Why am I Anticipating It?
I have to admit, I was anticipating this film much more than I am now earlier in the year. It was one of my 25 Most Anticipated Films of the year in fact. And while I am still interested in seeing it, I don’t find much of what we’ve seen to this point to be as visually unique as I expected it to be. Tarsem’s minimalistic approach is obviously there, but the rest of it looks very 300-ish to me.
Who’s In It?
Henry Cavill, Freida Pinto, Kellan Lutz, Mickey Rourke, Stephen Dorff, Luke Evans, John Hurt, Isabel Lucas, Daniel Sharman, Stephen McHattie, Peter Stebbings and Steve Byers
Who Directed It?
Tarsem Singh (The Fall, The Cell)
What’s It About?
Henry Cavill plays Theseus, a warrior from Greek mythology, who leads a fight against the imprisoned titans in a story where gods fight alongside mortals. Phaedra (Pinto), an oracle priestess joins Theseus on his quest to prevent the cataclysmic war from erupting.
When Does It Come Out?
November 11
Is There a Trailer You Can Watch?
Why am I Anticipating It?
The buzz on this one is already quite loud as a few people down in Los Angeles had a chance to see it already. I’m hoping Summit sends it to the Toronto Film Festival prior to its September release and just hope this dramedy goes down a bit better than did It’s Kind of a Funny Story last year.
Who’s In It?
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anna Kendrick, Anjelica Huston and Philip Baker Hall
Who Directed It?
Jonathan Levine (The Wackness)
What’s It About?
Adapted from Will Reiser’s novel, the film centers on a 25-year-old (Gordon-Levitt) who learns he has cancer and successfully battles the disease over several years. The character is based on the real experiences of screenwriter Will Reiser, who won his own fight with cancer in his mid-20s.
When Does It Come Out?
September 30
Is There a Trailer You Can Watch?
Why am I Anticipating It?
Because I want to see if it’s possible for a Screen Gems film, the home of PG-13 dreck, to actually deliver a modern film that somehow captures the raw intensity of Sam Peckinpah’s original.
Who’s In It?
James Marsden, Alexander Skarsgard, Kate Bosworth, Dominic Purcell, James Woods and Willa Holland
Who Directed It?
Rod Lurie (Nothing But the Truth, Resurrecting the Champ)
What’s It About?
A Hollywood screenwriter and his actress wife (Marsden and Bosworth), return to her small hometown in the deep South to prepare the family home for sale after her father’s death. Once there, tensions build in their marriage and old conflicts re-emerge with the locals, including Amy’s ex-boyfriend Charlie (Skarsgard), leading to a violent confrontation.
When Does It Come Out?
September 16
Is There a Trailer You Can Watch?
Why am I Anticipating It?
The concept and the cast.
Who’s In It?
Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, Adam Beach, Noah Ringer and Abigail Spencer
Who Directed It?
Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Elf)
What’s It About?
Cowboys and aliens.
When Does It Come Out?
July 29
Is There a Trailer You Can Watch?
Why am I Anticipating It?
Director Steve McQueen’s first film, Hunger, was a solid feature, but it was also a dark and dreary one. However, previously known as a minimalist filmmaker, McQueen’s work is certainly fascinating and it will be interesting to see how his sophomore feature effort turns out. Although, this one sounds like it could turn down some dark corners as well and may find Fassbender in a similar role to the one he played in Fish Tank.
Who’s In It?
Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan and James Badge Dale
Who Directed It?
Steve McQueen (Hunger)
What’s It About?
Brandon (Fassbender) is a 30-something man living in New York who is unable to manage his sex life. After his wayward younger sister (Mulligan) moves into his apartment, Brandon’s world spirals out of control.
When Does It Come Out?
Still doesn’t have a distributor, though I expect it to play in one of the late year festivals, likely Toronto or Venice.
Is There a Trailer You Can Watch?
Nope
Why am I Anticipating It?
Martin Scorsese + 3D + Kid’s Story = I’ve got to see what this is all about
Who’s In It?
Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley, Asa Butterfield, Chloe Moretz, Jude Law, Ray Winstone, Christopher Lee, Frances De La Tour, Richard Griffiths, Mathieu Amalric, Emily Mortimer and Michael Stuhlbarg
Who Directed It?
Martin Scorsese (Shutter Island, Taxi Driver)
What’s It About?
An adaptation of Brian Selznick’s best-selling children’s novel, centering on an orphaned boy (Butterfield) who secretly lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station and looks after the clocks. He gets caught up in a mystery adventure when he attempts to repair a mechanical man.
When Does It Come Out?
November 23
Is There a Trailer You Can Watch?
Nuh uh.
