Blockbusters:
Release: August 9
Genre: Sci-Fi Action
Drama
Plot:
The year is 2159. Earth
is ruined. The wealthy live on a space station called Elysium while the rest of
humanity toils away below on Earth, forced to stay there by harsh
anti-immigration laws that preserve the luxurious lifestyle of the citizens of
Elysium. Backed into a corner, an ex-con, Max, agrees to take on a difficult
mission to find a way into Elysium, one that could bring equality to the people
of Earth.
Why
It’s Anticipated: Neill Blomkamp became one of the most hyped directors
in the sci-fi genre after his first feature District 9. He was attached to
a Halo movie (based on the X-Box game) until that project fell apart, but now
fans finally get to see a new film from him. Blomkamp is again working with his
District 9 collaborators actor Sharlto Copley, cinematographer Trent Opaloch, and production
designer Philip Ivy again
(though, Peter
Jackson is not involved on the production side this time).
Editor’s
Thoughts: Elysium was initially scheduled to debut in March but was
pushed back to August. Why is not completely clear, but here are two thoughts:
1) March is overcrowded with big releases like Jack the Giant Slayer, Oz the Great and Powerful, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, and The Host so maybe Sony wanted
to place this in a different spot on their calendar and August is the month
that District 9 opened in and succeeded. Or 2) the film is not as good as Sony
was hoping so they moved it to August where summer blockbuster-like movies go
to die (like Total
Recall and The
Bourne Legacy last year). Reviews of the script by online critics (take
that as you will) have not been overwhelmingly positive. I am inclined to think
it is more the former than the latter.
Release: October 4
Genre: Sci-Fi Thriller
Plot:
Two astronauts are the
lone inhabitants of a space shuttle. However, after a piece of debris crashes
into them leaving them adrift and alone, they desperately try to get back home
to Earth.
Why
It’s Anticipated: Alfonso Cuaron is one of the great directors we have
today. He is coming off of two big critical and commercial successes in
Hollywood with Harry
Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (arguably the best of the series) and Children
of Men (to go with his two excellent Mexican films Love in the Time of Hysteria
and Y Tu Mama Tambien).
Gravity has also been hyped after Cuaron screened an early cut for a small
audience last year to strongly postive buzz – talk of twenty minute fluid single
takes where a buzz among those who saw the cut. Also, having Sandra Bullock and
George Clooney will help bring in average filmgoers, which will help the box
office (which is good, as if cool films like this do well then Hollywood will
make more original content from great directors and not just the same generic
nonsense).
Editor’s
Thoughts: Gravity was initially
scheduled for release in November of last year (and was one of my most
anticipated of 2012), but Warner Bros. decided to push it back because the
holiday season became overcrowded. Then, they thought briefly about releasing
it in early 2013 (like March), but they like the film and think it has awards
potential, which is why it now has the October release date. Another thing to
be excited about is that Cuaron is working again with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki. Their work
together on Children of Men is incredible, and this is supposed to feature
amazing long-takes. This is the film I am most excited to see in 2013.
Release: December 13
Genre: Adventure Fantasy
Plot:
Part two of The Hobbit
Trilogy finds Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves continuing their journey to get
the Dwarves’ home back from the vicious dragon Smaug.
Why
It’s Anticipated: An
Unexpected Journey was one of the biggest films of 2012, so it stands to
reason that The Desolation of Smaug will be equally as big. Plus, this film
should be more action-packed as it will drive deeper into the meat of the
story’s drama (which was sort of the problem with part one). Another great
aspect of this film is that Benedict Cumberbatch is voicing Smaug.
Editor’s
Thoughts: It will be interesting to see if Peter Jackson releases this
film with both the high frame-rate and regular versions. I was interested, but
never got around to seeing An Unexpected Journey in high frame-rate 3D so I
cannot speak to it from personal experience. However, most people who did see
that version felt that the high frame-rate ruined the movie (#HobbitVomit was
trending on Twitter). So, will Jackson stick to his guns and try to win people
over or will he give in to the criticism? I did enjoy An Unexpected Journey
(even with its pacing issues) and am very much looking forward to part two,
because I think it will be much better as there will be more organically story
driven action and drama (instead of action scenes being overly long,
artificially extended because the story does not have that much action for a
big blockbuster).
Release: May 3
Genre: Action Adventure
Thriller
Plot:
After attack is waged on
Tony Stark, taking a huge personal toll, he sets off to find those responsible.
His quest leads him to China where he faces his most powerful enemy yet, The
Mandarin. Tony also wrestles with the question that haunts him: “Does the man
make the suit or does the suit make the man?”
Why
It’s Anticipated: The
Avengers was the biggest film of 2012, and Iron Man and Iron
Man 2 were relatively well-received by critics and loved by fans (well,
more Iron Man than its sequel). Iron 3 kicks off Phase II of Marvel’s Avengers’
film series, and it looks like a fantastic movie rising to the challenge that Joss
Whedon set with The Avengers (which is easily the best film in the series
so far).
