As the ball drops on one year, we look forward to the next. We finally stop reminiscing and start wishing hopefully for the future of things to come. What will be on our horizons? Will there be a new president? Shocking deaths? A new pop sensation that could be more talented than Adele?
There could be a lot of things to rival this year's success with the past. However, we have to wait until Battleship comes out to see if it's the metaphorical holocaust of Liam Neeson's career. Who knows, maybe Rihanna is a dynamo actress on par with Aaliyah. Oh who am I kidding... that movie looks terrible, and it's largely because it's based on a game that they make no effort to acknowledge besides a small credit.
However, what I do know is that there are going to be some great movies expected to blow up the theaters this year. We have the finale of the Dark Knight Rises and the premiere of the new franchise the Hunger Games. Will these be any good? I'm hoping.
The following is 40 movies based on a list compiled from IMDB of movies coming out this year. From those chosen, I have broken up the fields into 4 categories: Theaters, Matinee, Rental, Cable.
What do these mean? I have broken these up accordingly to the highest level that I would see these movies as of now. If I really want to see it, I would see it at a theater. If I am weary, I may wait to rent it. If it's in the middle of those, I may pay a matinee price. If it sounds good but not enough to hold my interest, I'll see it on cable during a blue moon.
Hopefully that makes sense. Do note that this was based on a quick survey. This has little to do with in depth research on 85% of the titles and many I haven't seen promos for yet. My opinions are subject to change. I am also subject to seeing any of these with different opinions as time progresses. It is also possible that there will be numerous titles that pop up throughout the year that I never considered to include.
So, without further ado, my 40 anticipated movies of 2012 and a few thoughts on them.
THEATER:
- The Dark Knight Rises -
It's been awhile since we last visited Gotham, and this time it's director Christopher Nolan's last foray into this world. From what footage has been seen, it's looking to be a high octane thrill ride with some of the biggest set pieces yet. While it is argued that Tom Hardy cannot top Heath Ledger, I still am rooting for a really good story to compensate. Also, with a cast that includes Christian Bale, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anne Hathaway, this is already the most enticing big name blockbuster of the year. If it's anything like it's predecessor the Dark Knight, I will be seeing it multiple times throughout the summer.
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey -
While I have not been one to devour the Lord of the Rings movies, I hold a deep respect for them, if just because of their place in my childhood. I can still pop them on and get lost in the scenery. While director Peter Jackson has kind of waned with Lovely Bones and King Kong the past few years, I am hoping to see his passion return to film in a fresh new way. Also, I hope this is good, because then I have more faith that the upcoming Tintin sequel will be amazing.
- Django Unchained -
Director Quentin Tarantino returns with another period piece. This time, he's tackling the issue of slavery with a cast that includes Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, and Leonardo DiCaprio to name a few. While little else is known about the movie, the simple fact that Tarantino is making a movie already puts it at the top of my anticipated list. His films manage to be the most authentic, entertaining things out there, and after gaining some of his best reviews in years with Inglourious Basterds, I am hoping that it was only setting the stage for something bigger and grander.
- The Place Beyond the Pines -
It is true that if a movie has Ryan Gosling, I am very susceptible to seeing it (though Crazy Stupid Love skipping was a good call). However, what makes this the top Gosling film to see this year is the return of Gosling with director Derek Cianfrance, who together made one of my favorite movies, Blue Valentine. I have little knowledge on what the actual story is, but it's definitely one that I will follow with some devotion.
- Gangster Squad -
Now here is an interesting choice. Another Ryan Gosling movie. This time, he teams up with a cast that includes Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, and Crazy Stupid Love co-star Emma Stone. What makes this choice interesting is not because Gosling has worked with Ruben Fleischer before, but because for once I am looking at it from the director's standpoint. I kind of enjoyed Fleischer's previous work, notably 30 Minutes or Less, which was a dark comedy that I felt was extremely underrated because of unfortunate press. This time, he's taking a turn for what looks to be a straight up gangster movie. I have no idea if he can pull it off, though I have faith that Fleischer is an expert when it comes to high stakes. I'm just hoping that the results are entertaining.
