A Look Ahead: The Comic Book Related Movies of 2013

A Look Ahead: The Comic Book Related Movies of 2013

At the beginning of last year, we took the time to quickly look back on 2011 in regard to the movies that were related to comic books and graphic novels while also previewing the 2012 year.  For that post, we previewed 8 films (GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE, JOHN CARTER, Marvel’s THE AVENGERS 3D, MEN IN BLACK 3, G.I. JOE: RETALIATION,  THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES and DREDD 3D), 7 of which actually made it to the theaters (here’s looking at you G.I. JOE: RETALIATION).  This year, we are looking at 21, yes read that again, 21 movies that either have had their origins in comic books and graphic novels or are strongly tied to those mediums.

2012 was interesting in that we had some major, MAJOR entries into this narrow field of movies (THE AVENGERS and THE DARK KNIGHT RISES), and we definitely had some serious duds (GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE) and one HUGELY overlooked film (DREDD 3D).  While 2013 is definitely bringing a lot of quantity to our theaters, I doubt we will see any of them reach the level of box-office success of the two heavyweights this year, with STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, MAN OF STEEL and THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG being the only ones I see with that sort of possibility of having anywhere near that kind of success.  I’m also not blind that movies like IRON MAN 3, THOR: THE DARK WORLD and even possibly THE WOLVERINE and G.I. JOE: RETALIATION could make some serious box office bank, but I seriously doubt any of them will break the $1 Billion worldwide mark.

A Look Ahead - 2013 - Header Image

So without any more introduction, I, along with Bigfanboy.com head-honcho Mark Walters, will take a look at the comic book and graphic novel related movies that will grace our silver screens in 2013.

IN ORDER BY RELEASE DATE:

 A Look Ahead - 2013 - 01 - Bullet to the Head

BULLET TO THE HEAD
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Release Date: Friday, February 1, 2013

MPAA:  R for strong violence, bloody images, language, some nudity and brief drug use.
Presentation: 2D
Studio:
Warner Bros. Pictures
Genre:
Action, Thriller
Screenwriters:
Alessandro Camon
Director:
Walter Hill

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Sung Kang, Sarah Shahi, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Christian Slater and Holt McCallany.

Synopsis: Based on a graphic novel, “Bullet to the Head” tells the story of a New Orleans hitman (Stallone) and a DC cop (Kang) who form an alliance to bring down the killers of their respective partners.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – February is normally a slot that studios put movies in that they have little faith in, whether it is that the movie is not very well done or that they just don’t know how to market it.  Past February releases include last year’s GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE, the first GHOST RIDER and even DAREDEVIL.  Now, does that automatically mean that BULLET TO THE HEAD is destined for the same critical and commercial failure of those films, of course not, however, with changes to the source material and with almost no marketing, it will be a surprise if this one manages to show up on many people’s radar and an even bigger surprise if it makes back it’s reported $55 million budget.  I’d like to be proved wrong, but I have a bad feeling about this one.

Mark Walters – I have a personal beef toward this production, as my buddy Thomas Jane was originally set to co-star with Stallone as one of the two leads… something Tom was pretty excited about too.  Jane was in fact the one who brought 1980’s action movie director Walter Hill on board with the project, and then producer Joel Silver gave Tom that axe saying his proven formula of a white guy and a minority in buddy hero roles made more sense.  Yeah, God forbid we try something new.  The idea of what this could have been is infinitely better than what it looks like.  I do enjoy Sly, and respect Walter Hill, but so far what I’ve seen isn’t wowing me.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 02 - G.I. Joe

 G.I. JOE: RETALIATION
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Release Date: Friday, March 29, 2013.

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D
Studio: 
Paramount Pictures
Genre: 
Action, Adventure
Screenwriters:
Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick
Director:
Jon M. Chu

Starring:  D.J. Cotrona, Byung-hun Lee, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Park, Jonathan Pryce, Ray Stevenson, Channing Tatum, Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson.

Synopsis: A follow-up to the 2009 release of “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra,” which grossed over $300 million worldwide, Paramount Pictures, MGM and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro, commenced the di Bonaventura production of “G.I. Joe: Retaliation.”

In this sequel, the G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. The film stars D.J. Cotrona, Byung-hun Lee, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Park, Jonathan Pryce, Ray Stevenson, Channing Tatum with Bruce Willis and Dwayne Johnson. Directed by Jon M. Chu, and produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Brian Goldner, from a screenplay by Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick based on Hasbro’s G.I. Joe characters.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Ah, the one that we should have already seen.  G.I. JOE: RETALIATION was pushed back by the studios from June 29, 2012 to March 29, 2013, a full 9 months later so that they could give birth to the film in glorious 3D (to take advantage of international markets where 3D is extremely popular).  At least that is what the studio claims, but many also believe that it was also to change the amount of screen time that Channing Tatum received after test audiences were not quite pleased with his screen time and possible fate in the movie.  While this has not been confirmed by the studio (obviously) it would make sense as he had several 2012 appearances last year that showed he was a big box-office draw (not to mention winning People’s Sexiest Man Alive).  Even with all that aside, just as last year, I am looking forward to this one.  I’ve always been a G.I. Joe fan and even with the changes to the movie (let’s face it, real soldiers are not going to wear what they wore in the cartoons and comics) and an extremely over-the-top performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Cobra Commander, I found the film fun and I’m not ashamed to admit that.  This time around we have the writers of ZOMBIELAND handling script duties, so there is a really good chance that we may get a G.I. Joe movie that no fan, myself included, has to make excuses for. Here’s hoping.

