Now that 2008 is ending, it’s time to look forward to the movies of 2009. Because movie executives fear low turnout at the box office, 2009 is going to be the year of the sequel. Studios are most likely to put money in franchises or well-known stories that have proven themselves to be moneymakers in the past. I have given each upcoming film a rating based on current reviews, trailers and the general hype surrounding the movie.

1. Time will tell. These movies have potential to be great but we don’t know enough to definitively say they are worth seeing.

2. Tear-jerker. These movies tug on your heartstrings, and have a good chance of being up for an Oscar.

3. Buy tickets now. These are the movies that have good hype, and look to be truly entertaining films.

4. Mass hysteria. These are the films that might be difficult to get tickets to within the first couple of weeks. They also have the potential draw a lot of costumed fans who delight in reenacting their favorite characters.

Trailers and release date information is from IMDB.com, MovieTome.com, RottenTomatoes.com and TrailerAddict.com. Release dates are subject to change.

The Wrestler

Mickey Rourke stars in the film by Darren Aronofsky about an over-the-hill professional wrestler coming to terms with his life and trying to right his wrongs. The trailers make this look like it could be one of Rourke’s best performances and great tale of redemption. Opens January 16. Rating: Tear-jerker.

Boondock Saints 2: All Saints’ Day

With the original cast and director returning, this movie has a lot of hype behind it. The original became a cult classic, despite harsh critical reviews, and the sequel will hopefully have more commercial success in theaters. Dorm rooms everywhere are going to get a new poster to hang next to Scarface. Unknown Release. Rating: Time will tell.

Angels and Demons

Dan Brown’s prequel to the lackluster film version of The Davinci Code again stars Tom Hanks as symbologist Robert Langdon and his Indiana Jones-esque adventures to uncover the truth in history. Ron Howard returns to direct. Hopefully this will outing will have more pop than the previous film, and less Tom Hanks in a ridiculous haircut. He left out a release date on this one. Rating: Time will tell.

Terminator: Salvation

Despite Arnold’s presence in the last installment, Rise of the Machines was a stinker. The studios and fans are betting that Christian Bale as the human resistance leader, John Conner, can revive the franchise and thrill audiences once again. The trailers for this one look very promising. Opens May 22nd. Rating: Buy tickets now.

Watchmen

Based on the most acclaimed graphic novel of all time, and directed by 300 director Zack Snyder this could be one of the most exciting movies of the year. Think Harry Potter madness with 30-year-old men, and I’ll be right there with them. Opens March 6. Rating: Mass hysteria.

Fast and Furious 4

I know what your saying, “How can it get better than drift racing in Tokyo with Lil’ Bow Wow?” Of course, I’m kidding, but the fourth installment of the F&F franchise looks to have more production value and a better story behind it this time. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker to return to the movie that gave them both careers. Opens June 12. Verdict: Time will tell.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

The first in a possible series of X-Men prequels which highlight how the X-Men came to be. Harnessing the buzz of the movie franchise’s most popular character will get big box office numbers for this outing. We are also introduced to Gambit in this film, who was conspicuously missing from the first three movies, much to the chagrin of fanboys everywhere. Rating: Buy tickets now.

The Soloist

The true story of an L.A. journalist, played by Robert Downey Jr., and a schizophrenic musical prodigy, played by Jamie Foxx. Two great actors, plus a gut-wrenching storyline all but guarantees Oscar gold. Opens April 24. Rating: Tear-jerker.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

This is the big one. With over two years since the last installment, fans will be anxiously awaiting the next, much darker, Potter film with bated breathe. You may need an invisibility cloak just to get in the theater if you want to see this in the first few weeks. Opens July 17. Rating: Mass hysteria.

Transformers: Rise of the Fallen

Another two hours of Optimus Prime transforming from semi-truck to ass-kicking robot and fighting Decepeticons disguised as tanks and F-15’s? Some may consider it mindless entertainment but it’s just too damn cool not to enjoy. Opens June 26. Rating: Buy tickets now.

Where the Wild Things Are

Amidst rumors of complete re-filming, the general consensus is that this is not a movie made for children. Screen shots and buzz on the film suggest that it is going to be a dark and disturbing take on the popular children’s book. Unknown Release. Rating: Time will tell.

Several other movies are rumored to be in pre-production that you may want to keep an eye out for in the coming months: Wonder Woman, Spider-Man 4, Thor, Justice League of America, Fahrenheit 451 and X-Men Origins: Magneto.