2009 Comeback Predictions

2008 was the year of the comeback. Of course the comeback is as old as Hollywood itself. But in the day of the ever present paparazzi and the ongoing trend of reality television, the comeback is something every star attempts, and a few actually obtain. Brittney Spears' comeback last year was predictable. She loves the limelight far too much to stay away for good. Mickey Roarke's, however, is much more a surprise, and much more deserved.

Over the years we've seen the glorious comebacks of John Travolta, the Transformers and Paula Abdul, the not so wonderful comebacks of Scott Baio and the Brady Bunch, and the many comebacks of Cher.  Who will be this year's standouts?

So, who are the deserving this year? I'll give my top five, and welcome comments, even debate.

1. Star Trek. Usually I don't hold my breath for decent "remade" movies. (Again, remember the Brady Bunch flicks?) This one may be worthwhile because of two things. First, J.J. Abrams is involved. The man behind Alias and Lost can do no wrong, in my opinion. Second, William Shatner is not involved. The fact that he isn't making a cameo to make small talk with a younger version of Captain Kirk means that they're taking the film seriously and they don't need to use any stunts to force us to be interested.

2. The DIsney Princess. I've been wondering for years, now, when the studio that brought us Mulan, Pocahontas and Aladin would bring us an African princess. The time has finally come! Next Christmas will bring The Princess and The Frog. While not an African princess, our heroine is, in fact, an African-American girl living in 1920s New Orleans. This film will (hopefully) please not only African-American families, but the rest of us, as well. As a white mother, I love exposing my children to other cultures. I want them to have a sense of community and I want them to appriciate and admire people of all races and backgrounds. One more word before I move on. YAY!

3. Vin Diesel. I know, not exactly Travolta, but with The Fast and The Furious 4 coming to theaters this year, Diesel and partner Paul Walker will be giving fans what they want. The two of them together giving us action. As long as the script isn't completely ridiculous - after all, action films are more about what the stars do than what they say - fans will be thrilled.

4. G.I. Joe, and Dennis Quaid. A decade ago I wouldn't have had much hope for this film either, but we are living in the age of Transformers, and anything is possible.

5. I gotta hope one of this years comebacks will be Def Leppard. I've been a fan for twenty years now, and I think Rick Allen is awesome, not to mention inspirational. Their recent song "Nine Lives" featuring Tim McGraw (who cowrote the song with Joe Elliot, Rick Savage & Phil Collen) gives me hope.