5. The Informant (Sept. 19)
Plot: What was Mark Whitacre thinking? A rising star at agri-industry giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), Whitacre suddenly turns whistleblower. Even as he exposes his company's multi-national price-fixing conspiracy to the FBI, Whitacre envisions himself being hailed as a hero of the common man and handed a promotion. But before all that can happen, the FBI needs evidence, so Whitacre eagerly agrees to wear a wire and carry a hidden tape recorder in his briefcase, imagining himself as a kind of de facto secret agent. Unfortunately for the FBI, their lead witness hasn't been quite so forthcoming about helping himself to the corporate coffers. Whitacre's ever-changing account frustrates the agents and threatens the case against ADM as it becomes almost impossible to decipher what is real and what is the product of Whitacre's rambling imagination. Based on the true story of the highest-ranking corporate whistleblower in U.S. history.
Personal opinion: With Matt Damon and The Soup's Joel McHale in the cast, I was already sold. This is being directed by Steven Soderbergh, who hasn't done anything great lately, so he's due. You may not be able to tell from the plot description, but this is supposed to be a comedy thriller. This sounds like it's either going to be brilliant or terrible. Of course, by me putting it this high, I'm banking on it to be the former. By the way, Matt Damon put on 30 pounds for this role and you can barely recognize him. Take a look:
4. Public Enemies (July 1)
Plot: In the action-thriller "Public Enemies," acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann directs Johnny Depp, Christian Bale and Academy Award® winner Marion Cotillard in the story of legendary Depression-era outlaw John Dillinger (Depp)—the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover's fledgling FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis (Bale), and a folk hero to much of the downtrodden public.
Personal opinion: Having Bale and Depp in the same film is a dream team. Having Michael Mann (Collateral) direct it is just the cherry on top. Let's just hope though that unlike in American Gangster these two acclaimed actors actually share the screen for more than five minutes. This doesn't seem like your typical 4th of July release, but I can't wait for it nonetheless.
3. Funny People (July 31)
Plot: Over the past few years, writer/director Judd Apatow ("The 40-Year-Old Virgin," "Knocked Up") has shown that nothing—not even losing your virginity or the miracle of childbirth—is sacred. About his third film behind the camera, he says, "I'm trying to make a very serious movie that is twice as funny as my other movies. Wish me luck!" Apatow directs Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann in "Funny People," the story of a famous comedian who has a near-death experience.
Personal opinion: After a string of varying in quality films produced by Judd Apatow, the comedy king is finally back directing again. The 40 Year Old Virgin is just an amazing film and Knocked Up was pretty good too, so I'm very excited to see what he has in store for us now. This one seems to have a more serious tone, but I don't know for sure yet. And casting Sandler seems odd since he's not considered part of the Apatow mafia, but I trust Judd and know that he'll get the best out of him. This right now is the can't miss comedy of the year.
2. Sherlock Holmes (November 20)
Plot: In a dynamic new portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle's most famous characters, "Sherlock Holmes" sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.
Personal opinion: Robert Downey Jr. could not be hotter right now and I'm eager to see what he has in store for his interpretation of the famed detective. I'm a bit worried by the fact that Guy Ritchie is directing it because I've never seen any of his films and really don't know his style. However, I can't deny that I love a good mystery and this should do nicely. It's helps having a good supporting cast with Jude Law and Rachel McAdams included. In case you weren't aware, this will be the first of two different movies about Holmes coming out. The other starring Will Ferrel and Sasha Baron Cohen does not yet have a release date.
1. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince (July 17)
Plot: Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn’t counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simpering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark one. Love is in the air, but tragedy lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same again.
Personal opinion: Was there any doubt that this would be #1? It is kind of sad though that my top film for '09 was actually supposed to be released last year. Still, it's obvious I and many others love this franchise and are excited about this film, particularly because it's based on one of the best books in the series. It's a shame the director from Order of the Phoenix is doing this one as well, but let's hope he learned from his mistakes and won't cut out so much material in this one. Even if you aren't a Potter fan, you can't deny that this will be one of summer's biggest movies.
So there you have it, all 30 have been revealed. Now let's just quickly get through the dregs of January so that we can start watching some of these!
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