I am calling it now. 2013 will be the year of Rooney Mara. While I hope that everyone already knows her from her fantastic, Oscar-nominated performance in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, I am sure that by December, she will at very least be closer to becoming a household name. She has a lot of interesting new movies come out and that's only the start. We have a lot of returns by Ryan Gosling, Ellen Page, and multiple Michael Fassbender and Joaquin Phoenix projects. 2013 will have a lot to do to compete with the artistic echelon that made 2012 great, but for now, based on limited or no advertisement, here are my most anticipated movies of 2013.
The following movies have been split up into three categories in order to best judge how excited I am for these movies. The films will range from Theater (Must See) to Matinee (Maybe) to Rental (Faint Interest). Besides category, the movies will not be in a preferential order. There will also be bonus sections detailing people to watch, as well as my predicted pick for the worst film of 2013 sight unseen (hint: it's a sequel to a film that I consider to be one of the worst movies of all time).
THEATER:
WRONG - I put this movie on my 2012 list after seeing the trailer in 2011 and loving director Quentin Dupieaux's offbeat and insatiably weird Rubber. If you haven't seen the trailer, please do, as I consider it an exercise in how to make weird movies and sell them properly. However, thanks to news through the grapevine, I will look less foolish with this on my list as more than a must see, as it has received distribution and will now be released through Video on Demand (VOD) sometime later this year. I definitely will not feel too bad shilling out hard earned money to finally see it.
THIS IS THE END - Another film that I have felt has been on my anticipation lists for years now is the Seth Rogen directorial debut featuring every comedian who has ever worked with Judd Apatow... and Emma Watson. They have finally released a teaser for it and while I argue that it runs the gamut of inspired gags to juvenile piss jokes, I cannot deny the joy that I got watching almost all of my favorite comedians acting silly on screen in a way that I haven't felt like they have since Pineapple Express. Face it, I have a soft spot for these people, especially Rogen, whose career is on a fascinating trajectory right now (the Guilt Trip aside).
THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES - This already has my vote as best movie of 2013, as it features the return collaboration between Ryan Gosling and director Derek Cianfrance, whose previous effort Blue Valentine is one of the most amazing, well crafted movies of the decade and is a beautiful expression of what it means to be in love. Whatever they have planned next will surely at very least be a fascinating experience and at very least will make me hope for a third collaboration between the two.
INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS - My favorite directors, Joel and Ethan Coen, return after a year off with an enticing promise: a movie and a TV show. Of course, the movie sounds fascinating just because of whose involved: Carey Mulligan, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver. The story about a folk musician seems secondary to how much I want to see this movie, and greatly welcome the moment that I can finally buy a ticket for it.
THE WOLF OF WALL STREET - Martin Scorsese returns to directing with an all star cast that includes Jean Dujardin, Leonardo DiCaprio, and continuing the redemptive phase of Matthew McConaughey's career. After making a dazzling treat with Hugo, I still feel like Scorsese is one of the great legendary directors and even if this film doesn't succeed, it will be better than most garbage out around the same time just because of the craft put into it. Also, it will be fascinating to see how Dujardin does in a post-Artist role that will probably prove to be more demanding.
HER - The last Spike Jonze film that I saw was Where the Wild Things Are, and at very least, I cannot accuse him of directing a boring movie. He is a consistently fascinating, visual-trick bending auteur whose efforts continue to be some of the most original cinema these days. Attach on one of my favorite actors: Joaquin Phoenix, and you already have me curious to watch whatever these two weirdos cobble together. Also, another chance for me to believe that Rooney Mara will in fact end up making my Top 10 list multiple times.
TWELVE YEARS A SLAVE - The reality is that I am split on Steve McQueen. His first film Hunger was one that I could appreciate on tone and vision. However, I would never watch it again. However, Shame is a phenomenal movie that holds up upon rewatching and also features for my money the best Michael Fassbender performance to date. I am hoping to see the McQueen who did Shame present in this film, which could end up making a deeply moving, brooding story into utter poetry. Also, it features Fassbender again with co-stars Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti, and the follow-up performance from Beasts of the Southern Wild star Quvenzhane Wallis. What is not to like?
