As we close out another year, it's time to look forward. Over the next week I'll be previewing the thirty film I'm most anticipating in the next 12 months. To be honest though, the slate for next year doesn't wow me in the same way that many of the films did last year. Despite that, I'll do my best sell job to get all of you excited in these films. And without any further ado, away we go...
#30 The Dilemma (January 14)
Plot: Since college, confirmed bachelor Ronny (Vince Vaughn) and happily married Nick (Kevin James) have been through thick and thin. Now partners in an auto design firm, the two pals are vying to land a dream project that would launch their company. With Ronny's girlfriend, Beth (Jennifer Connelly), and Nick's wife, Geneva (Winona Ryder), by their sides, they're unbeatable. But Ronny's world is turned upside down when he inadvertently sees Geneva out with another man and makes it his mission to get answers. As the amateur investigation dissolves his world into comic mayhem, he learns that Nick has a few secrets of his own. Now, with the clock ticking and pressure mounting on the biggest presentation of their careers, Ronny must decide how and when he will reveal the truth to his best friend.
Personal Opinion: There have already been a lot of previews out for this one and the results have been mixed. While the plot seems a bit flimsy and sitcom-y, what tips the scales in its favors is its two leads, who are both likable and funny guys. The wild card for this film is director Ron Howard. It has been a while since he's directed a comedy, but has had success with this genre in the past. Hopefully his talents can take this seemingly average material and make this film a decent early year offering.
#29 Source Code (April 1)
Plot:
When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he's part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. In an assignment unlike any he's ever known, he learns he's part of a government experiment called the "Source Code," a program that enables him to cross over into another man's identity in the last 8 minutes of his life. With a second, much larger target threatening to kill millions in downtown Chicago, Colter re-lives the incident over and over again, gathering clues each time, until he can solve the mystery of who is behind the bombs and prevent the next attack.
Personal opinion: Based on the trailer that was released, the plot, while far-fetched, also seems awfully familiar. The whole idea of getting to replay an event over and over again until you get it right has been done before in films like Groundhog Day and Deja Vu. What earns this film a spot on my list is the fact that it's being directed by Duncan Jones, who's first film, Moon, was an interesting and inventive science fiction film. I'm very curious to see what he's got in store for his follow-up. This will likely prove whether he's the real deal or will simply be a victim of a sophomore slump.
28 Scream 4 (April 15)
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.
Personal opinion: The first Scream film was a complete game changer for the horror genre. The two sequels that followed were not quite as good, but still fun films. Typically, the law of diminishing returns is even greater for horror films, which would suggest that this might be pretty awful. However, I think that given the time that has passed, may serve this franchise well. Seeing the first trailer, it was fun to see many of the original cast back once again. I would like to think that since so many of the primary players (the leads, plus writer Kevin Williamson, and director Wes Craven) would not all return for this unless they thought they had something special.
27. Arthur (April 8)
Plot:
Closely hewing to the original, the new "Arthur" follows a very rich, happy drunk (Russell Brand) who is told by his mother (Helen Mirren) that he must marry the wealthy girl of her choosing or else lose his inheritance, just as he meets a poor girl (Greta Gerwig) and falls in love. Jennifer Garner is playing an heiress who carries her own secrets and whom Brand must marry. Nick Nolte is her deeply religious father.
Personal opinion: I'll admit I've never seen the original Dudley Moore film, however I'm certainly familiar with the film's plot, as well as the charm it had that made it successful. Knowing that, I have faith that this has the potential for being a rare remake that is good, instead of one merely content on cashing in on a known entity. I'm not sure if there is anyone more suited to play the happy, British drunk than Russell Brand. I enjoy his odd style of humor and I can't wait to see him play off of Helen Mirren, who has proven herself to be just as successful in comedy as in her dramatic roles. Those two alone will likely make this worth the price of admission.
26. Now (September 30)
Plot:
"Now" presents a world where time has become the ultimate currency. You stop aging at 25, but there's a catch: you're genetically-engineered to live only one more year, unless you can buy your way out of it. The rich "earn" decades at a time (remaining at age 25), becoming essentially immortal, while the rest beg, borrow or steal enough hours to make it through the day. When a man from the wrong side of the tracks is falsely accused of murder, he is forced to go on the run with a beautiful hostage. Living minute to minute, the duo's love becomes a powerful tool in their war against the system.
Personal opinion: Of all the films on my list, this one has to have the oddest premise, and yet I can't help but be intriqued. Adding to my interest is the fact that the film is being directed by Andrew Niccol, who has worked on other creative sci-fi films before, like directing Gattaca and writing The Truman Show. This film also has a nice crop of up and coming actors including Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cilian Murphy, Olivia Wilde, and Matthew Bomer. If this film lives up to its promise, this could be a breakout film for each of them.
25 Hall Pass (February 25)
Plot: Rick (Owen Wilson) and Fred (Jason Sudeikis) are best friends who have a lot in common, including the fact that they have each been married for many years. But when the two men begin to show signs of restlessness at home, their wives (Jenna Fischer, Christina Applegate) take a bold approach to revitalizing their marriages: granting them a "hall pass," one week of freedom to do whatever they want...no questions asked. At first, it sounds like a dream come true for Rick and Fred. But it isn't long before they discover that their expectations of the single life--and themselves--are completely, and hilariously, out of sync with reality.
Personal opinion: I've already talked at length about this film based on what I saw in its trailer, so I won't repeat those thoughts here. The previews seem to reveal some critical flaws in the film's storytelling, but I'll hold off judgment until I actually see the film. Those perceived flaws aren't enough to keep this off the list. After all, the film still has some very funny actors involved in it and is directed by the Farrelly Brothers, who have made some comedy classics. Let's hope it was just a bad trailer and the end product turns out much better.
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