'In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever'(IMDb). I remain slightly sceptical of how well one of my all-time favourite musicals can be translated to the big screen, but I'm full of excitement nevertheless, thanks in great part to those breathtaking trailers (goosebumps!). Tom Hooper has assembled a really superb cast - Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe (I even love his singing voice), Anne Hathaway (huge Oscar buzz based almost entirely on her 'I Dreamed A Dream' rendition), Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.
'After India's father dies, her Uncle Charlie, who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her unstable mother. She comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives and becomes increasingly infatuated with him' (IMDb). 'Stoker' represents the first foray into English-language features for the masterful Park Chan-Wook, following Korean successes such as 'Oldboy', 'Lady Vengeance' and 'Thirst'. Looks truly creepy, less of a horror as some have called it and more a chilly, psychological mystery drama. Featuring the immensely talented Mia Masikowska and Matthew Goode, the film should also represent a return to form for Nicole Kidman, her moments in the trailers bringing to mind her haunted performance in 2001's 'The Others'.
'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' (IMDb). Directed by Zach Snyder, produced by Christopher Nolan, the latest Superman incarnation bears all the dark, haunting hallmarks of Nolan's Batman movies, though it is worth remembering that Zach Snyder brought us one of the greatest superhero films to hit the big screen in 2009's 'Watchmen'. Hopefully this will succeed in banishing memories of Bryan Singer's ill-conceived 'Superman Returns', perhaps re-invigorating a franchise that had almost seemed dead in the water. Henry Cavill looks like he will make for a suitably brooding Clark Kent/Superman, physically similar to Christopher Reeve's iconic portrayal. He will be supported by Kevin Costner as Clark's father Jonathan, and Russell Crowe as Jor-El. The potential is certainly there... now to see if they've realised it.
'The Dwarfs, Bilbo and Gandalf have successfully escaped the misty mountains, but Bilbo has gained the one ring. They all continue their journey to get their gold back off the Dragon, Smaug' (IMDb). 'The Hobbit' may have had its critics, but Martin Freeman made a perfect Bilbo, Richard Armitage a perfect Thorin, and the film was overall an epic adventure with a real sense of fun. The second part of the adventure promises Mirkwood, much more of Benedict Cumberbatch's Smaug, and building towards the absolutely huge Battle of Five Armies, in 2014's 'There and Back Again'.
'A motorcycle stunt rider considers committing a crime in order to provide for his wife and child, an act that puts him on a collision course with a cop-turned-politician' (IMDb). 'Place Beyond the Pines' reunites man of the moment Ryan Gosling with director Derek Cianfrance after their brilliant and heartbreaking first collaboration, 'Blue Valentine'. This looks to be an altogether different beast, a sprawling crime drama that has thus far divided festival critics. Also starring Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes.
'Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby's circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy' (IMDb). An entirely original take on F.Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, Baz Lurhmann's latest promises a whirlwind of colour, crazy costumes and epic romance. The only fear is that amongst all the scale and grandeur of Lurhmann's reimagining, some of the heart and character emphasis of the novel may be lost, but this remains to be seen. 'Gatsby' will be a visual treat for sure, but with a cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan and Tobey Maguire, should also prove a showcase of terrific acting. The intriguing decision to hire Jay-Z to score the film could well prove a masterstroke.
'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' (IMDb). Again following the escapades of Aaron Johnson's Dave Lizewski, this sequel will also see the return of one of the greatest screen creations of recent times, Chloe Moretz's potty-mouthed Hit-Girl. We'll also be introduced to some new characters, including Doctor Gravity (played by Scrubs' Donald Faison) and, intriguingly, Jim Carrey as Colonel Stars and Stripes. Here's hoping it retains all the fun, energy and frenetic action of the first film, despite the lack of Matthew Vaughn's involvement.
'Five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier unwittingly become humankind's only hope for survival' (IMDb). Director Edgar Wright and stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost have thus far managed to keep many of the details about their latest collaboration well under wraps, but you can expect much of the same silliness and big belly laughs that made 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz' so enjoyable. The central cast of Pegg, Frost, Martin Freeman, Paddy Considine and Eddie Marson will be one of the finest British ensembles of the year. 'The World's End' probably won't break any real comedy barriers, but could be one of the most fun cinematic experiences this year.
'An art auctioneer who has become mixed up with a group of criminals partners with a hypnotherapist in order to recover a lost painting' (IMDb). Danny Boyle's latest, coming off the almighty buzz generated by his truly magnificent Olympics opening ceremony, looks to be a fine thriller amongst the world of hypnosis. The trailer goes live on Thursday (10/1/13), so we can have a better idea of what to expect then. Starring the superb triumvirate of James McAvoy, Rosario Dawson and Vincent Cassel, 'Trance' looks set to build on Boyle's reputation as a truly adept 'genre skipper' of a director.
'We meet Jesse and Celine nine years on in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna' (IMDb). I'm a huge fan of the previous two films in Richard Linklater's series, 'Before Sunrise' and 'Before Sunset', and have high hopes for the latest. The films are so simple, so beautiful, and the chemistry between stars Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy so natural, that I can't help but expect the third part of Jesse and Celine's journey to be another little gem. Though 'Before Midnight' is not guaranteed a UK release in 2013 (nothing has been announced yet), it is receiving its premiere in this month's Sundance Film Festival, suggesting we may well see this before the year is out. Here's hoping!
Honourable mentions must go to 'Django Unchained', 'Lincoln', 'Elysium', 'Iron Man 3', 'To The Wonder', 'Star Trek: Into Darkness', 'Elysium', 'Romeo and Juliet', 'The Wolverine', and 'Oz: The Great and Powerful'.
So, what would make your list?