THE EAST - Ellen Page has two movies out this year, and the first one sees her in a tale that explores the happenings of an anarchist group. In many ways, this feels like a plot remnant of Mouth to Mouth. However, I am hoping for a strong, tightly knit story that leaves me feeling like this could be a culty thriller in the vein of Martha Marcy May Marlene. It won't be long until press confirms my beliefs, as it is premiering at Sundance this month. Either way, Page confirms that I already have a ticket bought.
TRANCE - After many years off to do a stage version of Frankenstein and producing one hell of an Olympics Opening Ceremony, Danny Boyle finally makes his long awaited follow-up to 127 Hours. What is it about? I have no idea, but since he is one of my all time favorites, I don't have to know just yet. He always manages to make me find the beauty in the grotesque and make tales that are perversely uplifting. I love Boyle, and that's really all I need until a trailer premieres.
SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR - One of the odd sensations of my life has been how popular Sin City was upon its release. In fact, I still occasionally watch it with some form of awe and I have always wondered when they would expand the Frank Miller universe. Well, Robert Rodriguez has finally been good to his word and will release more stories in what I hope will be a comic book noir that is just as violent and fun as the first one.
THE WORLD'S END - Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, and Edgar Wright together again for the final element of their Blood and Ice Cream Trilogy. I loved Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, and there is little doubt to question them on this film, which supposedly continues the trend about apocalyptic movies. At very least, I guarantee that I will be talking about this one a lot as it gives me more reason to revisit the older films and possibly watch Spaced again for no reason.
ONLY GOD FORGIVES - Ryan Gosling, seeming to want to team up with everyone he's ever worked with, returns to work with Nicolas Winding Refn. The poster has been an iconic staple on the internet since its release depicting Gosling's face beat to a pulp. However, if it is half as good as the great movie Drive, then there is a possibility that we'll be seeing me blaring an outdated soundtrack as I drive down the street and be convinced that Refn is a genius (site: Bronson, Pusher).
DON JON'S ADDICTION - One of the multiple actor giants of 2012, Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes his directorial debut which manages to feature Tony Danza, Brie Larson, and Scarlett Johannson. Not a bad cast, and at very least will be an interesting move that will prove just how capable he is at making movies that look as great as most of what he has released in the past five years.
THE TO DO LIST - I love Aubrey Plaza and have embraced her slow rise to lead actress. With this film, she finally gets the lead, and while it is shaping to be a raunchy comedy, at least it stars a lot of familiar faces, including Donald Glover. After Safety Not Guaranteed proved to me that she is able to lead with deadpan hilarity, I am convinced that she will bring the same charm to this story, even if it turns out to be very light fare.
UNTITLED WOODY ALLEN PROJECT - I am one of those people who enjoys going out to see Woody Allen movies, even if they aren't spectacular. Of course, one thing that I admire about recent films of his is the cast, that seems to have created some of the most bizarre ensembles of his career. This one has Louis C.K., Andrew Dice Clay, Sally Hawkins, and Cate Blanchett to name a few. If that doesn't grab you, how about the fact that it was filmed in San Francisco? Yeah, this film will at very least be different from his overseas comedies of recent years.
TOUCHY FEELY - Another Ellen Page film, and from what I gather, this story about a massage therapist will be more comedy than The East will be. However, it is from the director of Your Sister's Sister, a film that I still need to see and have heard great things about. At very least, this film will continue the slow process of making Scoot McNairy a household name as well as teaming Page back up with her Juno co-star Allison Janney. What's not to like?
ELYSIUM - Neil Blomkamp finally makes his follow-up to District 9, a film that I thoroughly enjoyed. I cannot wait to see what this film looks like. It will at very least prove if Blompkamp is a one trick pony, or if we can expect great things from him down the line.
UNTITLED DIABLO CODY PROJECT - I am a stern defender of Diablo Cody, and I argue that Young Adult was proof that she was a maturing director with something important to say. I don't know too much about her directorial debut, but along with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, this is looking to be at very least an interesting batch of debuts to keep an eye out for. Also, the promise of more Nick Offerman and Russell Brand is an appetizing treat.
