Film Forecasting; DAY TWO - DISNEY/PIXAR

Another day, another studio.  Here's a look at the films going into production in early 2009.

Today: Disney/Pixar

"Alice in Wonderland" - Johnny Depp stars as the Mad Hatter in this Tim Burton directed live action/motion capture film also starring Burton's wife Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen.  I'm a huge fan of Burton's, from Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands and Batman to his recent greats Big Fish and Sweeney Todd, his dark tales are timeless.  With Depp and Carter (his muses) again, 'Alice' is promising.  ANTICIPATION RATING 4 out of 5

"Tron 2" - A sequel to the 80's film, again starring Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn.  I never cared for the original, and see no point in rehashing this franchise.  However, two of the writers from my favorite show Lost are writing the screenplay, so who knows?  ANTICIPATION RATING 2 out of 5

"The Sorcerer's Apprentice" - Nic Cage stars in this fantasy film based on the Goethe poem that also served as inspiration for the famous Mickey Mouse sketch in Disney's Fantasia.  This new wave of family friendly fantasy films has bored me (except for Golden Compass), and Cage has been lackluster as of late.  ANTICIPATION RATING 1 out of 5

"Mars Need Moms" - Robert Zemeckis directs this motion-capture film about martian children on Mars in need of Moms, who take them from earth.  This is based on an intriguing children's story, and Zemeckis is more than capable of bringing this story to the screen.  ANTICIPATION RATING 4 out of 5  

"Wild Hogs 2" - A sequel to the Tim Allen, John Travolta, Matin Lawrence film about mid-life motorcyclists.  The first was cute, so why not.  ANTICIPATION RATING 3 out of 5

"Up" - Pixar's newest computer animated film about a 78 year old widower living out his wife's fantasies.  An imaginative film from the only company that consistently makes quality family films.  "Wall-E" has been my favorite (thus far) of 2008, and "Up" sounds extremely charming.  ANTICIPATION RATING 5 out of 5

"Toy Story 3" - A threequel to the classic films starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen.  "Toy Story 2" was a rare sequel better than the original, so 3 has great potential, especially with the full voice cast returning.  ANTICIPATION RATING 5 out of 5

Sunday...Fox!