Sherlock Holmes Movie 2009

The new Sherlock Holmes movie is set for a Christmas release in the US and any where from a December 24th to an April 3rd depending on what part of the world you live in. The movie, simply titled Sherlock Holmes, stars Robert Downey, Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Dr. John Watson.

There have been over 200 movies made featuring the infamous detective since he first appeared in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's tale, "A Tangled Skein", in 1887. While most have been based on stories written by Conan Doyle, there have been a number that used his characters, but created new stories for the movies. Such is the case with the latest movie, while inspired by the classic tales, it is a story that gives us a vigorous new portrayal of Conan Doyle's renowned characters.

Acclaimed director, Guy Ritchie has brought to life the as of yet unpublished story penned by Lionel Wigram. Wigram and Ritchie present a Sherlock Holmes never seen before. He is much more physically active than his predecessors and is a master at boxing, martial arts and sword play.

Set in London in the year 1891, the movie has Detective Sherlock Holmes and his resolute partner Dr. Watson engaging in a battle of wits and brawn with Lord Blackwood a nemesis whose plot is a threat to all of England. Blackwood is a dark robbed Satan worshiper responsible for the brutal deaths of at least 5 women with more demonic sacrifices on the horizon.

Rachel McAdams stars as Irene Adler, the only woman Holmes says has ever bested him and with whom he maintains a tempestuous relationship. The mysterious nemesis, Lord Blackwood, is played by Michael Strong.

Other cast members include: James Fox as Sir Thomas, Kelly Reilly as Mary Morstan Watson's love interest, Eddie Marsan as Inspector Lestrade, and Hans Matheson as Lord Coward. Bronagh Gallagher as the Palm Reader, Geraldine James as Mrs. Hudson, William Hope as John Standish, William Houston as Constable Clark, Robert Maillet as Dredger, Robert Stone as the Prizefighter, Joe Egan as Big Joe, David Garrick as McMurdo, James A. Stephens as Captain Philips and Terry Taplin as the Groundskeeper.

"Sherlock Holmes" will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

Corinne Mitchell is an avid Sherlockian whose blog http://www.thesherlockholmesmovie.com features news, trailers and stills related to the latest Sherlock Holmes movie, and celebrates Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson from 1887 to 2009.

Best Kids Movies in 2009 by Popular Demand

When taking a look at what might be the Best Kids Movies in 2009, a number of different ideas can enter in such as strictly the "best" new release movies, the best movie sales in theatres, best by critical acclaim, etc., etc.

I decided to boil this subject down to a simple list of movies that were most popular by sales in the formats of DVD and Blu-Ray - they do in fact include some new releases for the year of 2009, but there are some re-makes of classics this year that come toward the top of the list.

And what a list! Here it is:

1. Disney Pixar Up - Yes, Disney and Pixar have done it again. This is one of the most entertaining Pixar movies yet! The story is about an elderly balloon salesman that decides to fulfill his dream (in a way many people would consider a bit unusual) - and there are some others along for the ride. This is a nice movie for kids of any age and is very amusing!

2. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - The sixth year at Hogwarts brings the most adventure yet - Harry discovers his exact role in the final defeat of Voldemort. Another great Harry Potter movie, and a "must see" for any Harry Potter fan.

3. Coraline - This movie has the same director as The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach. It might be considered the "darkest" of them all! It is about a young girl named Coraline who desires major changes in her family relationships - but perhaps discovers that her life might not be so bad after all... (As a note, I don't personally recommend this movie for very young kids due to it's "spooky" and more than a bit bizarre nature.)

4. High School Musical 3: Senior Year - In this High School Musical version, Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Chad, Ryan and Taylor are in their final year of high school and they decide together to make it the most unforgettable year yet. A fun movie, especially for young ones who love these characters and/or movies.

5. Pinocchio 70th Anniversary - Here is the first of the "classics" on the list of the Best Kids Movies 2009, and it's a delightful movie for any age. The re-make of this movie is rather spectacular, and the message of courage, honesty and integrity is always a good one.

6. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - Yes, here is another movie on the hottest sellers for kids this year! It's impressive how the movie appears and sounds in digital format - especially Blu-Ray. This is a favorite for very young kids and little ladies too.

7. Ice Age Dawn of the Dinosaurs - The plot thickens for the unlikely prehistoric crew when Mannie and Ellie are expecting a little Mammoth in their family. It creates some interesting changes in the crew and some rather amusing events take place. Fun movie!

8. The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary - This is the third and final of the classic movies on this list and is an amazing re-make of the original. In my opinion this is another movie that is not the best for very young children - that wicked old witch can be just a tad bit too scary, but is a fun movie for families and kids about 6 or 7 and older.

