35.
Cloud Atlas
TBA 2012
The Wachowskis (The Matrix trilogy) and Tom Tykwer (Run Lola Run) wrapped production on Cloud Atlas just before Christmas and the first film since the Wachowski’s brought us Speed Racer is expected to hit theaters later this year, but no one really knows what to expect.
Based on David Mitchell’s novel of the same name, Cloud Atlas is described as an epic story of humankind in which the actions and consequences of our lives impact one another throughout the past, present and future as one soul is shaped from a murderer into a savior and a single act of kindness ripples out for centuries to inspire a revolution. I haven’t read the book so I have no idea what to expect, but based on that synopsis the Wachowskis seem like the right people to spearhead this.
As far as the cast goes, Tom Hanks, Ben Whishaw, Hugo Weaving, Susan Sarandon, Jim Broadbent, Jim Sturgess, Hugh Grant and James D’Arcy are known to be a part of the production and directing duties were split between the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer who last directed The International starring Clive Owen and 3.
The first trailer for this one is likely to create a bit of an online stir.
34.
The Hunger Games
March 23
I think anyone that has read Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games trilogy is curious to see how things work out with the filmed adaptations, it’s hard not to be. Will we end up with a fascinating franchise, something cheap and disposable a la Twilight or something in-between. I’m leaning more toward “something in-between” since Lionsgate would likely prefer this appeal to the widest audience possible, but if they can take what is actually a very dark story and manage to hue close enough to the tone of the novels it could be quite good. But yes, the reason this is on my list of most anticipated films is just because I want to see how it all turns out.
33.
Cosmopolis
TBA 2012
The only reason Cosmopolis makes my list is because it’s a David Cronenberg feature. Plain and simple.
Based on the novel by Don DeLillo, the film follows newly married billionaire Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson) as he cheats on his wife (Sarah Gadon), is pursued by a stalker (Paul Giamatti), gets attacked by a protester and gradually loses his entire fortune over the course of a single day.
Okay, let’s say Cronenberg is the main reason instead as the story sounds pretty cool too and the cast, which also includes, Juliette Binoche, Mathieu Amalric, Samantha Morton, Jay Baruchel, Kevin Durand and Emily Hampshire, ain’t too bad either.
32.
Kill Bin Laden
December 19
My biggest concern with Kathryn Bigelow‘s Kill Bin Laden, which focuses on the black ops mission to capture or kill Osama bin Laden, is that she and screenwriter Mark Boal are simply returning to make another Hurt Locker-esque picture as opposed to exploring something new. Then again, Bigelow is an accomplished filmmaker and I have a hard time believing the Oscar winner would simply trudge the same territory again.
Bigelow and Boal had been developing the project even before the recent mission that ended in bin Laden’s death and plan to incorporate recent events into the film.
Only recently has the full cast for the film been revealed with Jason Clarke, Chris Pratt, Joel Edgerton, Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong and Edgar Ramirez making up the ensemble cast.
The December 19 release date was a deliberate decision by Sony Pictures in an attempt to steer clear of the Presidential Elections.
31.
Savages
September 28
It sounds as if Oliver Stone has put aside the politics for a second for what sounds like a pretty great film.
Savages is based on the recently published Don Winslow novel of the same name and centers on two pals (Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch) from Laguna Beach who share the same girlfriend (Blake Lively) and a thriving business growing and distributing the best-quality pot on the planet. When they resist being muscled by a Mexican drug cartel, the girl is kidnapped and the ransom is every cent they’ve made for the last five years. They agree to pay but hatch an alternate plan to get her back, get revenge, and then get lost.
Believe it or not, Salma Hayek plays the leader of the cartel with Benicio del Toro as her lead henchman. The film also features Demian Bichir who’s been racking up attention due to his performance in last year’s A Better Life and the likes of John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Emile Hirsch and Joel David Moore round out the cast. Excited yet?
Most Anticipated Navigation #21-30 | #31-40
