Looking Forward to in 2011...

Directed By: Clint Eastwood
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Josh Lucas, Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer, Lea Thompson, Ed Westwick, Judi Dench, Stephen Root.

Plot: Biopic on FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, focusing on his scandalous career and controversial private life as a homosexual and rumored cross dresser.

Release Date (in Australia): January 26th, 2012

My thoughts...: Any new movie from Clint Eastwood is something to get excited about, and thus I'm anticipating J. Edgar due to Eastwood's involvement in the project. And then there's Leonardo DiCaprio in the title role, as well, not to mention an absolutely epic cast all-round. All signs point to this being a good damn movie, and most likely Oscar bait.

Excitement Rating: 9/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: I was disappointed. It was just okay.

Review here

Alice in Wonderland with machine guns!


Directed By: Zack Snyder
Starring: Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Carla Gugino.

Plot: A young girl is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the facility.

Release Date (in Australia): April 7th

My thoughts...: Zack Snyder has never delivered a disappointing product; he's one of the best action directors in the business, and he's one of the only action directors to use CGI to enhance rather than overwhelm. Sucker Punch looks absolutely awesome, with an epic trailer, the promise of action, and...there's hot actresses dressed in skimpy clothes. I'm sold.

Excitement Rating: 9/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: I find myself torn about this movie. On the one hand it is thoughtful and smart with exciting action, but on the other it could have been so much better. It just feels underdone, and the fantasy sequences feel random rather than carefully constructed to parallel something happening in "reality".

Review here

Directed By: Jason Eisener
Starring: Rutger Hauer, Molly Dunsworth, Brian Downey, Gregory Smith.

Plot: A homeless vigilante blows away crooked cops, pedophile Santas, and other scumbags with his trusty pump-action shotgun.

Release Date (in Australia): TBA

My thoughts...: Like most other people, I adored 2007's Grindhouse - and I especially loved all the fake trailers spliced into the film. The Hobo with a Shotgun trailer may've been an amateur entry, but it's bursting with promise. And it's hard not to get excited over this feature-length adaptation. With the badass Rutger Hauer in the lead and with an awesome premise, I'll be sure to watch this one asap!

Excitement Rating: 9/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: Not exactly as good as it had the potential to be, but a supremely fun flick nonetheless.

Review here

Directed By: James Bobin
Starring: Amy Adams, Zach Galifianakis, Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Ricky Gervais, Selena Gomez, John Krasinski, Neil Patrick Harris, Ed Helms, Jack Black, Danny Trejo, Rashida Jones, Katy Perry, Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, Chris Cooper, Mickey Rooney, Alan Arkin, French Stewart.

Plot: With the help of three fans, the Muppets must reunite in order to save their old studio from a greedy oil tycoon.

Release Date (in Australia): January 5th, 2012

My thoughts...: At first I was excited about this movie merely because it's The Muppets, but now after the purely joyous trailers and learning that Jason Segel and Nicolas Stoller (Forgetting Sarah Marshall) wrote the script with help from Pixar... I absolutely cannot wait and I anticipate the film with baited breath. C'mon, those trailers are irresistible. The marketing for this film is brilliant.

Excitement Rating: 9/10





****************************************************

Afterthoughts: Disappointing...

Review here

Directed By: Takashi Miike
Starring: Kôji Yakusho, Takayuki Yamada, Yûsuke Iseya, Gorô Inagaki, Masachika Ichimura, Mikijiro Hira

Plot: A group of assassins come together for a suicide mission to kill an evil lord.

Release Date (in Australia): TBA

My thoughts...: HELL TO THE MOTHERFUCKING YES! This looks fucking EPIC! I love me some pure Japanese samurai flicks, and with modern production values I can't wait to see this one.

Excitement Rating: 9/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: Awesome.