LABOR DAY - With exception to Thank You for Smoking, Jason Reitman is a director who has yet to let me down. From the brilliant Juno to the monumental Up in the Air to the nostalgic commentary of Young Adult, all of his films feel like contemporary favorites of mine that will transcend time. I have little doubt that Reitman will go off the rails just yet. Of course, it also helps that Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin are in it.
RED FLAG - Alex Karpovsky continues to blow me away on Girls. This doesn't have a release date, but it should. I think the trailer looks really funny and I need an excuse to see this on the big screen, or any of Karpovsky's work for that matter. His cameo in Sleepwalk with Me has reassured me that he is an underrated genius.
GANGSTER SQUAD - I like Ruben Fleischer and his work, while not personal favorites, sees a director with a penchant for action. The trailers for this are loaded with gangster shooting and anachronistic song choices. It looks pretty fun, and it has Ryan Gosling again somehow hooking up with Emma Watson. Also, Sean Penn seems to be playing a hammy, juicy villain in the trailers, and that could play in the movie's favor. Easily the first film of 2013 that I am excited to see.
MONSTER'S UNIVERSITY - Being a fan of Monster's Inc., I cannot see why I wouldn't be at least curious about this prequel. The trailers convince me that it is going to be borderline way too silly, but it would be a nice surprise if Pixar pulled out the camp and made another heartfelt tale that is somehow on par with the emotional punch that is the final act of Monster's Inc. Of course, this also looks like the only animated film that isn't garbage.
NEBRASKA - I had an epiphany a few weeks ago when I watched About Schmidt. Alexander Payne may be one of my favorite directors. While the Descendants was not my favorite of his, I find most of his work to be fascinating approaches to the mundane, and for that, I am kind of excited to see where this alcoholic road trip movie goes and if Bob Odenkirk will have a substantial role. Payne is really good at casting comedians in legitimate roles.
A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE MIND OF CHARLES SWAN III - I have no idea what it is about, but after Roman Coppola wrote Moonrise Kingdom, I kind of am curious to see what else he can do. Besides achieving the goal of making me want to see a movie starring Charlie Sheen, this offbeat comedy has a very intriguing, bizarre trailer that makes me believe that at very least it will be great outsider entertainment. Also, you cannot argue with Bill Murray as a cowboy.
MATINEE
THE BLING RING - I am on the fence when it comes to Sofia Coppola. While I love the Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation, Somewhere left me feeling a little cold. However, the great work outshines the bad work, and it makes me intrigued. I may bump it up to a must see if the trailer can convince me that there is something that she has to say. Also, it may end up making Emma Watson into the most credible actress from the post-Harry Potter academy.
GRAVITY - Alfonso Cuaron is a fascinating director, and his choice to team up with George Clooney only makes this film seem more intriguing. If you haven't seen Children of Men, please do. It will give you reason to believe that this technically amazing director will produce one of the most mind-bending and profoundly deep films of the year. All it needs is a really captivating trailer and I will make it a must-see.
LOWLIFE - Joaquin Phoenix reteams with his Two Lovers director (which is hilarious if you've seen I'm Still Here) and brings along Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Renner. Sounds like an intriguing cast. If I was more familiar with Two Lovers or the plot to this movie, then maybe I would have reason to be excited. But for now, it is one that I am definitely going to keep an eye out for.
MACHETE KILLS - I am a big supporter of the original Machete, as I found it to be a gripping, fun tribute to b-movies while also having something fun to say. Also, it gave Danny Trejo an insanely fun role that was also pretty funny. While I worry that Robert Rodriguez' double dipping in franchises this year will prove either to falter, it may definitely remain a guilty pleasure and fun experience worth checking out, provided my schedule is open.
FRANK - The plot synopsis about someone joining a pop band that is fronted by Michael Fassbender is all I need. I haven't read the rest of the cast, but this already sounds like one of the best movies of the year. However, as This Must Be the Place proved last year, I'll need more than just a gimmicky plot to sell me on it, though Fassbender has proven himself too charismatic to intentionally do bad cinema.
