Happy New Year Big Fanboys and fangirls, welcome back to our annual look at the upcoming films set to hit our theaters which have their origins in or are related to that great medium known as comic-books and graphic novels.  Last year was an interesting list in that we had a total of 21 entries into the field compared to 15 this year.  What’s interesting about last year’s list is that out of those 21, 3 were rescheduled to this year (I, FRANKENSTEIN, 300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE and SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR), 2 were outright cancelled (both of the STAR WARS 3D re-releases), 2 were enormous flops (R.I.P.D. and OLDBOY) and only one broke the $1 Billion mark (IRON MAN 3).

This year we will see 8 sequels, 3 reboots and four brand-new properties hit our screens (barring any unforeseen schedule changes that seem to happen every year).  Will we see any of these films break the famed billion dollar mark?  It is really tough to say at this point, but like last year, I don’t mind going out on a limb and throwing a little prediction around (even if I was completely off last year).  I would say out of the films coming this year, the three that have the best hopes of joining the exclusive club would be TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION, THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN and possibly THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 but I am not as confident about Spidey.  Audiences love him but I think it is still too early to judge just how people are feeling about the sequel.

So without any more introduction, I, Jim Cassidy, along with Bigfanboy.com head-honcho Mark Walters and frequent collaborator Devin Pike, 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:

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I, FRANKENSTEIN
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Release Date: January 24, 2014

MPAA: PG-13 for sequences of intense fantasy action and violence throughout.
Presentation: 2D, 3D, IMAX
Studio: Lionsgate
Genre: Action, Horror
Screenwriters: Stuart Beattie
Director: Stuart Beattie

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Jai Courtney, Socratis Otto, Mahesh Jadu, Caitlin Stasey and Aden Young.

Synopsis: Set in a dystopic present where vigilant gargoyles and ferocious demons rage in a battle for ultimate power, Victor Frankenstein’s creation Adam (Aaron Eckhart) finds himself caught in the middle as both sides race to discover the secret to his immortality. From the creators of the hit supernatural saga, “Underworld,”comes the action thriller “I, Frankenstein,” written for the screen and directed by Stuart Beattie based on the graphic novel “I, Frankenstein” by Kevin Grievous, and brought to life by a cast that includes Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Yvonne Strahovski, Miranda Otto, Jai Courtney, Socratis Otto, Mahesh Jadu, Caitlin Stasey and Aden Young as Victor Frankenstein.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: I want to get excited about this, but it looks very similar to VAN HELSING, and we all remember how that turned out.  Eckhart and Strahovski are enough to make me interested.  We’ll see, but the January release date isn’t usually a good sign.

Jim Cassidy: Every once in a while, you see a collaboration of actors that at first glance sounds amazing.  Eckhart, Nighy, Strahovski?  Count me in.  But then you get a look at the product that is being presented and all you do is groan and know that not only will it be a huge box office disaster (let’s be honest, there is no way this thing is recouping the $68 million production budget or coming close to making anything that is considered a profit) but it is going to be a huge entertainment disaster as well.  As Mark said, there are huge RED warning signs that are reminiscent of VAN HELSING and even the star power of Hugh Jackman and Kate Beckensale couldn’t keep that ship afloat.  If I were a more talented linguist, I might even say this looks like a complete dreck.

Devin Pike: Looks like complete dreck. A shame, as I like Eckhart a lot, but this looks like VAN HELSING MEETS UNDERWORLD XLV, and I’m not sure I want that experience again.

ROBOCOP
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Release Date: February 12, 2014

MPAA: PG-13 for intense sequences of action including frenetic gun violence throughout, brief strong language, sensuality and some drug material
Presentation: 2D, IMAX
Studio: Columbia Pictures, Sony, MGM
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Screenwriters: Josh Zetumer, Nick Schenk
Director: Jose Padilha

Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton, Samuel L. Jackson, Abbie Cornish, Jackie Earle Haley, Michael K. Williams, Jay Baruchel, Jennifer Ehle and Marianne Jean-Baptiste.

