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?

Must See of 2012

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of the year again! This is the time when we reflect on the last 365 days and look towards the next. This is also the time when I discuss my favorite films of 2011 and give a sneak peak at the ones I’m looking forward to in 2012. My initial thoughts on Coming Soon releases were negative. I really didn’t think there were too many films I was genuinely anticipating. Well, after reviewing my various spreadsheets & IMDB Watchlist, I realize now I was mistaken. There are a ton of promising features coming up in the next year. I’m still waiting on a few films that were set to be released in 2011 but have been delayed such as, RAMPART, THE TALL MAN, WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN, PIRANHA 3DD, CARNAGE, NATURAL SELECTION, and THIS MUST BE THE PLACE. Let me share a few of my personal “Must See Films of 2012” with you. (Brief synopsizes are courtesy of IMDB)

Don’t expect to find THE HOBBIT, SPIDERMAN, PROMETHEUS (Ridley Scott is a racist prick), GI JOE, BATTLESHIP, or the many SNOW WHITE adaptations anywhere near my list. Will someone please tell me already if JGL is really going be the Boy Wonder in the new Batman? That is the only thing that could convince me to see it; Bland Hathaway is probably the worst casting decision since Ted ‘Theodore’ Logan in BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA. As you may know by now, those big budget features do not appeal to me in the least. If you’re interested in that kind of cinema go to Fandango.

DJANGO UNCHAINED

“With the help of his mentor, a slave-turned-bounty hunter sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner.”

Almost three years have passed since the last Tarantino outfit and I’m ready for a new one. I'm so excited for this film I could slap the shit out of Chris P. BASTERDS was a phenomenal film and I celebrate all things QT. As soon as I heard he was doing a Spaghetti Western, my heart went a flutter. His expert knowledge in the genre will no doubt produce something incredible with that classic Tarantino edge. Just look at how he revolutionized the Kung Fu genre with KILL BILL (PS- KILL BILL 3 is listed as being released in 2014). The cast alone for DJANGO is pretty exciting too. JGL, Kurt Russell, Sasha Baron Cohen, Christoph Waltz, and the incomparable Samuel L Jackson will all be starring. If I could only see one film in 2012, this would be it.



DARK SHADOWS

“A gothic-horror tale centering on the life of vampire Barnabas Collins and his run-ins with various monsters, witches, werewolves and ghosts. Based on the cult TV series.”

Tim Burton has been talking about doing a film adaptation of the much loved British series Dark Shadows for several years now. I never thought he’d actually pull it off, let alone get Johnny Depp to play the legendary Barnabas Collins. As a child, I loved the original show as well as the 90s remake so this is a very personal project for me. I read an interview with Johnny Depp and he said this is the role he was born to play. I truly have faith that Tim Burton can redeem himself for the last ten years of shitty films. DARK SHADOWS is the stuff Goth girl dreams are made of.



FRANKENWEENIE

“Young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.”

While we’re on the topic of Tim Burton, I thought I’d include FRANKENWEENIE. The original short was also a remnant of my childhood. I’m surprised it took this long for Burton to make a full length version of this endearing and much loved story. If you’ve never seen the short, check it out. I promise the adorable frankendog will melt your heart. The original also has a cameo by a very young Sophia Coppola.



THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS

“In feudal China, a blacksmith who makes weapons for a small village is put in the position where he must defend himself and his fellow villagers.”

Here’s a Kung Fu film directed by The Rza and co-written by The Bear Jew himself, Eli Roth. What more do you need to know about it? It’s about time Eli Roth quit dicking around Twitter with The Blueberries and got back to making films. I’m still waiting for THANKSGIVING to come out.


MOONRISE KINGDOM

“A pair of lovers flee their New England town, which causes a local search party to fan out and find them.”

I’m a sucker for Wes Anderson films and pretty much anything with Bill Murray; this film has both. It also stars Cohen wife, Frances McDormand and my hairy boyfriend Schwartzman. Wes Anderson films are always so witty & charming; this is sure to be a delight.


CASA DE MI PADRE

“Scheming on a way to save their father's ranch, the Alvarez brothers find themselves in a war with Mexico's most feared drug lord.”

