As we begin an exciting new year in cinema I thought I’d take some time to think about the movies we’ll be greeted with throughout the year. In this post I’ll discuss my top 15 movie tavern exton anticipated films are this year. However, it is important to remember that these aren’t necessarily the films that I think will be the most enjoyable of the year in general. These are the movies which, at the time of writing, I’m anticipating most. Without further delay this list of my top anticipatory films of the year.
1. Sucker Punch
Director: Zack Snyder
Writer: Zack Snyder and Steve Shibuya
Stars: Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens and Abbie Cornish
Release Date: March 25, 2011
Genre: Action Fantasy Thriller
What exactly is it? A girl of a young age is put in a solitary facility by her evil stepfather. In a frenzied retreat to an alternate reality as a way to cope she thinks of an escape plan that will allow get out of the institution.
Why it’s excellent: Really hot and hot girls in schoolgirl clothes and other slack clothing, with guns and swords, paired with Snyder’s incredible visual flair? I’m definitely in. The video trailer of this film is absolutely stunning. From the look to the action, the plot (while looking a little off the wall) looks cool. I’m getting to love Snyder’s work. In the event that The Adjustment Bureau could be the year’s Inception remake because of its mind-bending story and wacky plot, then Sucker Punch could be this year’s Inception . The Dark Knight and 300. Inglorious Basterds because of its design and epic adventure that is dark, but also hints at alternate reality. The movie is brimming with the style and attitude of the movie and I can’t wait for what’s going to be a fun epic adventure.
The reason it might suck: Snyder can be somewhat off-base occasionally. Although The Watchmen was entertaining, it eventually became dull. Then, Legend of the Guardians is believed to have some issues with its pacing, and has received mixed reviews from critics. However, in fairness to Snyder the director, he did not write any of those films however he was responsible for the screenplay (or at least the screenplay) of the notorious 300.
2. Sherlock Holmes 2
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writer: Kieran and Michele Mulroney
Stars: Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, Noomi Rapace and Stephen Fry
Release Date: December 16, 2011
Genre: Action Mystery
What exactly is it? Sherlock Holmes and his partner Dr. Watson join forces to defeat and take down their most formidable adversary Professor Moriarty.
What makes it great: I’m a big Sherlock Holmes fan. The Doyle stories remain my most loved books to this day. I am a huge fan of Sherlock. Sherlock is such a swagger. Finally, a film appears to have captured that quite well. The first film was among the best depictions of Sherlock I’ve seen. Instead of being depicted as a pretentious, snooty and sophisticated Englishman Sherlock was shown as a rough-edged character with the same grit Doyle wrote about him. While the movie was Hollywood-ized , unlike anything you’d see in the novels but it was an enjoyable adventure and an extremely enjoyable film. Guy Ritchie is a very skilled filmmaker, too. Because of these reasons, as well as my love of Sherlock I’m looking forward to seeing the way Part 2 turns out, particularly as they battle with Moriarty. Additionally, I’m excited to see how Noomi Rapace ( The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,etc) is for the film’s Hollywood debut.
What could it mean: New writers. The writers who were the original ones from the beginning weren’t returning, but and instead Kieran as well as Michele Mulroney will take the reins. Let’s see how the two take it. Writing for the first time both of them previously wrote the novel Paper Man that didn’t do very well with critics.
3. Paranormal Activity 3
Director: Tod Williams
Author: Christopher B. Landon and Michael R. Perry; characters created by Oren Peli
Stars: Katie Featherston
Release Date: October 21, 2011
Genre: Horror
What exactly is it? We have no idea what the film will be about, as no information has been revealed. However, the first film focused on a couple plagued by an evil spirit that was possessed by Katie. Its subsequent film (which was more than an esoteric prequel) focused on Katie’s sister’s home in the same way as the spirit haunts them as well as their child. The story ends with the two stories coming together in the middle of Part 2 when it reaches the point at which Part 1 ends and we find out what happens following the whole thing. It is certain that Part 3 is set to take over the same place that the previous parts 2 and 1 ended. What will happen next? It’s as reliable as mine.
Why it should be good: The first Paranormal Activity became something of a cult phenomenon/sensation. It was hailed as the most terrifying film ever, the public were affluent and crowded into the movie, and it became a massive success. It was right in my opinion. It was a simple horror film that brought back to the origins of the genre, employing suspense and tension to instil terror and fear in the minds of viewers. Part 2, though some did not seem to like it like the first, was exactly the same. I actually believed that Part 2 was pretty much identical to the first. The clever storytelling that made a prequel to the original was certainly impressive. The creators and the writers of this series have proved that the horror genre can be revived, and doesn’t need to be a slasher film and the like. They’ve succeeded of instilling fear into the audience , using that fear to their advantage while allowing the viewers imaginative mind to race being totally captivated. I’m sure I’ll be expecting the same from the next.
What could go wrong: If you feel that the sequel was less than the first, you might be disappointed when you learn that the same director and writers of the sequel return. But, as with Part 2, Oren Peli (the creator of the series) remains involved, and serves as the film’s producer.