Synopsis: In “RoboCop,” the year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Their drones are winning American wars around the globe and now they want to bring this technology to the home front. Alex Murphy (Kinnaman) is a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit. After he is critically injured in the line of duty, OmniCorp utilizes their remarkable science of robotics to save Alex’s life. He returns to the streets of his beloved city with amazing new abilities, but with issues a regular man has never had to face before.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: If there was ever a cult favorite film that didn’t need a remake, it’s this.  That said, the cast is amazing, and let’s face it, enough time has passed that a new generation may get off on this while never watching the original.  Personally, I’ll never forget the perfection that is the original, and that’s all that matters to me.  And why does he look like Christian Bale Batman??

Jim Cassidy: Ok, no one here is saying that the original ROBOCOP ever needed to be remade.  Truly, no film ever NEEDS to be remade.  One thing that many people will not agree on is that a remake takes nothing away from the original.  In fact, it might even open the doors for new fans to discover the original.  What I do want from my remakes is quality and a relevant story to tell, not just a simple attempt at cashing in on the original’s popularity and I believe Padilha is doing that.  Bringing ROBOCOP into modern times and dealing with controversial topics like government control, drones and civil liberties, I think, if done right, this can be the ROBOCOP for our generation.  I am a little upset about the watered down rating, but there are tons of ways they can get around the rating and still deliver a quality product.  I will be there February 12 to see what they do and if it leaves me feeling unsatisfied, I always know that I can pull out my copy of the original and it will still be as good as it always was.

Devin Pike: My bitchiness about remakes is well-documented, but… dammit, José Padilha seems to have a really good take on the material. Drone culture is a hot topic, as the growth of the Corporation as untouchable was in the ’80s when Verhoven made ROBOCOP. There’s enough solid actors to make the thing work. I’m cautiously optimistic.

300: RISE OF AN EMPIRE
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Release Date: March 7, 2014

MPAA:  R for strong sustained sequences of stylized bloody violence throughout, a sex scene, nudity and some language.
Presentation: 2D, 3D, IMAX
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Genre: Action, Adventure
Screenwriters: Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad
Director: Noam Murro

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

Synopsis: Based on Frank Miller’s latest graphic novel “Xerxes” and told in the breathtaking visual style of the blockbuster “300,” this new chapter of the epic saga takes the action to a fresh battlefield—on the sea—as Greek general Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) attempts to unite all of Greece by leading the charge that will change the course of the war. “300: Rise of an Empire” pits Themistokles against the massive invading Persian forces led by mortal-turned-god Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro), and Artemesia (Eva Green), vengeful commander of the Persian navy.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: It’s an obvious cash grab, as 300 never needed a sequel.  I wonder if folks will respond well to the look and feel this has, which seems identical to the first film.  Will this sort of movie still sell tickets in this day and age?

Jim Cassidy: 300 is one of my favorite movies of all times.  I love the way that film was done, top to bottom.  Often imitated, this film is just a visual feast with an over-the-top quality reminiscent of a braggadocio camp-fire tale told to inspire and ignite the spirits of the warriors heading into battle and that is exactly what it was (it was never meant to be an accurate historical tale.  This was, as the ending proved, a story told by Dilios (David Wenham) to the entire Spartan army as they prepared to head into battle).  That being said, it may have been lighting in a bottle and while Frank Miller has come back to write the graphic novel that this film is based on (XERXES), it still feels, as Mark said, like a cash grab.  As much as I loved the first one, my interest level in this one only slightly tops my interest level in I, FRANKENSTEIN and that is not saying much.

Devin Pike: Not even remotely interested. 300 was a really nice surprise. If you wanted to squeeze blood from a turnip, why pick this one?

NOAH
Official Website | Official Facebook | Official Twitter
Release Date: March 28, 2014

MPAA:  Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, IMAX
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Drama
Screenwriters: Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel
Director: Darren Aronofsky

Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ray Winstone, Emma Watson, Anthony Hopkins and

Logan Lerman.

