Most Anticipated Films of 2014

There are a ton of films I am looking forward to this year, including some that were scheduled to be released in 2013 but didn’t quite make it out for some reason or another. I am still waiting to see NYMPHOMANIAC (which is apparently a two part film now), THE GOLDEN SUICIDES (still in development according to IMDb), and all three new Terrance Malick films that are pending. My most anticipated film of 2013, HORNS is promised to be released this year and I am on the edge of my seat for that one. It tested very well at TIFF last year. I also cannot stress how much I want to see ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE either.

I’m really interested in UNBROKEN (directed by Angelina Jolie and written by the Coen brothers), LUCY (the latest film from Luc Besson), and CHILD 44 (starring Gary Oldman, Bane, and Lisbeth Salander).

As far as big budget, mainstream films go, I would like to see INTERSTELLAR and TRANSCENDENCE. I also want to catch the new CAPTAIN AMERICA film; I wasn’t too impressed with the first one, but this one looks promising. I also can’t wait to see the new Terry Gilliam film, ZERO THEOREM which has already received much praise at last year’s Fantastic Fest.



Here is my list:

10. A MOST WANTED MAN

A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught up in the international war on terror.

Anton Corbijn is mostly known for directing music videos. He’s created some of the most iconic videos for bands like Depeche Mode. In 2007, he directed his first feature film, CONTROL about Joy Division’s own Ian Curtis. CONTROL was visually stunning as well as captivating. A MOST WANTED MAN has a strong cast with notables like Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Willem Dafoe, and Robin Wright. I look forward to seeing Corbijn grow as a film director, after all David Fincher started out as a music video director and look where he is now.



9. BIRDMAN

A washed-up actor who once played an iconic superhero must overcome his ego and family trouble as he mounts a Broadway play in a bid to reclaim his past glory.

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu is a much revered director in his home country of Mexico for films like AMORES PERROS and BIUTIFUL which both garnered Oscar nominations. You may even recall his English language films like BABEL and 21 GRAMS. It will be interesting to see how he handles an actual comedy film. Edward Norton and Michael Keaton both have supporting roles.



8. INHERENT VICE

In Los Angeles in 1970, drug-fueled detective Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.

I am a huge proponent of Paul Thomas Anderson, but I must say THE MASTER did not impress me one bit. I’m hoping he redeems himself with INHERENT VICE. Once again he teams up with Joaquin Phoenix. Jenna Malone, Reese Witherspoon, Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, and Benicio Del Toro also star in this film based on a novel by Thomas Pynchon. This will also mark PTA’s first time working with his real life wife, Maya Rudolph.



7. HOW TO CATCH A MONSTER

A single mother is swept into a dark underworld, while her teenage son discovers a road that leads him to a secret underwater town.

Hey Girl is often stigmatized for his good looks and Disney past. I think he’s a truly incredible actor who dives into roles wholeheartedly. HOW TO CATCH A MONSTER is his first foray at writing and directing. Christina Hendricks, Eva Mendes, and horror legend Barbara Steele star in this fantasy thriller. I’m sure this film will gain much attention since it also stars Matt Smith aka The Eleventh Doctor. JGL proved himself with DON JON last year, let’s see if Hey Girl can match him.



6. BIG EYES

A drama centered on the awakening of the painter Margaret Keane, her phenomenal success in the 1950s, and the subsequent legal difficulties she had with her husband, who claimed credit for her works in the 1960s.

I know I said Tim Burton was dead to me after that abomination that was DARK SHADOWS, but he somewhat redeemed himself with FRANKENWEENIE. This is literally his last chance to restore my faith in a man who created some of the greatest films of my childhood. Fortunately, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter will not be apart of this production. Christoph Waltz and Jason Schwartzman star alongside Amy Adams and Krysten Ritter. As per usual, Danny Elfman will be handling music duties. Longtime Burton collaborator and Oscar winner, Colleen Atwood will helm the costume design. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.



5. THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL

The adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend.

