Stieg Larsson’s bestselling Millennium trilogy is inching closer to the big screen, with Sony in talks to develop American film versions of the three books, and the first of the Swedish versions due out early next year.

The nominations for 2010’s Golden Globes award ceremony are in – and there are certainly some surprises.
Everyone’s favourite poor man’s Oscars will take place on January 17 next year, and to give us all adequate jeering and scoffing time, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association today announced their illustrious potential award recipients.

The latest in a steady stream of ‘bromance’ comedies that have been infiltrating the cinema since Anchorman and Knocked Up were surprise hits, you know what you’re in for when you go to rent this film from your local Blockbuster. That said, this film was a box office triumph when it hit cinemas as word spread it was a cut above most frat-boy comedies. But after all the hype, upon finally viewing this film we were underwhelmed.

At least, not always. Films that studios allocate ridiculously bloated publicity budgets to are not always likely to be showered in glowing reviews and critical acclaim. Here we chronicle 2009’s most hyped films, some of which delivered and some that blew up in the studios’ faces big time.

Despite the considerable hype surrounding it, Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit is still yet to be green-lit by a studio, with reports now suggesting filming won’t get off the ground till summer 2010 at the earliest.

If ‘kidult’ films are the latest trend in Hollywood, Where the Wild Things Are would be at a Kate Moss level of cool, as the hype surrounding it demonstrates. But this is one movie that lives up to its press – the sumptuous visuals, amazing costumes and edgy soundtrack create an amazing and unique cinematic experience. There’s not as much in it for the kids as some parents might like, but the lack of family-friendly formulaic storytelling is also what makes it great.

It’s a case of all work and no play for Avatar director and all-around blockbuster wizard James Cameron. He’s jumping straight back on the production wagon, developing a new, as yet unannounced sci-fi script for Fox.

There was once a time when Sandra Bullock reigned supreme over the romantic comedy, but that time, as this film demonstrates, is well and truly over. This new ridiculous outing sees Bullock’s pushy book editor force her put-upon assistant to marry her to avoid deportation, and naturally (yet inexplicably) romance ensues. Even if you can put aside the formulaic stupidity, the chemistry between Reynolds and Bullock is about as poor as it gets. One to avoid unless you’re desperate.

As self-confessed avoiders of The Mighty Boosh, we weren’t sure how much we were going to enjoy the big-screen debut of the series’ director, Paul King. Luckily, this zany, surreal comedy proved to be touching and entertaining for even the simplest of minds. Despite the slightly jarring tragic moments at the end of the film and the few plot lulls in the middle, Bunny and the Bull is a lovely way to spend a rainy afternoon.

There are some things in life that you hype up to such a ridiculous extent, there’s no way they’re going to live up to your expectations. The media frenzy surrounding New Moon ensured there was very little chance it would live up to expectations, and surprise, surprise, it doesn’t. Golden Compass director Chris Weitz places the film squarely in cheesy superhero blockbuster territory with exaggerated special effects and embarrassingly corny love scenes. The only bright spot on the horizon is newcomer Taylor Lautner, who brings a surprising amount of warmth and likeability to the role of Jacob Black.