Synopsis: Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe stars as Noah, a man chosen by God for a great task before an apocalyptic flood destroys the world.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: Aronofsky… sold.  I’ll watch anything he does, and the idea of him doing a giant biblical epic is extremely exciting.  Ray Winstone as the baddie is just the cherry on top.

Jim Cassidy: Ok, don’t hate me here, but I have never been that big of an Aronofsky fan.  Granted I’ve never seen REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, but THE FOUNTAIN and THE WRESTLER just were not my cup of tea.  I did like BLACK SWAN though, I will admit to that.  While his films have never really spoken to me, I can still recognize that he is a talented director (this is where the viewers personal subjectivity of the film medium comes in).  Even though I have not been a big fan of his films in the past, I do have to admit that I was actually excited to hear that he would be bringing a huge, biblical tale to the big screen.  I know he has the talent to do the film justice, it has just been the subject matter of his previous films that have not caught my attention.  Count me excited.

Devin Pike: I really, really like Darren Aronofsky. Honestly, I give him a lot more latitude than I should, because I forgave him for THE FOUNTAIN because it was so blindingly beautiful. The trailer for NOAH, though, looks abysmal. Thick-headed. And sounds like it’s a Roland Emmerich flick. I’d really like this to be a good movie, but I have nagging doubts.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER
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Release Date: April 4, 2014

MPAA:  Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios
Genre: Action, Adventure
Screenwriters: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Starring: Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Redford, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Cobie Smulders, Frank Grillo, Georges St-Pierre, Hayley Atwell, Toby Jones, Emily VanCamp and Maximiliano Hernández.

Synopsis: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” will pick-up where “Marvel’s The Avengers” left off, as Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and teams up with Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy in present-day Washington, D.C.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: It will be nice to see a Cap movie that’s taking its influence directly from a somewhat current story arc from the comics, and this looks like a pretty solid adaptation of recent Cap stories, which is very exciting.  I’m thrilled to see a Hollywood heavyweight like Robert Redford in a Marvel movie too.

Jim Cassidy: Marvel has really shown a knack for bringing directors from out of left field and then delivering quality products.  The Russo Brothers have their roots tied deeply to comedy and television, but CA:TWS looks to be Marvel’s least comedic film, especially in Phase 2.  The first trailer was released and I was instantly sold.  The Winter Soldier looks phenomenal, the cinematography is gorgeous, the new suit is fantastic and that score by Henry Jackman just oozes cool.  This film is said to have the most intro into the next AVENGERS‘ movie so I hope it is not weighted down too much like IRON MAN 2 was, but so far, everything looks great.  This is easily my second most anticipated movie of this year.

Devin Pike: As one of the seventeen people who thinks AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. is a decent series, (JIM INSERT: I too am part of that seventeen sir!) I think I’m just as excited to see how THE WINTER SOLDIER dovetails off the series as the actual movie. I never had a doubt about Evans as Captain America, and the scope of the film seems like another big win for the MCU.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2
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Release Date: May 2, 2014

MPAA:  Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D, IMAX 3D
Studio: Columbia Pictures, Sony
Genre: Action, Adventure
Screenwriters: Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci, Jeff Pinkner
Director: Marc Webb

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan, Campbell Scott, Embeth Davidtz, Colm Feore, Paul Giamatti, Sally Field and B.J. Novak.

Synopsis: We’ve always known that Spider-Man’s most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies ahead.

It’s great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there’s no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: Oscorp.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: Didn’t care much for the first one, which just seemed like a remake of the first Sam Raimi film, but the previews look pretty great on this one.  I’m most concerned about the triple villain threat, which did not bode well for Raimi’s SPIDER-MAN 3.