DEAD MAN DOWN - I owe a lot to Niels Arden Opley, the original director of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Ever since, he has gotten me hooked on the Millennium Trilogy in all of its incarnations. Besides those films, I have yet to see any of his other work, but if Noomi Rapace is back for whatever this story is, I am rather excited to see where things go and see if maybe they can capture the sparks again with a gripping and intense film.
THE GREAT GATSBY - Sure, why not? Jay-Z is doing the score, which will probably be the most talked about element of the story. Otherwise, this film looks too shiny for me to fully get behind it. Also, I pray that the screaming music will not be used in the movie to initiate Gatsby's bummer moments.
JOE - I am thinking that this will be the year that I forgive David Gordon Green. After 2010 proved to be a disastrous year for his reputation, he returns with two films, one being this tale starring Nicolas Cage in a movie that will explore redemption and ruin. I have no idea if this is being played for broad comedy, but if it is a drama like I hope, I am really sure that this will be a fascinating film that reminds me why Snow Angels is an incredible piece of cinema. At very least, it will also give Cage some of his acting credibility back.
UNTITLED TERRENCE MALICK PROJECT - This may hands down be in the running for best ensemble of the year. Not only does it star Ryan Gosling, Rooney Mara, Michael Fassbender, Natalie Portman, and Christian Bale, but the pictures make me believe that the Lizard Man is in it. Nothing special, but that only confirms that this could be one crazy trip. While I wasn't a big fan of Tree of Life, there is a chance that I can be won back over, provided this amazing cast is giving juicy and breathtaking content to work with.
MAD MAX: FURY ROAD - Probably the reboot that intrigues me the most, if mostly because it sees Tom Hardy taking on the Mad Max role. It is also directed by George Miller, the same person behind the originals. I am worried that it will be a big bloated blockbuster, but I still believe that if Hardy is playing his cards right, he is on track to have one of the more fascinating careers of the modern era. I remain skeptical about this, but hey, maybe Charlize Theron will add something special to it.
IRON MAN 3 - Being a fan of Robert Downey Jr. and Shane Black's previous effort Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, I figure that I have no excuse not to be intrigued. With Jon Favreau out of the picture, we may be looking at a less clunky Iron Man story and one that sees Ben Kingsley as an enticing villain (note: so far, Iron Man has had the juiciest actors playing bad guys). The only question is if it will work as a standalone film, part of the Iron Man trilogy, or if this is just another introduction to the Avengers world. I don't know, but hopefully the Tony Stark charm is still radiant and full on displayed.
THE COUNSELOR - As a person who found myself falling in love with Cormac McCarthy in 2012, I am immediately intrigued to go out and buy the book to see what this is about. Also, this is probably going to be more of a Ridley Scott drama, which if you haven't seen Matchstick Men, is a welcoming moment of excitement. Add in performances by Michael Fassbender, Javier Bardem and Brad Pitt, and this may end up being one of the surprise favorites in terms of overall skepticism.
SAVING MR. BANKS - Tom Hanks in a movie playing Walt Disney sounds like an intriguing move, and hopefully it will turn out an interesting performance. I don't know too much else about the film, but if that mustache that he's been sporting the last few months is any sign of what's to come, then I am sure that we'll get an uncanny, fun story and maybe even Hanks' first Oscar nomination in what seems like forever? It's too early to really even consider that, but one can hope.
PRINCE AVALANCHE - Another David Gordon Green film. I know even less about this one and the cast is even more unknown. I just hope it is a character study, or else I'll regret putting so much faith in Green in 2013.
THOR: The Dark World - In some sort of odd way, I was actually enthusiastic about the original Thor and I kind of am curious to see what they come up with for a sequel. At very least, a lot of the original cast is back, and maybe this will give us reason to care about Kat Dennings again after an unfortunate stint on 2 Broke Girls. At very least, it has a different director, so maybe the drama will not be piled on as heavily.