- Wanderlust -
After a few years of doing Children's Hospital and Wainy Days, director David Wain returns to movies with this comedy about life at a commune. In truth, I would've seen it based on my love of Wain's previous effort Role Models, which I hold to be one of the best comedies of the past decade. While the trailers do not sell me on it being better, the cast that includes Ken Marino, Alan Alda, and members of the State just make me somewhat excited that this could be a spiritual sequel to Wet Hot American Summer. I just pray that it doesn't go the route of the Ten.
- This Is 40 -
Another Paul Rudd movie. It's also the follow-up to director Judd Apatow's criminally underrated Funny People. While I do not buy the idea that making a spin-off to the hilarious Knocked Up without Seth Rogen to be a good idea, I am still very much on board, if just because I love Apatow's work and also this will supposedly feature a performance by... Albert Brooks! While I feel that this will be the most underwhelming of Apatow's directorial efforts (I could never buy Leslie Mann as a lead), I feel that it will be one of my favorite comedies of the year.
- Moonrise Kingdom -
While I am not the hardcore indie film fan that some are, I do have a soft spot sometimes for Wes Anderson. While I cannot claim to liking all of his work (sorry guys, Life Aquatic did little for me), I still find his work to be captivating and hold my interest. This time is no different. While I don't know anything about the movie, it follows the ambitious Fantastic Mr. Fox and may have rejuvenated his creativity. I am most likely going to see it regardless of trailers, speaking it has all of the Anderson regulars and an already odd yet recognizable title.
- Looper -
Finally, after years of directing Breaking Bad and Terriers episodes, Rian Johnson returns to the big screen with a movie about time travel and other shenanigans. I am most notably excited because Johnson is one of the more interesting directors working today. His previous effort the Brothers Bloom solidified me as a fan and makes me long for more of his take on anything. I am probably going to see it the first moment that I can. You should too.
- Only God Forgives -
Here we go for a third Ryan Gosling movie for this year. This time, he's teaming back up with Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn. As my second favorite Gosling duo, Drive did so much with very little dialog, an outdated soundtrack, and a very gorgeous portrayal of Los Angeles. I just wonder what else they can do, especially after discovering that Refn isn't just some hacky director. His previous efforts, Bronson and Valhalla Rising are brilliant movies. I have faith that while it's probable that this won't be as good as Drive, it will still be great.
- Nero Fiddled -
Probably one of the most influential directors in my life, Woody Allen, returns with another movie about love overseas. This time, he's doing it with the who's who of young names, including Jesse Eisenberg and Ellen Page. Those two alone already made me excited, but after last year's Midnight in Paris, I have faith that Allen is in the best shape of his career since the mid-90's. I just wonder if Page will make a good surrogate for the Allen love character the way Scarlett Johansson was in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.
- Wrong -
This is in a controversial spot. Why? There is a good chance that I won't see it in the theaters. It's entirely because director Quentin Dupieaux doesn't draw clout and his previous film Rubber was mostly seen on video on demand systems. However, if I get the chance, I'll see this on the big screen because Dupieaux is quite an oddball. While I cannot say to actually liking Rubber, it was weird and fun and memorable. The trailer for this looks like he took it to the next level and only makes me want to see it more. I hope he has a breakout hit with this because damn if his work isn't infectiously weird.
- The East -
Another Ellen Page movie on this list. This time, she plays an activist in what I assume is a thriller. I don't even know if this movie will come out this year, but according to IMDB, it will. I am not entirely sure how the finished project will look, and it is my lesser anticipated of the Page movies, but I'll still keep an eye out in case something interesting makes it look better.
MATINEE
- The Hunger Games -
This used to be in the Theater section, but the more footage that I see, the more I begin to lose interest. While it still looks like it could be a fun movie, I think the vision I had of the book in my head is too different. However, it does have Jennifer Lawrence in the lead, and most of the names match the personalities that I pictured, so I have faith that they'll get other stuff right. Also, director Gary Ross also wrote Big. To some extent, I am hoping he still has some flair.