Jim Cassidy: Man, this one looks like it is getting over-crowded.  Let’s hope they can bypass the pitfalls of SPIDER-MAN 3.  Sony is really trying to create their own shared universe using just the characters from Spider-Man’s world and while Venom and the Sinister Six are all scheduled to appear in their own films, Webb and company need to make sure not to overfill each movie and alienate their audience with sub-par films.  I really am hoping this one is not as much of a cluster as it appears to be, but two good things can definitely be said about this film based on the trailer alone.  The new Spider-Man suit is one of the most faithful comic-book adaptations we have ever seen on film (up there with IRON MAN and the original SUPER-MAN films) and Hans Zimmer is providing the score.  So, you know, there’s that.

Devin Pike: My fealty to Sam Raimi precludes liking this film at all. The advance footage looks noisy, and sensory overload is what turned me off from SPIDER-MAN 3 to begin with. This’ll make three Spidey films I didn’t care for, and that makes me a bit sad.

GODZILLA
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Release Date: May 16, 2014

MPAA:  Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D, IMAX
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Screenwriters: Max Borenstein
Director: Gareth Edwards

Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins, David Strathairn and Bryan Cranston.

Synopsis: An epic rebirth to Toho’s iconic Godzilla, this spectacular adventure, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, pits the world’s most famous monster against malevolent creatures who, bolstered by humanity’s scientific arrogance, threaten our very existence.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: Can’t wait.  Loved MONSTERS, so Gareth’s involvement is exciting.  Add in Bryan Cranston and I’m definitely in, and let’s face it, after Roland Emmerich’s disaster this can only be better… right?

Jim Cassidy: I loved me some PACIFIC RIM and Peter Jackson’s KING KONG so I almost feel like those have been appetizer’s for what is ahead.  The less that can be said about the ’98 “turn your brain off” version we got of Toho’s giant lizard, the better.  This film just looks so atmospheric and cool and the teaser trailer has done a great job of hinting at the new version of the classic monster without giving too much away.  As excited as I am to see this, I think I am even more excited knowing that Godzilla will be facing off against other creatures in this one.  Oh, and that classic ROAR??? Bring it!

Devin Pike: As much as I loved PACIFIC RIM – and I truly did love it, for the big, dumb, loud movie it was – after it was over, I found myself saying “If Gareth Edwards puts half of the effort into GODZILLA as del Toro did into that flick, we’ll be swimming in geek riches.” The trailers we’ve seen so far tell me we’re in for a massive kaiju treat, and I’m going to find this on the biggest, loudest screen available on Opening Night.

X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST
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Release Date: May 23, 2014

MPAA:  Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Genre: Action, Adventure
Screenwriters: Simon Kinberg
Director: Bryan Singer

Starring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, Halley Berry, Nicholas Hoult, Ellen Page, Shawn Ashmore, Peter Dinklage, Omar Sy, Daniel Cudmore, Fan Bingbing, Boo Boo Stewart, Adan Canto, Evan Peters, Josh Helman and Lucas Till.

Synopsis: The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” The beloved characters from the original “X-Men” film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from “X-Men: First Class,” in an epic battle that must change the past – to save our future.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: Bryan Singer is back, and a lot of the original cast is mixing in with the new X-Men, so I’m stoked.  The narrative may be pretty confusing, but the possibilities this presents are endless.  I’ve loved just about every X-movie, even didn’t mind X-MEN: THE LAST STAND that much, so bring it on.

Jim Cassidy: Bryan Singer is credited with kicking off the current superhero phase of cinema with 2000’s X-MEN.  It is good to see him back to the franchise that he began in an attempt to shore up the convoluted timelines and stories that have been told over a total of six films but this is going to be a huge undertaking.  The story of Days of Future Past from the comics is already a hefty one, but putting that on screen and using it as a way to clean up the multitude of questionable timeline discrepancies just adds to that ante.  That being said, after watching the trailer, I am really looking forward to this one if for nothing more than morbid curiosity as to how it will all play out.  Next to AVATAR, this is Fox’s most expensive film ever so there is a lot riding on its success.  And if that were not enough, with the recent announcement of the films sequel, X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, all eyes will be on any sort of lead in to a film featuring one of Marvel’s biggest baddies and the original mutant himself.