UNTITLED DAVID O. RUSSELL/ABSCAM PROJECT - Don't even ask me about this yet. Just know that it has Christian Bale and Amy Adams in it. They were so good together in the Fighter and after the lackluster Silver Linings Playbook, I would like to think that reteaming with these performers will have a return to form for David O. Russell.
LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE - I don't know too much about this, but it is from the director of Certified Copy. I haven't seen it yet, but within a week of posting this, I will know whether I was right to even consider the film for this year.
THE MONUMENTS MEN - I found myself slowly falling in love with George Clooney's last directorial effort the Ides of March. I feel like if he has something important to say in this film, then there is a chance that I will thoroughly enjoy it. He may not be the flashiest director, but he does make political mumbo jumbo sound riveting.
RENTAL
OLDBOY - Spike Lee making a remake of the classic film? Sure why not? It will definitely produce one of the most unfortunately ridiculous trailers of the year (thus highly anticipated on that front). The question is if it will be as bad as I think it is, or if it will prove that he actually had something important to say in this off the wall decision.
THE EVIL DEAD - The trailer convinces me that this isn't going to be a good movie. However, as a fan of the Sam Raimi originals, I will probably see it eventually just for comparison's sake. Also, it is Diablo Cody's return to writing horror since Jennifer's Body, a film that I wrestle with as either too kitsch or poorly delivered wit. I am probably going to ignore the film for the most part, but I definitely will be that curious Evil Dead person who rents it.
THE HEAT - I don't care for Sandra Bullock or Melissa McCarthy all that much (Identity Theft looks god awful), but the promise of having another Paul Fieg directed comedy seems promising. After great work on Bridesmaids, I am hoping that he can find what it is that makes McCarthy the Roseane Barr of the modern era. This may not be anywhere as good as Bridesmaids, but hey, Fieg created Freaks and Geeks, so he may have something that he is hiding.
KNIGHT OF CUPS - Two of three Terrence Malick films for 2013, the second of which to star Christian Bale and Natalie Portman. I know even less about this, but with a less stellar cast, I am not as drawn to see this. However, I do love me some Bale, so there is probability that unless the trailers sell me, that I will at very least be giving it a rental.
PACIFIC RIM - Talk about a disappointing trailer. I was all for a new Guillermo Del Toro film and Pacific Rim was high on my list. Then that trailer showed robots crashing to loud noises. I was having Battleship flashbacks and suddenly I lost interest. I have a problem connecting with stories involving excessive use of robotics, and this trailer made me lose most faith in actually wanting to see this, regardless on if it is Del Toro. Get rid of the robots, and maybe we'll have a deal. Until then, don't kid yourself. This looks like Battleship.
THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE - I will admit that I had a faint fondness for the first one and I applaud the idea of this being the new franchise. However, upon reading the second book, I think that the story is god awful. The way that it ends is just a failure in narration and while I plan to read "Mockingjay" before the last story, I just cannot see these films recovering from poor source material.
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 - I found the first way too silly. Will that be the case with this one? I don't know. However, in terms of animated movies out this year, this is probably one of the more appealing choices to choose from, as the others are unfortunately bland looking.
THE MAN OF STEEL - Can Christopher Nolan's hand help Zack Snyder to make a competent and fun version of Superman? I hope so, though doubt entirely after the disastrous, sexist, and just plain annoying Sucker Punch. Still, I hold out some hopes that with each of the trailers show a vision of some competence, that Snyder's return to adaptations will prove to be a smart choice and with a toned down style, may end up being somewhat entertaining.
SIDE EFFECTS - After a great 2012, Steven Soderbergh tones down his output with one film, which stars Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum and Jude Law. The ads don't make it look nearly as amazing as any of Soderbergh's previous efforts, but it could be a sleeper hit in the style of Haywire. Also, maybe Tatum is the secret success formula for these films and may end up making it somewhat enjoyable. However, don't doubt Mara.
OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL - Okay, I am interested on the basis that it is Sam Raimi and James Franco working together on a vision that may look like a lazy man's Alice in Wonderland, but the cast and whimsy kind of reminds me of Mirror Mirror, which may play to the film's advantage. However, the trailers don't quite sell me nor do they keep me from having faint interest. The only real question is how hoaky will this film be and if Sam Raimi still has the ability to use that to his advantage.
