Until John Carter (3-D) and 21 Jump Street arrived in theaters, the 2012 movie season wasn’t really packing a punch with a few exceptions (i.e. Chronicle).
Yet, with these recent releases, it appears as if this dry spell is ending as a number of exciting films are coming out. So, here are 10 films to anticipate for the next nine months.
1) 4:44- Last Day on Earth
(March 23)
End of the world movies are always terrifying by asking what would you do? Things get scarier when you know there’s a deadline like in 4:44- Last Day on Earth. While blockbusters like 2012 and Armageddon display large scales of disasters, this movie looks to use its intimate setting to grasp human drama regarding the end rather than the actual catastrophe.
William DeFoe, who always puts a 100 percent into his roles, seems set to do so again with his distinctive presence as an average Joe facing Earth’s demise.
2) The Hunger Games
(March 23)
I have never read the novels, but the trailer piqued my interest for this movie. There’s been a lot of talk about The Hunger Games, and people are excited to see how it plays out in theaters. After hearing from those who have read the book, the story is about a tyrannical government that forces teenagers to fight to the death for honor and glory. With the film coming out this Friday, I am interested to see what all the excitment is for. (Read a review for The Hunger Games in next week’s issue.)
3) Comic-Con: Episode IVA
Fan’s Hope
(April 6)
While Morgan Suprlock has documented interesting topics in the past, this one has me very excited. It should be great to have a strong inside look at the various angles of this convention from the booths, panels and guest stars. There is so much to explore at this event that I can’t wait to see what made it on film.
Additionally, the film will follow an aspiring comic book artist, costume designer and toy collector (as well as celebrity interviews), all with different reasons for attending. Plus, with Stan Lee and Joss Whedon producing, you couldn’t have a better nerdigree for this film.
4) Prometheus
(June 8)
Ridley Scott offers a prequel to his first blockbuster Alien with another stellar cast of characters fighting to save mankind while trying to survive on an alien planet. Still having to live up to the original, it is being anticipated by both sci-fi and movie fans across the country.
Actor Michael Fassbender should flourish further with Charlize Theron, Noomi Rapace, Idris Elba and Guy Pearce by his side. With advancements in filming and special effects, this is sure to be an astronomical action-packed thriller.
5) To Rome With Love
(June 22)
A new movie from writer/director Woody Allen AND it’s set in Rome? I sense an Italian romanticcomedy in the works. After Midnight In Paris, I’m excited and left to wonder what story and humorous life quirks Allen will explore in To Rome With Love.
Although the synopsis of the film is unknown at the time, it should go without saying that the movie should most likely have Allen’s wily dialogue, humorous situations, and of course, a love story. Plus, the cast looks molto bene (very good) with Ellen Page, Jesse Eisenberg, Alec Baldwin and Roberto Benigni.
6) Seeking a Friend for the
End of the World
(June 22)
Imagine there was an asteroid headed straight for Earth and the Armageddon mission failed. What would you do with the remainder of your life? In Dodge’s (Steve Carrell) case, he’ll make a cross-country road trip with hopes to reunite with his first love. His driving companion is his neighbor Penny (Keira Knightly), desperately seeking to find her family. The script was written by first time director Lorene Scafaria best known for penning Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist.
Carrell is usually great in dark comedy roles and Knightly is capable of pulling off the manic pixie dream girl. With cameos by Patton Oswalt, Melanie Lynskey and Rob Corddry, this seems like a delightful treat for dramedy lovers.
7) The Dark Knight Rises
(July 20)
As the final Batman film by director Christopher Nolan, I’m very anxious as to see how the trilogy is going to conclude. With the trailer being released not so long ago, I have a sense that this dark superhero tale could be a guaranteed hit. The main cast (Christian Bale, Michael Caine, and Gary Oldman) will make a return, but I’m also interested to see Tom Hardy as the mysterious Bane and the beautiful Anne Hathaway as the sly Selina Kyle/Catwoman.
Although it will be sad that the trilogy will end, it is still equally exciting for the Dark Knight to grace the big screen one more time.
8) Killing Them Softly
(September 21)
Based off the novel “Cogan’s Trade,” this crime thriller centers around Jackie Cogan (Brad Pitt), a mob enforcer investigating a robbery that occurred during a poker game. Cogan clashes with low lives and top bosses to find out what really happened.
Pitt reunites with director/ screenwriter Andrew Dominik who has not made a movie since The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.
Having worked with Pitt before, Dominik should be able to present this actor as a merciless con with sprinkles of depth. The rest of the casts includes Ray Liotta, James Gandolfini and Richard Jenkins; this is the sort of movie people hope Scorsese would make.
9) The Hobbit:
An Unexpected Journey
(December 14)
I absolutely love J.R.R. Tolkien. “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy is perhaps my favorite series to read. Of course, great legends have to start from somewhere. The Hobbit takes place before Frodo and the fellowship journey to Mordor to destroy the One Ring.
Directed by Peter Jackson, who helmed the Lord of the Rings films, I’m sure that he will make this prequel into an epic adventure. With 2012 ending by the time the movie comes out, The Hobbit will be a great blockbuster to finish off the year.
10) Django Unchained
(December 25)
Quentin Tarantino is preparing to shake Hollywood again with this upcoming spaghetti western set during the 1850’s. Slave Django (Jamie Foxx) helps German bounty hunter Dr. King Schultz (Christoph Waltz) capture bounties until Django is freed and becomes partners with Dr. Schultz. Aiming to get his wife Broomhilda (Kerry Washington) back from villainous plantation owner Calvin Candie (Leonardo Di- Caprio) and his right-hand man Stephen (Samuel L. Jackson), Django must survive what is sure to be a difficult and bloody battle.
Tarantino hasn’t made a flop yet, and with DiCaprio playing a villain this film is too big to fail. Throw in a long list of actors that includes Joseph Gordon Levitt, Don Johnson and Sacha Baron Cohen, the year is going out with a bang!
