The Big and Blockbustery... Movies to look forward to in the rest of 2010
I probably should have written this post early in January but the first 3 (almost 4) months of the year just really got away from me. Here though are some of the 2010 films that have been on my radar for a while. Please note that this list does not pretend to be exhaustive - although it certainly was exhausting compiling it, ha!
I'll admit now that this list has a lot of geeky pop culture bias. Plenty of conventional "big star" projects are absent, as are many comedies because they seem to have the habit of triggering my interest only at the very last moment before their release. Of course very often it's better to be pleasantly surprised like that.
Anyway, here of some of the movie biggies we have to look forward to and when - although release dates are always subject to change, particularly in the second half of the year.
Clash of the Titans: High intensity Noughties remake of the 1981 Greek mythology cheesefest. With Avatar's Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and more.
US release date: Out already
SA release date: This Friday, 16 April.
My commentary and the trailer here.
Kick-Ass: Highly acclaimed, very violent action-comedy about ordinary people who dress up as masked heroes. Based on Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr's comic book series.
US release date: 16 April
SA release date: 23 April
My commentary and the trailer here.
A Nightmare on Elm Street: Remake of the 1984 slasher classic, with Watchmen's Rorschach, Jackie Earle Haley donning the clawed glove of vengeful dead pedophile Freddy Krueger. This Freddy won't be cracking jokes as he slaughters Elm Street's teens.
US release date: 30 April
SA release date: ???
My commentary and the trailer here.
Iron Man 2: Sequel to the excellent 2008 comic book adaptation. Robert Downey Jr. is back as cocky billionaire and superhero Tony Stark/Iron Man to fight villains Whiplash (Mickey Rourke), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and more.
US release date: 7 May
SA release date: 30 April
My commentary and the trailer here.
Robin Hood: Gladiator director Ridley Scott and his favourite leading man, Russell Crowe reteam for this "realistic" re-imagining of the legendary English outlaw and archer. Cate Blanchett is Lady Marian.
US release date: 14 May
SA release date: 14 May
My commentary and the trailer here.
9: An intriguing-looking, tonally dark CGI-animated feature centred on living rag dolls in a post-Apocalyptic world. 9 has taken MONTHS to reach us.
US release date: Out already
SA release date: 14 May
My commentary and the trailer here.
Shrek Forever After: Fourth and supposedly final film in the popular animated Shrek franchise. This time Shrek sees what the kingdom of Far Far Away would have been like if he'd never been born. How It's A Wonderful Life!
US release date: 21 May
SA release date: 16 July
My commentary and the trailer here.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: Based on the excellent action-adventure video game trilogy, Prince of Persia stars Jake Gyllenhaal as acrobatic and all too cocky prince Dastan, who must stop an evil vizier from gaining the ability to control time.
US release date: 28 May
SA release date: 21 May
My commentary and the trailer here.
Sex and the City 2: Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte are all back for more romantic misadventures, sex-centred girl chat and supposedly fabulous fashions. Based of course of the popular HBO comedy series.
US release date: 28 May
SA release date: 28 May
Legion: Angels with uzis. Demonic possession. The end of the world. It's all there in this fantasy-horror flick starring Paul Bettany, Tyrese Gibson and Dennis Quaid.
US release date: Out already
SA release date: 4 June
Splice: Visually unnerving science fiction film about 2 scientists (Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley) who create a deformed human-creature hybrid, only to watch it grow into something increasingly beautiful and dangerous. I adored the concept art for this one!
US release date: 4 June
SA release date: ???
Antichrist: The whole world has seen this one. Now it's finally in SA for non-film festival release. Flawed but definitely one of the most memorable, graphic and outstandingly acted horror films of 2009. My review here.
US release date: Out already
SA release date: 4 June
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus: Again, another film that's taken MONTHS to reach us. This fantasy film is notable for being the latest from visionary director Terry Gilliam, and the last movie starring Heath Ledger. Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law all step in to replace Heath onscreen.