Directed By: Steve Barker
Starring: Richard Coyle, Catherine Steadman, Ali Craig, Nick Nevern, Daniel Caltagirone, Gary McDonald, Domenic Pontone

Plot: The year is 1945, the closing stages of WW2, and a German scientist by the name of Klausener is working on a frightening new technology that has the power to create an immortal Nazi army. Flash forward to present day, and a NATO task force is hurriedly deployed to Eastern Europe, where a sinister enemy appears to be mercilessly killing everything in its path. But this is no ordinary foe. Only Helena, a gutsy investigator on the trail of the notorious war-criminal Klausener, accepts the reality of that they are facing a battalion of Nazi Storm-Troopers, a veritable zombie army on the march. With the help of Wallace, a man who's been chasing Nazi secrets for years, the two of them team up with a Special Forces Unit to venture deep behind enemy lines. Their mission to fight their way back to the source of this evil army and prevent the seemingly inevitable rise of the 4th Reich.

Release Date (in Australia): TBA

My thoughts...: At first glance this looks like one to avoid. A sequel without any of the original cast that'll probably go direct-to-DVD? But one must look closer. The first film was basically direct-to-DVD, the original cast cannot return due to this being set in a different time period, and the original director & writer returned here! Add to this the talents of Richard Coyle, and you have yourself a very excited Listal member.

Excitement Rating: 9/10

***************************************************

Afterthoughts: Underwhelming. Review here

Directed By: Jeff Nichols
Starring: Michael Shannon, Jessica Chastain, Katy Mixon, Shea Whigham, Ray McKinnon, Kathy Baker, Lisa Gay Hamilton

Plot: Plagued by a series of apocalyptic visions, a young husband and father questions whether to shelter his family from a coming storm, or from himself.

Release Date (in Australia): TBA

My thoughts...: This looks absolutely excellent. I hadn't heard about it previously, but then it made the runs at Sundance, got a lot of critical acclaim, and the trailer hit. I can't wait to see it!!

Excitement Rating: 9/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: Very good movie. Review here.

Directed By: Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring: Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger, January Jones, Frank Langella, Aidan Quinn, Bruno Ganz

Plot: A man awakens from a coma, only to discover that someone has taken on his identity and that no one, (not even his wife), believes him. With the help of a young woman, he sets out to prove who he is.

Release Date (in Australia): February 17th

My thoughts...: Holy cow, this looks exceptional. Not only is the premise very exciting, but the trailer is amazing and Liam Neeson is one hell of a butt-kicking action hero. With Unknown promising to deliver a thrilling action ride and a few twists, I simply cannot wait to see this film.

Excitement Rating: 9/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: I really enjoyed it!

Full review here

Directed By: Todd Phillips
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, Justin Bartha, Ed Helms, Jeffrey Tambor

Plot: Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu's wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding brunch. However, things don't always go as planned. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can't even be imagined.

Release Date (in Australia): May 26th

My thoughts...: Like many others, I adored 2009's The Hangover. One of the best comedies of recent memory. I can't wait to see these characters return for another round.

Excitement Rating: 8/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: Oh boy. After Due Date sucked, my expectations for this were lowered and I started getting worried...and the end result is indeed disappointing. Not nearly as funny or memorable as its predecessor, and Galifianakis has lost his comic spark.

Full review here

Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, David Thewlis, Emily Watson, Tom Hiddleston, David Kross, Peter Mullan

Plot: Follows a young man named Albert and his horse, Joey, and how their bond is broken when Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent to the trenches of World War One. Despite being too young to enlist, Albert heads to France to save his friend.

Release Date (in Australia): December 26th

My thoughts...: Any Steven Spielberg project is enough to rouse at least some degree of interest, and thus I'm anticipating War Horse on the basis of this being a Spielberg-directed piece of work. Judging from the plot outline, this also sounds like potential Oscar bait, so I'll definitely need to check this one out at the earliest opportunity.

Excitement Rating: 8/10

Directed By: Greg Mottola
Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Jane Lynch, Jason Bateman, Sigourney Weaver, Kristen Wiig

Plot: Two British comic-book geeks traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien outside Area 51.

Release Date (in Australia): April 14th

My thoughts...: I adore Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, and they wrote this film. The cast is fucking epic as well, and the director has proved talented as a comedic director. Added to this, the concept is intriguing. You just can't miss.

Excitement Rating: 8/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: I loved it! What a good fun movie this was.

Full review here

Directed By: Russell Mulcahy, Kimble Rendall
Starring: Alice Parkinson, Sharni Vinson, Julian McMahon, Xavier Samuel, Phoebe Tonkin, Cariba Heine

Plot: A freak tsunami traps shoppers at a coastal Australian supermarket inside the building ... along with a pack of tiger sharks.