Devin Pike: Holy crap, this movie looks fun. And dystopic. And big. Tying up the different series’ canon into one timeline is ambitious, to say the least. Can not wait.

TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION
Official Website | Official Facebook | Official Twitter
Release Date: June 27, 2014

MPAA:  Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, IMAX
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Screenwriters: Ehren Kruger
Director: Michael Bay

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Sophia Myles, Li Bingbing, T.J. Miller, Han Geng and Titus Welliver.

Synopsis:  Starring in “Transformers 4” is Jack Reynor in the starring role of a race car driver. The talented and beautiful Nicola Peltz has been cast in the female lead role of Reynor’s girlfriend. Mark Wahlberg has signed on to play Nicola’s father Flynn Vincent. Sophia Myles will play a major role as a scientist. Peter Cullen returns as the voice of Optimus Prime, and Glenn Morshower reprises his role as General Morshower. Kelsey Grammer was recently cast as the lead villain named “Harold Attinger”. Directors Guild of America DGA Award winner Michael Bay will return to direct his fourth installment of the film series from a screenplay written by Ehren Kruger.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: Well Shia is gone, so that’s good, and I think Wahlberg and Michael Bay make a good combo.  As much as I loved the first film, the second and third were kind of a let down.  Hopefully this will be a return to form.

Jim Cassidy:  I really enjoyed the first film and even found myself loving parts of the second and third ones (not the whole films mind you, but each one had sequences and parts that I did enjoy).  That being said, with all the recent information coming out about Shia’s arrogance and plagiarism, if he were involved with this film, I would not go to see it.  I personally think the man needs to be blacklisted from Hollywood, but that is a rant for a different time.  I am excited to see where the next movie takes us.  Confirmed redesigns of characters (hopefully to make them more streamlined and easier to differentiate onscreen) and the inclusion of the fan-favorite Dinobots have my hopes set high.  Michael Bay knows action so I know we are in for a thrill ride there, I just hope the filler scenes can be done with a bit less “goofy parents and robot testicles” approach this time around.  The inclusion of Mark Wahlberg, whom I have been a fan of since FEAR, is just a bonus for me.

Devin Pike: Unless Bay and his army of pixel monkeys have figured out a way to make these behemoth robots fight in a way that looks compelling onscreen – and really, that’s all the TRANSFORMERS series boils down to, innit? – I am so far out on this movie. Mark Wahlberg is a solid actor. Did he need to buy another house?

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES
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Release Date: July 11, 2014

MPAA:  Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D
Studio: 20^th Century Fox
Genre: Sci-Fi
Screenwriters: Scott Z. Burns, Amanda Silver, Rick Jaffa, Mark Bomback
Director: Matt Reeves

Starring: Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Toby Kebbell, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Enrique Murciano, Kirk Acevedo and Judy Greer.

Synopsis: A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth’s dominant species.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: Matt Reeves rocks, I’m very excited to see what he does here.  I liked the first one a lot, but the possibilities that have opened up after the first one ended, it’s intriguing for anyone who loves these APES films.

Jim Cassidy: Loved the first one.  Can’t wait to see what they do here.  The new trailer has definitely got my interests set high on this one.  I agree with Devin, Andy Serkis NEEDS a frickin Oscar.

Devin Pike: I like Matt Reeves, and I’m sincerely excited to see where this APES plot line heads towards. From the advance footage, it’s another killer performance from Andy Serkis. Give the man his damned OSCAR, already!

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Official Facebook
Release Date: August 1, 2014

MPAA:  Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Screenwriters: James Gunn
Director: James Gunn

Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Djimon Hounsou, Benicio del Toro, John C. Reilly, Glenn Close, Gregg Henry, Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel.

Synopsis: Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits–Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Peter discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand – with the galaxy’s fate in the balance.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: It will definitely be the most polarizing Marvel film, but the idea of James Gunn getting millions of dollars to make a space epic is awesome, and the cast is terrific.  Like most people, I just can’t wait to see Rocket Raccoon on the big screen.

