thing called Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration on January 20th. But I’m sure that will be a minor televised event.