Release Date (in Australia): September (TBA)

My thoughts...: How can I not be excited by the notion of an Aussie shark movie which showcases sharks mauling people in 3-D? I mean, sure, we'd all love a new Jaws (we got it last year with The Reef, mind you), but this sounds like it'll satisfy the side of my brain which craves fun. Plus the trailer looks pretty damn impressive. Pure R-rated horror bliss...

Excitement Rating: 8/10

Directed By: Nicolas Winding Refn
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Christina Hendricks, Carey Mulligan, Ron Perlman, Bryan Cranston, Albert Brooks

Plot: A Hollywood stunt performer who moonlights as a wheelman discovers that a contract has been put on him after a heist gone wrong.

Release Date (in Australia): October 27th

My thoughts...: Where did this dark horse of a film come from?! In the course of a few minutes this went from "never heard of it" to "bloody hell this is going to be great". Great director. A solid cast. Very intriguing plot. And the footage so far is terrific. I must check this one out at the earliest opportunity.

Excitement Rating: 8/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: My God, this was fantastic. Easily one of 2011's best movies.

Full review here

Directed By: David Gordon Green
Starring: Natalie Portman, Zooey Deschanel, James Franco, Danny McBride, Justin Theroux, Damian Lewis

Plot: A fantasy movie about an arrogant, lazy prince and his more heroic brother who must complete a quest in order to save their father's kingdom.

Release Date (in Australia): May 5th

My thoughts...: First of all, look at that cast. Zooey and Natalie are wonderful eye candy, Danny McBride is always hilarious, and James Franco is surprisingly adept at comedy. Secondly, have you seen the trailer? It's hysterical. Thirdly, it promises Natalie Portman in skimpy clothes. Nuff said.

Excitement Rating: 8/10



**************************************************

Afterthoughts: It could've been funnier... But I still enjoyed it.

Full review here

Directed By: Renny Harlin
Starring: Rupert Friend, Val Kilmer, Andy Garcia, Dean Cain, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Richard Coyle, Heather Graham

Plot: A drama set centered around the war between Russia and Georgia, and focused on an American journalist, his cameraman, and a Georgian native who become caught in the crossfire.

Release Date (in Australia): July 21st

My thoughts...: The story behind this movie is full of promise. It's an interesting tale, and I can't wait to see it translated into a movie. Added to this, the director is (usually) terrific and the cast is magnificent. I have high hopes for this one.

Excitement Rating: 8/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: I wish it was better after looking forward to it for so long, but I still enjoyed what we have here.

Full review here

Directed By: Alister Grierson
Starring: Richard Roxburgh, Alice Parkinson, Rhys Wakefield, Dan Wyllie, Christopher Baker, Christopher Baker

Plot: An underwater cave diving team experiences a life-threatening crises during an expedition to the unexplored and least accessible cave system in the world.

Release Date (in Australia): February 3rd

My thoughts...: Alister Grierson's last movie was the Aussie flick Kokoda, and it was a gritty war drama. The thought of the director tackling a movie in the same vein is exciting. It's also in 3-D and it's being produced by James Cameron. I'm very much looking forward to it.

Excitement Rating: 8/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: Not bad. Not bad at all. It's extremely well made and technically competent, but the acting is at times weak and there's some cringe-worthy cheesiness. But not bad!

Review here

Directed By: Bruce Robinson
Starring: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, Aaron Eckhart, Giovanni Ribisi, Richard Jenkins, Amaury Nolasco.

Plot: Paul Kemp is a freelance journalist who finds himself at a critical turning point in his life while writing for a run-down newspaper in the Caribbean. Paul is challenged on many levels as he tries to carve out a more secure niche for himself amidst a group of lost souls all bent on self-destruction.

Release Date (in Australia): TBA

My thoughts...: I love Johnny Depp, I love the writings of Hunter S. Thompson, and I love the sounds of the plot. Nuff said.

Excitement Rating: 8/10

Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Cary Elwes, Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Nick Frost, Tony Curran, Mackenzie Crook

Plot: Tintin and his friends discover directions to a sunken ship commanded by Capt. Haddock's ancestor and go off on a treasure hunt.

