12 Films to Look Out for in 2012

The Ball has dropped, the champagne has popped, and you’re now living in the future. The Mayans and Roland Emmerich have already predicted that this will be our last year, which is okay with me now that the Batman saga is ending.  But Batman isn’t alone.  Many highly anticipated films ever are opening this year, and I’m giving you my picks for the ones you absolutely cannot miss.

You will notice The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part II is not on this list, and please know that its absence was not an oversight. Also missing is The Amazing Spiderman. Much like The Twilight Sage, Spiderman has fallen victim to the tweening crazy, sent back to high school to likely end up in an unhealthy relationship with Gwen Stacey. I do apologize; my picks are a little hero heavy. In my own defense, I am a huge nerd.

And without further ado….

1. The Dark Knight Rises, July 20, 2012

Christopher Nolan is doing what no other director has ever done with a comic book hero, he’s ending his story.  This film takes place 8 years after the events of The Dark Knight as Bane pushes Gotham and the Batman to their breaking points. I was a little worried about Anne Hathaway being cast as Catwoman, but that was quickly overshadowed by the casting of Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I’m intrigued to find out the role his character will play in the story as there are whispers that he will either take the mantle of Batman or Robin. I know, just the thought of there being a Robin sends shivers down your spine. I’m willing to give Nolan a little credit and withhold my judgment until release day.

2. The Avengers, May 4, 2012

Joss Whedon takes the helm of this helicarrier, as he directs his first big time blockbuster film. This story takes place on a day unlike any other…As far as I know, there seems to be multiple villains at play in this film. If you have seen the trailer you know that Loki is involved, but Red Skull has also been rumored to have a part in the film. I’ve been waiting four years for this film and I’m excited to see if it’s been done right.

3. Prometheus, June 8, 2012

Ridley Scott directs this somewhat prequel to Alien as it is hinted we may learn the origin of the creatures. It’s not that I don’t want to know, but sometimes things are better off left as a mystery. It tends to make things scarier when their origins are unknown.  (I don’t want to find out that the shark from Jaws was some mutant that escaped a research facility in northern Florida---I just want to be scared of the water.)  But don’t be fooled, I’m still going to watch it.  Call me crazy but my curiosity will get the better of me and I will want to know what this incredibly attractive team of explorers find on their journey through the darkest corners of the universe.

4. The Hunger Games, March 23, 2012

Set in a dystopian future where survivor has finally been canceled, The Hunger Games has now become its replacement. Well that’s at least how I see it. There have been so many future dystopian battle-to-the-death matches on television that I seem to have lost count. I hold out hope for this one, mainly because the cast includes Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, and Stanley Tucci,, as well as countless other big names that simply aren’t as important to me.

5. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, December 14, 2012

This film is directed by Peter Jackson and is the prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy that explains how Bilbo Baggins came into possession of the one ring…enough said.

6. Chronicle, February 3, 2012

This film looks extremely promising as it follows three high school friends as they gain superpowers through an incredible discover they all make. I’m guessing an alien ship from the trailer. Since not everyone is good, not every teen that gets super powers turns into Spiderman. Chronicle explores what would happen to a teen with powers if they pulled a Luke Skywalker and ventured to the darkside. I find the premise intriguing, and if done properly could be very entertaining. Also, the blonde girl in trailer is really hot.

7. Brave, June 22, 2012

Pixar is going to make me cry again, I know it. This story follows the fiery haired Princess Merida as she attempts to blaze her own trail by defying age old customs and freeing her people from a terrible curse. She apparently is magically awesome at archery because she made a wish to a blue fairy thing. It’s Pixar, just go see it.

8. Rise of the Guardians, November 21, 2012

Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and Jack Frost must defend the world against the Bogeyman. There is no trailer up yet for this Dreamworks film, but it sounds interesting enough and it stars Hugh Jackman, Alex Baldwin, and Isla Fisher. More importantly, it does not star Tim Allen, Dwayne Johnson, or Michael Keaton.

9. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, June 22, 2012

Its history meets fiction in this awesome adaptation of the book by the same name. Lincolns mother is murdered by a creature of the night, which drives Lincoln to use an axe on vampires and their slave-owning minions. You had me at vampire hunter Mr. President.

10. Snow White and the Huntsman, June 1, 2012

A new twist on this old fairy-tale turns Snow White into a Joan of Arc type character. From what I can tell, the huntsman, aka Thor with axes, decides to train Snow White rather than kill her.  His goal is to ultimately free their land from the really hot Evil Queen. I am very much looking forward to Snow White and the Hunstman because of Ian McShane, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, and Nick Frost. The only thing that could ruin it is Kristen Stewart mere involvement.

11. The Expendables 2, August 17, 2012

Chuck Norris is in it. If you don’t see it, he’ll roundhouse kick your whole family.

12. Skyfall, November 9, 2012

There is no trailer out yet for this latest Bond flick, but one can only hope it’s better than Quantum of Solace. I have high expectations for it since Javier Bardem joined the cast as a yet unnamed villain. From what I’ve read, MI6 and M come under attack and Bond’s loyalty is pushed to its limits. Hmm, I’m starting to see a trend in the films for this year.

Honorable Mentions go out to American Reunion which arrives in theaters April 6^th, This Means War,opening February 17^th, and the Dredd remake which comes to a theater near you on September 21^st.

Welcome to 2012! Now go out and watch some movies….