With the exception of STEPBROTHERS, I generally detest Will Ferrell projects. I just don’t think he’s very funny. On the other hand, I do absolutely love Gael Garcia Bernal who stars in this film alongside BFF Diego Luna. I’m definitely interested to see how Ferrell will handle an English/Spanish language comedy.


THE CABIN IN THE WOODS

"Five friends go to a remote cabin in the woods. Bad things happen."

For the most part, I’ve pretty much given up on American horror films. I'm not entirely convinced of this film; part of me wants to see it just so I can talk shit. The only promise this has is that Joss Whedon co-wrote the script and the reviews aren’t too bad either. Where the hell does he find time to do so many projects? I’m certain Joss is not of this world! I’m still not sure if I will see THE AVENGERS because I hate comic book movies and 3D, but I do love Joss Whedon.


KILLER JOE

“When a debt puts a young man's life in danger, he turns to putting a hit out on his evil mother in order to collect the insurance.”

This film stars Matthew McConaughey which would normally be a turn off for me since most of his films are bile (except for DAZED AND CONFUSED). My main motivation for seeing this is William Friedkin who directs. Billy Friedkin directed one of the greatest films of all time (a personal favorite of mine) if not the best horror film ever, THE EXORCIST. It got some good reviews on the film fest circuit. KILLER JOE also stars Juno Temple who I’ve become quite fond of after seeing her in KABOOM.


THE MOTH DIARIES

“A teenage girl at a boarding girl suspects her roommate is a vampire.”

I’m still a little on the fence about this one. My trusty horror websites praise it, but the movie message board trolls have panned it. Who do I rely on? This peaked my interest since it’s the first real film Mary Harron has directed since AMERICAN PSYCHO. Harron tends to be hit or miss. I wasn’t a fan of the Bettie Page film or I SHOT ANDY WARHOL. However, AMERICAN PSYCHO happens to be one of the best books to film adaptations out there (along with FIGHT CLUB). I’m willing to give it a chance and the poster looks cool.



THE MASTER

“A 1950s-set drama centered on the relationship between a charismatic intellectual known as "the Master" whose faith-based organization begins to catch on in America, and a young drifter who becomes his right-hand man.”

Who else could pull off a film about Scientology but Paul Thomas Anderson? Phillip Seymour Hoffman stars along with everyone’s favorite lunatic Joaquin Phoenix (weren’t the Phoenix family apart of a weird cult too). I will also pretty much watch anything PTA puts out. He’s one of the few current filmmakers who is unbelievable creative and unique. Someone give this man an Oscar already!



DRACULA 3D

“The tale begins with Jonathan Harker, journeying by train and carriage from England to Count Dracula's.”

Dracula has been done to death and I cannot express how much I loathe 3D, but I will pretty much see anything Dario Argento puts out. His catalog speaks for itself. I also love his daughter Asia Argento who stars alongside Rutger Hauer in this new adaptation of the dark prince. When did Rutger Hauer become to go to guy in horror? He’s like the new Udo Kier!


THE HUNGER GAMES

“Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match.”

I was attracted to the book before they announced a film version; my friend Ruth had nothing but good things to say about the series. The book sounded like an American version of BATTLE ROYALE. Then they announced Elizabeth Banks and Jennifer Lawrence (who I loved in WINTERS BONE) as stars so I began to watch this project very closely. The director is not relatively known; he also did critically acclaimed films PLEASANTVILLE and SEABISCUIT. The more and more I hear about this film, the less interested I’ve become. I feel like its being packaged as a successor to TWILIGHT which I abhor. The studio is already promoting merchandise such as nail polish, t-shirts, and jewelry (check your local Hot Topic) for the film. With Taylor Swift doing the theme song, it will be a hard sell for anyone over the age of fifteen.



Honorable Mentions
Here are a few others I’ve kept an eye on: THE DEVIL INSIDE, ALBATROSS, THE DICTATOR, THE AWAKENING, MICHAEL, and THE AMITYVILLE HORROR: THE LOST TAPES.

The winter months tend to be a very busy time for me as far as movie watching. I’ve got award season coming up which means a ton of research is to be done. This is also the time when the films that made the rounds at the festivals finally get released. I plan on seeing A DANGEROUS METHOD, TINKER TOY SOLDIER SPY, and THE ARTIST before the year is over.

What are you looking forward to?