- The Avengers -
I will not lie that I am mostly seeing this movie because I have to for Nerd's Eye View. I am not claiming that I disliked Thor or Captain America, but superheroes have never been my thing. Even though I hope that director Joss Whedon can transfer what I love about his skills on Buffy the Vampire Slayer to the big screen, I am sure that this will be successful yet completely forgotten when the Dark Knight Rises comes around. I hope Robert Downey Jr. does a good job, but the trailers just refuse to give me reason to care about this.
- The Amazing Spider-Man -
I don't understand why I have a small thing for Spider-Man the character. I really enjoyed the Sam Raimi movies and based on the trailers of this, I am kind of curious to see where this goes. Director Marc Webb previously did the classic (500) Days of Summer, so I wonder if he can do blockbuster. Also, it stars Andrew Garfield, who after the Social Network has been someone that I have been curious to see in more stuff. While I am sure that Webb will fumble with the big set pieces, it will be an interesting movie and so far is second only to the Dark Knight Rises as my anticipated superhero movie.
- Lincoln -
Before you get offended that I should have put this in the Theater section, let me clarify why it's here. I respect Steven Spielberg to no end. I think Daniel Day Lewis is a superior actor. However, that doesn't mean I love everything either of them has done. I am confident that whatever results from this will be a great movie. However, I am leery about really wanting to see this because not only of scarce information on it, but also because it's a period piece. Follow me for a moment. Spielberg recent released a World War I movie called War Horse. That trailer stands as one of the most annoying things I've seen at a theater. I will see that movie when it's on DVD, but I worry that along with War Horse, the story of Lincoln will be played too much for unnecessary sentimental value. However, if it gives us another awesome John Williams score, just go for it.
- Gambit -
One of my biggest complaints last year was that we didn't get a new Coen Brothers movie. In fact, I mislead everyone to believe that this was coming out in December. The reason that this is here and not in the Theater section is because that it is not a Coen Brothers movie. It is simply just written by. Of course, that's better than nothing, and with a cast that includes Alan Rickman and Colin Firth, I have no doubt that this could be a fun romp. I just worry that director Michael Hoffman won't be able to capture the Coen charm and just make this feel like a knock-off.
- The Apocalypse -
This is another one of those movies that I have no idea if they are actually coming out this year. Blame IMDB if I am wrong. However, it's the story of a bunch of slackers surviving the apocalypse. It sounds like a delightful film simply because it features Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel, and James Franco, three of my favorite guys working right now. I hope that this gets made, but I don't know when it will. It says it's in pre-production, so anything is possible. Let's hope that something becomes of it.
- Premium Rush -
What happened to this movie? I saw the trailer before Drive saying that it was coming soon, and it never did. All I know is that it's Joseph Gordon-Levitt riding around New York on a bicycle and making it seem like the most exciting thing in the world. I forget what this movie looks like, but damn if that trailer didn't make me want to see that movie. I just hope that following the award worthy turn in 50/50 that we'll see Gordon-Levitt get an upgrade to top grade actor.
- Gravity -
I am not an expert on director Alfonso Cuaron's movies. I will admit to really enjoying Y tu Mama Tambien and Children of Men, but little else comes to mind on why I really want to see this movie. I just have faith that he is a talented enough director that once I begin seeing promos for this, I will understand why it is I put this in the Matinee section. Also, it has George Clooney, so there's something else already going for it.
- The Five-Year Engagement -
I will be honest that I am not the great Jason Segel fan, but I have been a small defender of his work for years. While I will not get into How I Met Your Mother, his choices of movies have always baffled me. He's made some great ones, and then made an underwhelming version of the Muppets. However, this looks mildly amusing and teams him up with director Nicolas Stoller, whose last joint effort Forgetting Sarah Marshall is one of my favorites. It also features Allison Brie, Chris Pratt, and Brian Posehn. A lot of notable featured players of the comedy scene. I hope that this will restore some of my faith in Segel and continue to keep my interest in Stoller, especially after the very good Get Him to the Greek.