Wes Anderson continues to delight audiences with his quirky, sentimental, and whimsical films. His last film MOONRISE KINGDOM was received with much praise and even nominated for an Oscar. He’s got a formula that seems to work every time. All the usual suspects will be apart of this ensemble cast including Bill Murray. Another thing I love about Anderson is that he has a beautiful way of incorporating the perfect music into his scenes. His soundtracks are nearly as synonymous as Tarantino’s. This is definitely a must see for all.



4. DEVIL’S KNOT

The savage murders of three young children sparks a controversial trial of three teenagers accused of killing the kids as part of a satanic ritual.

After four documentaries, a couple books, and extensive research into this case I am still completely engrossed by it. Even with the 2011 release of the wrongfully convicted West Memphis 3, the story does not end there. There are still so many unanswered questions and child murder(s) on the loose. Reese Witherspoon and Colin Firth star in this small budget picture. It will be interesting to see how the key players will be portrayed on film.



3. CESAR CHAVEZ

A biography of the civil-rights activist and labor organizer Cesar Chavez.

Growing up in a Hispanic household, I was made aware at an early age that Cesar Chavez was a great civil rights leader. I always thought it was such a shame that a film had not yet been made about his struggles. We have films about Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Abraham Lincoln. I’m so glad Diego Luna took on this project because I know it will be made with plenty of passion and love. Michael Pena, Rosario Dawson, America Ferrera, and John Malkovich star in this depiction of a real American hero. Sí, se puede!



2. GONE GIRL

A woman mysteriously disappears on the day of her wedding anniversary. Based on the novel, "Gone Girl."

Gone Girl is one of the best books I read last year; I could not put it down once I started reading. I am so excited to see that David Fincher will be directing the film adaption of this amazing read. Author, Gillian Flynn is even writing the screenplay in case any one has any misgivings about book to film adaptations. In fact, all three of Flynn’s incredible novels will eventually become films. Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike star as the tragic couple, Nick & Amy Dunne. I can’t stress enough that you should read this book (and the other two) before watching the film.



1. VERONICA MARS

Veronica Mars returns home -- just in time for her high school reunion -- in order to help her old flame Logan Echolls, who has been accused of murdering his girlfriend.

The first and only time I have ever donated money to Kickstarter was for VM. I’ve been anticipating this film almost as much as Kristen Bell has. I loved this series so much when it was on; it helped me cope when BTVS ended. However, I never felt any closure when season three ended. Thank you so much to Rob Thomas for never letting go of this idea. I was fortunate enough to attend the Kickstarter party Rob Thomas hosted last spring here in Austin. The surprise guest was none other than Logan Echolls himself! And yours truly got to meet him. I know this film will be everything I love about VM and crew. I only hope that Rob Thomas goes on to make that Party Down movie.



HONORABLE MENTIONS

It’s very difficult to narrow down this list so I need to add a few honorable mentions.

ROSEWATER

A journalist is detained in Iran for more than 100 days and brutally interrogated in prison.

Directed by Jon Stewart and starring my boyfriend, Gael Garcia Bernal.

MAGIC IN THE MOONLIGHT

The latest Woody Allen film starring Colin Firth.


SOLE SURVIVOR

In the history of aviation, there have been only 14 of them: sole survivors of a commercial aviation disaster. Most have never spoken publicly about the loss, the guilt, the immense pressure of feeling "spared." Who, after all, could ever truly understand? The answer is only each other. Sole Survivor brings four of them together (George Lamson, Cecilia Cichan, Bahia Bakari and Jim Polehinke) to share their very complex, personal stories for the first time. They revisit the most harrowing moments of their lives in an effort to heal and overcome their most perplexing questions.

There it is folks, my most anticipated films of 2014. All synopsizes are courtesy of IMDb.com so don’t sue me or anything. What are you looking forward to this year?

The Place Beyond The Pines

This film was nothing like what I expected it to be. Actually, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I have just heard nothing but good things about PINES and Hey Girl’s performance. I must say I really enjoyed it.



