2010 Advance Warning (#1-5)

5. Burlesque

Directed by: Steven Antin

Starring: Christina Aguilera, Cher, Stanley Tucci, Kristin Bell, Cam Gigandet

Let me get this out of the way. It is unfair that Christina is getting all the flak for this film. Admittedly, Burlesque has the makings of a major, major stinkeroo but let’s give Christina a chance. Let’s hold our judgment till we see if she can hold a candle against Cher . Then let’s decide whether Burlesque will score zero like Nine or razzle dazzle like Chicago . Nevertheless, I’m watching this film because of her. Musicals need REAL singers. I rest my case.

4. The Social Network

Directed by: David Fincher (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Fight Club)

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Andrew Garfield

It’s the Facebook movie! We all wanna know how the world’s most popular social networking site came about. We can trace its roots back to Harvard University where some geeks just want to be cool. What transpired after that involves naked women, cocaine use, billion-dollar lawsuits, and the unfriending of two friends.

3. Love and Other Drugs

Directed by: Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond, The Last Samurai)

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway

Jake is a ladies’ man. He meets his match in Anne. They are on sexy time mode 50% of the time. But she has Parkinson’s! Is she going to die? I don’t know. This looks predictable and cheesy. But Jake and Anne’s chemistry is so palpable that I’ll accept whatever they throw my way. Besides, we all need a cheesy rom-com every once in a while. I’m sold.

2. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Directed by: Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead)

Starring: Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Chris Evans, Anna Kendrick, Brandon Routh

This epic tale of epic epicness is so awesome that the most awesomely outrageous films aren’t awesomely outrageous enough in comparison. Scott Pilgrim, our geek-hero, must defeat the not-so-awesome seven evil exes of her awesome new girlfriend in order to win her heart. If that plot alone doesn’t sound awesome enough for you, then you’re better off with the glittery Edward Cullen and slutty Bella Swan. Btw, I just heard a confeeeermed rumor (but a rumor nonetheless) that Scot Pilgrim will not be shown here. How fucked up is that? We getVampires Suck and Twilight, but no Scott Pilgrim. Man, give me a break!

1. Black Swan

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, The Wrestler)

Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, Barbara Hershey, Winona Ryder

It’s no secret that Requiem for a Dream is my most favorite film of all time. Aronofsky’s adaptation of the Hubert Selby’s novel is a work of a true master. So naturally, I am expecting a lot from Aronofsky’s latest. After seeing Black Swan’s trailer, my expectations are now off the roof. Black Swan doesn’t look like your typical drama about rival ballerinas (not that we have plenty of that). It has psychological thriller, lesbianism, body mutilation, and identity crisis written all over it. Black Swan is the hottest ticket during the Venice Film Festival, where it was chosen as opening film.

Early reviews from Venice are mostly positive. They are raving over the stellar supporting cast, Natalie Portman’s unhinged performance as lead (I smell a Best Actress trophy), and Aronofsky’s direction that resembles the best work of David Cronenberg and Roman Polanski. To say that I’m excited to see this film is a gross understatement.

I will be posting other 2010 releases that did not make the cut. 2010 is shaping up to be a promising year for film.

Which films are you most excited about? Hit the comments section for your… uhmmm… comments.