My 10 MUST-WATCH Coming Soon Movies

Alright, in a movieworld this humongous, it's hard to make up my mind on what to put on this list and what not to. Fact of the matter is, there are a LOT of movies I am really looking forward to, but I do have standards and a cutting line. For example, as much as I'd love to see films such as Peter Jackson's The Lovely Bones adaptation or Spielberg's new Lincoln biopic, they are way too far off to include in this list. As such, I decided to keep it as far off as summer this coming year, which seems fair enough. So here is a break-down of what I want to watch and what you should probably watch (or at least give a chance) come silver screen release.

10.) THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL
Directed by Justin Chadwick
Starring Eric Bana, Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson
Let's face it, I'm a sucker for historical flicks, especially well made one. But not every piece concerning some dysfunctional historical bozo comes out classic, take for example the shiny-but-not-quite Elizabeth: The Golden Age. But this one is different. You've got Bana as King Henry VIII and the two incredibly sexy leads as Anne and Mary Boleyn, two girls vying for his affection. All three are more than competent actors, in fact they're all great and very easy on the eyes. Then add into the mix writer Peter Morgan who churned out both The Queen and The Last King of Scotland last year and you've got a historical movie that makes me drool just by thinking about it (I swear it's not the girls, I swear.)

9.) THE GOLDEN COMPASS
Directed by Paul Weitz
Starring Nicole Kidman, Daniel Graig, Eva Green and Dakota Blue Richards
I'll be honest here, I'm still really skeptical on The Golden Compass. The first trailer managed to woo some magic into me, but the fact that they had to bank on The Lord of the Rings Trilogy's success for advertising did not seem to bode well, either that or New Line is really crummy. And while the footages do boast some excellent scenes, I still can't shake off the feeling that it might not go the distance still. Add the fact that this film is helmed by the director of American Pie and I've got myself a really confused opinion. Yet, I've managed to shake off my misgivings until I actually see the movie, and it even manages to get into my list. With a cast like Kidman, Craig, Green, Elliot, Lee and the voice of good old Ian Mckellen, there seemed to be no way this movie was going to pass by me unwatched. Oh, and the book's terrific. Cross your fingers that this one will be too.

8.) YOUTH WITHOUT YOUTH
Directed by Francis Ford Coppolla
Starring Tim Roth, Alexandria Maria Lara
Do you really need a reason to see this film? Oh wait, I'll give you ten good reasons why this film has to be seen. NUMBER ONE : It's Francis Ford Copolla's first film in ten years. NUMBER TWO - TEN: See number one. Initial reviews may be skeptic, it isn't a new Godfather by any chance. But at the very least, I'm not passing up the chance to see the return of one of history's greatest directors of all time, whether it comes in with a large bang or the faintest, but sweetest, of a whisper.

7.) THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN
Directed by Andrew Adamson
Starring Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, Willam Mosley
I may not have thought that the first film was a glorious film, but it was solid nonetheless. Now we've got the sequel coming up and the entire gang's returning for more. That means more lion fights, more earth-shaking battles, more warring teenagers and of course more talking beavers (don't ever forget the beavers!). And dare I say that this is the start of another trilogy? If this is not in your list, then it's your lost.

6.) IRON MAN
Directed by Jon Favreau
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard
Iron Man finally made it to the big screen, good for you, Stark. And while his comic counterpart is a tyrannic bastard these days, the good old classic Tony is still throbbing with life in this film. If you haven't seen the teaser then you don't know how much of the sleek cool you're missing. We've got the classic armor and the modern one, take into account a whole lot of awesome and this movie's just waiting the blow the scenes. Plus, Downey over Cruise any day. (sorry, Tom, you ain't Stark).

5.) AMERICAN GANGSTER
Directed by Ridley Scott
Starring Denzel Washington, Russel Crowe
We've got legendary Ridley Scott in the director's chair. We've got two great actors that just fit into their roles like Santa to his red jingle hat. And we've got gangsters, lots and lots of gangsters. Oh yeah... bring on the pain. Based on the true story of mob boss Frank Lucas, this film just screams silver screen magic. And while not everyone may be up to this kind of movie, it's definitely right up my deep, dark alley. Now hand me that shotgun, we've got work to do.