Director, Derek Cianfrance really struck a chord with BLUE VALENTINE so I was anxious to see his follow up. I became a Hey Girl fan after his brilliant performance in BLUE VALENTINE. PINES has bleak and lonely themes similar to those of BLUE VALENTINE. The movie is long (140 minutes), but it never feels slow or lacking. The film itself can be divided into three main acts. The first act develops Hey Girl’s character, the second revolves around Bradley Cooper’s character, and the third act is mainly about their respective children. I really appreciated the way the film unfolded within the three acts that spans fifteen years. It definitely envelopes the audience in the story and gives you a chance to relate to the characters.



As much as I hate to admit it, Bradley Cooper’s performance stood out the most for me. He’s really good at playing conniving, duplicitous characters. Cooper & Hey Girl’s characters are meant to polarize each other. They do an excellent job of blurring the lines of good & bad, criminal & hero. The other predominant theme in this film is fatherhood and the part the characters play in that role.



I would have never considered Eva Mendes a credible actress, but she really delivered a heartbreaking performance. Also, after seeing her in HOLY MOTORS & BAD LIEUTENANT, I get the feeling she’s into weird films too. It’s unfortunate her talent is wasted on bullshit like HITCH and THE OTHER GUYS. She’ll be staring in Hey Girl’s upcoming writing/directing debut HOW TO CATCH A MONSTER. Ray Liotta is still just as terrifying as ever. The actor who played teenage Jason also gave a great performance. I recently noticed he will be playing Harry Osborn in the latest reboot of Spiderman. I was more impressed to find out that Mike Patton did the music for PINES. I really love that he's taking on film soundtracks, but I'm still waiting on that Faith No More reunion.





I think Cianfrance is an extremely talented director who will do big things in the future. I look forward to his next film, METALHEAD, starring the band Jucifer. At times, I felt like I was watching a refreshing take on a Terrence Malick film and that’s the best compliment I can give THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES.

Most Anticipated Films of 2013

Wow, it really seems like this year is poised for big things. The film industry is abuzz with the usual blockbusters, sequels, and remakes. I could care less about MAN OF STEEL, G.I. JOE, or THE HANGOVER III. I am more concerned with several releases scheduled for SXSW, Sundance, and Cannes. Don't get me wrong, I am still looking forward to PACIFIC RIM, THE ICEMAN, and THE WOLF OF WALL STREET. I am also awaiting some interesting documentaries such as THE CENTRAL PARK FIVE, AFTER TILLER, and WHICH WAY IS THE FRONT LINE FROM HERE. It has been so hard narrowing down the films I am anticipating the most. Here is a list of films I cannot wait to see. Synopsis courtesy of imdb.com.

10. BLACKFISH

Notorious killer whale Tilikum is responsible for the deaths of three individuals, including a top killer whale trainer. Blackfish shows the sometimes devastating consequences of keeping such intelligent and sentient creatures in captivity.

Apparently, it isn't PC to call them "killer whales" anymore. Let's face it people, they are wild "killer" animals meant to live in oceans not as circus performers living in a kiddie pool. Nature is not meant to be tamed by man which is why these whales go ape shit and kill people. With the recent success of RUST AND BONE, this doc should continue to peak people's interest in Shamu & friends.

9. AFTERNOON DELIGHT

Afternoon Delight centers around a young couple (played by Josh Radnor and Kathryn Hahn) who have a young child together. The couple are beginning to become a little disillusioned by life as parents and decide to hire a nanny to help with their child. However, in a bid to spice up their life a little, they decide not to hire any ordinary nanny but instead opt to hire a stripper (Juno Temple).

Everyone is talking about Jennifer Lawrence, Bland Hathaway, and Elizabeth Olsen as actresses to watch. Juno Temple is the girl to look out for! She had fantastic roles in KABOOM and my favorite film of 2012, KILLER JOE. I know she is poised to break out any minute now. Or dare I say she could become the new indie darling a la Parker Posey?

8. ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE

A story centered on two vampires who have been in love for centuries. Adam (Tom Hiddleston), an underground musician reunites with his lover for centuries (Tilda Swinton) after he becomes depressed and tired with the direction human society has taken. Their love is interrupted and tested by her wild and uncontrollable little sister (Mia Wasikowska).

