Brian Holak, Journal Contributor
The Vow, February 10: What can be manlier than a story of unfailing commitment in the face of tragedy? Nothing. Sure, these other movies have action and adventure, but this one has heart (and Channing Tatum). After a car accident, Leo’s (Tatum) wife Paige wakes up with severe memory loss, so Leo does all he can to win back her heart.
The Hunger Games, March 23: Fans looking to fill the void left from the ending of the Harry Potter series need look no further than The Hunger Games. Based on the first book in the popular Hunger Games series, the movie focuses on an oppressive post-apocalyptic world in which select children are forced to fight to the death in the annual hunger games. With a cool, exciting concept and unexpected grit, this movie is sure to shoot to the top of the charts.
Wrath of the Titans, March 30: Perseus returns, embarking on an epic quest to save his father, Zeus, from the underworld. Hopefully this sequel actually lives up to its potential, unlike Clash of the Titans. Even if the story falls flat, at least it will be good eye candy, especially since it is shot in real 3D format.
The Avengers, May 4: This is the movie comic book fans have been waiting anxiously for. All Marvel films from the past couple of years have been leading to this: the collaboration of super heroes Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, and others in order to stop bad-guy Loki from destroying the world. It’s bound to be epic.
Prometheus, June 8: Ridley Scott returns in this mysterious space expedition film somehow linked to the Alien movies. Not much is known about this one, but the hype is enormous. Along with its epic atmosphere and creepy tone, it is suspected to explore the very origin of life. The all-star cast of Charlize Theron, Guy Pierce, and Michael Fassbender doesn’t hurt either.
The Amazing Spider-Man, July 3: Social Network star Andrew Garfield stars in this reboot detailing Peter Parker’s super hero origin. With a new spin on the story, Peter explores his parents’ past and meets Dr. Connors, the villain Lizard. Also different from the previous three adaptations: no Mary Jane and no Green Goblin.
The Dark Knight Rises, July 20: This one goes without saying. Rises takes place eight years after the conclusion of The Dark Knight and features a new villain, Bane, who wishes to exploit Gotham for his own personal agenda. With an evident link to the Occupy movement, the return of director Christopher Nolan, and the appearance of Anne Hathaway as Catwoman, this is a must-see.
Skyfall, November 9: Daniel Craig returns as James Bond in this newest installment of the long-running series. Not much is known about the plot, but M’s past is brought to light and Bond has to destroy some threat, “no matter the cost.” As usual, there will be Bond girls and extensive globe-trotting.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, December 14: The prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit focuses on Bilbo Baggins and his journey to help reclaim the dwarf kingdom. In the hands of Peter Jackson, who produced all three Lord of The Rings installments, this movie is sure to capture all of the magic as its predecessors. Another reason to watch: Gollum is back, along with a few other familiar faces.
The Great Gatsby, December 25: One of America’s most celebrated novels gets reinvented for a new generation. With Leonardo DiCaprio playing the famous role of Jay Gatsby and acting from the likes of Tobey Maguire and Carey Mulligan, the tragic story will come to life in (hopefully) a beautiful way. It will also be in 3D.