Release Date (in Australia): December 26th

My thoughts...: Steven Spielberg at the helm, Avatar's revolutionary technology being used, a cast of kings, and an intriguing plot? Enough said. I'm there. Plus, the trailers are very exciting indeed.

Excitement Rating: 8/10





***************************************************

Afterthoughts: It was good fun. Not great, but very good.

Review here

Directed By: Darren Lynn Bousman
Starring: Michael Landes, Wendy Glenn, Timothy Gibbs, Salomé Jiménez, Lluís Soler, Denis Rafter, Montserrat Alcoverro

Plot: A horror-thriller set on 11:11 on the 11th day of the 11th month and concerning a entity from another world that enters the earthly realm through Heaven's 11th gate.

Release Date (in Australia): TBA

My thoughts...: I'm looking forward to this because I like seeing thrillers of this sort. This looks to be an entertaining, atmospheric, clever little thriller. At least I hope it'll be good...

Excitement Rating: 8/10

Directed By: Simon West
Starring: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherland, Christa Campbell, Liam Ferguson, Jeff Chase

Plot: An action-thriller centered on an assassin and his apprentice.

Release Date (in Australia): March 24th

My thoughts...: I like the original Charles Bronson movie, and feel the concept is very malleable. Therefore, the thought of a contemporary version with a solid cast is very exciting indeed. Added to this, it's R-rated, and the trailer is very, VERY promising. Looks like it'll have lots of action, some sex, and plenty of violence. Awesome.

Excitement Rating: 8/10





****************************************************

Afterthoughts: I enjoyed it! In fact, I enjoyed it a lot! I mean, sure, yeah, it could've been better with more emotional complexity and the film feels a bit dramatically gutted, yet it's a fun time. I liked it. I'll definitely buy it on Blu-ray.

Review here

Directed By: Jon Watts
Starring: TBA

Plot: A loving father rents a clown's outfit for his son's birthday party, only to realize the suit is part of an evil curse that turns its wearer into a killer.

Release Date (in Australia): TBA

My thoughts...: I'm frankly psyched for this. The faux trailer which spawned the movie is creepy as hell, and clowns are just innately creepy. If the guys behind the movie manage to pull this off successfully, this will be a mega effective horror movie and one of the highest points of 2011.

Excitement Rating: 8/10

Directed By: Martin Scorsese
Starring: Chloe Moretz, Emily Mortimer, Jude Law, Michael Pitt, Sacha Baron Cohen, Ben Kingsley, Christopher Lee, Ray Winstone

Plot: Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.

Release Date (in Australia): January 12th, 2012

My thoughts...: I smell Oscar bait. The fact it's being released in Oscar season and Scorsese is behind it...screams "Oscar bait". Plus, the cast is fantastic and I'm intrigued by the premise. Count me in.

Excitement Rating: 8/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: Good, but not great

Review here

Directed By: Ben Palmer
Starring: Simon Bird, James Buckley, Blake Harrison, Joe Thomas, Emily Head, Belinda Stewart-Wilson, Tamla Kari

Plot: Will, Neil, Simon and Jay, four socially troubled eighteen-year-olds from the south of England go on holiday to Crete.

Release Date (in Australia): November 24th

My thoughts...: I'm comparatively new to The Inbetweeners, but I love the show now - all three seasons. It's a wonder whether the show will translate well to a feature film... I hope so... Guess we'll wait and see.

Excitement Rating: 8/10





****************************************************

Afterthoughts: Thank goodness, it didn't disappoint!

Review here

Next Summer, It Arrives.


Directed By: J.J. Abrams
Starring: Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka, Kyle Chandler, Ron Eldard, Noah Emmerich, Gabriel Basso

Plot: In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth – something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined.

Release Date (in Australia): June 9th

My thoughts...: I'm intrigued. There's no other way to put it.

Excitement Rating: 8/10





***************************************************

Afterthoughts: I loved it!

Full review here

Directed By: Gary McKendry
Starring: Robert De Niro, Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Yvonne Strahovski, Dominic Purcell, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Grant Bowler, Ben Mendelsohn

Plot: A former Navy Seal is forced out of retirement in order to save his friend.

