2009 in movies: A year for franchise players

So you've caught all the big movie releases of past year and you're ready to move on.

Here are some of the movies coming that may have tongues wagging in '09. It could be an interesting 12 months, what with the return of some mega-name directors (Peter Jackson, Michael Mann, James Cameron) and the next chapters in some of the hottest franchises ("Harry Potter," "Transformers," "Star Trek," "Terminator"). Remember, release dates — especially if they're more than a few weeks out — are subject to change.

"GOMORRA"

Director: Matteo Garrone

Stars: Salvatore Abruzzese, Simone Sacchettino, Salvatore Ruocco

Story: A contemporary tale about the Mafia in Naples, Italy, based on the book by Roberto Saviano that reportedly struck such a nerve that he had to go into hiding.

Buzz: This bleak, gritty Cannes grand-prize winner supposedly makes "The Sopranos" look like "The Flintstones." (Feb. 13)

"WATCHMEN"

Director: Zack Snyder

Stars: Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino, Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley, Matt Frewer

Story: It's 1985 but not our 1985, it's one in a different, darker world where superheroes exist but are hounded by the government.

Buzz: "Watchmen" is a graphic-novel classic whose fans are legion. They've been waiting for this movie for two decades, and director Snyder is coming off the mega-hit "300." (March 6, but litigation between studios could postpone release)

"I LOVE YOU, MAN"

Director: John Hamburg

Stars: Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Andy Samberg, Jon Favreau, Rashida Jones

Story: A guy goes on a hunt for a new male best friend so he can have a best man for his wedding.

Buzz: While the cast and bromantic plot suggest a Judd Apatow connection, he's not involved. But with Apatow vets Rudd and Segel on board, it will definitely tap into the same audience. (March 20)

"THE SOLOIST"

Director: Joe Wright

Stars: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Catherine Keener

Story: A journalist befriends a homeless man who turns out to be a brilliant musician.

Buzz: Based on the real-life columns by Los Angeles Times writer Steve Lopez, this movie was originally scheduled for release last year. (April 24)

"X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE"

Director: Gavin Hood

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds, Liev Schreiber, Lynn Collins

Story: It offers the back story on how Wolverine became involved with the X-Men.

Buzz: It's the latest in the successful X-Men franchise. (May 1)

"STAR TREK XI"

Director: J.J. Abrams

Stars: Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, Eric Bana, Simon Pegg, John Cho, Winona Ryder

Story: It's the young, hot Enterprise crew as this film takes us back to Capt. Kirk and Spock's 20-something days.

Buzz: Take the creator of "Lost," one of the stars of "Heroes" (Quinto) and one of the most enduring franchises in film/TV history, and you've got fanboy gold. (May 8)

"TERMINATOR: SALVATION"

Director: McG

Stars: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Common, Helena Bonham Carter

Story: On a post-nuclear Earth, surviving humans have to keep the predatory machines from destroying what's left of mankind.

Buzz: With several "Terminator" movies and a TV show, this sturdy series has a built-in audience. (May 22)

"UP"

Directors: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson

Stars: Voices of Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Ed Asner

Story: The latest Pixar animation effort focuses on a balloon trip taken by 78-year-old Carl and his 8-year-old stowaway, Russell.

Buzz: It's Pixar ("Wall-E," "Cars," "Ratatouille") and will open just as schools are getting out for the summer. (May 29)

"TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN"

Director: Michael Bay

Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, Josh Duhamel

Story: After losing the war with humans and their friends the Autobots the last time around, the Decepticons return to Earth looking for vengeance.

Buzz: Dude, it's Transformers. The last movie raked in more than $700 million worldwide. Note: There will be an Imax version. (June 26)

"PUBLIC ENEMIES"

Director: Michael Mann

Stars: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Giovanni Ribisi, Marion Cotillard, Channing Tatum

Story: Crime ran rampant in the '30s with the likes of John Dillinger, "Pretty Boy" Floyd and "Baby Face" Nelson, and the feds had to try to take them down.

Buzz: Great cast, a director who flirts with greatness, and a juicy, violent plot based on a true story should make this one of 2009's most talked-about films. (July 1)

"HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE"

Director: David Yates

Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Jim Broadbent

Story: In this latest installment in the "Harry Potter" series, Harry learns more about Lord Voldemort's past.

Buzz: Originally scheduled for release in November 2008, it was moved to this summer. No matter the time of year, it will still be a hit. (July 17)

"JULIE & JULIA"

Director: Nora Ephron

Stars: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci

Story: The life of renowned TV chef Julia Child, based on the memoir, "My Life in France."

Buzz: Ephron has been adept at whimsical, middle-age romance. And hearing Streep do the Child accent should prove interesting. (Aug. 7)