US release date: Out already
SA release date: 11 June
The A-Team: The beloved cheesy 80's TV series gets the big screen treatment. Hopefully we'll love it when this plan comes together. South Africans will be pleased to know that our very own Sharlto (District 9) Copley plays Mad Murdock alongside Liam Neeson (Hannibal), Bradley Cooper (Face) and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (BA).
US release date: 11 June
SA release date: 20 August
My commentary and the trailer here.
The Karate Kid: Kinda pointless remake of the hit 1984 "kid gains confidence through martial arts" flick. Now it's Will Smith's son Jaden as the kid and Jackie Chan in the Mr Miyagi role (now Mr Han).
US release date: 11 June
SA release date: 17 September
Toy Story 3: Second sequel in the Disney-Pixar series that jump started the CGI-animated film phenomenon. Andy's all grown up and heading off to college, leaving Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Woody (Tom Hanks) and the rest of the toys to find new meaning in their lives.
US release date: 18 June
SA release date: 25 June
Jonah Hex: A supernatural-tinged Western based on the non-superhero DC comic. Starring Josh Brolin as the scarred, cynical bounty hunter, along with Megan Fox, John Malkovich and Michael Fassbender.
US release date: 18 June
SA release date: ???
My commentary here.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse: Movie #3 in the supernatural romance series based on the Twilight novels by Stephenie Meyer. Millions of fangirls (or Twihards) the world over are waiting for this one, where Bella finally chooses between Edward and Jacob; life and death. Yeah, I choose True Blood.
US release date: 2 July
SA release date: 30 June
The Last Airbender: The Sixth Sense and... erm... The Happening's M. Night Shyamalan attempts a big screen adaptation of the beloved, award-winning animated TV series. This fantasy adventure film is set in a war torn world where people can control or 'bend' the elements: water, earth, fire and air.
US release date: 2 July
SA release date: 10 September
Predators: Sci-fi action flick that's a sequel to the original Predator in much the same way Aliens was a follow-up to Alien. Here, some of the most dangerous humans in the world (including Adrien Brody and Laurence Fishburne) are dumped on an alien world for the Predators to hunt.
US release date: 9 July
SA release date: 6 August
My commentary and the trailer here.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer's attempt to create their own magically saturated Harry Potter-style series. Jay Baruchel is an apparently average college student who becomes the assistant of a powerful modern day sorcerer (Nicolas Cage).
US release date: 16 July
SA release date: 27 August
My commentary and the trailer here.
Inception: The latest top secret, twisty project from Dark Knight and Memento director Christopher Nolan. Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this sci-fi tale about the human mind, dreams and their world altering potential... literally.
US release date: 16 July
SA release date: 30 July
My commentary and the trailer here.
I Love You Phillip Morris: The gay comedy-drama that Hollywood is terrified to touch, despite the fact that it stars Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. Based on a true story about a cop turned conman who would do anything to be with his male lover.
US release date: 30 July
SA release date: 7 May
Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World: Based on the cult comic book about a slacker (Michael Cera) who meets the girl of his dreams, but has to defeat her 7 evil exes in combat before he can be with her. The trailer oozes pop culture and comic stylisation. From Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright.
US release date: 13 August
SA release date: 5 November
My commentary and the trailer here.
The Expendables: The Manliest film of 2010. Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger all appear in this ultimate action flick about a squad of mercenaries who decide to put justice before profit.
US release date: 13 August
SA release date: ???
My commentary and the trailer here.
Piranha 3-D: Tongue in cheek Z-grade cinema gets the 3D treatment in this remake of the 1978 crap classic. Elisabeth Shue, Richard Dreyfuss, Jerry O'Connell and Christopher Lloyd are just some of the ensemble B-list cast terrorised by millions of piranha that flood a popular lake on Independence Day weekend.
US release date: 27 August
SA release date: 12 November
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole: 300 and Watchmen director Zack Snyder follows up those comic adaptations with this CGI-animated take on Kathryn Lasky's young adult book series, which mixes animal fiction and epic fantasy. If you've been waiting your whole life for armoured owls, they're finally here.
