Ten movies we can’t wait to see in 2012
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: We’ve spent so much time analyzing the past year, singling out spectacular performances and breaking down key contenders in the 2011 Oscar race. It’s time, with the New Year fast approaching, to look forward. What movies due out in 2012 are you most looking forward to? Which ones will earn the most cash? Which ones will collect the most Oscar nominations and eventual trophies?
I’m going to list my 10 most anticipated movies of 2012. Most are obvious. We’re all film fans, and the same ones that float your boat likely will sit at or near the top of my 2012 list (hello there, “The Dark Knight Rises”).
But I also want to go off the grid in a few spots and highlight a handful of titles that you might not yet be aware of. Let’s discover these gems together. And in the comments section below, tell me which films you simply can’t wait to see. The Year 2012 can’t get here soon enough:
10. “The Dark Knight Rises”
Obvious, so let’s just get it out of the way. We’re all dying to see how Christopher Nolan chooses to conclude his outstanding Batman trilogy. Bane (Tom Hardy) looks terrifying. And I think Joseph Gordon-Levitt will somehow become Robin. But we’ll find out in July.
9. “Argo”
Ben Affleck has proven himself to be a director on the rise with “Gone Baby Gone” and “The Town.” For his third directorial effort, he moves out of the comfortable confines of blue-collar Boston for an intriguing story of terrorists, hostages, and a sci-fi film crew. Can’t wait.
8. “The Avengers”
How will Joss Whedon juggle all of those superheroes (and, no doubt, super egos)? On paper, Marvel’s mightiest warriors should play well together. But we won’t know if Marvel’s massive gamble will pay off until May.
7. “The Great Gatsby”
Never would I have picked Baz Luhrmann for an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel of class divisions on the Gold Coast of Long Island. Which is why I’m eagerly anticipating the “Moulin Rouge!” director’s latest collaboration with his “Romeo” star Leonardo DiCaprio. Tossing in Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire only sweetens the deal.
6. “Looper”
Rian Johnson’s first two films – “Brick” and “The Brothers Bloom” — were enormously creative works of a filmmaker with a distinct voice. He tackles time travel in his third film, casting Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a killer who thinks he recognizes his latest target (Bruce Willis). Could be 2012’s “Source Code” (which is a compliment).
5. “Prometheus”
This one wasn’t really on my radar until last week’s full trailer, which shows that Ridley Scott’s return to horror and sci-fi is a lot more connected to his seminal work, “Alien,” than the director originally let on. The cast, also, is fantastic, with Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron and Idris Elba (to name a few) encountering … something in the deepest reaches of outer space.
4. “Skyfall”
I love Daniel Craig’s James Bond, but “Quantum of Solace” sucked. I’m betting Sam Mendes can get this franchise back to “Casino Royale” levels of awesomeness. Casting Javier Bardem as a villain is a stroke of genius.
3. “The Cabin in the Woods”
Drew Goddard’s long-delayed horror story played Harry Knowles’ Butt-Numb-A-Thon, though reviews were kept under wraps. I hear that the less you know about Goddard and Joss Whedon’s story, the better. The secrets will be unlocked on April 13.
2. “Gravity”
Alfonso Cuaron’s a genius. His first film since 2006’s “Children of Men” is a sci-fi thriller about an astronaut (Sandra Bullock) trying to return to our planet after a failed mission. George Clooney co-stars, but honestly, you had me at Alfonso Cuaron.
1. “The Amazing Spider-Man”
Yes, yes, Batman fans. I hear you. But I’ve always been a Marvel guy, and I’m on record as being disappointed by Sam Raimi’s treatment of old Web head. Maybe “500 Days (of Summer)” director Marc Webb makes similar mistakes. But Spider-Man needed a reboot. I like the casting of Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker. Emma Stone looks like a great Gwen Stacy. And I’m genuinely excited to see The Lizard as a villain. “The Amazing Spider-Man” will be this year’s July 4 blockbuster. I’m holding out hope it will be amazing.
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7 Comments
Dude, you forgot the most anticipated movie of the freaking decade : The Hobbit.
the hobbit ????????
I didn’t forget! It would be #11 or 12 on my list, if I’m being honest.
what is teh median age of your viewers? is it over 12?
He will not be Robin in TDKR
I know Nolan says he’s not interested, but what if that’s a red herring?
Yeah, where’s the Hobbit?