In Los Angeles, reporter Steve Lopez (Downey Jr.) befriends Nathaniel Ayers (Foxx), a brilliant but troubled musician and one-time Julliard student who currently lives on Skid Row. In a series of revealing articles, Lopez draws attention to Ayers’s remarkable story, while Ayers still dreams of a grand performance at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

In mid-October of last year, Paramount made the decision to push Jamie Foxx and Co. from their movie’s Oscar-friendly berth to this new date. Why? Crowded marketplace, I’m assuming (for now, though I’m digging for more info). Reports indicate P’mount might still let the film qualify for Oscars with a quiet, awards-qualifying release at year’s end, which, provided some nominations come through, could turn this into a springtime hit. Either way, it should be quite something to watch Atonement director Joe Wright deftly move between time periods in to tell Ayers’s remarkable story (get some background here). Bank on top-notch performances from Foxx, Downey Jr., and Keener (who plays Steve Lopez’s wife), as well as a layered screenplay from Susannah Grant (Erin Brokovich).

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some drug use and language.

Director: Joe Wright
Stars: Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Catherine Keener
Studio: DreamWorks SKG
Release Date: 24 April 2009 (USA)
Genre: Drama, Biography, Music

As Hannah Montana’s popularity begins to take over her life, Miley Stewart, on the urging from her father takes a trip to her hometown of Crowley Corners, Tennessee to get some perspective on what matters in life the most.

If one takes into consideration this story’s thematic elements and combines them with Miley’s real-life trials and tribs, one might assert that the young star is boxing up her alter ego and preparing for the next chapter in her career. Affirming this notion is the fact that novelist Nicholas Sparks (he of Notebook fame) is customizing his first-ever screenplay to suit Ms. Cyrus, and the project is tentatively set to arrive around the time of her 18th birthday. Aiding the transition here is adult-fare specialist, director Peter Chelsom (Shall We Dance).

Director: Peter Chelsom
Stars: Miley Cyrus, Emily Osment, Billy Ray Cyrus
Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Release Date: 10 April 2009 (USA)
Genre: Comedy | Family | Music

A 3-D concert film of the 2008 Jonas Brothers “Burning Up” concert tour, as well as documentary footage on the lives of the three brothers. In this concert film, from the same director as “Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour,” you follow the Jonas Brothers as they cross the country on their “Burning Up Tour”. The film was filmed in Disney Digital 3-D and will only be shown in Digital 3D. Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift guest star and perform a song with the band. You will see backstage adventures with the Jonas Brothers, and you’ll follow them as they prepare for the tour. A new song by the Jonas Brothers will premiere in the film as well. This was filmed July 12 and 13 in Anaheim, California at the Honda Center, and August 10 and 11 in New York City, New York in Madison Square Garden.

Director Bruce Hendricks is like the Kenny Ortega of all things Jonas Bros. and Miley Cyrus, having turned the latter phenomenon’s movie debut into a quote-unquote surprise hit earlier this year. So why shouldn’t Nick, Joe, and Kevin enjoy copycat success this February? Meanwhile, you know the Miley Cyrus camp is gearing up to stick it to ex-b.f. Nick two months from now when Hannah Montana: The Movie lite-rocks into theaters.

Director: Bruce Hendricks
Stars: Nick Jonas, Joe Jonas, Kevin Jonas
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Release Date: 27 February 2009 (USA)

NOTORIOUS is the story of CHRISTOPHER WALLACE who, through raw talent and sheer determination, transforms himself from a Brooklyn street hustler to become the greatest rapper of all time, THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. This story charts his meteoric rise to fame and his refusal to succumb to expectation and redefines our notion of “The American Dream.”

Apologies to George Tillman Jr., but unless John Singleton, Albert and Allen Hughes, or another filmmaker of their caliber had signed on to develop and direct this biography, what sort of service are you paying to Biggie’s legacy? Derek Luke as Puffy, Angela Bassett as Ms. Wallace, and Anthony Mackie as arch-nemesis Tupac are nice flourishes, I just wish the production hired more behind-the-camera talent, and at least considered a December release for an awards-qualifying run (they must already know the kind of film they have on their hands). Still, with all the posthumous praise, movies, Greatest Hits CDs and dorm room posters his West Coast rival rapper Tupac received, it’s about time Biggie got his big screen due. That strong supporting cast helps take the weight (put not intended) off newcomer Woolard, but judging by the first teaser trailer he looks like he owns this role.

Rated R for pervasive language, some strong sexuality including dialogue, nudity, and for drug content.

Director: George Tillman Jr.
Stars: Jamal Woolard, Anthony Mackie, Derek Luke, Angela Bassett
Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Release Date: 16 January 2009 (USA)

Two former backup soul singers, Louis (Samuel L. Jackson) and Floyd (Bernie Mac) who have not spoken to each other in 20 years reluctantly agree to travel across the country together to a reunion concert to honor their recently deceased lead singer (John Legend). Cleo (Sharon Leal), a beautiful young woman who is believed to be Floyd’s daughter, accompanies them as a new singer.

Oh, man, how to market a movie about a deceased singer right after the passings of co-star Bernie Mac and supporting player Isaac Hayes? The pressure here is on distributor Dimension Films, good-natured director Malcolm Lee (Roll Bounce, Welcome Home, Roscoe Jenkins), and co-star Sharon Leal, the Dreamgirls scene stealer who here plays Samuel L. Jackson’s daughter and the new singer of the soul group.

Rated R for pervasive language, and sexual content including nudity.