US release date: 24 September
SA release date: 22 October
Your Highness: Slacker comedy set in the Middle Ages, starring an appealing young cast of James Franco, Zooey Deschanel, Natalie Portman and Danny McBride. Hopefully the film is as an enjoyable a mix of modern and medieval as A Knights Tale.
US release date: 1 October
SA release date: ???
Jackass 3D: What's even funnier than guys filming themselves doing dumb stunts and hurting themselves? Guys filming themselves doing dumb stunts and hurting themselves IN 3D, of course!
US release date: 15 October
SA release date: ???
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1: The end is nigh. Harry and his friends frantically search for Horcruxes as the final confrontation with Lord Voldemort looms. Adapted from the JK Rowling's seventh and final Harry Potter novel. The final film installment (Deathly Hallows: Part 2) is out in July 2011.
US release date: 19 November
SA release date: ???
Spud: The film adaptation of the wildly popular South African novel by John van de Ruit, focusing on his boarding school experiences at Michaelhouse. Along with lots of local acting talent, John Cleese has been recruited to play The Guv.
US release date: ???
SA release date: 26 November
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: The third film in the Narnia Chronicles fantasy film series and based on the book of the same name by C.S. Lewis. Epic battles take a backseat in this very different tale, in which the 2 youngest Pevensie children, and their obnoxious cousin, join Caspian on a daring ocean adventure to the end of the world.
US release date: 10 December
SA release date: ???
TRON Legacy: The long awaited sequel to the 1982 sci-fi classic about entering a computer world where programmes have physical human forms and vicious gladiatorial games are waged. The teaser trailer for this one sure is sleek and sexy.
US release date: 17 December
SA release date: 31 December
My commentary and the trailer here.
Gulliver's Travels: Live-action fantasy adventure based on Jonathan Swift's classic satirical novel. Jack Black is the unfortunate adventurer and Emily Blunt and Billy Connolly pop up as prominent Lilliputians.
US release date: 24 December
SA release date: ???
The Green Hornet: Quirky director Michel Gondry finally makes his own masked hero tale, based on the radio and TV serials that are most memorable for featuring Bruce Lee as the title character's valet and sidekick, Kato. Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz and Inglourious Basterd's Christoph Waltz star.
US release date: 24 December
SA release date: ???
I'll admit now that this list has a lot of geeky pop culture bias. Plenty of conventional "big star" projects are absent, as are many comedies because they seem to have the habit of triggering my interest only at the very last moment before their release. Of course very often it's better to be pleasantly surprised like that.
Anyway, here of some of the movie biggies we have to look forward to and when - although release dates are always subject to change, particularly in the second half of the year.
Clash of the Titans: High intensity Noughties remake of the 1981 Greek mythology cheesefest. With Avatar's Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and more.
US release date: Out already
SA release date: This Friday, 16 April.
My commentary and the trailer here.
Kick-Ass: Highly acclaimed, very violent action-comedy about ordinary people who dress up as masked heroes. Based on Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr's comic book series.
US release date: 16 April
SA release date: 23 April
My commentary and the trailer here.
A Nightmare on Elm Street: Remake of the 1984 slasher classic, with Watchmen's Rorschach, Jackie Earle Haley donning the clawed glove of vengeful dead pedophile Freddy Krueger. This Freddy won't be cracking jokes as he slaughters Elm Street's teens.
US release date: 30 April
SA release date: ???
My commentary and the trailer here.
Iron Man 2: Sequel to the excellent 2008 comic book adaptation. Robert Downey Jr. is back as cocky billionaire and superhero Tony Stark/Iron Man to fight villains Whiplash (Mickey Rourke), Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and more.
US release date: 7 May
SA release date: 30 April
My commentary and the trailer here.
Robin Hood: Gladiator director Ridley Scott and his favourite leading man, Russell Crowe reteam for this "realistic" re-imagining of the legendary English outlaw and archer. Cate Blanchett is Lady Marian.
US release date: 14 May
SA release date: 14 May
My commentary and the trailer here.
9: An intriguing-looking, tonally dark CGI-animated feature centred on living rag dolls in a post-Apocalyptic world. 9 has taken MONTHS to reach us.