Jim Cassidy: This is absolutely my most anticipated movie of the year.  I love a good comic book movie but I really love ones that think outside the box and break away from the normal mold and this one definitely seems to be doing that.  Everything I have seen only fuels my desire to see this film.  My only concern is my own anticipation growing too much that nothing can meet it.  The cast looks great, the quick snippets of footage seen at SDCC this past year (with less than 2 weeks of filming completed) looks amazing and I can’t be the only one who is excited to see what Gunn does with a badass talking racoon and a three worded alien tree guy.  This movie comes out around my birthday so you can be sure to know where to find me when you are wanting to shower me with gifts.

Devin Pike: You had me at James Gunn.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES
Official Website (None Yet)
Release Date: August 8, 2014

MPAA: Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Genre: Action, Adventure
Screenwriters: Josh Appelbaum, Andrew Nemec, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, John Fusco
Director: Jonathan Liebesman

Starring: Megan Fox, Alan Ritchson, Jeremy Howard, Pete Ploszek, Noel Fisher, Will Arnett, Danny Woodburn and William Fichtner.

Synopsis: The Mirage Group, which owns the property, is moving forward with a live-action film focusing on the origins of the iconic crime fighters.

The project would mark the fifth big screen outing for the sewer-dwelling heroes Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello and Raphael as well as their master Splinter, based on the characters created by Laird and Kevin Eastman.

Laird said the film will remain true to the spirit of the original comic books. He added that the film may employ face replacement technology, which would allow the turtles to be much more expressive.

Alan Ritchson will play Raphael, Jeremy Howard is Donatello, Pete Ploszek is Leonardo and Noel Fisher will play Michelangelo.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: Not sure what to think.  Until we see a trailer I’m pretty conflicted.  I think Megan Fox as April isn’t a bad idea, but I’m wondering who this movie is really for – guys like us who grew up loving the Turtles, or kids today who may need a re-introduction.  We’ll see.

Jim Cassidy: This movie is already getting a lot of negative hype because of the attachment of Michael Bay’s name.  It really surprises me how many people ignore the fact that he is not directing.  I loved the 90’s TMNT movies, well the first two anyways, and I really enjoyed the CGI film from a few years ago.  I’m willing to give this one a shot because as for now, we know very little about it.  Oh, and all that humdrum about the turtles being aliens, etc. is just nonsense.  The creators are highly involved with this adaptation so there is at least some glimmer of hope that this will be good.  I just have to see more.

Devin Pike: No, No, no, no, no, no. Nope. Nuh-unh.

SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR
Official Website (None Yet)
Release Date: August 22, 2014

MPAA:  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, Bruce Willis, Rosario Dawson, Jaime King, Josh Brolin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Eva Green, Dennis Haysbert, Christopher Meloni, Jeremy Piven, Jamie Chung, Ray Liotta, Juno Temple, Julia Garner and Stacy Keach.

Synopsis:  “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” weaves together two of Frank Miller’s classic stories with new tales in which the town’s most hard boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more repulsive inhabitants.

In “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For,” Dwight is hunted down by the only woman he ever loved, Ava Lord, and then watches his life go straight to hell. Chronologically, this story takes place prior to “The Big Fat Kill” (featured in the film “Frank Miller’s Sin City”) and explains how Dwight came to have a dramatically different face.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: I loved the first one, and have anxiously awaited a sequel, but has too much time passed?  Did Frank Miller’s THE SPIRIT hurt this?  One thing is for sure, Miller will be a big name in 2014 with the 300 sequel and this.

Jim Cassidy: Like 300, this movie was fantastic for the time it came out as it was unlike anything we had really seen before.  I’m curious to see how this follow up will do, but I wonder if too much time has passed for audiences to really care.  I do enjoy Rodriguez’s films so I’m not really concerned with whether or not I will like it, it is more about whether or not this will reach the audience it needs too in order to not become another DREDD.

