My Top 10 List of 2012 won't be posted until Oscar night, February 24th, but I feel it's safe to say that this year has been one of the very best years in recent memory in terms of film quality. I still have some catching up to do, but I've already got 15 films in contention for a spot on my list, and I have a feeling out of the ten or so movies I have left to watch there are bound to be a few additions to the list. It'd be nothing short of a miracle if Hollywood manages to maintain this level of quality in 2013, and there are a number of films which would lead me to believe that we are in for another very good year at the movies. Here's a bit of a list as to what I'd love to see at the movies this year. Feel free to add your on, or disagree with me, in the comments:
- That we get some solid releases during the January/February "dumping ground. Last year, we had The Grey and Chronicle released during what is typically known as "the dumping ground" for Hollywood. Filmgoing levels tend to be low during these months, and if audiences are flocking to see something, it's probably from November or December. I wasn't a huge fan of either those films, but they were shockingly great for such an early time period and really hope that we get some more pleasant surprises. I'm looking forward to Gangster Squad, Warm Bodies and especially Side Effects, so let's keep our fingers crossed for something worth seeking out.
- That Steven Sodergbergh won't retire, and if he does, that Side Effects is pretty good. I'm not sure if it will make my Top 10, but Magic Mike is one of the best films of 2012 and proves that Steven Sodergbergh is one of the best filmmakers working today. His stellar resume- which includes the Oceans trilogy, Traffic, the modern day classic Out of Sight and more- remains one of the most consistent in terms of quality, and even his lesser films (Contagion) are worth watching. Side Effects looks fantastic, and features four wonderful actors. If it is Soderbergh's last, let's hope it will rank amongst his finest. And either way, let's keep our fingers crossed he'll take himself out of retirement.
- That Oz: The Great and Powerful and Carrie are more than just shameless rip offs/ remakes. Both these films have some talented people involved both in front of and behind the camera. Yet, I can't help but get this feeling that I'm going to end up being disappointed with the finished project. Both projects look decent, but I've been burnt in the past by a number of other similar projects. But, Sam Raimi and Kimberly Peirce are both incredibly talented directors, so I'll hope for the best!
- That G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra will be as much fun as it looks. I was extremely excited for this movie. Yes, I know, I'm ashamed. OK, not that ashamed, but it's still a bit embarrassing. Yet, getting delayed almost nine months is quite shameful in terms of film quality. So, why am I still so excited for this movie? I'm holding out hope that this movie lives up to the batshit insanity the trailer promises.
- That The Heat is a worthy follow up to Bridesmaids for McCarthy and Paul Feig. I think that pretty much spells it out.
- That The Great Gatsby is as good as I hope. Baz Luhrman is one of my favorite directors, and I was extremely excited once casting began. Both trailers got me excited (message board hatred be damned!) and, while I'm not necessarily thrilled by Tobey Maguire's casting, the work of Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan kept me interested. Add onto it a sure to be stellar soundtrack (Lady Gaga! Prince! Jay-Z!) and I'm more than excited.
- That I get to see Star Trek Into Darkness at midnight in IMAX. A personal goal, I know, but I'm extremely excited to see this film. In fact, it's my most anticipated blockbuster of the year. I want to see it in the most extravagant way possible.
- That Man of Steel isn't as disappointing as some of Zack Snyder's other films. Looking back on it, being excited for Sucker Punch was not one of my finest moments. The film was a train-wreck. And, while not nearly as bad, to call Watchmen anything more than an OK attempt at greatness is being kind. Yet, here I am again, getting really excited for a Zack Snyder film. Let's hope that this is more than just a well cut trailer. By the way, when I'm wishing for things, let me add that I do not want a Justice League film. Ever.
- That Monsters University is a return to form for Pixar. What the hell has been going on at Pixar? And, I gotta say, I'm not looking forward to Monsters University as much as I would like. But, I guess that's the best way to be! If it's bad, I won't be disappointed, and if it's good, I'll be surprised.
- That Pacific Rim is the nerdgasm it looks like it could be. Let's be honest, Pacific Rim looks like it could be two hours of living in nerd heaven. Guilmero del Toro is one of the best directors working today, so this could be quite a bit of fun. But, nerd heaven has let out a few duds in the past. So, a wish for the best is more than necessary.
- That The Conjuring is another solid horror flick from James Wan. James Wan is one of the few modern horror directors that I actively look forward to checking out, even if his films tend to be heavily flawed. Insidious, for example, was one of the best horror movies in ages even with a heavily flawed third act. While I'm not too excited for that film's upcoming sequel, The Conjuring sounds interesting and stars the wonderful Vera Farmiga. So, James Wan has persuaded me to see his film yet again.
- That The Wolverine will make us forget about X-Men Origins. The last time Wolverine got his own solo film, it was a disaster. I truly hope that this film can renew my faith in this franchise.
- That Machete Kills gets a release date in late 2013 so we get a double dosage of Rodriquez this year. Sin City and Machete are two of the finest genre films I've seen in the past few years, and I'm extremely excited to check out both their sequels. Granted, I expect more from Sin City and am happy that it has a release date set already, but if Robert Rodriquez can set a date for this other highly anticipated sequel, it'll be another wonderful year for film nerds.
- That the Oldboy remake doesn't change the original's ending! If you haven't seen the original Oldboy, do me a favor: go see it right now and do not get the twist ending spoiled for you. Now, I'm not necessarily excited for this upcoming remake, but I'm not dreading it either. In fact, I'd love to see another director's interpretation of this story. But, if they change the ending, I will be extremely disappointed.
- That Frozen is more like Tangled and less like The Princess and the Frog. I don't usually get excited for Disney movies, but the last film in their Princess lineup was the terrific Tangled. I'd love it if Frozen continues the series at that level of quality. But, prior to Tangled was the forgettable Princess and the Frog. So, let's hope Disney can deliver another phenomenal animated film.
- That The Bling Ring is a return to form for Sofia Coppola. The first two films of Sofia Coppola's career are terrific, with Lost in Translation remaining one of my favorite films and a film I believe will be ranked amongst the greatest of all time years from now. Yet, Marie Antoinette was a (noble) disappointment, and while I didn't see Somewhere I couldn't get the slightest bit excited for it, and critics didn't seem all that happy about it. The Bling Ring has a wonderful cast and an interesting plot. Here's hoping that Coppola can return to the good graces of the film nerd community.
- That Diablo Cody can impress me again with her directorial debut. Young Adult was my favorite film of 2011 and I'm of the camp that Juno was a terrific film. Sure, Jennifer's Body wasn't the best movie but the people that rail against it, I feel, are overdramatic and simply jumping on the ridiculous Megan Fox hate bandwagon. But, I digress. Diablo Cody's new film sounds terrific and features one of my favorite actresses, Holly Hunter. Plus, films exploring religion always fascinate me. Seeing a writer as talented as Cody handle that theme is leaves my mouth watering.
- Most importantly, that the latest films from Alexander Payne, Martin Scorsese, Jason Reitman, Nicholas Winding Refn and the Coen Brothers set release dates for their next few films. These directors are some of the very best working today. If they set release dates for their next few films, we are in for quite a year.
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