Mark Walters – I just think it’s funny that the same fanboys who were bitching about Channing Tatum in the first movie were crying when they heard he got killed off at the beginning of the second movie.  And seriously Jimmy, don’t believe the 3D cover story.  They put this on hold to film more with Tatum.  Mark my words, he’ll make a miraculous recovery before the end of the film, and help the Joes save the day.  All that said, it looks crazy cool, and I think it may just be the WRATH OF KHAN to the first one’s MOTION PICTURE… if you get that reference.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 03 - Oblivion MovieOBLIVION
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Release Date: Friday, April 12, 2013 (IMAX only), Friday, April 19, 2013 (Wide)

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, IMAX
Studio: 
Universal Pictures
Genre: 
Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Screenwriters:
Karl Gajdusek, Michael Debruyn
Director:
Joseph Kosinski

Starring: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, Andrea Riseborough, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Melissa Leo.

Synopsis: Tom Cruise stars in “Oblivion,” an original and groundbreaking cinematic event from the director of “TRON: Legacy” and the producer of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” On a spectacular future Earth that has evolved beyond recognition, one man’s confrontation with the past will lead him on a journey of redemption and discovery as he battles to save mankind.

Jack Harper (Cruise) is one of the last few drone repairmen stationed on Earth. Part of a massive operation to extract vital resources after decades of war with a terrifying threat known as the Scavs, Jack’s mission is nearly complete.

Living in and patrolling the breathtaking skies from thousands of feet above, his soaring existence is brought crashing down when he rescues a beautiful stranger from a downed spacecraft. Her arrival triggers a chain of events that forces him to question everything he knows and puts the fate of humanity in his hands.

“Oblivion” was shot in stunning digital 4K resolution on location across the United States and Iceland.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – The sophomore feature from TRON: LEGACY director Joseph Kosinski, which started its rounds as a graphic novel by Kosinski in order to shop around to studios, is an exciting looking film starring two of cinema’s power houses, Tom Cruise and Morgan Freeman.  Set after the events of the Earth’s battle with an alien race which saw the humans as victors and the planet the victim, Tom Cruise stars as a drone repairman on the face of the devastated planet and discovers something that changes everything for him.  The film looks beautiful from the recently released trailer and I’m never one to turn down original science fiction.  Count me excited for this one.

Mark Walters – there’s a lot of Sci-Fi movies hitting in 2013, and more than one post-apocalyptic type of story.  I think Kosinski is a great visualist, and the look and feel of TRON: LEGACY was superb.  However, I’m not sure if he’s the best actor’s director just yet.  This movie will be a real proving test for him.  Tom Cruise always gives 110% with every role he plays, so I’m sure he’ll be great.  The trailer wasn’t terribly exciting, at least in my opinion, but I feel the best stuff is being saved for the final film.  I can say that movies like this one are the kind I want to see succeed.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 04 - Iron Man 3IRON MAN 3
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Release Date: Friday, May 3, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios
Genre: Action, Adventure
Screenwriters: Drew Pearce, Shane Black
Director: Shane Black

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale, Jon Favreau, Ben Kingsley and Wang Xuequi.

Synopsis: Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man 3” pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, “Iron Man 3” is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce and Shane Black and is based on Marvel’s iconic Super Hero Iron Man, who first appeared on the pages of “Tales of Suspense” (#39) in 1963 and had his solo comic book debut with “The Invincible Iron Man” (#1) in May of 1968.

“Iron Man 3” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures and DMG Entertainment. Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing and Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Stephen Broussard, Victoria Alonso, Alan Fine, Charles Newirth, Stan Lee and Dan Mintz are executive producers. The film releases May 3, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – I could easily say, “It’s IRON MAN,” and that would be enough to sum up the excitement, but since head honcho Mark Walters pays us by the word, I think I shall elaborate.  IRON MAN was the movie that started it all:  Marvel Studios, the road to THE AVENGER’S and Robert Downey, Jr.’s career (again) and while many were not as keen on IRON MAN 2, it is still a fun, quality movie that outshines many other comic book movies.  IRON MAN 3 sees the reigns passed on to Shane Black (writer of the LETHAL WEAPON movies and director of KISS KISS BANG BANG also starring Robert Downey, Jr.) and while this one may seem at first to be bloated with villains (including Mandarin, Aldrich Killian and A.I.M. and rumored villains including Firepower, Coldblood and Radioactive Man), I have faith in Marvel to learn from mistakes and keep the story contained without worrying about trying to feed into any other movies while at the same time upping the ante to challenge Tony Stark and let him grow as a character.  Besides, did you see the first villain I mentioned?  The Mandarin. . . played by Ben Kingsley. . . ’nuff said.

Mark Walters – It looks dark and sinister, and I’m loving that about it.  KISS KISS BANG BANG was a great litmus test for Shane Black and Robert Downey Jr., and this reunion of sorts gives me tremendous hope for this one.  IRON MAN 2 hasn’t aged well in my opinion, so this needs to be a bounceback film, a return to form.  The one thing I think they have going against them most of all is the overwhelming success and superb storytelling in THE AVENGERS.  It’s hard to imagine an Iron Man movie topping what we saw Joss Whedon pull off on the big screen, so it’s all about the characterization at this point.  I think the smart thing to do, to really give this one weight, is kill off a major character… Pepper Potts perhaps?  We’ll see.  In all honestly, I could watch Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark reading a geometry book for two hours and never get bored, so bring it on.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 05 - Star Trek Into DarknessSTAR TREK INTO DARKNESS
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Release Date: Friday, May 17, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Screenwriters: Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Damon Lindelof
Director:
J.J. Abrams

Starring: John Cho, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine,  Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve and Peter Weller.

Synopsis: In Summer 2013, director J.J. Abrams will deliver an explosive action thriller that takes “Star Trek Into Darkness.”

In the wake of a shocking act of terror from within their own organization, the crew of The Enterprise is called back home to Earth. In defiance of regulations and with a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads his crew on a manhunt to capture an unstoppable force of destruction and bring those responsible to justice.