Release Date (in Australia): December 1st

My thoughts...: As an avid fan of action movies, I'm mostly anticipating this on the promise of a fun, old-fashioned action ride. Adding to this excitement is a terrific cast, and an interesting plot. I'll certainly catch this one at the cinema given the chance.

Excitement Rating: 8/10

Directed By: Ernie Barbarash
Starring: Jean-Claude Van Damme, Scott Adkins, Kevin Chapman, Michael Higgs, Kristopher Van Varenberg, Attila Árpa, Bianca Van Varenberg

Plot: Rival assassins -- each of whom are masters of their respective weapons -- form an uneasy alliance in their mission to take down a DEA-backed drug cartel.

Release Date (in Australia): October 5th

My thoughts...: I'm not the biggest fan of Jean-Claude Van Damme, but the guy is still a strong on-screen fighter. Plus, Scott Adkins is a good action star, and the plotline of this one sounds very promising indeed. I do love my action films... Count me in!!

Excitement Rating: 8/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: It was okay... Could've been better...

Review here

Directed By: Wes Craven
Starring: David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Rory Culkin, Nico Tortorella

Plot: Ten years have passed, and Sidney Prescott, who has put herself back together thanks in part to her writing, is visited by the Ghostface Killer.

Release Date (in Australia): April 14th

My thoughts...: Like many others, I love the original Scream. It's one of Wes Craven's greatest creations. It's unfortunate, then, that the sequels were pretty sub-par. It's my hope that Scream 4 will be a worthy sequel, but the law of declining sequels may take its toll.

Excitement Rating: 7/10





****************************************************

Afterthoughts: This was great! I was very satisfied.

Review here

Directed By: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Starring: Katie Featherston

Plot: In 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi befriend an invisible entity who resides in their home.

Release Date (in Australia): October 20th

My thoughts...: Most people will roll their eyes at the notion of another sequel to Paranormal Activity, but the second film was so well done...and I'd be happy if this third film rounded out the trilogy in style. And it should remain a trilogy.

Excitement Rating: 7/10





****************************************************

Afterthoughts: I wish this was better, but I still didn't hate it. A worthy enough entry to the series.

Review here

Directed By: Jodie Foster
Starring: Mel Gibson, Jennifer Lawrence, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Michelle Ang, Riley Thomas Stewart, Zachary Booth

Plot: A troubled husband and executive adopts a beaver hand-puppet as his sole means of communicating.

Release Date (in Australia): August 4th

My thoughts...: Everyone hates Mel Gibson now... But I don't. I still adore the guy, as he's a wonderful director and actor. I'm looking forward to this on account of the interesting premise, the good cast, and, of course, the presence of Mel Gibson.

Excitement Rating: 7/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: I really liked this! Mel's performance is exceptional, and the film is really heartfelt and powerful. Great stuff.

Review here

Directed By: Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.
Starring: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Eric Christian Olsen, Joel Edgerton, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Ulrich Thomsen, Jonathan Walker

Plot: At an Antarctica research site, the discovery of an alien craft leads to a confrontation between graduate student Kate Lloyd and scientist Dr. Sander Halvorson. While Dr. Halvorson keeps to his research, Kate partners with Sam Carter, a helicopter pilot, to pursue the alien life form.

Release Date (in Australia): October 13th

My thoughts...: The original The Thing is a good damn horror movie, and among the manliest movies of all time. The prospect of this being a prequel-remake does lower my expectations, but I'll still see this - it's R-rated, and the cast is awesome.

Excitement Rating: 7/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: This was a solid prequel. Not as good as Carpenter's original, though.

Review here

Directed By: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Channing Tatum, Ewan McGregor, Michael Douglas, Michael Angarano, Antonio Banderas, Bill Paxton

Plot: A black ops super soldier seeks payback after she is betrayed and set up during a mission.

Release Date (in Australia): TBA

My thoughts...: Oh hell yes... I sense that this is going to be awesome. Good cast (with the exception of Tatum), good revenge premise, good director, and it's an action-thriller. That's all I need to know.

Excitement Rating: 7/10

Directed By: Giorgio Serafini
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Zoe Bell, Gary Daniels, Robert Davi.

