The following are movie release schedules with their current projected release dates as of 1/2009. These dates may change as the year progresses. Enjoy, and see you at the movies.
July Releases
“Public Enemies” – Johnny Depp plays John Dillinger in this biopic on the gangster. Directed by Michael Mann, also starring Christian Bale. Opens July 1, 2009
“2012” – It’s not the year 2525, but it’s just as disastrous… Roland Emmerich is behind this apocalyptic movie staring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Danny Glover, and Oliver Platt. Opens July 10, 2009
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” – No summary; I’ve not bothered watching any of these movies. Opens July 17, 2009
“G-Force” – A group of guinea pigs are recruited for covert government ops. Features the voices of Sam Rockwell, Tracy Morgan, Nic Cage, and Penelope Cruz. Opens July 24, 2009
“The Taking of Pelham 123” – Remake of the film about armed men hijacking a New York subway. Opens July 24, 2009
“Bandslam” – A high school outcast and the popular girl help form a band to win a high school “Battle of the Bands” contest. Stars Lisa Kudrow and Vanessa Hudgens. Opens July 31, 2009
“Funny People” – Judd Apatow movie with Adam Sandler as a comedian who has a terminal illness and who takes Seth Rogen under his wing. Opens July 31, 2009
August Releases
“G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra” – Stephen Sommers directs this adaptation of the TV cartoon series. Opens August 7, 2009
“Julie and Julia” – Based on, “My Life in France,” the memoir of Julia and Paul Child. Opens August 7, 2009
“Orphan” – A husband and wife lose their nine-year-old and adopt a not-so-innocent girl. Stars Vera Farmiga and Peter Sarsgaard. Opens August 7, 2009
“Shorts” – A mysterious, rainbow-colored rock grants wishes for anyone who holds it, and EVERYONE wants to have it. Directed by Robert Rodriguez. Opens August 7, 2009
“District 9” – Extraterrestrials become refugees in South Africa. Opens August 14, 2009
“Final Destination: Death Trip 3D” – The newest installment of the franchise, in 3D. Opens August 21, 2009
“The Goods: The Don Ready Story” – Jeremy Piven is the titular character- a used-car liquidator hired by an auto dealer to make their 4th of July sale profitable. Opens August 21, 2009
September Releases
“9” – In a post-apocalyptic world a being with the name “9” wakes up. Upon looking around he finds others like him and that it’s up to him to save what’s left of the world from the Machines. Stars the voices of Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, Jennifer Connelly, Crispin Glover, Martin Landau and Christopher Plummer. Opens September 9, 2009
“Whiteout” – Kate Beckinsale is a U.S. Marshall in Antarctica who must find the killer before the sun disappears for 6 months. Opens September 11, 2009
“Armored” – An armored car driver is coerced by coworkers to steal an armored car worth $10 million. Stars Matt Dillon, Laurence Fishburne, Jean Reno, and Skeetb Ulrich. Opens September 18, 2009
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” – A scientist plans to conquer global famine in gigantic proportions. With the voices of Anna Farris, James Caan, Bruce Campbell, and Mr. T. Opens September 18, 2009
“The Informant” – Matt Damon plays Mark Whitacre, a vie president-turned-informant on the dealings of agri-business. Based on the true story. Opens September 18, 2009
“Surrogates” – Bruce Willis and Radha Mitchell are FBI agents investigating a murder regarding a man who creates robotic replicas of people. Opens September 25, 2009
Actor Ricardo Montalban passed away from on January 14th. Born Ricardo Gonzalo Pedro Montalban y Merino in Mexico, Montalban arrived in Hollywood in the 40’s and played in many Westerns, usually as an “Indian” or “Latin lover.” The Studios suggested that he change his name to Ricky Martin, but he refused. He went on to play Japanese characters in film and TV, most notably the role of Nakamura in “Sayonara.” He’s more fondly remembered as Mr. Roarke in the TV series, “Fantasy Island” (1978-1984), the owner of a mysterious island where people can come and live out their fantasies for a price. In 1982 he reprised his role from the original “Star Trek” series in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” as the titular villain left by Capt. James T. Kirk on a planet. He was also known for being the spokesman for the Chrysler Cordoba, praising its “soft, Corinthian leather.” Montalban was 88 at the time of death.
British film and television actor Patrick McGoohan passed away on January 13th. McGoohan’s career dates back to the 50’s with appearances in “You Are There” and “Moby Dick Rehearsed” on TV, as well as films “Passage Home.” As his career took off he was offered the role of James Bond but turned it down, opting to create a spy who uses his wits instead of guns and created “Danger Man” (“Secret Agent Man” in the U.S.). The show ran from 1960-61 and 64-67 and had a good following. Toward the end of “Danger Man,” McGoohan was asked, “What does a spy do after retirement?” This led to the influential cult TV series “The Prisoner.”
Chas Andrews' Movie Blog 