As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Khan?  Gary Mitchell?  John Harrison?  Who the heck is Benedict Cumberbatch playing?  Many thought it might be Khan, while Karl Urban let it slip that he was playing Gary Mitchell, yet the official synopsis has him playing a character called John Harrison which left the internet gasping a collective “wait, what? Who?”  Regardless of the name of the villain, or if this is subterfuge by the production team to hide his true identity, either way, the collection of trailers and 9-minute IMAX footage have definitely gotten me and many faithful out there excited about the movie.  The cast is brilliant, the director is phenomenal and any more exposure to Benedict Cumberbatch is always welcome (this will make his first of two movies on this list, the other being THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG in which he plays the Necromancer).  Also, just seeing the Enterprise crash into a lake and also rise from the sea is a sight to be seen.  Star Trek has always focused more on space, with good reason, with a few of the movies spending some time on Earth, but this one really looks like it will focus heavily on some Earth settings and I’m actually pretty excited about that.  Earth is, obviously, the home planet for the Starfleet, so why not.

Mark Walters – it will be great, I have faith in Abrams.  That first movie was exactly what it needed to be, and nothing more, but it laid a solid foundation for all future storylines.  I actually like the fact that we still don’t know who the bad guy is.  Just like the good old days, you found out when you saw the movie.  And like IRON MAN 3, it looks dark and sinister, so I’m sure it will be a powerful production.  I’m also in love with Alice Eve, so that’s a big selling point for me.  But when you get right down to it, as a lifelong Trek fan, I’m just glad that Star Trek as a brand is cool again.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 06 - Man of SteelMAN OF STEEL
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Release Date: Friday, June 14, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D
Studio: 
Warner Bros. Pictures
Genre: 
Action, Adventure
Screenwriters: 
David S. Goyer
Director:
Zack Snyder

Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni and Russell Crowe.

Synopsis: Henry Cavill plays Superman in director Zack Snyder’s “Man of Steel.” The film also stars Amy Adams as Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane, and Laurence Fishburne as her editor-in-chief, Perry White. Starring as Clark Kent’s adoptive parents, Martha and Jonathan Kent, are Diane Lane and Kevin Costner.

Squaring off against the superhero are two other surviving Kryptonians, the villainous General Zod, played by Michael Shannon, and Faora, Zod’s evil partner, played by Antje Traue. Also from Superman’s native Krypton are Lara Lor-Van, Superman’s mother, played by Ayelet Zurer, and Superman’s father, Jor-El, portrayed by Russell Crowe. Rounding out the cast are Harry Lennix as U.S. military man General Swanwick, as well as Christopher Meloni as Colonel Hardy.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – My very first article on this site was reporting that Christopher Meloni had joined the cast of MAN OF STEEL, so it’s easy to understand that I am excited for this movie.  SUPERMAN RETURNS was. . . not what we wanted.  Paying homage was fine, but the end result was nowhere near satisfying so seeing a complete reboot of the franchise (even if that means that John William’s instantly recognizable score is out too) is definitely the way to go.  With MAN OF STEEL, we get the best of three worlds: a script by David Goyer who is fabulous as a script writer, Christopher Nolan as producer and Zack Snyder as a director.  Zack is great at adapting previous works or works of others (pretty much anything that he didn’t write himself….cough cough SUCKER PUNCH cough cough) and we all know that the visuals are going to be simply stunning.  Some are a little put off by the changes to the suit, but let’s face it, if the movie looks good, Superman actually goes all out super and the story is, gasp, good, the changes to the suit can easily be overlooked.  The gorgeous trailers have also continued to increase my appetite for this film as does the prospect of Superman actually getting the chance to face a physical foe. In a time where digital and practical effects have advanced to where they are, we can now see the true capabilities of a super human battle on screen and that has us fanboys foaming at the mouth. And no Lex Luthor.  Or Real Estate Schemes.  Or Super-kids.  Or Pianos.

Mark Walters – I wish they brought back Brandon Routh, as I thought he was a great Superman, and it’s totally not his fault that SUPERMAN RETURNS didn’t work from a story perspective.  But what I’ve seen looks good, and the “no Lex Luthor” aspect is exciting by itself.  The real reason MAN OF STEEL was done, and isn’t called SUPERMAN is because of the whole Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster lawsuit and DC’s NEW 52 changes to the character.  Sometimes it takes drastic measures to make much needed changes.  I know I’m in the minority, but I thought SUPERMAN RETURNS was okay, despite being a rather obvious love letter to the Richard Donner films.  I should also note that Superman is my favorite comic book character, so I want/need this one to work.  My hopes are high, and the cast is incredible.  The added bonus of Christopher Nolan producing is just the cherry on top.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 07 - Kick Ass 2KICK-ASS 2: BALLS TO THE WALL
Official Facebook
Release Date: Friday, June 28, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D
Studio: 
Universal Pictures
Genre: 
Action, Comedy
Screenwriters: 
Jeff Wadlow
Director:
Jeff Wadlow

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloé Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Morris Chestnut, John Leguizamo, Donald Faison and Jim Carrey.

Synopsis: Kick-Ass, Hit Girl and Red Mist return for the follow-up to 2010’s irreverent global hit: “Kick-Ass 2.” After Kick-Ass’ (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) insane bravery inspires a new wave of self-made masked crusaders, led by the badass Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey), our hero joins them on patrol. When these amateur superheroes are hunted down by Red Mist (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), reborn as The Mother F**ker, only the blade-wielding Hit Girl (Chloé Grace Moretz) can prevent their annihilation.

When we last saw junior assassin Hit Girl and young vigilante Kick-Ass, they were trying to live as normal teenagers Mindy and Dave. With graduation looming and uncertain what to do, Dave decides to start the world’s first superhero team with Mindy. Unfortunately, when Mindy is busted for sneaking out as Hit Girl, she’s forced to retire, leaving her to navigate the terrifying world of high-school mean girls on her own. With no one left to turn to, Dave joins forces with Justice Forever, run by a born-again ex-mobster named Colonel Stars and Stripes.