Plot: Secret Ops agent Marcus is sent to Detroit to take out an arms dealer and the head of the hedge fund that is financing him. His CIA backup has other plans and turns on him and it's a fight to survive in a hospital.

Release Date (in Australia): TBA

My thoughts...: I certainly like the sound of that cast, with Wesley Snipes, Robert Davi and Gary Daniels on-board for the ride. It's also an R-rated action movie with an interesting plot. Sounds fun. Count me in.

Excitement Rating: 7/10

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: January Jones, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Jason Flemyng

Plot: Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new), to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-MEN.

Release Date (in Australia): June 2nd

My thoughts...: As a moderate X-Men fan, I'm curious to see how this pans out. On top of this there's a promising cast and an excellent director at the helm, so I'll definitely catch this one at some point (though reviews will dictate whether it's a cinema outing or a DVD rental).

Excitement Rating: 7/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: A fucking masterpiece! The X-Men series is finally in the hands of filmmakers able to handle the mix of action and intelligence the franchise demands.

Full review here

Directed By: Kenneth Branagh
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Stellan Skarsgård, Kat Dennings, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Stevenson

Plot: The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.

Release Date (in Australia): April 21st

My thoughts...: I'll mainly be seeing this due to my liking for all things Marvel (I'm not into the comics - I just generally like the flicks...the good ones, that is). But hey - it's a good cast and there's a good director at the helm. Should be worth checking out.

Excitement Rating: 7/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: I saw the trailers. They were mediocre. The movie? A fucking masterpiece.

Full review here

Directed By: Joe Johnston
Starring: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell, Sebastian Stan, Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci

Plot: After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals.

Release Date (in Australia): July 28th

My thoughts...: As with Thor, my main interest in seeing this is due to this being a Marvel production, and it's exciting to behold all these superheroes being brought to the screen in big-budget blockbusters. And yeah, that about covers it.

Excitement Rating: 7/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: Two Marvel home runs in a single summer season! This is a change from 2008, when Iron Man rocked and The Incredible Hulk disappointed. Anyway, I loved this.

Full review here

Directed By: Tarsem Singh
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Kellan Lutz, Isabel Lucas, Luke Evans, Henry Cavill, John Hurt, Freida Pinto, Stephen Dorff.

Plot: Greek warrior Theseus battles against imprisoned titans.

Release Date (in Australia): November 24th

My thoughts...: Hell yes, I'm muchly looking forward to this! It's an action movie, the cast is promising, and the premise is promising. And the trailer looks absolutely kick-ass. Should be a good, fun time at the movies.

Excitement Rating: 7/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: A VERY enjoyable action movie. Had a grand old time watching this.

Review here

Directed By: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Noomi Rapace, Kelly Reilly, Jared Harris, Stephen Fry

Plot: Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr. Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty.

Release Date (in Australia): 5th January 2012

My thoughts...: To an extent I liked 2009's Sherlock Holmes, yet it was far from perfect and it was a tad too blah. The characters were excellent, as was the cast, yet the story just wasn't interesting enough. I'm hoping this sequel will improve upon its predecessor by placing these exciting characters within an interesting story.

Excitement Rating: 7/10





****************************************************

Afterthoughts: Yay, this was superior to the first film. A lot more fun, and very well-realised.

Review here

Directed By: Duncan Jones
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright, Russell Peters, Joe Cobden

Plot: A sci-fi story centered on a soldier who wakes up in the body of a commuter who witnesses a train explosion.

Release Date (in Australia): May 5th

My thoughts...: Without doubt, the premise is highly intriguing. Added to this is a top-notch cast and a director who was at the helm of the excellent 2009 motion picture Moon. I'll be sure to check this one out, but my opinion on how soon will be decided by reviews.

Excitement Rating: 7/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: I loved this... What a great, taut, efficient, pulse-pounding thriller. It solidifies Duncan Jones' reputation as a filmmaker to watch in future. We need more movies like this...

Full review here

Directed By: Steven Soderbergh
Starring: Matt Damon, Marion Cotillard, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Laurence Fishburne

Plot: An action-thriller centered on the threat posed by a deadly disease and an international team of doctors contracted by the CDC to deal with the outbreak.