US release date: Out already
SA release date: 14 May
My commentary and the trailer here.
Shrek Forever After: Fourth and supposedly final film in the popular animated Shrek franchise. This time Shrek sees what the kingdom of Far Far Away would have been like if he'd never been born. How It's A Wonderful Life!
US release date: 21 May
SA release date: 16 July
My commentary and the trailer here.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time: Based on the excellent action-adventure video game trilogy, Prince of Persia stars Jake Gyllenhaal as acrobatic and all too cocky prince Dastan, who must stop an evil vizier from gaining the ability to control time.
US release date: 28 May
SA release date: 21 May
My commentary and the trailer here.
Sex and the City 2: Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte are all back for more romantic misadventures, sex-centred girl chat and supposedly fabulous fashions. Based of course of the popular HBO comedy series.
US release date: 28 May
SA release date: 28 May
Legion: Angels with uzis. Demonic possession. The end of the world. It's all there in this fantasy-horror flick starring Paul Bettany, Tyrese Gibson and Dennis Quaid.
US release date: Out already
SA release date: 4 June
Splice: Visually unnerving science fiction film about 2 scientists (Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley) who create a deformed human-creature hybrid, only to watch it grow into something increasingly beautiful and dangerous. I adored the concept art for this one!
US release date: 4 June
SA release date: ???
Antichrist: The whole world has seen this one. Now it's finally in SA for non-film festival release. Flawed but definitely one of the most memorable, graphic and outstandingly acted horror films of 2009. My review here.
US release date: Out already
SA release date: 4 June
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus: Again, another film that's taken MONTHS to reach us. This fantasy film is notable for being the latest from visionary director Terry Gilliam, and the last movie starring Heath Ledger. Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law all step in to replace Heath onscreen.
US release date: Out already
SA release date: 11 June
The A-Team: The beloved cheesy 80's TV series gets the big screen treatment. Hopefully we'll love it when this plan comes together. South Africans will be pleased to know that our very own Sharlto (District 9) Copley plays Mad Murdock alongside Liam Neeson (Hannibal), Bradley Cooper (Face) and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson (BA).
US release date: 11 June
SA release date: 20 August
My commentary and the trailer here.
The Karate Kid: Kinda pointless remake of the hit 1984 "kid gains confidence through martial arts" flick. Now it's Will Smith's son Jaden as the kid and Jackie Chan in the Mr Miyagi role (now Mr Han).
US release date: 11 June
SA release date: 17 September
Toy Story 3: Second sequel in the Disney-Pixar series that jump started the CGI-animated film phenomenon. Andy's all grown up and heading off to college, leaving Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Woody (Tom Hanks) and the rest of the toys to find new meaning in their lives.
US release date: 18 June
SA release date: 25 June
Jonah Hex: A supernatural-tinged Western based on the non-superhero DC comic. Starring Josh Brolin as the scarred, cynical bounty hunter, along with Megan Fox, John Malkovich and Michael Fassbender.
US release date: 18 June
SA release date: ???
My commentary here.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse: Movie #3 in the supernatural romance series based on the Twilight novels by Stephenie Meyer. Millions of fangirls (or Twihards) the world over are waiting for this one, where Bella finally chooses between Edward and Jacob; life and death. Yeah, I choose True Blood.
US release date: 2 July
SA release date: 30 June
The Last Airbender: The Sixth Sense and... erm... The Happening's M. Night Shyamalan attempts a big screen adaptation of the beloved, award-winning animated TV series. This fantasy adventure film is set in a war torn world where people can control or 'bend' the elements: water, earth, fire and air.
US release date: 2 July
SA release date: 10 September
Predators: Sci-fi action flick that's a sequel to the original Predator in much the same way Aliens was a follow-up to Alien. Here, some of the most dangerous humans in the world (including Adrien Brody and Laurence Fishburne) are dumped on an alien world for the Predators to hunt.
US release date: 9 July
SA release date: 6 August
My commentary and the trailer here.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer's attempt to create their own magically saturated Harry Potter-style series. Jay Baruchel is an apparently average college student who becomes the assistant of a powerful modern day sorcerer (Nicolas Cage).