Just as they start to make a real difference on the streets, the world’s first super villain, The Mother F**ker, assembles his own evil league and puts a plan in motion to make Kick-Ass and Hit Girl pay for what they did to his dad. But there’s only one problem with his scheme: If you mess with one member of Justice Forever, you mess with them all.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Ah, yes, KICK-ASS 2, the movie with more three-named stars than any other movie this year.  Look, I loved KICK-ASS.  Plain and simple.  It was fun, daring, fun, crude, fun, new and most of all, fun.  More Kick-Ass and Hit Girl?  Yes, please.  Grow the cast by adding Donald Fiason, John Leguizamo and Jim Carrey and upgrade Christopher Mint-Plasse’s character from wannabe villain-playing-hero Red Mist to the most ridiculous, crazy named villain ever in The Mother F**ker (yep, not a typo, The Mother F**ker)? Double yes, please.  Hopefully new director Jeff Wadlow can keep the same humor, violence and over-the-topness of the first one by the always great Matthew Vaughn.  If so, this is going to be one heck of a ride.

Mark Walters – Sad to see Matthew Vaughn go, but excited for the film.  If this even remotely comes close to the content of the second comic series, audiences are going to be blown away, and probably disturbed beyond belief.  As much as I liked the first movie, I felt like some of it could have been taken even further, and something tells me that’s what this one is doing.  We’ll see.  My biggest fear is in a year filled with so many other comic book films, will this one get lost in the mix?

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 08 - RIPDR.I.P.D.
Official Website (No website yet)
Release Date: Friday, July 19, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D
Studio: 
Universal Pictures
Genre: 
Action, Supernatural Thriller
Screenwriters:
Matt Manfredi, Phil Hay
Director:
Robert Schwentke

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Bacon, Stephanie Szostak, Mary-Louise Parker, Marisa Miller, Mike O’Malley, James Hong and Robert Knepper.

Synopsis: Based on the Dark Horse mini-series, “R.I.P.D.” (short for “Rest In Peace Department”) is Peter Lenkov’s comedic amalgam of the police and zombie genres featuring two dead police officers whose job it is to help the dead “rest in peace.”

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – This is one of the films on this list that we know very little about.  It stars Ryan Reynolds as a recently deceased man who joins the Rest In Peace Department and teams up with another RIPD officer played by Jeff Bridges to help solve his own murder.  Kevin Bacon is playing the villain and this will mark Marisa Miller’s film debut.  Now, Ryan Reynolds in a comic adaptation is reason enough to worry (BLADE TRINITY, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE and GREEN LANTERN), however, I would argue that in each of those movies, he was not the issue (Hannibal King was great, Deadpool was poorly written and Green Lantern was just not that good).  He’s a funny, talented actor (see BURIED if you doubt me) and in a film that is being described as something in the vein of MEN IN BLACK, well, we may have found a great comic book adaptation for him (considering that the supposedly stellar, true-to-character DEADPOOL movie seems to be confined to Fox’s Development Hell).  It’s going to be hard to make any real judgments on this one until we see something in the way of trailers, marketing, etc., but I’m definitely hoping this is as good as I want it to be.  I like out-of-the-box ideas and dead cops is a pretty good one.

Mark Walters – The Dude and Van Wilder?  Honestly, if this pairing doesn’t work, Hollywood should give up.  I loved Schwentke’s work on RED, and his earlier work on the German film TATTOO proved he can handle dark and gritty settings well.  Now that he’s proven he can handle action, comedy and dark scenarios, this seems like the perfect project for him.  The downside, as I see it, is it’s very similar to MEN IN BLACK or HELLBOY, and audiences may see it as a rip off more than an original and innovative idea.  I’m with Jimmy, I need to see a trailer or clip before making any further decisions.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 09 - The WolverineTHE WOLVERINE
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Release Date: Friday, July 26, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D
Studio: 
20th Century Fox
Genre: 
Action, Adventure
Screenwriters:
Christopher McQuarrie, Mark Bomback
Director:
James Mangold

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Will Yun Lee, Svetlana Khodchenkova, Hiroyuki Sanada, Hal Yamanouchi, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima and Brian Tee.

Synopsis: Based on the celebrated comic book arc, “The Wolverine” finds Logan, the eternal warrior and outsider, in Japan. There, samurai steel will clash with adamantium claw as Logan confronts a mysterious figure from his past in an epic battle that will leave him forever changed.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Can we pretend X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE did not exist?  20th Century Fox seems too want us too.  THE WOLVERINE is said to be more of a stand-alone movie, not really connected with the other solo-outing but may actually be part of the bigger universe Fox is now trying to create, a-la THE AVENGERS, with Mark Millar (creator of WANTED and KICK-ASS) hired as the creative consultant to bring all of Fox’s Marvel brands together in their own shared universe (including X-Men and the Fantastic Four).  We know that this film will retell the famous and probably most celebrated Wolverine tale by Frank Miller and Chris Claremont about Logan’s time in Japan.  If so, if it can retain the heart and spirit of that story, we are in for an astounding treat.  Hugh Jackman has also stated that this will be the film that Wolverine fans want to see and with James Mangold (WALK THE LINE, 3:10 TO YUMA) at the helm (after Darren Aronofsky had to step down), we may have something to wash the bad Wolverine taste out of our mouths that even a hilarious cameo in X-MEN: FIRST CLASS couldn’t erase.  Also, with Jackman being officially announced for X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST, one has to wonder how all of the X-Men films will be tied together once all is said and done. 

