Most Anticipated Films of 2010

We are well into 2010, and frankly the movies that have come out so far have been somewhat dispiriting. Many of the critics' most anticipated films have debuted to low numbers and critical pans (Wolf Man, The Book of Eli and Cop Out spring immediately to mind). That doesn't mean that 2010 doesn't have anything to offer movie-goers. There are plenty of films coming up in the next few months that may salvage 2010 yet. Here are my most anticipated films of 2010:

Most Anticipated Films of 2010: # 5. Paul

Release Date: TBA

A buddy comedy, road-trip alien movie sounds fairly amazing in and of itself, but when that buddy comedy stars Simon Pegg , Nick Frost, and just about every other comedian working today (Seth Rogen, Kristin Wiig, Jason Bateman, Jeffrey Tambor, Bill Hader, the list goes on) then it could potentially be the funniest movie of the year. Though frequent collaborator Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) will not be directing this time around, the film is still in very capable hands with Greg Mottola (Adventureland, Arrested Development).

Most Anticipated Films of 2010: # 4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I

Release Date: November 19^th

Like many Harry Potter fans, I'm both excited and reluctant when it comes to the two-part film conclusion of the book series. The excited part is self-evident, especially coming off of the last couple of films which have done a great job of capturing the spirit of the books, but the reluctance starts in when I consider that after the films are over, there will be no more to look forward to. David Yates directs both parts of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and excellent choice considering how well he handled the previous two films.

Most Anticipated Films of 2010: # 3. Winter's Bone

Release Date: TBA

Is Winter's Bone a possible early contender for 2010's Best Picture? It sure seems that way, judging by its big win at Sundance and the amazing amount of critical praise it garnered at SXSW. Currently making the rounds at film festivals across the country, Winter's Bone tells the story of drugs and family through the eyes of a young woman in a remote part of the Ozarks. Director Debra Granik and stars Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes have all seen critical lauding.

Most Anticipated Films of 2010: # 2. Iron Man 2

Release Date: May 7^th

Though I'm not convinced that Iron Man 2 can compete with the pure popcorn movie fun of the first go-round, it looks to be a great start to the summer movie season nonetheless. Stars Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow are returning, as well as director Jon Favreau. A whole host of big name stars are also joining the cast, making Iron Man 2 a no-brainer when it comes to deciding what movie to see the first week of May.

Most Anticipated Films of 2010: # 1. Inception

Release Date: July 16^th

As far as I'm concerned, Inception director Christopher Nolan has never made a less than stellar film. With Memento, The Prestige, and the Batman reboot under his belt, Nolan can seemingly do no wrong. Though the plot of Inception looks trippy and odd, there is no director I can think of to make this science fiction film work better than Nolan can. At the very least, the visuals alone should make this film worth seeing.

Sources:
IMDB. IMDB.com