By J.T. Johnson
A new year is upon us. While 2012 may herald the end of the world, those pesky predictions haven’t stopped the movie studios from getting ready for a big year at the movies. As usual, there are sequels and remakes galore, but there are also some original films that are going to try to appeal to your wallets and hopefully bring some entertainment value with them.
So, now it’s time for me to take a look at some of the films that are looking to take up my time and some space on my site. Below, I have compiled my own personal Top 10 Films to See In 2012. Beyond this list are films that could end up being contenders for Best Film of the year. Right now, though, these are the big ones that I’m looking forward to and I hope you share your thoughts on what will be big in 2012.
1. THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
I don’t know a single soul who isn’t looking forward to the follow-up to the “Citizen Kane” of superhero films, “The Dark Knight.” There have been a lot of leaked photos and behind-the-scenes footage over the past year that added to the already insane hype. There are also two trailers that give a sense of finality to director Christopher Nolan’s epic trilogy. This time, Batman must take on the brutal Bane played by Tom Hardy and the sinfully beautiful Catwoman played by Anne Hathaway.
2. PROMETHEUS
A prequel to “Alien” with Ridley Scott returning to the series he helped create? I’m so there. Not only is Scott returning, the film also boast an excellent cast including Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender and Charlize Theron. Apparently, the film is set in the same universe as “Alien,” but will focus on a completely different aspect that is still connected to the original film. The first trailer was recently released and all systems are go for this sci-fi epic in the making.
3. SKYFALL
This is the 23rd James Bond film and it’s being released on the 50th Anniversary of the film franchise. Not much is known about the story, but what is known is that Daniel Craig is returning for his third outing as Agent 007. It will also see the return of Dame Judi Dench as M and Javier Bardem is set to play the main villain this time around. Since production on this film was delayed for an additional year due to MGM’s financial difficulties, I’m looking forward to this film more than ever.
4. THE AVENGERS
Every since 2008’s “Iron Man,” every Marvel film has been one set-up after another for this ultimate superhero team up. Almost every actor is back (Edward Norton will no longer be playing the Hulk) and this time, it looks like “Thor’s” enemy, Loki, is up to no good. The film also comes from writer/director Joss Whedon who has proven that not only is he good with the action, he also knows how to handle an ensemble.
5. THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
This film was another victim to MGM’s financial woes as well as several other production issues. Now, it’s back on track and even though the original director, Guillermo del Toro, eventually stepped down, original “The Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson has taken over and the first trailer looks extremely promising. The only concern I have is how in the hell are they going to split this story up into two full-length feature films? In December, we’ll just have to find out.
6. THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
Director Sam Raimi made two great “Spider-Man” films, but the third film is one of the worst superhero films ever made. While it may be a little too soon, Columbia Pictures has decided to reboot the series with new director Marc Webb. Andrew Garfield steps into the role of Peter Parker/Spider-Man and the first trailer seems to show a darker tone than Raimi’s trilogy. Just as long as Peter Parker doesn’t do any Jazz dancing, this should be good.
7. SAFE HOUSE
There are two reasons I want to see this movie: Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds. Washington and Reynolds are good in their own right and to see them act together for the first time is something to look forward to alone. It also helps that the film appears to be a tight, action-packed espionage thriller about a young agent who watches over a safe house for the C.I.A. When they bring a rogue agent (Washington), the house is hit and the two must work together to figure out who wants the former agent dead.
8. THE GREY
In recent years, Liam Neeson has turned into quite the action badass. This includes the awesome film “Taken.” Beyond that, it’s been hit-and-miss. “The A-Team” was not really a hit, but with “The Grey,” Neeson and “A-Team” director Joe Carnahan hope to make up with the audience about a group of men who are stranded after a plane crash. Not only do they have to survive the elements, they also have to survive a pack of wolves. The trailer got me hooked and I hope the final result is as entertaining as the preview.
9. THE WOMAN IN BLACK
This is a supernatural horror/thriller starring Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe. Admittedly, part of the reason I want to see this film is to get a look at what Radcliffe can do outside of the wizarding world. The other reason I want to see it is that the trailers look good and it could be the horror/thriller I’ve been waiting for to bring the genre out of the land of remakes… though I highly doubt that Hollywood will give up remakes anytime soon.
10. MEN IN BLACK 3
What can I say? I can’t wait to see the latest addition to the MiB franchise. Not only are Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones returning, Josh Brolin joins the action as a younger version of Agent K. Apparently, an alien threat has gone back in time to take out K and Agent J must go back in time to the 1960s in order to save his partner. The second film was not as good as the original, but it was still entertaining. Let us hope that the third outing proves to be another good addition to the series.