Mark Walters – Marvel seems to be on a solid path with their movies, righting the wrongs and turning in good entertainment.  I think Fox bringing in Mark Millar as an advisor is a promising move, and shows they want their comic book properties to be the best they possibly can.  Without seeing anything other than a few photos from the set, I’m already very excited that this follows one of the most classic comic storylines for Logan.  Jackman seems to genuinely love playing the character, and more importantly he seems to understand the character.  I have high hopes, and a good feeling about it.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 10 - The Smurfs 2THE SMURFS 2
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Release Date: Friday, July 31, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D
Studio: 
Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation
Genre: 
Adventure, Comedy, Family
Screenwriters:
J. David Stem, David N. Weiss, Karey Kirkpatrick, Jay Sherick, David Ronn
Director:
Raja Gosnell

Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, Hank Azaria, Brendan Gleeson, Katy Perry, Jonathan Winters, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen, George Lopez, Anton Yelchin, John Oliver, Christina Ricci and JB Smoove.

Synopsis: In this sequel to the hybrid live action/animated family blockbuster comedy The Smurfs, the evil wizard Gargamel creates a couple of mischievous Smurf-like creatures called the Naughties that he hopes will let him harness the all-powerful, magical Smurf-essence. But when he discovers that only a real Smurf can give him what he wants, and only a secret spell that Smurfette knows can turn the Naughties into real Smurfs, Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and brings her to Paris, where he has been winning the adoration of millions as the world’s greatest sorcerer. It’s up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, and Vanity to return to our world, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her! Will Smurfette, who has always felt different from the other Smurfs, find a new connection with the Naughties Vexy and Hackus,  or will the Smurfs convince her that their love for her is True Blue?

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Ok, so I’m a father now which means that sometime, in the very near future as my daughter grows, I am going to want simple, funny, attention grabbing films for her to watch and while we as adults may require more to keep our attention (unless we are willing to shut off our brains and look at the dumb fun on the screen), a kids movie should just be that: simple, funny and attention grabbing.  The first SMURFS was that so I am expecting more of the same.  It was a simple, fun movie about a simple, fun cartoon.  Plain as that.  I may not catch this one in the theaters (as my daughter is too young for theaters, I’m not one of those people), but there are plenty of families out there that will enjoy the film together and I’m sure it will be added to my home library for future viewing.

Mark Walters – Not my cup of tea, and while I watched and enjoyed The Smurfs as a kid, I never had much interest in seeing the first movie either.  That said, the trailer gave me a chuckle or two, mostly watching Hank Azaria play Gargamel.  I’m not the audience for this, but who am I to deny that ones who might actually enjoy it?

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 11 - 300300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE
Official Website (No website yet)
Release Date: Friday, August 2, 2013

MPAA: This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D
Studio: 
Warner Bros. Pictures
Genre: 
Action, Drama
Screenwriters: 
Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad
Director:
Noam Murro

Starring: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey, Hans Matheson, Rodrigo Santoro, Igal Naor, Callan Mulvey, Jack O’Connell and Andrew Tiernan.

Synopsis: The movie, a follow-up to Zack Snyder’s “300” (in turn based on Frank Miller’s 1998 comic book miniseries), is expected to tell, in part, the story of Greek General Themistocles, who lead Athens against Persian invaders in a battle that played out simultaneously with the Battle of Thermopylae (depicted in the first film).

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – It is quite possible that by the time this movie comes out, it won’t be called 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE.  The current title is either the 2nd or 3rd title the move has had (the film was originally called 300: BATTLE OF ARTEMISIUM and sometimes incorrectely called 300: BATTLE OF ARTEMISIA which may have led to the name change.  We have not seen much (read: anything) on this one, even the image above is from the first film, and we know that original director Zack Snyder has been replaced by sophomore director Noam Murro (SMART PEOPLE).  This may very well be the first side-quell, or first that I can recall (I’m sure if there are more, intrepid site editor Mark Walters will point it out below) as this film is set to take place at the same time as the original 300.  The first movie, one of my favorites, was a grand film that not meant to be historically accurate, but rather a boastful, exaggerated campfire tale meant to inspire and motivate, so we were treated with over-the-top action, story telling and breath-taking visual effects.  If Murro can stay faithful (Zack is still involved) then as of now, this one is on my must-watch list.

Mark Walters – This is one I feel will get lost in the shuffle.  While I enjoyed 300, this one lacks Gerard Butler, and let’s face it, he owned 300.  The mostly unfamiliar cast names aren’t helping.  I also wonder if Frank Miller’s THE SPIRIT damaged his box office reputation more than it helped it.

 

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 12 - RED 2RED 2
Official Website (No website yet)
Release Date: Friday, August 2, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D
Studio:
Summit Entertainment, Lionsgate
Genre: 
Action, Comedy
Screenwriters: 
Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber
Director:
Dean Parisot

Starring: Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Helen Mirren, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Anthony Hopkins, Byung-Hun Lee, Karl Urban, Neal McDonough and David Thewlis.

Synopsis: “RED 2” brings back the team of retired CIA operatives as they use their old-school style to take on a new set of enemies all across Europe.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Back in 2010, we got treated to RED which was one of the best times at the movies that year.  The cast, the over-the-hill CIA agents concepts, the humor and action, all made for a really, really great time and while I’m sad that Morgan Freeman won’t be coming back (if you haven’t seen RED, no spoilers will be found here), John Malkovich and his absolutely crazy, hilarious take as Marvin Boggs will be so, yeah, that right there does it for me.  Not much else is known about the flick yet, but again, if this one manages to capture the magic of the first one, it will be another great night at the movies.

Mark Walters – Same cast plus Anthony Hopkins?  I’m in.  RED was a terrific piece of entertainment, and one of the few films I remember thinking (at the end) that I wanted to see more done with.  Sequels aren’t always necessary, but sometimes they’re welcome.  I can’t wait for this.  Oh, and biggest selling point?  From the director of GALAXY QUEST.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 13 - 2 Guns  2 GUNS
Official Website (No website yet)
Release Date: Friday, August 16, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D
Studio: 
Universal Pictures
Genre: 
Action, Crime, Thriller
Screenwriters: 
Blake Masters
Director:
Baltasar Kormakur

Starring: Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton, Bill Paxton, Edward James Olmos and James Marsden.