Editor’s
Thoughts: While I cannot know this for sure, I suspect that Robert
Downey Jr. brought writer-director Shane Black in to make this film, as they
have a strong relationship (Black directed Downey Jr. in his film Kiss Kiss
Bang Bang, which helped resurrect Downey Jr.’s career leading to him being
cast as Tony Stark), after Jon
Favreau stepped down. Black is one
of the best action writers in Hollywood (he wrote Lethal Weapon, The Monster Squad, The Last Boy Scout, Last Action Hero, and The Long Kiss Goodnight before
making his directorial debut and writing Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). Iron Man 3 is only his second film as a director,
but Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was brilliant so I have nothing but faith in his
abilities. I would go further as to say that I am more excited for Iron Man 3
because Black is doing it. The film also boasts an impressive cast of new
actors to the series including: Guy
Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Ben Kingsley, and James Badge Dale. In all
likeliness, it is between this film, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Man of Steel for best summer
film.
Release: December 25
Genre: Action Thriller,
Drama
Plot:
Rebooting the Jack Ryan
series (again), this adventure finds the young CIA analyst uncovering a Russian
plot to crash the U.S. economy via terrorist attack.
Why
It’s Anticipated: Jack Ryan is Paramount Pictures’ Christmas
blockbuster. The Tom
Clancy Jack Ryan series has been a fan favorite since its first incantation
in 1990 with The Hunt
for Red October, only to be followed up with Harrison Ford’s
(as Jack Ryan)very entertaining two films with director Phillip Noyce: Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger.
Likely, this will be Paramount’s attempt to create another James Bond, Ethan
Hunt, Jason Bourne like franchise and this will probably feature more action
than past Jack Ryan films (but will also hopefully feature Ryan playing
detective as well like the past films).
Editor’s
Thoughts: The first reboot of the series, The Sum of All Fears, came too
close to 9/11 and was just too much at the time. Paramount seems to have put
together a good team for this rejuvenation (of a franchise I liked a lot in the
1990s). Kenneth Branagh did a good job with Thor
and is otherwise a good filmmaker; it is also fantastic that he is playing the
villain. The studio turned to Chris Pine as their new Jack Ryan. He is great in
the Star Trek reboot,
bringing a lot of swagger and energy, and should be a great Ryan. Keira
Knightley brings a higher level of talent to the role of Ryan’s wife than past
incarnations, so maybe she will be more involved in the drama as well. And,
Kevin Costner is a really good choice to play Ryan’s mentor, as it is a role he
does well. All in all, it is the cast, director, and my past nostalgia for the
1990s Jack Ryan adventures that have me very interested and excited to see how
this turns out.
Release: June 14
Genre: Action Adventure
Drama
Plot:
A retelling of the
Superman origin story. Clark Kent is an alien infant raised on Earth. He grows
up hiding his superhuman abilities. When his adopted world is threatened, he
must decide if he should reveal his abilities to protect Earth.
Why
It’s Anticipated: Superman is maybe the biggest and best known comic
book character. Plus, the creative team that reimagined Batman starting with Batman
Begins (David Goyer and Christopher
Nolan – who’s latest film, The
Dark Knight Rises, was one of the best of 2012) is now taking on Clark
Kent, which should have you very excited. Goyer and Nolan will probably ground
the character in a more realistic character driven environment (as realistic as
an alien who fights crime can be) with characters who will emotionally resonate
with the audience. While Marvel and Disney want to make really fun comic book movies,
Warner Bros (with Goyer and Nolan, et al.) want to continue to make comic book films
(with great action) that also appeal as satisfying dramas (like The Dark Knight
Trilogy).
Editor’s
Thoughts: Zack Snyder makes a lot of sense as the director for a
Superman movie. He has a great grasp of wonderful cinematic visuals, and his
style, which seems to get in the way of his storytelling sometimes, will likely
be reined in Nolan (who is producing). Snyder has an overall strong filmography
as a director. Dawn of the Dead
was a good debut, and 300
showcased his ability to pull off stunning visuals. While Watchman was good, it suffered
from overindulgence in Snyder’s style. Sucker
Punch on the other hand was completely derailed by Snyder’s style over
story and content. Based on the Man of Steel trailers, it appears that Snyder has
given the film strong (if not iconic) visuals but has put the story first,
which is great news for the film. It looks like it is going to be very good
(another piece of good news: Nolan has brought in his frequent collaborator Hans Zimmer to score the film).
I also really like the casting of Henry Cavill as Clark Kent. I think he will
make a fantastic Superman (and Michael Shannon is going to be a great villain –
he was born to be a comic book villain).
Release: July 12
Genre: Sci-Fi Action
Adventure
Plot:
Massive aliens attack
Earth, threatening the very survival of the human race. In an effort to fight
back, giant robots piloted by humans are used to wage the battle for Earth.
Why
It’s Anticipated: Enormous mechanized warriors fighting huge alien
monsters, what is not awesome about that? It is like Godzilla vs.
