Right now we are in the month of January, which, in the film world, is a month of horrific, terrible content in the movie theaters. January is the month of crap, meaning the studios put their worst films of the year in this time slot in order to have critics and audiences forget these retched pieces of work by the end of the year. So, naturally, I haven't been to the theaters yet this year. However, on a more positive note, let's take a look at the rest of the year as I discuss my top 10 most anticipated movies of 2014. But first, some honorable mentions.
12. The Monuments Men (February 7)
George Clooney returns in front of, and behind, the camera, to tell the courageous true story of a group of World War 2 era artists who attempt to rescue a bounty of stolen art from the Nazis. While the words "period piece" usually make me bored out of my wits, but Monuments Men looks to be a film full of excitement, laughs, and genuine emotion.
11. Muppets: Most Wanted (March 21)
I don't know about you guys, but I was a HUGE fan of the 2011 Muppets films starring Jason Segel and Amy Adams, and the sequel looks to be more of the same (but in a good way). All the muppets we know and love are back, plus the comedic additions of Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, and Ty Burrel. I predict it to be one of the best times we'll have at the theaters this year.
Now, my top 10
10. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (April 4)
At this point, Marvel could make a 3 hour film about dirt and I'd watch the damn thing. Marvel Phase 2 continues with the sequel Captain America: the Winter Soldier, which centers around Cap as he continues to adjust to the modern world and work closely with SHIELD. Now I wasn't a big fan of the original 2011 film, and thought it was just OK. But, judging from the trailers, winter soldier seems to be going in a much more interesting direction, dealing with socio-political themes as well as the psychological repercussions of, well, missing 60 plus years of human life. Hopefully we'll also be treated to some kick ass action scenes and some clever tie-ins to the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
9. Noah (March 28)
Bringing, arguably THE MOST FAMOUS STORY OF ALL TIME (Noah's Ark) from THE MOST FAMOUS BOOK OF ALL TIME (The Bible) is no easy task, but the great Darren Arronofsky (Black Swan, The Wrestler) seems to be up for the task. Granted, this film could be truly awful. How will the tale of Noah's Ark translate on the big screen? Let's just hope it's not a bloated, CGI mess. In the hands of Arronfosky, it could be a work of sheer beauty and pure epicness. Add in some Russell Crowe and Emma Watson, as well as some truly magnificent visuals (showcased in the, I'll admit, mediocre trailer) and we could have a modern classic here.
8. The Lego Movie (February 7)
Before you judge, watch the trailers. Phil Lord and Chris Miller (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, 21 Jump Street) seem to be creating something TRULY AWESOME. A Lego movie has been long overdue, and I can't wait to see one that seems to have an irreverent, quirky and offbeat sense of humor. The CGI/Stop Motion crossover animation is jaw dropping, and it has an incredible voice cast (Chris Pratt, Will Arnett, Elizabeth Banks, Will Ferrel, Channing Tatum, Cobie Smulders and Morgan Freeman).
7. Guardians of the Galaxy (August 1)
Marvel's first "original" (sort of) movie in a long time, Guardians of the Galaxy (based on the comic of the same name) follows a group of outer space misfits who form a team and defend evil throughout the galaxy. Sounds nerdy? Yes. Sounds awesome? Yes. The unusual choice of James Gunn as director is true brilliance, and from the footage I saw at least year's D23 Expo (it's basically Disney comic con), it might just be the most original and unique superhero film in years. It's basically The Avengers in space. How could you not be excited? And who doesn't want to see Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel voice a Raccoon and a Tree respectively?
6. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (July 18)
Rise of the Planet of the Apes was one of the best films of 2011, and has gone down in film history as one of the greatest franchise reboots of all time. Its sequel has the incomparable motion capture god, Andy Serkis, back as Ceaser, and it follows a small human resistance, 8 years after the deadly virus from the 1st film plagued humanity, as they attempt to fight off the powerful Ape army. If this film is even half as good as the first, I'll be satisfied.
5. Into the Woods (December 25)
I'm a big fan of musicals, and Into the Woods is easily in my top 5. Everything about it is perfect. It contains beautiful music from my all time favorite musical composer Stephen Sondheim, a hilarious, powerful, and heartbreaking script, wonderful characters, and a timeless quality that guarantees its spot in the musical theater canon for a long, long time. Now I've learned, thanks to the dreadful 2012 musical adaptation that was Les Miserables, not to get my expectations up too high for musicals turned into movies. So while I am very excited to see the finished product, I am incredibly skeptical. Woods has a lot going for it however. Director Rob Marshall (Chicago, Nine) is a veteran when it comes to filming musicals behind the camera and it features Meryl Streep as the Witch, Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife, Anna Kendirck as Cinderella, Chris Pine as Cinderella's Prince and Johnny Deep as the Big Bad Wolf. I'm crossing my fingers.
4. X Men: Days of Future Past (May 23)
Talk about epic. Combining the original cast of the X Men trilogy as well as their younger counterparts in X Men First Class for a superhero movie about time travel?? Bring on the nerd tears. I really enjoyed 2011's X Men First Class, and there's nothing more geekily awesome than watching old Xavier and young Xavier, as well as old Magneto and young Magneto, meeting FACE TO FACE. Add in dozens upon dozens of iconic X Men characters to the fold, as well as original X Men director Bryan Singer, and this film could join The Dark Knight and The Avengers as a modern superhero classic.
3. Godzilla (May 16)
Sometimes dark gritty reboots work. Sometimes they don't. I'm telling you, this one's gonna work. The trailer for this film is, and I mean this, ONE OF THE BEST TRAILERS I HAVE EVER SEEN, and contains a number of stylistic and meticulously crafted shots that had my jaw dropped. Who doesn't wanna see a story about a highly dangerous creature turned into a dark, exciting, and apocalyptic style film? Did I mention that Walter White is in this thing? Take my money now.
2. The Grand Budapest Hotel (March 7)
There is no filmmaker out right now who makes films the way Wes Anderson does. He defines the word originality in a whole new way. No one writes scripts like him, no one frames shots like him, and few are as original as him. His last film, the wonderful Moonrise Kingdom, has been minted by a many as a modern American classic, for good reason, and The Grand Budapest Hotel (judging from the trailer) looks to be the most Wes Andersony Wes Anderson film yet, and that makes me very, very happy. The trailer contains sensational dialogue, beautiful shots, and a number of laugh out loud moments. It also has one INSANE cast, with Ralph Fiennes, Saorise Ronan, Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Edward Norton, Owen Wilson, Jude Law, F Murray Abraham, Adrien Brody, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitl, Bob Balaban, Willem Dafoe and Tom Wilkinson.
1. Interstellar (November 7)
If you know me, your probably aware that I LOVE CHRISTOPHER NOLAN. He's one of the most consistent directors in Hollywood and, after only making 8 films, has a more impressive filmography that some of the best directors of all time who've made 50 movies. And, right off the heels of finishing the brilliant Dark Knight Trilogy, Nolan returns to the Sci-fi genre with a highly original concept involving wormholes or loopholes or...it doesn't matter because its FREAKIN CHRISTOPHER NOLAN and I will watch anything, and I mean anything, that that man directs. Also, Nolan was a genius to pick Matthew McConaughey (who has had quite the career turn around as of late) for the lead role of Cooper, and he's joined by an incredible ensemble that includes Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck, Michael Caine, David Oyelowo, John Lithgow, Topher Grace, and Matt Damon.
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