Synopsis: Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg lead an all-star cast in “2 Guns,” an explosive action film that tracks two operatives from competing bureaus who are forced on the run together. But there is a big problem with their unique alliance: Neither knows that the other is an undercover federal agent.

For the past 12 months, DEA agent Bobby Trench (Washington) and U.S. naval intelligence officer Marcus Stigman (Wahlberg) have been reluctantly attached at the hip. Working undercover as members of a narcotics syndicate, each man distrusts his partner as much as the criminals they have both been tasked to take down.

When their attempt to infiltrate a Mexican drug cartel and recover millions goes haywire, Trench and Stigman are suddenly disavowed by their superiors. Now that everyone wants them in jail or in the ground, the only person they can count on is the other. Unfortunately for their pursuers, when good guys spend years pretending to be bad, they pick up a few tricks along the way.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Very little is known about the upcoming film that will team Mark Wahlberg and director Baltasar Kormakure together after their turn together in CONTRABAND last year and will bring in the always talented Denzel Washington to add to what COULD turn out to be an exciting crime thriller.  With that said, I have to confess a sad truth regarding Denzel Washington.  I have never, not once, been excited for a movie with him in it, yet every time I do finally sit down and watch any of his movies, I end up loving the movie, or at the very least, his performance.  I wish I knew why, but it is just a fact.  So, with that knowledge at hand and the fact that I am not at all excited for this movie means that, more likely than not, 2 GUNS will be a great flick or, at the very least, will feature a great performance by Mr. Washington.

Mark Walters – I know nothing about it, but I like Denzel, and damn if Mark Wahlberg isn’t cranking out movies!  I did see CONTRABAND, and while I wasn’t exactly blown away by it, it’s directed well.  This one is probably too early in the stage to call, but I’ll give it a shot… heh, get it?

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 14 - I FrankensteinI, FRANKENSTEIN
Official Website (No website yet)
Release Date: Friday, September 13, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D
Studio: 
Lionsgate
Genre: 
Horror, Suspense, Thriller
Screenwriters: 
Stuart Beattie
Director:
Stuart Beattie

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Socratis Otto, Bill Nighy, Jai Courtney, Yvonne Strahovski and Miranda Otto.

Synopsis: Based on a graphic novel by Kevin Grevioux, co-creator of the “Underworld” franchise, “I, Frankenstein” is a modern-day epic: Frankenstein’s creature, Adam, has survived to present day due to a genetic quirk in his creation. Making his way to a dark, gothic metropolis, he finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Aaron Eckhart as Frankenstein’s creature who has survived to present day.  Well count me in.  Aaron is a tremendous actor and while we only have some set photos to see the look of the film, I am, again, always looking for something different, something outside of the box.  With so many possible Frankenstein remakes on the horizon, it’s good to see one that is not trying to go the note-for-note remake of Mary Shelly’s classic tale, but rather put their own unique spin on it.  Stay tuned right here to your favorite BigFanboy channel for more news on this one as the year progresses.

Mark Walters – well, it’s directed by Stuart Beattie, who is one of the biggest screenwriters in the business.  His last film TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN saw little to no success, but also had no bankable names in it, and no big studio money behind it.  It will be interesting to see how this comes out, and I’m with Jimmy on Eckhart, he’s always fun to watch.  If you’re wondering how he could pull off playing Frankenstein’s monster, just recall his performance as Two-Face in THE DARK KNIGHT.  And of course being a huge fan of the series CHUCK, I’ll support anything Yvonne Strahovski does.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 15 - STE2STAR WARS: EPISODE II ATTACK OF THE CLONES 3D
Official Website | Official Facebook | Official Twitter | Official YouTube | Official Google+
Release Date: Friday, September 20, 2013

MPAA:  PG for sustained sequences of sci-fi action/violence.
Presentation: 3D
Studio: 
20th Century Fox
Genre: 
Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Screenwriters:
Jonathan Hales, George Lucas
Director:
George Lucas

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Nathalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Pernilla August, Ahmed Best, Anthony Daniels, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, Andrew Secombe, Silas Carson, Kenny Baker, Christopher Lee and Jimmy Smits.

Synopsis: Ten years after the events of “The Phantom Menace,” not only has the galaxy undergone significant change, but so have our familiar heroes Obi-Wan Kenobi (McGregor), Padmé Amidala (Portman), and Anakin Skywalker (Christensen) as they are thrown together again for the first time since the Trade Federation invasion of Naboo. Anakin has grown into the accomplished Jedi apprentice of Obi-Wan, who himself has transitioned from student to teacher. The two Jedi are assigned to protect Padmé whose life is threatened by a faction of political separatists. As relationships form and powerful forces collide, these heroes face choices that will impact not only their own fates, but the destiny of the Republic.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – There’s not really much to say on this one.  If you are going to see this one in the theaters, then you have probably already seen it during it’s first release or at home.  The only difference will be the added third dimension.  Seeing a CGI Yoda jump around like a frog on Jolt Cola might just be worth the price of admission though.  Also, from what we’ve heard, George Lucas did not make any additional changes to the film, although rumors were that he replaced Hayden Christensen with an emotionless CGI creation.  Unfortunately, no one noticed.

Mark Walters – Yes, Jimmy is stretching here.  I never went to see EPISODE I in 3D, and I have about the same interest level seeing EPISODE II that way.  If Lucasfilm wants to get me back in theaters for pre-existing STAR WARS flicks, then release the original trilogy in mind-blowing 3D, then we’ll talk… though that one GLADIATOR-esque battle sequence in EP II might be fun to see on the big screen again.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 16 - Sin CitySIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR
Official Website (No website yet)
Release Date: Friday, October 4, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D
Studio: 
Dimension Films, The Weinstein Company
Genre:
Action, Crime, Drama
Screenwriters:
Frank Miller, William Monahan
Director:
Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Jaime King, Jamie Chung and Dennis Haysbert.

