This would normally be the time of the year when I make out my list for the best films released in theaters so far. Generally I’d compile a list of five or six exceptional films, picking one that’s at the top, and then name one that is the worst film. However, I’m saddened to say that 2011 has been a very disappointing year for films, which is why my blog has been lacking updates lately. Nothing has been really grabbing me. So, firstly, I make this simple. The best film so far: Rango. The worst: Battle: Los Angeles. So there you go.
Now that’s out of the way, I can look forward to the beginning. However, I have to look further into the future until I find something that’s worth getting excited about. In fact, I have to look all the way to next year. So instead of reviewing the year so far, I’m going to give a rundown as to why I’m looking forward to 2012 much more than the next six months. At the beginning of the year, I’ll do an official list of films to look forward to, but for now I’ll give a brief rundown.
5. Gritty Spy vs. Gritty Spy (Bond vs. Bourne)
There’s been a bit of a hiatus in the Jason Bourne and James Bond series, and I admit that void hasn’t been filled yet. As far as the former goes, I’m only really excited for it because it’s written and directed by Tony Gilroy, the director of Michael Clayton and Duplicity, as well as the original screenwriter of the Bourne series. Gilroy gets better as a director with every film, and him returning to the series makes me excited to see what he can do. I’m not totally sold on Jeremy Renner, who’s approaching overexposure, but he’s a guy that I like and a worthy successor to Damon.
As for James Bond, I’m a HUGE fan of the franchise, and eagerly await every new entry. However, I was greatly let down by Quantum of Solace and am very hungry for another good film. With Sam Mendes at the helm, a cast that could possibly include Javier Bardem and Ralph Fiennes, and cinematography by Roger Deakins, that only amplifies my excitement. Just in time for Bond’s 50th birthday.
4. Return of the Masters
Next year also sees films released by many great filmmakers whose work I enjoy seeing time and time again. Bryan Singer might not be respected in all corners, but he’s a guy that I really respect and admire and try to support him, which means I’m looking forward to Jack the Giant Killer. Ridley Scott’s Prometheus was almost an Alien prequel, but now that’s abandoned, the film sounds much more interesting, with Michael Fassbender in the lead of an interesting sci-fi epic from a true master at the genre. Ang Lee also comes back with a project that could match his Oscar-winning one, Life of Pi, Peter Jackson goes back to Middle Earth with part one of The Hobbit, and Quentin Tarantino surrounds himself with Jamie Foxx, Christoph Watlz and Leonardo DiCaprio in Django Unchained. A lot of great filmmakers are getting the spotlight again next year.
3. 2 Shots of Tim Burton
Not everyone likes the man, but I still admire Burton’s films and still get excited about his new projects. Just like in 2005, he’s directing both a live action and animated film. This time it’s the adaptations of the soap opera Dark Shadows and his original short film Frankenweenie, which will become a 3D stop motion film. Predictably, Dark Shadows will feature Johnny Depp but still indulge in the gothic scene that Burton does well, not to mention that the 1970s timeframe might be a nice nod to the Hammer Films era. Frankenweenie actually intrigues me a little more because, not only do I love his stop motion style, but it also does not feature Depp in the cast, a first in almost ten years. A little break is needed every now and then, and we’ll get it in this one.
2. 2 Shots of Abe Lincoln
Next year we’re also getting two very different perspectives at probably the most notable American president. First we’ll get Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (produced by the aforementioned Burton). I’m all for revisionist Civil War epics, and this sounds weird enough to be interesting. The second is a straight forward biopic on the man, the long awaited film being directed by Steven Spielberg. Even though he’s got War Horse out this year, this is the one I’ll see as his real comeback after the misfire that was Indiana Jones 4. And with a cast that includes Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, you’ll have to practically barricade me in my room to prevent me from seeing this.
1. Superheroes (we actually care about)
The summer of 2011 has had plenty of superhero projects, but I have to say that the likes of Captain America, Thor and Green Lantern don’t really interest me as much. Next year we’ll have the conclusion of the epic experiment known as The Avengers, and I just want to see if this big chance that Marvel is taking can actually pay off. We’re also getting reboots of Spider-Man and Superman. I’m not a huge fan of the latter, but with Christopher Nolan godfathering the project and a Chicago location being featured, that helps to overcome the choice of Zack Snyder as director. Spider-Man is being directed by Marc Webb, whose debut feature made me very impressed to follow him onward, and a fantastic cast that’s headlined by Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. And then, there’s The Dark Knight Rises. I don’t think anything else needs to be said about that one.
Come on 2012, get here quickly.
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