5. "Tron Legacy" - December 17

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund and Olivia Wilde

What it's about: When Sam Flynn's father disappears, the search to find him takes Sam to the virtual world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for the past 25 years. Now, father and son embark on a life-or-death journey across a cyber universe that has become far more advanced and much more dangerous than it was all those years ago.

Why you should care: The original "Tron", while extremely dated by today's standards, was a visual wonder when it came out in 1982. It has gained a cult following and after over 25 years, it's finally getting a sequel. The teaser trailer, while giving no real clue to what the plot will be, was still impressive and showed that people can expect a darker and more hostile world than the original "Tron" boasted. With fantastic visuals, 3-D effects and the return of light cycles, "Tron Legacy" should have more than just a cult following this time around.

4. "Shutter Island" - February 19

Director: Martin Scorsese

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo and Ben Kingsley

What it's about: Two U.S. Marshals are sent to a remote institute for the criminally insane located on Shutter Island because one of the murderers mysteriously disappeared. As the Marshals start to investigate the strange reformatory though, they slowly uncover more than they wanted to know about Shutter Island.

Why you should care: Scorsese and DiCaprio proved they're a potent combination after the release of "The Departed" in 2006. The script is based on the book, "Shutter Island," written by Dennis Lehane who also wrote "Gone Baby Gone" and "Mystic River" which both translated extremely well to the big screen. All of this adds up to a potential Oscar-worthy movie, so expect this mystery-thriller to be well worth seeing when it's released in the coming weeks.

3. "Toy Story 3" - June 18

Director: Lee Unkrich

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Joan Cusack

What it's about: Andy, the beloved owner of the miniature stars of the film series, is going off to college and the toys are uncertain about their future. Where they end up is in a room filled with toddlers who have little disregard for keeping their playthings intact.

Why you should care: If there's one thing that's certain, it's that Pixar knows how to craft a great movie. They're notorious for taking home the Academy Award for best animated film and they even earned a best picture nod for "Up". Since "Toy Story 3" is the continuation of one of their most popular franchises, expect it to receive just as much care as their best picture nominee. As one of Pixar's first big successes, "Toy Story" looks to carry on the tradition with its third installment as a movie both kids and their parents can enjoy because it doesn't matter how old you are, "Toy Story" is a film everyone can love.

2. "True Grit" - December 25

Directors: Joel and Ethan Coen

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin

What it's about: A 14-year-old girl, along with a lawman and an aging U.S. Marshal, track down the killer who murdered the girl's father in hostile, Native American territory.

Why you should care: "True Grit" is seen as an American classic in the eyes of many because the original starred John Wayne as the lawman; true fans of the original, then, may be less than accepting of this modern retelling. Fans of the original need not worry, however, because if there's anyone that can handle this film with the treatment it deserves, it's the Coen Brothers. By shifting the protagonist from the lawman to the little girl, this movie should play out much differently than the 1969 original. The Coen's have also signed on phenomenal actors, making this movie not just another remake, but a more than likely Oscar contender for next year.

1. "Inception" - July 16

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page

What it's about: Very little plot details have been released but it's the mystery that makes this movie all the more interesting. "Inception" is a science fiction action film that takes place in a world where entering peoples' dreams is possible and an idea can become a powerful weapon.

Why you should care: Though the plot seems vague and the trailer isn't any more revealing, it sure made this movie seem unique and entertaining. With no 1970s original or book to go off of, this film will be completely new and very different from any of the other movies to be released this summer. Nolan is on a great run with some excellent films and "Inception" should continue the streak. With DiCaprio topping the list of big-name talent, this film should be more than just eye candy and that's why it takes the number one spot on this list.

By Nick Baker

Comments(1):

1. Movie Selection

   I like the idea of this list, but I'm not sold on your picks. It would be nice if there was like a second opinion from the main movie review guy, Matt. Just a thought.

   Thursday, February 25, 2010 Erik