Top 5 Best Upcoming Movies of July 2009

There will be a slew of very entertaining movies coming out in July of 2009, from a few laugh-out-loud comedies, the next box office blockbuster in a family film franchise, and even an amazing documentary. This is a look at the best bets for upcoming movies in July 2009:

Bruno - This is going to be the biggest blockbuster of these upcoming movies, especially after seeing the success of the adult-oriented flick, 'The Hangover'. Americans are just eating up comedies at the box office, from kid-friendly 'Up' to romantic comedy 'The Proposal', so expect Bruno to be big. Sacha Baron Cohen is quickly becoming our generation's Peter Sellers, with an uncanny ability to really become the characters he is playing, whether it's a Kazakhstan native exposing our silly American culture as Borat or an Austrian fashion icon turning homophobia on its head as Bruno, Sacha Baron Cohen brings the laughs at a time when we all need them. I just wish more people were laughing with him at these movies rather than at him (some people just don't get the point). Be prepared for the Austrian fashion takeover (seriously, have you seen Bruno's red carpet wear?) on July 10, 2009.

Public Enemies - If any of these upcoming movies have Oscar written in their stars, it's this one. The only problem is that this movie about classic American gangsters is being released so early in the year, which means it might not live up to the great cast and subject matter. I did enjoy Michael Man's 'Collateral', and maybe Christian Bale will be less annoying without the bat suit. But the real reason 'Public Enemies' is getting so much buzz is obviously because Johnny Depp will be playing gangster icon John Dillinger. Johnny Depp will probably get an Oscar nomination for this one, but if he doesn't bring home gold this year, I'm banking on him winning next year in his upcoming movies as he resurrects Hunter S. Thompson in 'The Rum Diary' or makes Willy Wonka look like less of a whack job as The Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland'. But for now Johnny Depp fans will have to settle for 'Public Enemies', in theaters July 1, 2009.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - If only life could be like a Harry Potter film! Audiences can hardly wait to hop back on that magic bus to a land of magic when this upcoming movie hits theaters July 15, 2009, and despite what you've heard about the last ones, this is supposedly definitely the darkest of the movies so far. Judging from the movie posters, this one is trying to take a page from 'Twilight' by focusing on the love lives of all of the characters involved amidst all of the evil, so be prepared for a lot of angst.

Funny People - Judd Apatow, director of 'The 40 Year Old Virgin' and 'Knocked Up' could have another winner on his hands with this upcoming movie starring Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann. I'm hoping we'll see less of the 'You Don't Mess with the Zohan' Adam Sandler in this one and more of the 'Punch-Drunk-Love' and 'Spanglish' version. (The more he tones it down, the more likeable he is.) The synopsis is simple: a dying comedian (Sandler) takes a young up-and-comer under his wing (Rogen). The result could be a comedy that makes you laugh and cry, and if it hits the right balance, it'll definitely be one of the best movies of the summer. Also look for Sarah Silverman, Andy Dick, Jonah Hill, Norm MacDonald, Ken Jeong, Eric Bana and Jason Schwartzman in this very capable cast. This funny movie full of funny people hits theaters July 31, 2009.

The Cove - The title and movie poster for this upcoming film (and knowledge that the movie was shot in Japan) conjure up thoughts of another of those Japanese horror movies that get remade in America, but while this could be one of the most horrifying movies of the summer, it won't frighten you the way you would think. It's probably going to be one of the contenders in the best documentary Oscar category, and it tackles a tough subject: the deplorable treatment of man's other best friend, the dolphin, in Japan. Be prepared to cry Hayden Panettiere-style as this movie hits theaters in limited release on July 31, 2009.

So whether you want to laugh, cry, or enjoy a cheap summer vacation in a magical world at the movies with your family this summer (a trip to Hogwarts is much cheaper than one to Disneyland), there's sure to be a few great upcoming movies this July that will help you escape the heat.

SOURCES: http://www.imdb.com/nowplaying/2009/07/