Release Date (in Australia): October 20th

My thoughts...: It's difficult to not get excited about Contagion. Directed by the always-reliable Steven Soderbergh and written by Scott Z. Burns (who had a hand in the script for The Bourne Ultimatum), this action-thriller is imbued with a fascinating plot, and the star power provokes further interest. Count me in.

Excitement Rating: 7/10

Directed By: Patrick Lussier
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard, Katy Mixon, William Fichtner, Billy Burke, David Morse

Plot: A vengeful father chases after the men who killed his daughter.

Release Date (in Australia): May 5th

My thoughts...: Two words spring to mind after watching the teaser trailer and reading the plot outline: hell yes. I love my action movies, and this looks like a fun time. And it's R-rated too, meaning lots of hardcore violence. It's music to my ears.

Excitement Rating: 7/10





***************************************************

Afterthoughts: It was fun. That's all I wanted it to be, and that's what it delivered.

Full review here

Directed By: Jonathan Liebesman
Starring: Michelle Rodriguez, Aaron Eckhart, Jim Parrack, Bridget Moynahan, Michael Peña, Lucas Till

Plot: A Marine platoon faces off against an alien invasion in Los Angeles.

Release Date (in Australia): March 17th

My thoughts...: I was looking forward to this movie quite a lot. Shane Black did uncredited work on the script, premise is good, cast is awesome... But it's PG-13 and script reviews were less than complimentary. Looks like a rental rather than one to see on the big screen. But I still do want to see it, because that trailer looks absolutely spectacular. Maybe it'll be a fun, intense blockbuster... I shall wait and see.

Excitement Rating: 7/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: It's a piece of shit :(

Full review here

Directed By: Brad Bird
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Ving Rhames, Michael Nyqvist, Josh Holloway

Plot: The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name.

Release Date (in Australia): December 15th

My thoughts...: I enjoyed the first two Mission: Impossible flicks, and adored the third. J.J. Abrams rejuvenated the franchise brilliantly, and it's terrific that he's continuing with the series as a screenwriter. However, Brad Bird - an animation director - at the helm? No sign of Michelle Monaghan? The script being rejigged to give Ethan Hunt a partner? I honestly want this to be good, but the outlook is very shaky.

Excitement Rating: 7/10



****************************************************

Afterthoughts: Surpassed my expectations with aplomb. A very strong entry in the series, showing that this franchise is not spent just yet.

Full review here

Directed By: Oliver Parker
Starring: Rowan Atkinson, Ben Miller, Gillian Anderson, Dominic West, Rosamund Pike, Burn Gorman, Mark Ivanir, Togo Igawa

Plot: Johnny English goes up against international assassins hunting down the Chinese premier.

Release Date (in Australia): September 22nd

My thoughts...: Okay, I'm guilty. I liked the original Johnny English. Sue me. It was a bright, funny romp with Rowan Atkinson in fine form. In fact watching it now reminds me of how much I miss the guy's screen presence. The creative team does not exactly instill much promise, mind you. Ah well, I'm still looking forward to it.

Excitement Rating: 7/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: I'm torn on this one. I enjoyed it for the most part, but not everything worked, and it lacked witty, memorable laughs. Could've been better. Should've been better.

Full review here

Directed By: Jon Favreau
Starring: Harrison Ford, Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, Noah Ringer, Paul Dano

Plot: In Silver City, Arizona, Apache Indians and Western settlers must lay their differences aside when an alien spaceship crash lands in their city.

Release Date (in Australia): August 11th

My thoughts...: This looks promising. Jon Favreau is a competent director when it comes to action (he uses CGI to enhance rather than overwhelm), the cast is certainly strong (yay for Harrison Ford!), and I'm intrigued by the premise. Sounds like a fun time at the flicks.

Excitement Rating: 7/10

Directed By: Bill Condon
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning, Ashley Greene, Anna Kendrick

Plot: The Quileute and the Volturi close in on expecting parents Edward and Bella, whose unborn child poses different threats to the wolf pack and vampire coven.