The latest film from the King of Cool, Jim Jarmusch. Jarmusch's films have this fluidity that I have never seem in any other filmmaking. Throw in Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton into the mix and it's a recipe for greatness. Could this be TWILIGHT for the astute?

7. MACHETE KILLS/ SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR

The U.S. government recruits Machete to battle his way through Mexico in order to take down an arms dealer who looks to launch a weapon into space.

The town's most hard boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more reviled inhabitants.

I actually got to visit Austin Studios last summer when they did the casting for MACHETE KILLS and come to find out for SIN CITY as well. Rodriguez was planning to shoot these two films back to back. I'm really looking forward to both of these sequels. It's hard to believe it's been seven years since the last SIN CITY and two cast members have died since then. Even though I hate Frank Miller as a person, I still love his writing in Sin City. I've heard so many different casting rumors from Johnny Depp to Angelina Jolie. Looks like JGL will be taking over the Depp role due to scheduling conflicts. I thought it was a joke that Charlie Sheen AND Mel Gibson were also staring in MACHETE. Isn't that too much crazy for one film? MACHETE also stars my girl crush, Amber Heard. Neither of these film will make a huge splash with the mainstream world, but I guarantee you they will be cult classics in years to come. Rodriguez is a legend in his own right and a hometown hero here in Austin.

6. UNTITLED TERENCE MALICK PROJECT/ KNIGHT OF CUPS/ VOYAGE OF TIME

Two intersecting love triangles. Obsession and betrayal set against the music scene in Austin, Texas.

A man, temptations, celebrity, and excess.

An examination of the birth and death of the universe.

Terence Malick used to make one film every decade, now he's pumping them out faster than Uwe Boll. Granted the shit Malick took this morning was probably better than anything Uwe Boll has ever done. Malick is another local legend who continues to cast our beautiful city in his lovely films. VOYAGE was not filmed in town, but it reunites Malick and Brad Pitt in another existential film about life and death. The untitled project created quit the stir in town! There were more Hey Girl (Ryan Gosling)sightings than the ever elusive white squirrel at UT campus. And since it was filmed in various local bars and music festivals, I know about half a dozen people who are extras in this film. People who have probably never even heard of Terrence Malick...but noooo I'm not jealous at all! I did happen to have my own heart stopping celebrity sighting. Kenny and I happen to run into one of my favorite actors, Michael Fassbender just walking down South Congress drinking a Topo Chico! Let me tell you friends, he's much better looking in person. Anyhow, I am really glad to see Malick has become so active these days.

5. THE GOLDEN SUICIDES

A chronicle of the double suicide of artists Theresa Duncan and Jeremy Blake.

I first read the story about Duncan and Blake in Vanity Fair and I was completely fascinated. How could two young, beautiful, and talented people just off themselves with no explanation? Throw in some Scientology in the mix and the story gets even more interesting. Originally, Bret Easton Ellis expressed interest in writing the script, but I think he got distracted with the upcoming bomb, THE CANYONS. So far, I've heard Ellis may still be writing the script along with Gus Van Sant with a rumor of Hey Girl starring. What really perked my ears was when I heard Gaspar Noe would be directing. The very same man who brought us IRREVERSIBLE and ENTER THE VOID! Well, we have see if this film will actually see the light of day in 2013. Either way, I am anxiously waiting.

4. MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

A modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic comedy about two pairs of lovers with different takes on romance and a way with words.

Shakespeare has been done to death and I could really give a shit about MUCH ADO if Whedon's name were not attached. Whedon shot this film under the radar while working on THE AVENGERS. He said it was sort of like a distraction to take his mind off the rigors of doing such a hugely monumental film. The cast consists of the usual Whedonverse suspects including several Buffy alumni. Most importantly, it stars the ever dreamy Nathan Fillion. To be honest, I would watch anything Joss Whedon created.