4.) THE BUCKET LIST
Directed by Rob Reiner
Starring Jack Nicholson, Morgan Freeman
We have good old Jackie and Morgan Freeman himself as two dying men looking for that last kick in life. The chance to see these two hit it off is worth the admission's price alone. And while Rob Reiner has been hitting misses recently, let's not forget When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men and Misery. This guy's good, and this film looks to bring him back on his feet. After seeing the trailer, I've already forgotten Rumor Has It and Alex & Emma. This film is a must-see, and the heart-string puller of the year. Ready your tissues, gentleman, and let loose those tear ducts.

3.) SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET
Directed by Tim Burton
Starring Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter
We've got Tim Burton and Depp in yet another twisted, macabre movie. So, what else is new? P.S. It's a musical. HOLY F***!!! Well, that was a twist. Based on the broadway musical about a man bent on revenge by slitting the throats of all his barber shop customers, this movie just screams to be watched... well, maybe it's screaming due to other reasons too. This film probably threatens to vie with The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford for longest title ever, plus, check out that funky hair Depp is sporting. If you've seen the trailer, rest assured this film yet again proves why Depp should be given an Oscar, and fast! And if you haven't seen it, well what the hell are you standing around for? Go, Bleeders, go!

2.) INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF CRYSTAL SKULLS
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett
Let me just say this one thing, Even Stevens dude has GOT to be the world's luckiest guy. After sharing a kiss with Megan Fox in Transformers, he's down with Steven himself in the long overdue chapter to the Indiana Jones series. Harrison's hair is now gray, he has a son, Sean Connery is nowhere to be seen, Russian troops are hunting them down instead of Nazis and Steven still insists on using old fashioned film. This movie may be old fashioned, but the Jones magic has always been classic, and I cannot express how much I've awaited the return of this movie and good old Dr. Jones. Welcome back, and lots and lots of snakes to all.

1.) THE DARK KNIGHT
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman
I admit this topping the list is partly out of bias. But can you blame me? Batman Begins was spot on the best incarnation of the character ever, and almost every cast was spot on. Now we bring everyone back, minus Katie Holmes (thank you, Lord!) for what seems to be a bigger, darker take on The Dark Knight. If the fact that the word Batman is nowhere near the title for once hasn't caught your attention, maybe the new Joker will. With the help of countless ingenious viral marketing campaign, Heath Ledger is more and more likely to becoming THE Joker adaptation to beat (yes, that includes Jack Nicholson and Mark Hamil). Just take a look at the picture here and dare tell me it doesn't shivers up your spine. And if that fails, just watch the teaser. I've always been waiting for this movie, but with what they've given us so far, it's apparent this is THE superhero movie to beat. And yes, Batman can kick the crap out of Superman anyday.... without kryptonite.

Enchanted Review

Let's face the hard truth here in the world of Happily Ever Afters, Disney is has fallen a looong way since ol'e Walt was still around.

There used to be a time when Disney could do no wrong, and nowadays it seems that it's the only thing they're trying to do and beleive you me it's working. There are brief moments of glory such as Pirates of the Caribbean when it came out not so long ago, but even that they buried in the dirt. Sad to say, the only gems they ever give out these days aren't even theirs (well technically they are), credit would have to go to the geniuses in Pixar.

And here comes a new movie, Enchanted. When I watched the trailer, all I thought was, "Now here's an opportune chance for Disney to clean our pockets by showing us how bad they've become". Seriously, I cringed at the trailer.

And now I've seen the film, and I've had to put my judgement on hold for an hour and a half. Let me tell it to you this way.

The film was campy, over-the-top, confusing, laughable, cheesy.... and surprisingly enchanting.

Well, if you could get over the fact that this is somewhat a princess movie making fun of itself by making fun of everything it was built on, then here it is for you. It seems that the only time these days Disney seems to be striking home is when the steer in a brand new course. Oh forget the beloved classics of years past, forget how to make them. Instead, if you want to make a good movie, we have to poke fun at them.

In their defense, the fun here is light-hearted and charming, and no where below the belt as they're hitting themselves. In stark contrast to many recent fairytale movie jokes (I'm looking at you Shrek) this movie at the least retains the enchantment despite the many cliches it holds unto, mostly because not only does it mix it up with some really good new ones, it also gives the old ones a brand new way to look at it. In the end, well you still know what the end will be, but at the very least you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much you actually enjoyed the trip. I sure did. It's no Happily Ever After just yet for Disney, but at the very least it's nice to know that they can hit a curve ball at us here and there. And besides, it's hard not to fall in love with a movie this adorable.

7.5 out of 10