9. Monsters vs. Aliens - This is one of the cutest newer movies on this list! The theme has an interesting twist - what if monsters were actually the good guys? A fun choice and a nice job by Reese Witherspoon who plays the main character, Susan Murphy.

10. Bolt - Personally I think this is one of the cutest movies I have seen for kids. It is about a dog who stars as a superhero in film and begins to take the role a bit too seriously. The plot thickens when he loses his owner and has to go out on his own to find her. John Travolta plays the role of Bolt and does a fabulous job!

Some may disagree with one or more of the movies above in terms of what they consider to be the "Best Kids Movies 2009", but strictly in terms of popular demand the above selections appear to comprise the definitive list. Speaking on a personal level I believe that these are some of the best movies for kids ever!

? Tonya Brisnehan

Tonya researches various categories of products for kids and adults, and is a writer online.

Find some great deals on all available formats of the Best Kids Movies 2009 - and some for the very little ones too? Visit: Best Kids Movies 2009 @ Squidoo!

Avatar - Biggest Movie of 2009?

One could say it has it all: the action scenes, the love story, the creative futuristic plot, and perhaps most noteworthy-special effects beyond what even today's high-tech society is accustomed to seeing.

Considering that Avatar reportedly cost close to $300 million to make, movie goers expected to be impressed with its animation. Thanks to its stereoscopic film making (new cameras were specially designed for this movie), Avatar boasts the most cutting edge motion-capture techniques ever used. While the movie is available in regular 2-D, most critics agree that it needs to be watched in 3-D (or even IMAX 3-D, which is shown in some areas), to truly give it justice. Unlike corny 3-D movies of the past, the fluidity of Avatar's scenes sets a new standard that will be difficult to surpass.

While almost all viewers agree that Avatar is worthy of its high-tech praise, not all are quite so eager to give accolades to the story line. Set in 2154, humans are mining for precious minerals on the distant satellite planet of Pandora. In order to excrete these resources, they must disturb the planet's ecosystem and its indigenous "people," the Na'vi. To placate the natives, scientists develop humanoids (a.k.a. avatars) to interact with them. It quickly becomes obvious that the scientists and humanoids are the "good guys" trying to find peaceful resolutions with the indigenous people and the big corporation and their paid military forces are the "bad guys" trying to exploit the planet for personal gain. The love affair between two main characters, an ex-marine who becomes an avatar and one of the native Na'vi, offers the dramatic twist to keep viewers engaged.

Some see Avatar's plot as overly simplistic. Others think it sends an overt liberal message due to its anti-war and pro-environment stance. Still others choose not to read too much into it and appreciate it for what it is-a wonderfully-made fantasy movie that is incredibly fun to watch.

Is Avatar the best science fiction movie of all time? Is it the epic breakthrough of this generation? Is it even deserving of all this hype? Whatever the opinion, there's no denying that it stirs up a lot of conversation and continues to draw people to the theatres. And for that reason, Avatar cannot be ignored as the biggest hit of 2009. As for the rest, only time will tell.

Visit BigPond Movies for information about all new movies including movie trailers and movie reviews.

What's Hot For Eyewear in Fall 2009?

Eyewear has become much more than just sun protection or vision enhancement: it is becoming an essential component to personal style. With every season, new styles emerge, or re-emerge, and Fall 2009 is no exception. Some stunning and stylish choices are available for both sexes, and there is an eyewear choice perfect for any style.

The Vision Council has recently published their picks for the hottest eyewear trends of the season in their Eyecessorize newsletter. Eyecessorize highlighted all the hottest styles of the season, which ranged from classic chic to futuristic glam. Here are their choices for the best of the Fall 2009 eyewear trends:

Best Fall 2009 Eyewear For Men

The favorite trends for men include a little bit of everything, from the past to the future. The first new fall eyewear trend for the guys is the "Classic Comeback", which shows the old fashioned frames from the 50's and 60's re-emerging. These were the times when eyewear was more basic, and you'll notice a lot of heavy frames, dark colors, and simple looks with this trend. Guys who like the basic but classy will love the air of sophistication these lend. The next trend for men was called "Flying High", referring to the perpetual popularity of the aviator style frames.

These pilot inspired glasses and sunglasses prove that some trends are timeless: the aviator style is perfect for guys who want to look classic and fresh all at once. The last trend for men was quite different from the other two choices: the "Sci-Fi Revival" is all about metallics, mirror frames, and shiny surfaces which call futuristic space stations to mind. The Sci Fi revival is actually more than a simple revival of Sci-Fi style, because 2009 has left its mark on this eyewear in the form of more unique frame styles than the previous generation of mirror shades had. If cutting edge trendy is your style, you'll love these.