THE LAST STAND - I will admit that upon a bender of watching Arnold Schwarzenegger movies last year, I began to like the guy as an action star. I have really been into this trailer for awhile, but not enough to actually go see it. I am hoping that this will be a fun rental. Also, it has Johnny Knoxville in it, who may end up having a banner year as well, since he's in head scratching projects after a long term absence.
OUT OF THE FURNACE - Scott Cooper follows up the pretty good Crazy Heart with this movie starring Christian Bale and Woody Harrelson. I don't know what it is about, but after Cooper at least made an interesting effort with Jeff Bridges, I am curious to see what his follow-up will look like to see if he is a one trick pony, or if he has lasting power.
RED 2 - While I wasn't a big supporter of Red, I will admit that the cast, and notably John Malkovich, did manage to squeeze some fun into the story. The only question for me really is how much Morgan Freeman are they going to use. He may have not been the best from Red, but at least he was entertaining to watch. Even if this feels like a rehash, it may be a fun afternoon viewing.
CARRIE - Probably, on this list, the remake that nobody wanted. I am curious because Chloe Moretz is a favorite of mine and since I am not planning on seeing Kick-Ass 2 (reason: read "Kick-Ass 2" and tell me that it isn't god awful), I am curious to see what he does with this Carrie remake. At very least, I have some optimism, as Let Me In was a solid remake of Let the Right One In. Maybe the case will be the same here, in which case I may pay to see it. However, for the time being, I will probably see it on DVD just for Moretz.
THE WOLVERINE - Not being a fan of X-Men at all, there is a reason that this ranks so low on my list. However, with Les Miserables still fresh in my mind, I would like to think that Hugh Jackman can keep my love with this film. After all, it is directed by James Mangold, who did Walk the Line. The only question is if they will make an engaging story, and if this will help Jackman to get out of making these dumb films so he can do more ambitious efforts.
THE HOST - Okay... it is from Stephanie Meyer and the trailer looks boring. However, I am a firm believer that Saorise Ronan is a promising young actress and after Hanna, will probably go far. I will be seeing this just because of her and my belief that she will be criminally underrated as a result of this film. Also, Diane Kruger is in it, and she was good in Inglourious Basterds, right? This is not expected to be great, but hey, if it gets Ronan more interesting parts, why not?
ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND CONTINUES - Remember how much you loved the first one? Remember when Will Ferrell was funny? The ad execs do. In a movie that is sure to tarnish the original's brilliance, I am not sure that this film really has a reason to exist that doesn't involve a huge cash settlement. I mean, did the teasers really convince you otherwise?
BEHIND THE CANDELABRA - This needed to be mentioned because Steven Soderbergh is directing a TV movie about Liberace with Michael Douglas and Matt Damon. How can this not be good? Probably in the same way that Liz and Dick was not good. But hey, it is Soderbergh. I will keep optimistic until proven otherwise. I mean, Liberace was a fun guy, after all.
PEOPLE TO WATCH
Alex Karpovsky - At least until Red Flag comes out. This list was really only made to remind me of who I liked from 2012 that is guaranteed for greatness in 2013. Karpovsky is at the top of my list simply because of his brilliant little mind, his directorial efforts, and the promise of more time on Girls.
Jacob Krupnick - I don't know what he's doing this year, but if it is as half ambitious as Girl Walk // All Day, which is a masterpiece in my mind by now, then I will be supporting him to no end.
Anne Marsen - Let's just watch this video and try not to fall in love. Whatever videos she releases this year, I will watch them and I hope her success.
WORST FILM OF 2013, NO CONTEST
HUMAN CENTIPEDE PART 3: THE FINAL SEQUENCE - Seriously, the second one is one of the worst movies ever, Tom Six is a self gratifying jerk, and his promise to make things louder and grosser is just guaranteeing that I will never see this tripe. Do yourselves a favor, never see his movies. They are awful and I hate myself for seeing the first two.
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