10. Monster's University
“A look at the relationship between Mike and Sully during their days at the University of Fear -- when they weren't necessarily the best of friends.”
Now you may be thinking: “Why is this guy looking forward to a kid’s movie?” Now hear me out. Pixar has a tendency to make movies that can be enjoyed by not just children, but adults too. Admit it, you paid to see Toy Story 3 and were crying your eyes out when the credits rolled. At least, I’m pretty sure I wasn't the only one. Either way, if you enjoyed Monsters Inc. there’s no reason not to be excited for this prequel. Even if it is a prequel, I have faith that Pixar will do it right. From what the trailers have shown so far, it looks like they still have the exact humor here. But also, the animation looks significantly better. Now, characters like Mike and Sully are glowing on the screen. The colors of the different monsters are popping out at you, and every one of the monsters looks unique. I’m a little bit concerned as to what kind of a story they can tell here, but like I said, I have faith in Pixar.
The monsters return to the UK 12th July 2013 and June 21st in the U.S.
9. Thor: The Dark World
“Thor battles an ancient race of Dark Elves led by the vengeful Malekith who threatens to plunge the universe back into darkness after the events of Avengers Assemble.”
Although I am not particularly a fan of Thor, I am looking forward to The Dark World, mainly because I am interested to see where the story goes. I absolutely love Loki, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this movie will take him, the God of Mischief who always seems to be one step ahead of Thor. Also, I like Christopher Eccleston so I’m interested to see him play the villain (if he really is the real villain of this movie). Also, Marvel has called this movie “their most ambitious movie yet” which is hugely interesting, as this suggests that the movie will be mostly in space. I’m happy about this because I was not a fan of the first movie’s need to be on Earth, but everything in space and in Asgard was great. I’m also looking forward to this movie for the same reason I’m looking forward to Iron Man 3, for the continuation of the story of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And hopefully, if this movie does take place in space, maybe we’ll see something of Thanos.
Thor arrives early in the UK on 30th October 2013 and November 8th in the U.S.
8. Upstream Color
“A man and woman are drawn together, entangled in the life cycle of an ageless organism. Identity becomes an illusion as they struggle to assemble the loose fragments of wrecked lives.”
It’s hard for me to explain why I’m looking forward to this movie, as I know next to nothing about it. Only that it is written and directed by (and also starring) Shane Carruth, the writer/director/star of time-travel mind-f$%& Primer. I didn't even have to see the trailer for Upstream Color to be excited, because I was just interested to see what he has in store for us next. In fact, I was slightly worried that watching the trailer would give away the movie’s plot and ruin the surprise, but that certainly was not the case. This movie is only a couple of months away, and although we still have no idea what the real plot, you can bet I’ll be there to see Upstream Color when it is released at a cinema near me, and I advise you to do the same.
Upstream Color releases 5th April 2013.
7. Trance
“An art auctioneer who has become mixed up with a group of criminals partners with a hypnotherapist in order to recover a lost painting.”
Trance wasn't even on my list of Most Anticipated Movies until just last week. Although the first trailer had already been released, last week we got a Red Band trailer, and by then end of this trailer I was completely sold. Although it’s not quite clear what is actually happening, the plot of this movie looks complicated, but enthralling. I can’t wait to sit down, and have my brain teased and played with for two hours, and it looks like that is exactly what this film is going to do. It looks like one of those movies that you carry on thinking about days or even weeks after you've seen it like Inception or The Matrix. Whether or not this movie will be up there with movie such as those, we’ll have to wait and see. And luckily, with a March release, we won’t have to wait long.
Trance arrives in the U.K March 27th and in the U.S. April 5th in Limited Release
6. Pacific Rim
“When an alien attack threatens the Earth's existence, giant robots piloted by humans are deployed to fight off the menace.”
The main reason I’m looking forward to Pacific Rim is simply because it looks like fun. From the looks of the trailer, this movie is going to be an action-packed “Robots vs. Aliens” popcorn movie that so far actually looks well-made. The design of the robots and the aliens suggest that this movie will be a feast for the eyes and the 3D, if done right, could only add to it. I’m not expecting an amazing story or any memorable performances, but I am expecting an enjoyable action flick. Also, I’m a sucker for monster-movies and with someone as creative as Guillermo Del Toro behind the wheel, I’m expecting something unique out of Pacific Rim, even if it is a concept that isn't new.
The battle begins 12th July 2013.
5. Kick-Ass 2
“The costumed high-school hero Kick-Ass joins with a group of normal citizens who have been inspired to fight crime in costume. Meanwhile, the Red Mist plots an act of revenge that will affect everyone Kick-Ass knows.”