4. Paul
Director: Greg Mottola
Writer: Nick Frost and Simon Pegg
Stars: Nick Frost, Simon Pegg and Seth Rogen
Release Date: March 18, 2011
Genre: Sci-fi Comedy
What does it mean: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) come together to play the comic action Paul in the role of two geeks from sci-fi, whose journey leads them to the American UFO heartland. In the process, they encounter an alien that takes them on a wild journey that changes their world forever. Over the last sixty years an alien called Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen) has been living at a secret military base. For some reason the space-traveling smart ape decides to flee the base and board the first vehicle that leaves town-a rented motorhome that contains Earthlings Graeme Willy (Pegg) and Clive Gollings (Frost). In the midst of being pursued by federal agents and the father who is a fanatic about an innocent girl that they kidnap accidentally, Graeme and Clive hatch their own escape plan, which is not so well thought out. They hope to get Paul back to his mother ship. While two nerds battle to aid, a tiny green man could transform his fellow outcasts and turn them from misfits to heroes in the intergalactic space.
What makes it great: Simon Pegg and Nick Frost back together again. This should be enough. Seriously. When these two duos meet, it’s gold as proven through Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. It’s probably my favorite pair of these days. They’ll also be teaming together to write this, and that’s always positive thing too (well it’s Frost’s first time writing and Pegg is the one to write their first two appearances). They aren’t reuniting to Edgar Wright for this one however, they’ll be collaborating along with their director from Adventureland as well as Superbad which are two films I really liked. To top it all off, that, they’ll have comedy actor Seth Rogan joining them. This sounds like a good team, and I’m eager for what I’m certain will be a hilarious film, which could be the year’s best comedy.
What could it mean: You do have to ask yourself if some of the charms of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz could be lost when Frost and Pegg continue without Wright. I believe they’re excellent comedy talents, but they can be alone. Also, the all-star event could be a good way to compensate.
5. The Adjustment Bureau
Director: George Nolfi
Writer: George Nolfi; Based on Short Story by Philip K. Dick
Stars: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt and Terence Stamp
Release Date: March 4, 2011
Genre: Thriller
What is it? Just as he’s close to getting a Senate seat the political figure David Norris (Matt Damon) encounters a ballerina called Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt). While David is in love with her the mysterious men are conspiring to keep him from the gorgeous dancer. David realizes he’s up against the powerful forces of Fate and seeing the future that is laid out before him, he must choose to either follow the predetermined route which does not include Elise or beg Fate to stay with Elise.
The reason it’s excellent: Honestly, this looks like the season’s “Inception,”. With plenty of mind-bending scenes happening the film is a thriller that combines multiple levels of reality as well as strange forces. Matt Damon really tends to shine in these kinds of films. I am interested and it looks like it could be an intriguing adventure. Although this is director Nolfi’s debut, he wrote his own script, The Bourne Ultimatum, thus is collaborating with Damon yet again. The film is based off the short story written of Philip K. Dick, who’s work was the basis for films such like Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report, Paycheck and A Scanner Darkly. With presumably good sources and a scriptwriter who will definitely be able to do the job (as shown in the Bourne Ultimatum) we could be in for really good time.
What could go wrong: This is Nolfi’s first experience as a director and we’ll have to check if he’s the wrong spot. Additionally, it’s being described as an action thriller with a romantic element. Let’s hope they don’t get too carried away with the romance aspect and turn it into a romantic film that will give up some plot to concentrate on romance.
6. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Director: Rob Marshall
Writer: Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio
Stars: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane
Release Date: May 20, 2011
Genre: Fantasy Action-Adventure
What does it mean: Jack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a journey to locate the mysterious fountain of youth only to find out that Blackbeard along with his wife are looking for it as well.
The reason it’s excellent: Some people have been averse to the HTML0’s. Some have said they’ve only gotten worse over time. I’ve discovered that the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise to be a great adventure. It’s a great movie that has plenty of adventure, awesome special effects, and great fun. Maybe it’s the crush I have for Depp however I am delighted to see him back playing Jack Sparrow. The character is such amusing and always offers an enjoyable time. It will be fascinating to find out how they will go about updating the character as well as if they are able to have a new group of characters. Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann are gone.
What could go wrong: It’s a Hollywood sequel, and they always have the potential to be suckers. The absence from Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann could dampen the proceedings. Although there is a possibility that it will be freshened up, there’s the possibility that some of the excitement could disappear as they attempt to replace these characters. In addition, even if we see the same writers return and a new director who will be directing this sequel. Pirates appears to be a step outside Rob Marshall’s realm of comfort (best famous as the director of Memoirs of the Geisha as well as Chicago) and, therefore, we’ll be watching to examine how he handles an action-packed adventure with this size.
7. The Hangover 2
Director: Todd Phillips
Writer: Todd Phillips, Scot Armstrong and Craig Mazin
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Ed Helms and Justin Bartha
Release Date: May 26, 2011
Genre: Comedy
What exactly is it? There isn’t much known about the storyline in this follow-up. What we do know is that the group has returned to cause more trouble when they head to Thailand. and Phillips are promising lots of hilarious surprises and laughter.
The reason it’s great: The Hangover was hilarious , I thought. The original cast was a good team and the script was funny. It was full of laugh-out-loud moments, and was among the most entertaining films this season (one of the most hilarious I’ve seen in quite a while as well). It is my hope that having the gang back together will bring greater laughter than the first one provided.
The reason it might be a problem: New writers. The writers of the first weren’t returning to be replaced. Instead, we have Scot Armstrong as well as Craig Mazin that have brought us such rubbish such as Semi-Pro Starsky and Hutch, Scary Movie 4 and Superhero Movie. If their previous work is any indication of their talents they could take this franchise down.