Best Fall 2009 Eyewear For Women

The top Fall 2009 trends for the ladies range from a revival of old style movie glamour to ultra modern rocker chic. The first fall 2009 trend for women is the "Feminine Mystique". This style has its roots in the classics, but adds a modern twist with the uniquely tinted lenses: In Feminine Mystique style, the lenses have a gradient tint, with darker color at the top which fades into a much lighter tint on the lower half of the frame. If you are a woman who loves the look of casual yet refined style, this will work beautifully with your wardrobe. The next hot trend for women is the "Retro Redux".

This style is very much rooted in the glamorous classics of yesteryear. Think of Grace Kelly at her most stunning and you've got the essence of this style. Old style glamour will be yours with eyewear like this. The frames are inspired by looks from the 1920's and 30's, using the stark lines to create an all new glamour. The final top trend for women's fall eyewear is the "Rocker Chic". This trend is all about the bling: think rhinestones in pink, green, purple, and black, in today's trendiest patterns. Skulls, hearts, and splashy logos are the standouts in this ultra modern, rock star style. If you love tattoos and rock star style, along with some bling to spice it up, this is the look for you.

Eyewear today is an integral part of individual style, and the hot new choices for autumn are ones which you can really make your own. Whether you are male or female, you will find something to love in the Eyecessorize list of hot eyewear trends for Fall 2009.

Sarah Rose is the content editor for Just Eyewear. She writes about prescription eyeglasses and frames.

Top 24 Movies You've Gotta See in HD

Haven't yet sprang for your very own HDTV? Not quite convinced that "it's really worth it"? Well now that super bowl season is over, many locations have plenty of HDTVs in stock to rent.

You can rent one to have in your home for a period of time and be able to truly test it out for yourself. The NFL draft picks are a hot topic right now, and using this time to check out HDTVs will give you plenty of time to decide which HDTV is best for you and get yourself all geared up to host a 2011's super bowl party like you have never seen before.

If you are one of the unfortunate few who have yet to truly discover the beauty and the remarkable difference of HDTV for yourself, that is all about to change. This summer, get your friends and family together and check out some of these hot films in HD; it is sure to change the movie experience as you know it. No matter who you are, or with whom you are watching, with these picks, you are sure to find a movie that moves you.

You Gotta' See in HD Picks for 2009:

1. 'Avatar' - Absolutely amazing 3D effects

2. 'UP' - Really, any of the more recent Pixar films are great to watch in HD

3. 'The Fantastic Mr. Fox' - Witty and funny

4. 'Star Trek - For "trekkies" and foreigners alike

5. 'District 9' - Good action

6. 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood-Prince' - And with that, all of the Harry Potter films

7. 'Earth' - You don't always need special effects to create a breathtaking film

8. 'Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs' - Great 3D family film

You Gotta' See in HD Picks for 2008:

1. 'Iron Man' - Without HD, you're missing out

2. 'The Dark Knight'- Great action, great movie.

3. 'WALL-E' - This year was a good year for great kid flicks

4. 'Kung Fu Panda' - Family Fun

5. 'Horton Hears a Who' - A modern classic

6. 'Bolt' - Can't get away from those graphics

7. 'Quantum of Solace' - Never disappointing with the action scenes

8. 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'

You Gotta' See in HD Picks for 2007:

1. '300' - Turn up the volume and get sucked in

2. 'Sweeney Todd' - Tim Burton always creates interesting films

3. 'Ratatouille' - In America, you just can't go wrong with good food and good graphics

4. 'The Bourne Ultimatum' - Said to be the best action movie of the year

5. 'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' - Always manages to make it in

6. 'Zodiac'- Thrilling

7. 'Bridge to Terabithia'- Good for the whole family

8. 'Transformers' - Movies like this in HD are the icing on the cake

There have been countless amazing movies released during these recent years. The movies listed above are not necessarily the best movies of their times, but rather even more impacting when watched in HD.

Once you get a taste of the difference, you will not be able to get enough. Getting started here will make you want to go back and watch some of your older favorites and feel what you have been missing out on all this time.

Here are some suggested movies that you are sure to fall in love with all over again once you watch them in HD.

Great Movies to go back and watch again in HD:

1. Lord Of the Rings

2. House of Flying Daggers

3. The Fifth Element

4. Spider Man

5. Monsters Inc.

6. Finding Nemo

7. Underworld

8. The Matrix Revolutions

9. Armageddon

10. Independence Day

11. Saving Private Ryan

Just to name a few. If you already own a HDTV, it would definitely be worth your while to go back and check out these movies. If you are in the market to get an HDTV, we recommend doing a little bit of research to find out which kind of HDTV is best for you.

For example: Plasma, LCD, or Rear Projection. All of which will give you a great picture. However, one thing is for sure, if you love movies, watching movies in HD will change your whole movie watching experience. Truly, a difference you can feel.