Devin Pike: Robert Rodriguez gets a free pass from me as well. Maybe it’s because he’s Texan, maybe it’s because he’s the digital version of Roger Corman. Maybe it’s because for every film like MACHETE KILLS and PREDATORS (c’mon, you know he really directed it), we get films like DESPERADO and SIN CITY. I think DAME will give us another look at the good Rodriguez.

BIG HERO 6
Official Website (None Yet)
Release Date:

MPAA:  Not Yet Rated
Presentation: 2D, 3D
Studio: Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Studios
Genre: Adventure, Animation, Comedy
Screenwriters: Jordan Roberts
Director: Don Hall, Chris Williams

Starring: Not Yet Released

Synopsis: From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Big Hero 6,” an action comedy adventure about brilliant robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who finds himself in the grips of a criminal plot that threatens to destroy the fast-paced, high-tech city of San Fransokyo. With the help of his closest companion—a robot named Baymax—Hiro joins forces with a reluctant team of first-time crime fighters on a mission to save their city. Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name, and featuring comic-book style action and all the heart and humor audiences expect from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the CG-animated “Big Hero 6” hits theaters in 3D on November 7, 2014.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: Sounds great, hopefully will be great, but they just now added a director, and it’s less than a year away.  Hmm… not sure what to think here.

Jim Cassidy:  I honestly know very little about this film, much like most of the world, but it was only time before Disney started creating their own animated films using Marvel’s extensive library of characters, but most thought it would be a Pixar film first and I don’t think anyone could have predicted such an obscure team to be put forward first.  This might be great, but it is too early to tell.  If you want to get me excited, announce a Pixar helmed POWER PACK movie and I’m there.

Devin Pike: I’ve been waiting for this flick since I saw the first notices about it a couple of years ago. I don’t even think it’s in the proper MCU, and I don’t know how it fits in to the grand Whedon scheme of things. What I do know is the take on superheroes seems to be further out there than GUARDIANS, and that makes me gleeful.

THE HOBBIT: THERE AND BACK AGAIN
Official Website | Official Facebook | Official Twitter | Official Google+
Release Date: December 17, 2014

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

Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Stephen Fry, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, Orlando Bloom, John Bell, Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Billy Connolly, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Lawrence Makoare, Sylvester McCoy, Graham McTavish, Dean O’Gorman, Mikael Persbrandt and Aidan Turner.

Synopsis: “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” is the epic conclusion to Peter Jackson’s trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece “The Hobbit,” by J.R.R. Tolkien. The film concludes the adventure of the title character Bilbo Baggins, who joins the Wizard Gandalf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield, on an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor.

Our Take:

Mark Walters: The first and second one didn’t wow me much, and I loved THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy.  Hopefully this one, which looks to have all the big finishes to the stories they’ve set up, will be enough of a satisfying payoff to where the others are but a memory.

Jim Cassidy: I guess I am not the right audience for this.  I love science fiction, war epics, etc., but the fantastical films, like THE HOBBIT films and THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy are just not my flare.  I’ve seen the original trilogy, but it never could keep my attention and I did sit through a screening of the first HOBBIT and that felt like nothing more than a bloated trailer for the sequels.  At this point, I have not seen the second HOBBIT and I’m not even enticed too.  So with that, I’m not really looking forward to this third one and when I hear die-hard Tolkien fans upset about the quality and length of the new films, it just doesn’t sway me in the positive.  I’m sure I will see these someday, but I’m not holding my breath waiting for it to come out.

Devin Pike: THE HOBBIT was a children’s book, and only one-quarter of the length of the three combined LORD OF THE RINGS books. I don’t know whether it was New Line’s idea to stretch THE HOBBIT into three films, or Peter Jackson’s. It’s a bad idea. The whole thing has felt bloated, so far. I’ll still go, and watch it in 3D, and I’ll still leave feeling like I ate a dinner with two too many courses.

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So there you have it folks.  That’s our breakdown of the upcoming comic book related films of 2014.  Which ones are you highly anticipating?  Which ones are you dreading?  Which one do you think will rule the box office this year?  Sound off below and let us know.

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