- American Reunion -
It is hard to believe, but with all that the American Pie franchise has been through in the past five years, that there actually is a movie that I am looking forward to. While the directors previous effort was the mediocre A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas, I am just hoping that this is a return to form. I really enjoyed the first two in the franchise with the third being a very mediocre third. I hold small hope that there is something redeeming about it since it features the entire original cast back for one more go. Will it be as good as the first two? It's not looking that way, but I'll keep my fingers crossed.
- Snow White and the Huntsman -
You'll find this hard to believe, but I am a defender of Kristen Stewart. This notably came after Adventureland and the Runaways proved that she had some charisma. While I cannot comment on On the Road, I am interested to see if this alternate take on the Snow White mythology will pack the punches, or if it will just be a confused mess like other fairy tale re-imaginings like Red Riding Hood. I have a feeling that it won't be great, but I hope that it's at least better than Tarsem Singh's Mirror Mirror.
- My Mother's Curse -
I really think that Seth Rogen is trying to get into indie comedies. In this one, he stars alongside his "mother" played by Barbara Streisand as he goes on the road to sell his latest invention. I don't know about you, but the Simpsons' "Grandpa vs. Sexual Inadequacy" immediately springs to mind when I hear this. What makes me more excited is that it also includes performances by Danny Pudi and Adam Scott. I'm just hoping that Rogen translates to indie comedy better than Will Ferrell has as of late.
- The Raid -
I don't know, but the trailer looks like it has a lot going for it. It looks intense, and maybe it could be fun if I dragged the right people to it. I know that my Nerd's Eye View co-hosts are already on board with seeing this. This could possibly be one of the few exceptions in terms of action movies that makes me thrilled with every move. Or it could be a bust. However, with the buzz that it has been acquiring, I have no doubt to believe negatively.
RENTAL
- Prometheus -
While I cannot claim to be a fan of the alien phenomenon, something odd happened to me last year. I kind of got into the Alien movies. While I do not love what I have seen, they are competent and entertaining despite a distracting and stupid set up. It's long been argued if this is a prequel to Alien, but after seeing the trailer, it has to be simply because of the font used. Also, it stars Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and the Young Adult couple Patrick Wilson and Charlize Theron. I don't have high hopes for this, but after being surprised by director Ridley Scott's original, I'll give this a chance.
- Men in Black III -
I L-O-V-E the first Men in Black movie. I felt that it was a significant part of my childhood. The second one was a little meandering, but tolerable enough for me to watch repeatedly. After seeing the trailer for this one a few times, I kind of have gotten over the time travel thing, though I still think that maybe there could've been a more interesting plot line that they could have used. I want this movie to be great, but at the same time, I argue that calling it necessary seems wrong. Here's hoping I get a pleasant surprise.
- The Dictator -
Another weird thing that I have become a known defender of is Sacha Baron Cohen. There is something about Da Ali G Show that struck a chord with me and has since caused me to admire his talents. While I will admit that this looks a little too over the top, I think that it still looks very funny. I just worry that it's a fluke and like Cohen's last over the top scripted comedy Ali G Indahouse, it won't be nearly as cutting edge or interesting as Bruno or Borat. However, with director Larry Charles behind the helm, I'm hoping that there is more competence in the execution.
- Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance -
Hear me out on this one. I will admit that Ghost Rider was a terrible movie. However, through convincing from my friends that the directors are action extraordinaires, this could be a surprisingly fun movie. Of course, I still need to see Crank to justify if I will find this to be one of those fun action movies or just something that seems gratuitously violent and pointless. However, the trailer kind of makes me excited to give it a chance.
- On the Road -
While this could be surprisingly good like, say, the Rum Diaries, I already have some disinterest because it's based on the book by Jack Kerouac. For some reason, I have attempted to read that book twice, but cannot get more than 50 pages in. I find it to be a pointless story about a drunk travelling across country. However, there's a performance by Kristen Stewart somewhere in there, which if Into the Wild was any indication, could be a little bit memorable. I also hope that maybe it pieces together something of the story that I am just not clicking with.
