My To-Watchlist - Part Four

Part four has me excited and bummed. Excited because there are some great movies in the works and I can't wait to see the finished product. I'm bummed because Summer 2012 feels sooooooo far away!
Just a warning, since these films are slated for a summer release, their actual release date is subject to change. 

• Prometheus
• Release date: June 8, 2012
• Description:  A team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.
• Why it's on the list: Firstly, it boasts a pretty impressive cast. Secondly, if you've read the previous entries, you'll know I'm a fan of (or sucker for) action/sci-fi movies. The explosions and flashy cinematography (CGI or not) is fun to watch. Thirdly, it-is-but-isn't a prequel to Alien. Prequels and sequels, to me, always have to work harder than the original for me to really like it. They usually try to capitalize on the magic that made the original so good, but fail because it feels forced and contrived. Also, Hollywood is full of remakes and sequels/prequels lately. I'm wondering where the originality has gone! But, that's a question and answer for another blog post. Either way, I have a good feeling this movie is going to be good.
• Magic Mike
• Release date: June 29, 2012
• Description:  An upstart male stripper is taken under the wing of a more experienced colleagues.
• Why it's on the list: This movie is generating a ton of buzz; mostly people wondering if there will be any nudity - which is understandable since it is a movie about strippers. I wanted to write this movie off as crap, but Steven Soderbergh has directed/produced some of my favorite movies (The Oceans series, Erin Brockovich), the cast seems pretty good (minus Matthew McConaughey), and the producers have been adamant that this movie contains no full-frontal male nudity. Not that I care either way, but leaving such things to one's imagination can be much better than the real thing. I personally feel the movie would lose some credibility if nudity was shown. I know there is no possible way I'll be able to drag Josh to see this, so I guess I'll have to wait for VOD or Netflix....
• The Bourne Legacy
• Release date: August 03, 2012
• Description:  A story centered on a new CIA operative in the universe based on Robert Ludlum's novels.
• Why it's on the list: Ummm, how can this movie be in the Bourne series, when Jason Bourne isn't even in it?! This has me quite bothered. Not that I don't have confidence in Jeremy Renner, he's proven himself to be quite the action star. But, if you're using a different character, even if they've both been through Treadstone, it becoms a different movie. But, I suppose the use of Legacy implies we'll get some insight in to Treadstone and other nagging questions. It's my understanding that Matt Damon isn't coming back as JB because Paul Greengrass is not directing (if he was, MD said he'd be on board). Also, this installment is not based off the book series; it's a completely new character and story - a move that can be quite risky. In the end, I am excited to see this movie. I just hope it doesn't kill the franchise. ::::crossing fingers and thinking happy thoughts:::::
• Resident Evil: Retribution
• Release date: September 14, 2012
• Description:  Alice fights alongside a resistance movement in the continuing battle against the Umbrella Corporation and the undead.
• Why it's on the list: That damn Umbrella Corporation really made quite a mess of things with their T-Virus. At this point in the series, the Earth's population has been eradicated (for the most part) and Zombies have taken over. Some characters who have died in past movies are apparently back - hopefully by use of flashbacks or by Umbrella using their DNA. I really hope the producers don't think the audience is filled with idiots and we won't notice dead characters coming back. In any case, using the term "retribution" implies Alice may finally get some revenge against Umbrella. 
• Untitled Taken Sequel
• Release date: October 5, 2012
• Description:  In Istanbul, retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter.
• Why it's on the list: If you haven't seen the first Taken, you're doing yourself a great injustice. Who knew Liam Neeson was such a bad ass?! This is probably my favorite quote from any movie ever (it's long, but it's my blog):  "I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let my daughter go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will kill you." I just love that scene! The sequel seems to be based on avengement; I know I'll be there to see the action unfold!

While I am super excited to see these movies, I can't help but be a little dissapointed that four out of five movies listed are sequels or prequels. C'mon, Hollywood!! Get your act together and start coming up with original stories! Not movies based off books, not remakes from another country (that you're trying to pass off as an original - I'm not stupid, I know when you do this), and most importanly. Stop. With. The. Sequels. 
I'm starting to feel like the Writers Strike of 2007-2008 was a joke. The strike sought increased monetary compensation for the writers in comparison to the profits of the larger studios - then produce work that is worthy of the money you feel you deserve! Just my opinion...