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...

My To-Watchlist - Part 3

Part three!! Part One can be viewed here. Part Two can be viewed here.

I must say, I've had a lot of fun making this list. As I've said, I try to keep my mind open to different kinds of movies (Independent and foreign especially). The quality of a movie isn't defined by it's massive budget or super star names. 

If you think I'm missing any films, feel free to let me know!

• Wanderlust
• Release date: February 24, 2012
• Description:  Rattled by sudden unemployment, a Manhattan couple surveys alternative living options, ultimately deciding to experiment with living on a rural commune where free love rules.
• Why it's on the list: I love LOVE Paul Rudd! He's hilarious (I love that sarcastic witty humor), he seems like a genuinely nice guy (rare for Hollywood), and he's in some of my favorite movies of all time ("They've done studies, you know. 60% of the time, it works every time."). I'm also a big fan of Jennifer Aniston. She's not the best actress ever, but she is enjoyable to watch. The trailer for Wanderlust looks promising, the supporting cast looks great, and a fairly original story is something that I can get on board with!
• Act of Valor
• Release date: February 24, 2012
• Description:  An elite team of Navy SEALs embark on a covert mission to recover a kidnapped CIA agent.
• Why it's on the list: If you believe the promotional material (the "actors" are active duty SEaLs and the movie is based on actual missions), it will probably be a pretty emotional movie. I'm a sucker for a good war movie (Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down to name a few). If they actors really are active duty military, then hopefully there will be an element of realism that some movies miss the mark on (I can always spot a fake due to my extensive military background....). Whether or not it's real or fiction, it looks like a great movie.
• The Hunger Games
• Release date: March 23/2012
• Description:  Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match.
• Why it's on the list:  When the Boarders Books in Gresham was closing, they were having an insanely good sale so of course I had to stock up. I didn't have any specific book in mind to buy; I just happened upon their last copy of The Hunger Games. It sounded interesting and it was, like, 80% off. I couldn't not buy it, right??? I've only read a few chapters so far (another book series has monopolized my reading time), but what I've read I've loved. As always, the book will be better than the movie, but it's always interesting to see the the book come to life on screen. The changes they make, how someone else visualized a character or scenery, or what parts of the book were left out or changed entirely. 
• Wrath of the Titans
• Release date: March 30, 2012.
• Description:  Perseus embarks on a treacherous quest into the underworld to rescue Zeus, who has been targeted for capture by his traitorous son, Ares, and his brother, Hades.
• Why it's on the list: The trailer speaks for itself. 'Nuff said.
• What to Expect When You're Expecting
• Release date: May 11, 2012
• Description:  A look at the lives of five couples as they prepare to become parents.
• Why it's on the list: I'm not usually a fan of ensemble movies such as this. Movies like Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve have so many story lines and actors to focus on that I never really feel like I get to know enough about the character and their conflict to care if they reach resolution. On the other hand Love Actually, Gosford Park, and He's Just Not That Into You pulled it off brilliantly. I'm crossing my fingers that WtEWYE falls in the latter group.
• Battleship
• Release date: May 19, 2012
• Description:  A fleet of ships is forced to do battle with an armada of unknown origins in order to discover and thwart their destructive goals.
• Why it's on the list: Two words: Alexander Skarsgard. Two more words: In uniform. Alright, now that that's been said, we can get down to business. Bit of trivia about me: I'm not a fan of water. I really dislike not being able to see what's in the water. And this movie confirms my fears. This again goes back to my statement that 2012 will be filled with alien/end-of-days/earth-destroying/ect movies. That's not a complaint, just an observation. Battleship looks like a great movie to kick off the 2012 Summer blockbusters!

Next up will be the summer movie forecast! Definitely looking forward to that. 

Any movies I've missed? Any that you're particularly looking forward to? 

My To-Watchlist - Part Two

Here begins part two of my anticipated movies. Again, they will appear in order of release date. 

• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
• Release date: December 20, 2011
• Description:  Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing for forty years by Lisbeth Salander, a young computer hacker.
• Why it's on the list: I haven't read the book series, although I know people who have and they loved it. So, it's definitely on my to-read list (hmmm, another blog list series....?). The real reason why I want to see this is because I've seen the three original Swedish films and loved them! Noomi Rapace was an excellent Lisbeth Salander. You know when you see a film and think "Wow, what a great performance! I can't think of another person who could have pulled this role off". That's how I felt watching Mrs. Rapace. I'm curious to see how Rooney Mara does.  I also have to admit, I got a little lost with the Swedish version (subtitles never scare me off, but it's hard to read and follow the action at times). Maybe watching the movie in English I'll pick up on more :)
• The Darkest Hour
• Release date: December 25, 2011
• Description:  In Moscow, five young people lead the charge against an alien race who have attacked Earth via our power supply.
• Why it's on the list: Moscow seems like an interesting backdrop. An alien invasion and a post-apocalyptic type world is not a new theme (Especially since we're now less than a year a way from "the end".....), so I have a feeling more movies of this genre will be coming out. The "invisible aliens" use electricity as energy to pass through the city and destroy everything in it's path. It's going to be heavy on CGI and thrills. Sounds like a great way to spend an hour an a half to me. 
• The Devil Inside
• Release date: January 6, 2012
• Description:  In Italy, a woman becomes involved in a series of unauthorized exorcisms during her mission to discover what happened to her mother, who allegedly murdered three people during her own exorcism.
• Why it's on the list: I hadn't heard anything about this movie until I was leaving the movie theater a few weeks ago and saw the poster. I instantly wanted to see it. Oh, and the rumor is it's "based on a true story". Now I was really hooked! No, I don't believe the movie is based on truth (yes, Hollywood, something like this happened to someone somewhere at some point in time - that doesn't make it fact). But, it looks like it's good for a few chills and some jumping-out-of-my-seat moments.
• Underworld Awakening
• Release date: January 20, 2012
• Description:  When human forces discover the existence of the Vampire and Lycan clans, a war to eradicate both species commences. The vampire warrioress Selene leads the battle against humankind.
• Why it's on the list:  I've been a fan of the Underworld series since the the first Underworld in 2003. It's (personally) one of the better Vampire vs Werewolf movies out there. All the Vamp and Werewolf movies/TV shows take their own creative liberty with how and why they are what they are. Some Vamps can see their reflection, some can't. Some series have you believe one bite from a Vampire turns you in to one of them, some series it's a long process. Some Werewolves can shift any time they want, some can only shift at the full moon. Either way, it's fun to watch. And as if Selene didn't have enough to worry about, now the humans are after her. [Ed. note: Is a human versus a Vampire really a fight?? I guess we'll find out.] My only worry about this movie is it's being released in January. Traditionally, January is Hollywood's dumping ground for movies that can't quite make the summer or winter cut. Also, Len Wiseman only has a writing credit for this one. He directed the first two installments, and did a fantastic job. Rise of the Lycans was good, but it revolved around the Lycan history and it just didn't have the same feel as the first two. Prequels don't seem have the same magic that the original had. But, I will not let those facts sway my opinion on the movie.
• The Grey
• Release date: January 27, 2012
• Description:  In Alaska, an oil drilling team struggle to survive after a plane crash strands them in the wild. Hunting the humans are a pack of wolves who see them as intruders.
• Why it's on the list: This looks like a cross between Alive (plane crash in remote and snowy location while fighting to survive) and Taken (a pissed off Liam Neeson kicking ass). As I've stated above, a January release date has me worried. But I'm not going to make any assumptions. 
• The Vow
• Release date: February 10, 2012
• Description:  A car accident puts Paige (McAdams) in a coma, and when she wakes up with severe memory loss, her husband Leo (Tatum) works to win her heart again.
• Why it's on the list: This movie has The Notebook and 50 First Dates written all over it. But, I want to see it anyway. It's like a Lifetime movie, but with talent :)

That concludes part two! Click here to read part one if you wish. 

Any of these movies look particularly interesting to you? Any movies you think I missed?? Let me know!