After reading the Kick-Ass 2 comic, my expectations for this movie were much lower, because the comic wasn't so good. However, I personally didn't think the first Kick-Ass comic was so great either, and I much preferred the movie. The movie was also very different from the book it was based on, so Kick-Ass 2 still has potential to be the Empire Strikes Back of the Kick-Ass trilogy. The story of the comic is also great for a movie. And so far, the movie looks great. Of course we have the old cast coming back (Kick-Ass, Hit-Girl, Red Mist), but Kick-Ass 2 also stars Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes, which is very interesting, as Nicholas Cage did a great job as Big Daddy in the first movie. He brought to life a character that was fairly stale in the comics and turned him into one of the greatest Superheroes, so maybe Jim Carrey can do the same. Either way, I think there is still hope for Kick-Ass 2 to be a great movie, with an even greater soundtrack.
Kick-Ass returns to the UK July 19th 2013 and June 28th in the U.S.
4. Star Trek: Into Darkness
“After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass destruction.”
Although I wouldn't consider myself a huge Star Trek fan (or a Trekkie if you will), I am hugely excited for this Sci-Fi sequel. As someone who was never devoted to the original series, my real introduction to the world of Star Trek was through J. J. Abrams’ reboot in 2009. Although I thoroughly enjoyed his first Star Trek movie, I was never eagerly anticipating this sequel, even as more and more news came of it. But then the first trailer hit, and what an impact it had. After seeing this trailer, I was unbelievably excited for Into Darkness. Now, after seeing more and more footage, including what looks to be an unforgettable performance from Benedict Cumberbatch, and as the movie’s release date nears, my anticipation is rising, earning Star Trek: Into Darkness this number four spot on my list.
Star Trek lands 17th May 2013.
3. Iron Man 3
“Marvel's "Iron Man 3" pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds (Mandarin). When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?”
I was never hugely excited for this sequel, but I was certainly looking forward to seeing what Marvel was going to bring to the table in Phase Two. However, after seeing the trailer for Iron Man 3, it quickly became one of my most anticipated movies. I’m ready to see Iron Man back in action, and the first trailer alone I found more exciting than the last Iron Man movie. I’m interested to see Tony Stark in a dark place in this movie, and the debut of a new villain in The Mandarin. The latest trailer showed Iron Man struggling to save lives when a plane is torn apart in the sky. We’re not certain whether or not The Mandarin is behind this, but we can see from the trailer that Iron man may not be able to save everyone this time. And the idea of Iron Man failing to save the day and being reminded of his mortality because of it, fascinates me. I’m also interested to see where cast members such as Guy Pearce fit in, and how this movie will continue the story of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Iron Man 3 arrives early in the UK on April 26th 2013 and on the 3rd May in the U.S.
2. Man of Steel
“An alien infant is raised on Earth, and grows up with superhuman abilities. He sets out to use these abilities to guard his adopted world.” Directed by Zack Snyder. Written by David S. Goyer. Starring Henry Cavill, Russell Crowe and Amy Adams.
Man of Steel is the first of many comic book movies on this list, but for me it is the most intriguing. Man of Steel could be the next Batman Begins, and could be the start of the next great comic book trilogy, or it could be a repeat of Superman Returns. But after the recent trailer for the movie, I think the earlier is more likely, as I was blown away by this trailer. Of course, this could be another misleading trailer, but I really hope Man of Steel is a success, as I’d love to see Superman done right. Man of Steel looks like the story of Clark Kent searching for a place in the world, fearing that his superhuman powers will lead him to be rejected by humanity, which reminds me of the brilliant novel by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale: Superman For All Seasons. I’m also interested to see Michael Shannon as General Zod, whom he saw very briefly in the recent trailer. Hopefully, Man of Steel establishes a universe in which the Justice League could exist. We may even see the beginning of the formation of the league in an after-credits scene, similar to the after-credits scene of Iron Man.
Man of Steel lands in cinemas June 14th 2013.
1. Elysium
“Set in the year 2159, where the very wealthy live on a man-made space station while the rest of the population resides on a ruined Earth, a man takes on a mission that could bring equality to the polarized worlds.” Written and directed by Neill Blomkamp. Starring Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and Sharlto Copley.
If you’ve seen District 9, you’re likely already aware of Neill Blomkamp’s next project: Elysium. If not, stop reading this and go and watch District 9. Just from the short synopsis above you can easily see similarities between the two projects, a key element being segregation. This time, however, it looks like we’ll be seeing more segregation between humans than “prawns”, as the people of the ruined planet Earth are split by class, with the wealthy residing on a man-made space station while the rest of the population remain on Earth. It sounds as though the movie will revolve around one character’s mission to bring equality to the two worlds, and defeat this discrimination the same way Sharlto Copley’s character fought for the freedom of the “prawns” in District 9. District 9 was arguably one of the best movies of 2009, and Elysium sounds like it will be District 9 but on a Star Wars level, and what part of “District 9 on a Star Wars level” doesn't excite you?
Neill Blomkamp’s Elysium arrives in the UK September 20th 2013 and August 9th in the U.S.
*DIDN'T MAKE THE CUT: The Wolverine, R.I.P.D., The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, The Monuments Men, Oblivion and more.
Thanks for reading and please leave your list in the comments section below and let me know what I missed!