Synopsis: “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” was developed by Frank Miller based upon his graphic novel, with a screenplay by Frank Miller and Academy Award winner William Monahan (“The Departed”).

Our Take:

Jim CassidySIN CITY was simply an amazing noir comic-book brought to life, with images from the page springing to life in full, glorious motion.  Seeing Marv, Nancy, Hartigan, Jackie Boy, Yellow Bastard and even Elijah Wood’s insane Kevin come to life on the big screen was such a treat and now having the same creative team and cast comeback to do a sequel is just absolutely exciting.  The cast, however, won’t be in full strength from the original film as it has seen the loss of two since the first film was released in 2005: Brittany Murphy as Shellie and Michael Clarke Duncan as Manut.  The latter has been recast by the Allstate guy, Dennis Haysbert (24, The Unit) while the role of Shellie has not been recast and may not even make it into the new film.  I am really looking forward to this one just based off of the strength of the original one.  Let’s hope it retains the quality of the first film and not something akin to THE SPIRIT.

Mark Walters – Why oh why did they wait so long?  I love the Sin City comics, and I loved the first movie.  It was an interesting experiment in comic book filmmaking, and visually an absolute treat.  Though I must admit, I haven’t revisited the first movie in quite a while.  I could watch hours of Mickey Rourke as Marv, so it will be fun to see him in that role again.  I also think Rodriguez needs this to work, and remind everyone just how cool he can be as a director.  Guess I should just say I’m cautiously optimistic.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 17 - STE3STAR WARS: EPISODE III REVENGE OF THE SITH 3D
Official Website | Official Facebook | Official Twitter | Official YouTube | Official Google+
Release Date: Friday, October 4, 2013

MPAA:  PG-13 for sci-fi violence and some intense images.
Presentation: 3D
Studio:
20th Century Fox
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Screenwriters: George Lucas
Director:
George Lucas

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Smits, Frank Oz, Anthony Daniels and Christopher Lee.

Synopsis: After three years of fighting in the Clone Wars, Anakin Skywalker falls prey to the Sith Lord’s lies and makes an enemy of the Jedi and those he loves, concluding his journey to the Dark Side and becoming Darth Vader.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Now featuring the world’s most infamous “Noooooooooooo” in glorious, stunning 3D!  Coming Soon to Death Star near you.

Mark Walters – Again, no one is asking for this.  Granted, there’s a few scenes that could look nice if handled well in the 3D conversion, but it just feels like a cash grab.  I don’t even remember the last time I watched my DVD of it.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 18 - OldboyOLDBOY
Official Website (No website yet)
Release Date: Friday, October 11, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D
Studio: FilmDistrict
Genre: 
Thriller
Screenwriters: 
Mark Protosevich
Director:
Spike Lee

Starring: Josh Brolin, Elizabeth Olsen, Sharlto Copley, James Ransone and Samuel L. Jackson.

Synopsis: “Oldboy” follows the story of an advertising executive (Josh Brolin) who is kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement without any indication of his captor’s motive. When he is inexplicably released, he embarks on an obsessive mission to discover who orchestrated his bizarre and torturous punishment only to find he is still trapped in a web of conspiracy and torment. His quest for revenge leads him into an ill-fated relationship with a young social worker (Elizabeth Olsen) and ultimately to an illusive man (Sharlto Copley) who allegedly holds the key to his salvation.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Many people have been up in arms over the decision to remake Chan-wook Park’s Korean revenge thriller OLDBOY from 2003.  The film was violent, unrelenting and apparently included a very surprising, twist ending.  I personally have not seen the original yet, but much like when the David Fincher remake of  THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO came out last year, I will definitely see the original before seeing the remake.  Remake’s are not always bad, as with Fincher’s remake, and both can have their day to shine in the sun.  This is also an interesting choice for director Spike Lee as this is not his normal fare.  One thing that is definitely working in favor of the remake is that this is not going to be a shot for shot remake, but rather, Lee is going back to the original Manga comic for reference on his film.  Will OLDBOY 2013 end up being good, will it build a strong following or even a cult following, or much like TOTAL RECALL from last year, will it come and go, quick to fade into obscurity?  Only time will tell. 

Mark Walters – this is one of those killer films that is so good and so cool, it’s hard to imagine a remake doing it justice.  Spike Lee is an interesting choice as a director for it, and the cast is solid.  Plus by the time it’s released it will have been 10 years since the original film was released, which is a sizable gap THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO was never afforded.  We’ll see, though despite knowing this is a pointless gripe these days, I’m so sick of Hollywood churning out so many remakes.  There are tons of original comic book concepts still lying about untouched.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 19 - Thor The Dark WorldTHOR: THE DARK WORLD
Official Website | Official Facebook
Release Date: Friday, November 8, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D
Studio: 
Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios
Genre: 
Action, Adventure
Screenwriters: 
Christopher Yost, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Director:
Alan Taylor

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Tadanobu Asano, Jaimie Alexander, Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins.

Synopsis: Marvel’s “Thor: The Dark World” continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s “Thor” and “Marvel’s The Avengers,” Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Idris Elba, Christopher Eccleston, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Ray Stevenson, Zachary Levi, Tadanobu Asano and Jaimie Alexander with Rene Russo and Anthony Hopkins as Odin, “Thor: The Dark World” is directed by Alan Taylor, produced by Kevin Feige, from a story by Don Payne (credit not final) and screenplay by Christopher Yost and Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (credit not final) and is based on Marvel’s classic Super Hero Thor, who first appeared in the comic book “Journey into Mystery” #83 in August, 1962.