3. STOKER

After India's father dies, her Uncle Charlie, who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her unstable mother. She comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives and becomes increasingly infatuated with him.

This marks Chan-Wook Park's first English film. The man who gave us the holy trinity of vengeance films. I really hope that Park's style and precision translate well to English. My concern for this stems from last year's THE TALL MAN, a film by Pascal Laugier. Laugier directed the much talked about MARTYRS, a French film that has been regarded as one of the most disturbing films ever made. There is no doubt Laugier is of great talent, but his first crossover English film (THE TALL MAN) was a poor example of his magnitude. I hope this curse escapes Park. With the upcoming remake of Park's own OLDBOY, I really hope STOKER blows Spike Lee out of the water.

2. NYMPHOMANIAC

A self-diagnosed nymphomaniac recounts her erotic experiences to the man who saved her after a beating.

This film caused a huge stir when it was announced. The rumor was that unsimulated sex would actually be shot. Would you expect anything less from the disturbed mind of Lars Von Trier? Where else was he gonna go after those Nazi comments at Cannes? Anyhow, despite Von Trier's excentricities, I still love his films. The one thing about this film that leaves a bad taste in my mouth is Shia LaBeouf. If there ever was a sole embodyment of the word "douchebag", LeBeouf would be it. Not very long ago, he renounced mainstream cinema and decided he would only make independent films from now one. No one forced LeBeouf to make all those shitty Transformers movies! Try as you may Shia, you cannot escape your long resume of atrocious films. Even his name alone annoys me. Anyway, this film brings back Charlotte Gainsbourg who previously worked with Von Trier in MELANCHOLIA and ANTICHRIST. Her continued interest in working with Von Trier makes me think she's just as crazy as he is. Either way, I'm coming along for the ride!

1. HORNS

In the aftermath of his girlfriend's mysterious death, a young man awakens to strange horns sprouting from his temples.

The film adaptation of the much revered book by horror novelist, Joe Hill. I loved this book when it came out along with everything else Hill writes. I have watched this production very closely in hopes that they do this book justice and I feel really optimistic about it. The lead role was originally cast with Shia LeBeouf and of course I was livid. He dropped out and Daniel Radcliffe took over. The only thing I have ever seen Radcliffe in was THE WOMAN IN BLACK. The film itself was pretty mediocre, but Radcliffe was surprisingly good. The poor guy will forever live in the shadow of Harry Potter which is unfortunate because he could be the next Leo. I hope this film at least helps in his turn as a serious dramatic actor. I think he will make a great Ig Parrish and I am just ecstatic that my girl, Juno Temple will be playing his girlfriend Merrin. Originally, I was picturing someone like Bryce Dallas Howard in the role, but I think Temple will do a fantastic job. Alexandre Aja, the genius behind HIGH TENSION and PIRANHA 3D, will be directing. Let's hope this all works out, at least for my sake!

What are you guys looking forward to?

Worst of 2011

Oscar nominations were announced this morning and it has created a huge stir. I'm upset about certain snubs, but I'll leave that rant for the Oscar Predictions post to come later. Today in honor of the nominations, I will discuss the worst films of 2011. I managed to dodge most of the shitty flicks out there like these.

I did watch HUMAN CENTIPEDE 2, but I will leave it off this list. It's in a class all on its own. In all my movie going experiences, I have never witnessed a more polarized & vocal audience in a theater. For all the shit that spews (literally) from CENTIPEDE 2, it has character. I will say, I'd love to watch this again instead of some of the other Oscar nominated films like THE HELP, WARHORSE, BRIDESMAIDS, DESCENDANTS, or whatever else feel good movie bile you wanna toss my way. I also guarantee this film is far more enjoyable than the latest TWILIGHT bullshit.


Without further adieu:

TROLLHUNTER
This film got rave reviews by many credible people. I just thought it was really, really overrated. It was painfully slow to begin with and none of the characters really stood out. I'm not saying TROLLHUNTER was a bad movie, I just didn't enjoy it as much as everyone else did. It was definitely lacking something for me.


