Welcome to Movie Musings with Laremy, a weekly feature that dives into the weekly happenings around the cinematic landscape. As it’s the start of a new year we thought we’d trot out a few fearless predictions for 2010. Enjoy!
1. The Coveted Role of Moriarty in the Sherlock Holmes Sequel Will Go To…
Jackie Earle Haley. Everyone has been hoping for Brad Pitt, but when has Brad Pitt ever been sinister? No, if you want a scary fellow you go with a guy who has been Rorschach and Freddy Krueger. Playing Prof. Moriarty will allow Haley to complete the trifecta of creepy, unless you’re already counting his work in Little Children.
Bonus Random Thought: There’s a chance I could be talked in to Joe Pantoliano. He’d complete his own, though lesser, creepy trifecta when Moriarty combined with his work in Goonies and The Matrix.
2. Iron Man 2 Will Outearn The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
New Moon cleared over $600m in worldwide box office, a feat Iron Man couldn’t pull off. However, the tide will change in the summer of 2010, with Iron Man 2‘s earlier release date cementing its place as the box-office champ of the summer. The final worldwide cume will look something like this: Iron Man 2: $775m, Eclipse: $600m.
Bonus Random Thought: Both films are very fortunate that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is a winter release.
3. X-Tina Will Get an Oscar Nomination.
You know what The Academy loves? Singing. What do they love even more than that? Professional singers who give acting a shot. Christina Aguilera is appearing opposite Cher in Sony’s Burlesque, currently scheduled for a late November release. The critics will rave, she’ll pick a supporting nod, and then…
Bonus Random Thought: She’ll win. She’s got a massive voice, she’s naturally entertaining, and Cher knows how to share the screen. The Academy won’t be able to resist Entertainment Tonight running “From ‘Dirty’ to Oscar!” segments. Get your bets in starting now.
4. The Best Picture Winner Will Be…
Love and Other Drugs, directed by Edward Zwick (Glory, Blood Diamond) and starring Jake Gylllenhaal and Anne Hathaway. The topic? Male performance enhancement drugs. It will be a tender (though searing) look at what it is to be a man in the 21st century. The Academy will give itself loads of credit for being so subversive.
5. ESPN Will Begin Production on a Film Slated for a Major Theatrical Release.
They’ve been dipping their toes in with the 30 for 30 documentary series. And they’ve hinted at the idea of theatrically released content before. But in 2010 I think we’ll see some big announcements from ESPN, with the massively popular scribe Bill Simmons trying his hand at a sports film screenplay. Great sports films are becoming rare, while ESPN’s resources continue to grow. Thus, the first true “sports movie” studio will be born.
On that note, my crystal ball is spent.
Check out last week’s Movie Musings here
Laremy is the lead critic and senior producer for a website named Film.com. He’s also available on Twitter, where he predicts you’ll find him entertaining.