Gregory Mitchell is an authority in the high tech industry. He has written hundreds of articles relating to HDTV Reviews and has published numerous studies on Vizio TV Reviews as well as other HDTV brands.

Contact Info:
Gregory Mitchell
gregorymitchell2010@yahoo.com
http://CleverReviews.com

Star Trek - Best Movie of 2009?

If you aren't one of the legions of Trekkies that follow this classic science fiction series like a religion, and thus dismissed the latest installment in the long running movie franchise out of hand, you are probably pretty surprised to see this film show up as a possible candidate for best movie of 2009. In fact, you are probably thinking that I am probably a Trekkie myself and that I am letting my personal bias cloud my judgment. However, let me assure you that nothing could be further from the truth.

I watched the original series as a child, and I'll admit to enjoying Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan. However, beyond that I wasn't much of a fan of the series at all. I've only seen about half the movies, and never got into spin-offs like Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. As a result it was with little anticipation that I went to check out the latest film. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be a vast understatement.

This isn't your father's Star Trek. Gritty, intense, dark and violent the movie is a complete reinvention of Gene Roddenberry's original vision, and is very reminiscent of the film Batman Begins that breathed new life into that flagging comic book franchise a few years back.

That being said the movie has plenty of light moments as well, and you'll find yourself just as entertained by the humor in the film as you are engrossed by the action. Long time fans of the series who are "in the know" will find even more funny moments, being privy to some of the inside jokes, and homages to the original series that most of us will miss.

The film is actually a prequel to the other movies, taking us back to a time before Kirk and Spock and the rest of the crew of the Starship Enterprise ever met. The casting of the film is brilliant, and the actors portraying Kirk, Spock, Scotty, Bones, Uhura, Chekov and Sulu are all believable as younger versions of the actors who played the crew on the original series.

This time around the crew isn't battling Klingons, but is instead taking on the rogue captain of a powerful Romulan ship from the future that has the horrific ability to destroy entire planets. I'm sure we can look forward to some Kirk vs. Klingon action in the inevitable sequels however.

Overall, Star Trek is a film that should hold nearly universal appeal to film-goers everywhere. With tons of action, plenty of laughs, and a surprising amount of emotional depth it is a movie that is hard to find flaw in. Sure, the scientists in the crowd might take some issue with some of the time travel paradoxes that occur in the film, but overall this is a fantastic movie and is a powerful challenger for the coveted title of best film of 2009.

The author is an avid writer with a passion for movies. Click Here for his list of the Top 100 Greatest Movies Ever Made for more great film picks.

Five Excellent 2009 Albums

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

This album topped most "best of 2009" lists so it should be no surprise to see it here. I've not been a huge fan of this band in the past because I've found their albums difficult to get through. With this album I feel they found the right balance of experimentation and quality songwriting. I think this actually makes their experimental side more effective because I find myself drawn into their songs more easily (and thus I am more thoroughly in their "sound world" which is an interesting place to be.)

Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca

As cool as MPP is, I think I actually prefer Bitte Orca. This is a demanding listen but it's also a very rewarding listen. The best thing about it? I have little idea on how to really adequately describe this music. It doesn't fit easily into any particular genre.

The Flaming Lips - Embryonic

I'm a huge Flaming Lips fan but I was disappointed by At War with the Mystics and I've actually become more and more disappointed with Mystics as I've listened to it over the last few years. It's just not a good album (their first since their not so great 1980s albums that I can say that about.)

Thankfully Embryonic is an entirely new beginning for the band and it's a very exciting one at that. No, it's not a return to form (that's missing the point.) It's something new. And the Lips are always at their best when they're doing something new.

You should be warned, this is not easy listening. If you only know the Lips from their past few albums you may find this thing unlistenable. I think it's the kind of album you either love or you hate. I love it.

The Avett Brothers - I and Love and You

This is a bit "easy listening" compared to the first three albums in this article but not everything has to be "difficult." These are good songs with catchy melodies, beautiful harmonies, and insightful lyrics. This is very good music. My one complaint about this album (and about this band's albums in general) is that it's a bit long.

Twilight New Moon Soundtrack

I'm not a fan of the movies but this is a very good soundtrack. What I like most about it is that it exposes a whole lot of non mainstream radio artists (such as Grizzly Bear & Thom Yorke) to a far wider audience then they normally have. This soundtrack has sold a huge amount of copies by indie rock standards.

A lot of teenage girls who are completely ignorant of good music bought this soundtrack and really listened to artistically minded music for the first time in their lives. That's cool. Maybe some of them will throw out their Taylor Swift & Miley Cyrus albums and buy some good stuff instead! (I'm not holding my breath, but it's a cool thing to imagine.)

Get the latest Album Reviews and music news at the MusicByDay Music Blog.