Mechagodzilla (only Mechagodzilla is good and piloted by humans to stop
Godzilla – and there are lots of both). This should be a highly entertaining huge
action film.
Editor’s
Thoughts: For the fans of Guillermo del Toro, this holds a whole
different level of excitement and anticipation. He is responsible for some good
stuff (the Hellboy films and
Pan’s Labyrinth), especially
when it comes to creating creatures.
Pacific Rim also has a great cast – who is not excited to hear the crazy
stuff Charlie Day gets to spout off? Whether this is just a big fun summer
movie or something that transcends the blockbuster genre (like say The
Avengers and The
Dark Knight Rises) remains to be seen, but certainly this is something to
get hyped for if you like blockbuster action films.
Release: May 17
Genre: Sci-Fi Action
Adventure
Plot:
The crew of the
Enterprise is called back to Earth, however when they arrive they find that a
seemingly unstoppable force has devastated Starfleet and left the planet in
chaos. Captain Kirk and his crew are tasked with going on a manhunt to bring
the responsible man to justice.
Why
It’s Anticipated: Despite hardcore Star Trek fans having issues
with J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek,
it brought the cherished sci-fi world to the masses of movie-goers and they
loved it (as did critics). Star Trek Into Darkness looks to be an even bigger
adventure. Chances are if you liked the first film you are going to really like
this one too.
Editor’s
Thoughts: J.J. Abrams is one of the best action-film directors in
Hollywood right now. His films have a frenetic pace – always moving forward and
packed with action. Yet, he still is able to develop great characters. Plus,
they are extremely fun and entertaining. Star Trek into Darkness is his fourth
feature film (following Mission:
Impossible III, Star Trek, and Super
8). I am also interested and excited to see Benedict Cumberbatch play the
film’s main villain. I think he is going to be fantastic (2013 very well could
be his breakthrough year, as he is starring in an impressive list of films: August: Osage County, Twelve Years a Slave, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,
and this).
Release: June 14
Genre: Action Comedy
Plot:
A bunch of friends go to
a party at James Franco’s house, and then the apocalypse happens and they have
to deal with it.
Why
It’s Anticipated: The film features a ton of funny and otherwise great
people on top of the film’s very funny stars in supporting and cameo roles,
like: Jason
Segel, Emma Watson, Paul
Rudd, Michael Cera, Craig Robinson, and Mindy
Kaling (among others). Plus, the writing team of Rogen and Goldberg is
responsible for Superbad and
Pineapple Express (and Rogen
wrote on Undeclared
and Da Ali G Show, while
Goldberg also wrote on Da Ali G Show and co-wrote the criminally under seen
Hockey comedy Goon
with Jay Baruchel), so generally their stuff is funny and very entertaining.
Basically, this has most of today’s best film comedians all together in a crazy
action-horror-comedy premise – how is it not going to be awesome?
Editor’s
Thoughts: Based on the short Jay & Seth versus the
Apocalypse, this has the potential to be an amazing comedy, and certainly
the best of the year. But, it is so ambitious that it reminds me of Your
Highness (which I thought was going to be brilliant and hysterical but it
was ultimately disappointing), so this could just as easily fall apart as be
fantastic. That is what happens when you go big – either it works and is great,
or it does not and falls flat, but at least it has the potential to be great.
Most comedies now are just boring, tired narratives reusing ‘it’ jokes from
past films. Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride, Jason Segel, Paull Rudd, and
Jay Baruchel are making the best comedies right now, so having them all in the
same film playing themselves should be a lot of fun (and it helps that they are
all real life friends and have wonderful chemistry, which is paramount in
comedy). Plus, the premise sounds like a riot (I mean, there is a shot of Emma
Watson with an ax in the teaser, so…).
Release: November 8
Genre: Action Adventure
Fantasy
Plot:
After the events of The
Avengers, an ancient race of Dark Elves threatens to throw the universe
back into darkness – that is, unless Thor can stop them.
Main Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie
Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, and Christopher Eccleston
Why
It’s Anticipated: Thor outperformed the expectations that
Marvel had for it, and now after the huge success of The Avengers this new Thor
adventure has many fans very excited (though, this is well below Iron
Man 3). Marvel is also bringing back almost the entire cast of the first
film. The Avengers essentially made all the Marvel Phase II films must-sees.
Editor’s
Thoughts: With director Kenneth Branagh not
returning, Marvel decided to make an interesting and timely choice for his
replacement in Alan Taylor. He is one of the major creative forces behind HBO’s
Game of Thrones, directing
six of the twenty episodes in seasons one (2) and two (4) and serving as a
co-executive producer for all of season two. While Branagh gave Thor a fantasy
feel, Marvel wants Taylor to give Thor a much more gritty realistic feel,
though still keeping some fantasy aspects – basically they want it to feel and
look like Game of Thrones. I think it probably will work out very well for
them. Christopher Yost is
also one of the film’s writers, which is a great thing too given the material.
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