Release Date (in Australia): November 17th

My thoughts...: OMG! A Twilight movie has ended up on one of my annual "Looking Forward to" lists.
Well, truth is, I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO IT. Because it's destined to be this generation's Plan 9 From Outer Space. Read: http://www.chud.com/articles/articles/21684/1/THE-DEVIN039S-ADVOCATE-WHY-BREAKING-DAWN-MUST-BE-MADE-INTO-A-MOVIE/Page1.html

Excitement Rating: 7/10

Directed By: Rupert Wyatt
Starring: James Franco, Tom Felton, Freida Pinto, Andy Serkis, Brian Cox, John Lithgow.

Plot: An origin story set in present day San Francisco, where man's own experiments with genetic engineering lead to the development of intelligence in apes and the onset of a war for supremacy.

Release Date (in Australia): August 4th

My thoughts...: Gimme a break, why do we need a Planet of the Apes prequel? WHY?! More than that, why do we need a new Planet of the Apes movie with entirely CGI apes? What's wrong with the usual make-up? Now that those complaints are out of the way, this still sounds like an interesting movie, and I'll see it nonetheless out of curiosity.

Excitement Rating: 6/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: Far exceeded my expectations.

Full review here

Directed By: Gore Verbinski
Starring: Johnny Depp, Timothy Olyphant, Bill Nighy, Abigail Breslin, Alfred Molina, Isla Fisher, Ned Beatty

Plot: A chameleon that aspires to be a swashbuckling hero finds himself in a Western town plagued by bandits and is forced to literally play the role in order to protect it.

Release Date (in Australia): March 10th

My thoughts...: Being a Johnny Depp completist, I do want to see this movie. Trailer looks mildly amusing and the plot is intriguing, as well. But it's not the type of movie I'll rush out to see on opening day - I'll probably catch it on DVD.

Excitement Rating: 6/10



***************************************************

Afterthoughts: Quirky and fun. I enjoyed it.

Full review here

Directed By: Kevin Macdonald
Starring: Channing Tatum, Mark Strong, Denis O'Hare, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland, Tahar Rahim.

Plot: In Roman-ruled Britain, a young Roman soldier endeavors to honor his father's memory by finding his lost legion's golden emblem.

Release Date (in Australia): July 21st

My thoughts...: Not everything about this project makes me excited... The PG-13 rating and the presence of Channing Tatum detracts a few excitement points. But these quarrels aside, The Eagle looks to be a good damn movie. The director is reliable, most of the cast are terrific, and the premise is very interesting indeed. The trailer has also piqued my interest. The reviews will dictate whether I see this at the cinema or not, however, as I'm not foaming at the mouth in anticipation for it.

Excitement Rating: 6/10

Directed By: Woody Allen
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Alison Pill, Marion Cotillard, Michael Sheen, Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson, Kathy Bates

Plot: A romantic comedy about a family traveling to the French capital for business. The party includes a young engaged couple forced to confront the illusion that a life different from their own is better.

Release Date (in Australia): October 14

My thoughts...: I've happily watched Woody Allen's latest movies over the past few years, and they're generally of good quality. Due to my respect for Woody Allen, I'll continue to see his movies and support his career. Thus, I'm looking forward to this on the basis of Woody, and the cast which is pretty epic.

Excitement Rating: 6/10

Directed By: Brad Lewis, John Lasseter
Starring: Owen Wilson, John Ratzenberger, Bonnie Hunt, Tony Shalhoub, Cheech Marin, Larry The Cable Guy

Plot: Lightning McQueen, his pit crew and his new crew chief, Mater, head around the world for the "Race of Champions" taking place in five different countries: Japan, Austria, Italy, a 24-hour race in France and the United Kingdom. However, Mater, involved in a case of mistaken identity, saves the life of a British secret agent named Finn McMissile and finds himself embroiled in his world of international espionage.

Release Date (in Australia): June 23rd

My thoughts...: This is a Pixar movie, so I should be looking forward to this more than I am. But... 2006's Cars was the only Pixar misfire, and it's worrying that it's getting a sequel. I hope the filmmakers learn from their mistakes, and craft a lively, well-paced animation movie rather than a sluggish, hackneyed piece of crap like its predecessor.

Excitement Rating: 6/10





****************************************************

Afterthoughts: Pixar's worst. And Pixar's first truly bad movie. *le sigh*

Full review here