US release date: 16 July
SA release date: 27 August
My commentary and the trailer here.
Inception: The latest top secret, twisty project from Dark Knight and Memento director Christopher Nolan. Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this sci-fi tale about the human mind, dreams and their world altering potential... literally.
US release date: 16 July
SA release date: 30 July
My commentary and the trailer here.
I Love You Phillip Morris: The gay comedy-drama that Hollywood is terrified to touch, despite the fact that it stars Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor. Based on a true story about a cop turned conman who would do anything to be with his male lover.
US release date: 30 July
SA release date: 7 May
Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World: Based on the cult comic book about a slacker (Michael Cera) who meets the girl of his dreams, but has to defeat her 7 evil exes in combat before he can be with her. The trailer oozes pop culture and comic stylisation. From Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright.
US release date: 13 August
SA release date: 5 November
My commentary and the trailer here.
The Expendables: The Manliest film of 2010. Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger all appear in this ultimate action flick about a squad of mercenaries who decide to put justice before profit.
US release date: 13 August
SA release date: ???
My commentary and the trailer here.
Piranha 3-D: Tongue in cheek Z-grade cinema gets the 3D treatment in this remake of the 1978 crap classic. Elisabeth Shue, Richard Dreyfuss, Jerry O'Connell and Christopher Lloyd are just some of the ensemble B-list cast terrorised by millions of piranha that flood a popular lake on Independence Day weekend.
US release date: 27 August
SA release date: 12 November
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole: 300 and Watchmen director Zack Snyder follows up those comic adaptations with this CGI-animated take on Kathryn Lasky's young adult book series, which mixes animal fiction and epic fantasy. If you've been waiting your whole life for armoured owls, they're finally here.
US release date: 24 September
SA release date: 22 October
Your Highness: Slacker comedy set in the Middle Ages, starring an appealing young cast of James Franco, Zooey Deschanel, Natalie Portman and Danny McBride. Hopefully the film is as an enjoyable a mix of modern and medieval as A Knights Tale.
US release date: 1 October
SA release date: ???
Jackass 3D: What's even funnier than guys filming themselves doing dumb stunts and hurting themselves? Guys filming themselves doing dumb stunts and hurting themselves IN 3D, of course!
US release date: 15 October
SA release date: ???
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1: The end is nigh. Harry and his friends frantically search for Horcruxes as the final confrontation with Lord Voldemort looms. Adapted from the JK Rowling's seventh and final Harry Potter novel. The final film installment (Deathly Hallows: Part 2) is out in July 2011.
US release date: 19 November
SA release date: ???
Spud: The film adaptation of the wildly popular South African novel by John van de Ruit, focusing on his boarding school experiences at Michaelhouse. Along with lots of local acting talent, John Cleese has been recruited to play The Guv.
US release date: ???
SA release date: 26 November
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: The third film in the Narnia Chronicles fantasy film series and based on the book of the same name by C.S. Lewis. Epic battles take a backseat in this very different tale, in which the 2 youngest Pevensie children, and their obnoxious cousin, join Caspian on a daring ocean adventure to the end of the world.
US release date: 10 December
SA release date: ???
TRON Legacy: The long awaited sequel to the 1982 sci-fi classic about entering a computer world where programmes have physical human forms and vicious gladiatorial games are waged. The teaser trailer for this one sure is sleek and sexy.
US release date: 17 December
SA release date: 31 December
My commentary and the trailer here.
Gulliver's Travels: Live-action fantasy adventure based on Jonathan Swift's classic satirical novel. Jack Black is the unfortunate adventurer and Emily Blunt and Billy Connolly pop up as prominent Lilliputians.
US release date: 24 December
SA release date: ???
The Green Hornet: Quirky director Michel Gondry finally makes his own masked hero tale, based on the radio and TV serials that are most memorable for featuring Bruce Lee as the title character's valet and sidekick, Kato. Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Cameron Diaz and Inglourious Basterd's Christoph Waltz star.
US release date: 24 December
SA release date: ???
Comments
I did forget The Crazies though, doh!
About what I expected.