- Argo -
Director and actor Ben Affleck returns here. After making a well constructed flick called the Town, I have some faith that he could mature into a good director. While the amount of interest I have in seeing his follow-up to the Town puts this at a higher interest, it's mostly the inclusion of Bryan Cranston, who since Breaking Bad has become one of my favorite actors to keep an eye on. I just wonder if Affleck will be proven a flash in the pan as director, or if he has some skill that still remains untapped.
- Warm Bodies -
Director Jonathan Levine's follow-up to the classic 50/50. I really enjoy Levine's work, which also includes the Wackness. However, what's keeping this from getting higher interest is because it's a zombie movie. While I think it's interesting that he's taking the approach of a love story, I just grow bored by reading the synopsis. I hope that it's good, but zombies just never interested me. Maybe his next film will be in the Theater section.
- Being Flynn -
If you check the IMDB top 4 actors on this, you'll immediately understand why this grabbed my attention: Robert De Niro, Julianne Moore, Olivia Thirlby, and Paul Dano. What can you do when you get these guys together? The trailer makes it look like this deep compelling drama, and while I think it looks kind of like it moves really slow, I'd like to think it's one of those movies that will sneak up on me and make me love it at the last second. However, the ads don't convince me to check it out otherwise.
CABLE
- The Raven -
I once made a joke that the only thing ending in 2012 is John Cusack's career. While I have deep respect for the actor, his recent work hasn't amazed me. However, this trailer kind of grabbed me as a Sherlock Holmes knock-off that could be kind of fun. I look forward to seeing this on TV one day and possibly be proven wrong that this take on Edgar Allen Poe was Cusack making a smart decision in his career. I would like to think so, though the trailer doesn't make me feel that way.
- Movie 43 -
What keeps me from rating this higher is because I know nothing about it. If you look at the cast, there is a lot of promise for a good movie. However, with this being a proposed sketch movie, I am worried that it could fall into the crap world of Extreme Movie. However, the originators of this have stated it will be in the vein of Kentucky Fried Movie. I hope so. If it genuinely is, I will support this movie. However, from what I know, I just have a movie with another James Gunn segment to look forward to.
- Frankenweenie -
No lie, but I believe that maybe Winona Ryder was the best thing that happened to Tim Burton in the 80's. Okay, so she was in Beetlejuice. However, I kind of have come to love the misfit Ryder of 80's and 90's and while little after gives me hope that she's going to be compelling, this particular flick sees Ryder back with Burton, so there's some hope. I just feel that because it's a familiar Burton property and following the dull Alice in Wonderland, this won't be as good as me just talking about how cool Ryder was in Reality Bites.
- A Fantastic Fear of Everything -
There is something odd about Simon Pegg. If you don't stick him with the right people, his comedy doesn't come across right. I am not denying that this could be good, but the plot of a writer who gets lost in his work doesn't grab me. It sounds like another Run Fatboy Run flick. Of everything listed, this may be the one I am most likely to see in the Cable section. However, it all depends on the footage that is released of how soon that may be.
- Knockout -
I need to stop giving Catherine Hardwicke chances. She did the amazing Thirteen, but what has she done for me lately? She did a competent, yet mediocre Twilight and the awful Red Riding Hood. However, what draws me slightly to this is the fact that it isn't about teenagers or fairy tales, but boxing. Also, the big draw is that it features Noomi and Ola Rapace together. As you know, I like to see if Rapace can make the leap to American cinema with some grace, and hopefully Hardwicke still has some steam left in her engine. Otherwise, this could be as bad as I think it could be, regardless of Hardwicke ditching her annoying tropes.
- Return -
I just heard that this film existed, but it stars Linda Cardellini. In some respects, I should love her more than I have. She just hasn't grabbed me post-Freaks and Geeks like the others. However, if the comments during the trailer is more than shoddy promotion, I will give this a chance someday, which may rekindle my love affair with her. I just wonder how soon that will be.
You tell me what you think of it:
So that's 40 movies I'm going to keep an eye on in 2012. Is there any that I left off? Is there any that you really want to see? Let me know and leave some feedback.
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