Films to seek out in 2009

Here are some worthwhile future releases to accompany our developing world of political change:

The Wrestler
Tipped as Mickey Rourke's greatest ever performance, an Oscar win is certainly on the cards. Hopefully grossly underrated director Darren Aronofsky may finally get the recognition and success he truly deserves.

Che, Parts One and Two
Already screened at Cannes, Benicio Del Toro's stunning performance as the revolutionary icon Che Guavara could provide one of the closest races for the Best Actor Oscar in living memory. Although if he loses out to Mr. Rourke, he could always pick up a statuette next year with part two!

Tooth Fairy
Funny man Stephen Merchant and Dwayne Johnson (A.K.A. the Rock) starring together in a Hollywood Film! What isn't there to like!?!?!

Public Enemies
Already known as Heat 2, Michael Mann gives us an adaptation of Bryan Burrough's book, Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave. Set against the Great Depression of the 1920's Christian Bale will play FBI agent Melvin Purvis hunting down criminal John Dillinger played by Johnny Depp. Expect an epic!

Crank: High Voltage
Considering Jason Statham's character Chev Chelios died after falling out of a plane in his last film it is hard to predict how the next film will overcome this narrative problem. But if it is anything like the original get ready for a high octane, albeit cheesy, action thriller. After all, Statham is the only man who really seems to be filling Schwarzenegger's shoes.

Star Trek
With J.J. Abrams at the helm, this prequel may well be worth catching after all.

Avatar
Over ten years since James Cameron has written and directed a movie, he is back to what he does best with a dystopian and action filled sci-fi.

This Side of the Truth
A dip in form with Ghost Town, Ill give Gervais the benefit of the doubt for his first self scripted and directed full length feature. A comedy set in the future where people are unable to lie it could turn out to be a comedy with real substance.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Heath Ledger's last role has been kept alive through the perseverance of his thespian friends Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell. Combined with the sheer determination of director Terry Gillingham I believe there to be one last masterpiece left in the both of them.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
David Fincher and Brad Pitt's third collaboration. A depiction of a boy who is born old and progressively grows younger this strange and somewhat quirky film will hopefully do better than the overlooked although brilliant Zodiac.

Frost/Nixon
A gripping drama that depicts the monumental moment in history where underdog David Frost managed to combine television with politics with the larger than life and villainous figure of Richard Nixon. If you see one Ron Howard film this year make sure it is not The Da Vinci Code 2!

Revolutionary Road
American Beauty Director Sam Mendes is back on familiar ground with his adaptation of Richard Yates's novel of the same name. Leonardo Di Caprio and Kate Winslet are back together again although this time fighting against the restrictions of a 1950's American, suburban marriage.

Terminator Salvation
Although Arnie may not be involved, this sequel should not be dismissed just yet. Approved by James Cameron himself and starring Christian Bale as John Connor it may just work. Set during the war between man and machine, which we have only previously seen through flashbacks, I am intrigued to see how it all plays out. Perhaps Bale can bring to life yet another dead franchise.
Inglorious Basterds
Long awaited Quentin Tarantino WW1 tale is finally scheduled for release at some point next year. After several years in development we can forgive his Death Proof glitch and pray for his return back to form. Although don't be surprised if it is delayed once again.

Valkyrie
Tom Cruise and Kenneth Brannagh as Nazi agents being directed by Bryan Singer, I am already sold!

Watchmen
Commonly known as the Citizen Kane of the comic book world this is one of the greatest novels ever written. I doubt Zack Snyder can recreate the atmosphere, philosophy, politics and raw violence envisioned by Alan Moore but I am remaining positive. After all he may have directed the terrible 300 but I admire someone who is willing to take on a project previously turned down by the cinematic greats Terry Gillingham and Darren Aronofsky.

Slumdog Millionaire
Already receiving much critical praise, Full Monty scriptwriter Simon Beaufoy and Trainspotting director Danny Boyle should pick up a BAFTA or two for their gritty tale of a Mumbai street kid seeking a better life through the Hindi Who Wants to be a Millionaire.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Originally scheduled to be released amongst the mediocre films this Christmas, this potential family film of the year was sorely missed.

Bronson
An adaptation of the warped Charles Bronson's life should provide plenty of controversy, drama and violence!

The Descent Part Two
As Neil Marshall's talents are blinded by the bright lights of Hollywood he is only credited as an executive producer for this sequel. As he directs actioner Drive with Hugh Jackman a lack of involvement may turn out to be a good thing.

The Road
If done properly Cormac McCarthy's best written novel of a father and son trying to survive in a post apocalyptic world could be a valid contender for film of the year.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Riding off the back of four Golden Globe nominations this is said to be writer and director Woody Allen's return to form. Having said that, anything would be an improvment on Cassandra's Dream.

Milk
Gus Van Sant directs Sean Penn who depicts the first overtly gay man elected into American office, Harvey Milk, who is assasinated a year later. This could mark Sean Penn and Gus Van Sant's most intriguing film for a while.

Rachel Getting Married
I have been fortunate enough to have already seen this brilliant film. For my review read my London Film Festival article.