THE LAST CIRCUS
First of all, this is not a bad film. I just could not stop cringing at the sight of it! Here's the deal, I hate clowns! They scare me more than Republicans. This film was so scary I couldn't even enjoy it. There's a scene where one clown asks the other clown why he wanted to be a clown in the first place. He responds, "Because if I wasn't a clown, I'd be a murderer." What the fuck!? Terrifying!!!


DRIVE
I like Gosling, I think he's an underrated actor that's often overshadowed by his boyish good looks. He suffers from Leo DiCaprio syndrome. Anyhow, Gosling is good in this film, but not enough to carry it. I think the script was weak and the cast just didn't work. There's a couple graphic scenes in it that felt really misplaced and too ambitious. I actually said to myself during one particular scene, "this is such a Gaspar Noe ripoff." Later come to find out the director, Nicolas Winding Refn, sought advice from Gaspar Noé on how to make the scene brutal and realistic. Go figure.


HATCHET 2
The first HATCHET was slightly entertaining. There's some unique kills and absolutely no plot much like other classic slasher flicks. HATCHET 2 follows the same script as the first. I expected this one to be a little more enjoyable since Danielle Harris was starring and because of all the stir it caused by being pulled from theaters after two days (it was unrated). There was nothing redeeming about HATCHET 2; not even the kills were interesting. I actually began to doze off during the climax and I never fall asleep during movies. It was like watching that one douche bag at the bar trying really hard to pick up girls. The guy happens to be the director, Adam Green.


HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN
I have to say, I liked the arcade game Alamo set up in the lobby a lot more than the actual film. Is there such genre as Canadian-sploitation? If so, I'd like to avoid all films with this tag. I'm searching for words to describe this feature and the only thing that come to mind is "stupid." Don't get me wrong, I enjoy tongue in cheek horror films. This piece of crap fails to be funny, witty, entertaining, or even shocking. I did appreciate the brief cameo of Ricky from Trailer Park Boys.



CEDAR RAPIDS
Americans must be getting dumber because comedies are getting more and more moronic. Case in point, this trash! I hate Ed Helms and I hate The Office. This was like an Office feature film. Think of the worst jokes wrapped up in the most predictable script ever and there you have CEDAR RAPIDS. Not even John C. Reilly could save this sinking ship.


SOURCE CODE
I swear I really wanted to like this film; I just couldn't. I loved MOON and still think Duncan Jones has great potential as a director, but this film was all wrong. SOURCE CODE was nothing more than a jazzed up version of GROUNDHOG DAY minus the ever hilarious Bill Murray. I think Gyllenhaal was a terrible choice for the lead. I really hope this is not the last we see of Duncan Jones.


SKATELAND
Shame on me for letting my guard down and taking a chance on something. I couldn't even make it through the entire film; I watched maybe thirty minutes! I should have known this was going to be a huge turd since the only recognizable "star" was some bitch from TWILIGHT. I get the impression the director really wanted to capture the same essence of DAZED AND CONFUSED; coincidentally it was also filmed in Texas. I promptly shut off the DVD when some asshole Abercrombie & Fitch poster child started sarcastically reciting lines from ANNIE HALL. You only get to quote ANNIE HALL if your name is Blake Schwarzenbach.


THE RITE
Enough with the possession films! Seriously, I have yet to see any possession film that is remotely watchable. I really hope Sir Anthony Hopkins was possessed because I can't for the life of me understand why he didn't wipe his ass with this script. What was he thinking? I also couldn't be more sick of this whole "based on true events" crap. Bottom line, this movie sucks!



Dishonorable Mention
NEVER LET ME GO
I'm not exactly certain if this came out in 2011, but I hated it so much I can't leave it off the list. Kiera Knightly is a terrible actress to begin with! I wanted to give it a chance because Mark Romanek is so revered for his other work. It dragged on for way too long, the cast had no chemistry, and the plot was way too compliant. I can't wait for this trend of distopian society films to end. Hollywood is really beating a dead horse with this genre. Maybe Romanek should stick with directing music videos.


Feel free to air you own grievances.