Taking Centre Stage

The films of 2009 lead to record cinema ratings and 2010 looks set to be just as successful. Lissa Hawkins looks at the triumphs of last year and what there is to look forward to.

UK cinema admissions during 2009, were at their highest since 2002, Film Council reveals.

A massive 173.9 million people went to the cinema last year, making record takings of £944 million. This figure is up 11% on 2008, so it seems the recession has re-inspired the British love of film. Avatar, Up and Ice Age III are to be thanked for the hugely successful year, but Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was the highest earning film, taking over £50 million. Special offers and deals like Orange Wednesdays could have participated in luring the audiences in.

Chief executive officer of the UK Film Council, John Woodward, said: "Taken together, these box office and inward investment numbers show how film in the UK has moved from the margins back to the mainstream, helping sustain jobs and promote the UK's place on the international stage.”

Avatar was also a hit at the Golden Globe awards winning Best Motion Picture. The ceremony, hosted by our very own Ricky Gervais, also saw James Cameron win Best Director of a Motion Picture for Avatar.

So, what films are there to look forward to this year? Well, Tim Burton’s, Alice in Wonderland is released in March. The all star cast including Johnny Depp, Matt Lucas and Mia Wasikowska contribute to the film, which puts an imaginative twist on such a loved story.

The month of May looks set to be a popular one for cinema lovers with Shrek Forever After, Letters to Julie, Iron Man 2 and Sex and the City 2 all coming out. Other films that will be out later in the year are a sure hit; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, as well as Toy Story 3 and Saw VII.

It looks set to be a busy year for the cinemas. You best start reserving your seats now!