“Thor: The Dark World” is presented by Marvel Studios. The executive producers are Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Stan Lee, Victoria Alonso, Craig Kyle and Nigel Gostelow. The film releases November 8, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – To me, THOR was one heck of a film.  What Kenneth Branagh did, bringing mystical and fantastical elements to a world and universe that was already well established with films like IRON MAN and THE INCREDIBLE HULK was nothing short of genius. Chris Hemsworth, being relatively unknown at the time, simply stole the show as the hot-headed Asgardian Odinson.  Combine that with another relatively unknown thespian in Tom Hiddleston as the evil Loki (who was fantastic) and bring in Sir Anthony Hopkins as Odin and well, the casting was perfect. While many would have hoped for more time in Asgard (and less time with Kat Dennings), the film served it’s purpose of showing how the world of Asgard fits in with Earth (Midgard).  Now with this entry, we are promised a more expansive look at Asgard and the 9 realms, a foe outside of Loki (don’t get me wrong, Loki is great, but after awhile, we want something other than Loki) in Christopher Eccleston’s Dark Elf Malekith and Game of Thrones helmer Alan Taylor who is intent on fleshing out this world and I feel that we are in for a treat.  In addition, we may finally find out what is to become of the treacherous Loki after his attempt at world domination in THE AVENGERS.  Odin is not going to be pleased.

Mark Walters – I loved the first one, can’t wait for this, and Marvel is doing the right thing keeping a steady stream of flagship character films coming out in between their big team films.  While I’m upset to see Kenneth Branagh go (I honestly don’t know if anyone else could have adapted the Thor comics to the screen as successfully as he did), I’m thinking Alan Taylor will prove to be a safe successor.  I fear Odin may bite the big one here, as I can’t imagine Hopkins wanting to revisit that character too many more times, and if that death occurs it could really make this a powerful entry in the Marvel pantheon of movies.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 20 - The HobbitTHE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG
Official Website | Official Facebook
Release Date: Friday, December 13, 2013

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D
Studio: New Line Cinema, Warner Bros. Pictures
Genre: 
Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Screenwriters:
Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Guillermo del Toro
Director:
Peter Jackson

Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, Mike Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott, Jeffrey Thomas, Aidan Turner, Luke Evans, Evangeline Lilly, Barry Humphries and Billy Connolly.

Synopsis: “The Hobbit” follows the journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers.

Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever… Gollum.

Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths of guile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – My simple review of THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY went something like this: A gorgeous, albeit overlong, mildly entertaining flick that felt like a prologue for the prequels.  Some die-hards loved it, but in speaking with many fine, intelligent folks out there, the general consensus was that this was pretty much the same idea they had as well.  So now we are getting Part 2 of a trilogy of movies from one book (and yes, I know, some expanded material that Tolkien wrote as well, but c’mon, rock mountains fighting for the sake of, what, adding 20 minutes to the movie and then all of a sudden disappearing from behind the dwarves (go back and watch that, they just vanish) all so a trilogy of three hour movies could be made?) and I am hopeful that this one will up the plot and action more.  I want to see Smaug.  I want to see Legolas.  I want to see glorious battles.  I want more, but I want it in less time.  Hey Peter Jackson, see if you can manage to get this one close to 2 hours.  A longer movie does not always mean a better movie.  Just saying…

Mark Walters – I know I’m in the minority, but I wasn’t all that taken with the first HOBBIT flick, and really didn’t care for the new 48fps (frames-per-second) technology.  The next film may win me over, but I just don’t understand the need to stretch these out so much.  Jimmy feels my pain.  The nice thing about these HOBBIT movies coming out back to back is it fills the void of no fantasy films in theaters, especially with the annual HARRY POTTER outing a thing of the past.  Something tells me on this one I’ll opt for the non-3D and 24fps version, and do my best to enjoy it for what it is.

 

 

A Look Ahead - 2013 - 21 - 47 Ronin47 RONIN
Official Website (No website yet)
Release Date: Wednesday, December 25, 2013.

MPAA:  This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D
Studio:
Universal Pictures
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Screenwriters:
Chris Morgan, Hossein Amini
Director:
Carl Rinsch

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kou Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano and Rinko Kikuchi.

Synopsis: From ancient Japan’s most enduring tale, the epic 3D fantasy-adventure “47 Ronin” is born. Keanu Reeves leads the cast as Kai, an outcast who joins Oishi (Hiroyuki Sanada), the leader of the 47 Ronin. Together they seek vengeance upon the treacherous overlord who killed their master and banished their kind. To restore honor to their homeland, the warriors embark upon a quest that challenges them with a series of trials that would destroy ordinary warriors.

“47 Ronin” is helmed by visionary director Carl Erik Rinsch (“The Gift”). Inspired by styles as diverse as Miyazaki and Hokusai, Rinsch will bring to life the stunning landscapes and enormous battles that will display the timeless Ronin story to global audiences in a way that’s never been seen before.

Our Take:

Jim Cassidy – Another one on this list that we have received very little information on, which is surprising considering that it was originally slated to come out in November of 2012, then it was pushed back to early part of 2013 and now is scheduled to be released on Christmas day this year.  Keanu Reeves as a samurai. Hmm, he doesn’t look very Japanese, however, Samurai warriors are said to be emotionless warriors trained to kill so we might see another made-for-him role like we got with THE MATRIX. Stay tuned here as more info becomes available for this one.

Mark Walters – It’s taking its time to get here, but considering we haven’t seen Reeves in a dramatic role in a while, this could be an effective return.  With a film like this and THE WOLVERINE, there’s definitely lots of Asian swordplay hitting American theaters next year, and I for one am happy to hear it.

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About the Author

Jim is an avid movie enthusiast, representing the general movie going audience, looking at movies for their entertainment value as opposed to their critical weight. He enjoys the escapism that movies provide. He is a fan of all genre's of movies, but gravitates toward comic-based movies, summer "popcorn" flicks and over-the-top comedies as his preference.