2014 Movie Preview: #1 - Interstellar

Release date: November 7

Plot summary: "Interstellar" chronicles the adventures of a group of explorers who make use of a newly discovered wormhole to surpass the limitations on human space travel and conquer the vast distances involved in an interstellar voyage.

My take: While a Nolan-clone like Transcendence is worthy of being on my list, only the real deal is deserving of the top spot. Having now ended his work on the Batman franchise, Nolan can return to some original ideas here. Of course, he's brought along some familiar faces for his cast including Anne Hathaway and Michael Caine, but he also has plenty of talent like Matthew McConaughey and Jessica Chastain who are new to the Nolan universe. We've still got a long time to go before this comes out, but I'm going to enjoy the anticipation for it each and every day.

2014 Movie Preview: #2 - X-Men: Days of Future Past

Release date: May 23

Plot summary: The ultimate X-Men ensemble fights a war for the survival of the species across two time periods in "X-Men: Days of Future Past." The beloved characters from the original "X-Men" film trilogy join forces with their younger selves from "X-Men: First Class," in an epic battle that must change the past – to save our future.

My take: It is serendipitous that I review The Wolverine right before previewing this upcoming X-Men film given that events at the end of one set up this big blockbuster. This is looking like the end all to be all of X-Men movies. I am so excited to see how the casts of the two respective X-Men franchises coming together in this one epic film. From the reports we are hearing, it sounds like they have a ton of material and are needed to remove entire characters just to cut the film into a reasonable runtime. It's exciting to also see that Bryan Singer has come back to direct this since he's the one that started this franchise in the first place. My expectations for this one are really high, so I hope they do not disappoint.

2014 Movie Preview: #3 - Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Release date: July 11

Plot summary: A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.

My take: Many people were shocked by how much they enjoyed the 2011 reboot of this franchise and you can include me in that group. Now I am really eager to see where they go from here. While James Franco will not be back in this film, the cast has added fine actors like Gary Oldman and Keri Russell. But let's face it, we're all coming again to see the great work of Andy Serkis as Caesar.

2014 Movie Preview: #4 - Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Release date: April 4

Plot summary: “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” will pick-up where “Marvel’s The Avengers” left off, as Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and teams up with Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, to battle a powerful yet shadowy enemy in present-day Washington, D.C.

My take: Here's another example of a sequel of a film that I was not overly fond of. So what makes me so anticipated for this latest entry? Well the Avengers movie certainly helped improve the Captain America character in my eyes. I'm also familiar with the source material being used as the plot for this film and its a really good story. You then also have the luxury of adding great actors, like Robert Redford, to the cast. For those reasons I'm confident this won't be suffering from a sophomore slump.

2014 Movie Preview: #5 - Transcendence

Release date: April 18

Plot summary: Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him. However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently become the catalyst for him to succeed—to be a participant in his own transcendence. For his wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany), both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can…but if they should. Their worst fears are realized as Will's thirst for knowledge evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may be no way to stop him.

My take: While Christopher Nolan has nothing to do with this film, his DNA feels infused in the project. Wally Pfister who was the cinematographer for many of Nolan's film is directing this film. There's also several people in the cast who are Nolan mainstays like Morgan Freeman and Cillian Murphy. Then you've got a plot that seems to be a real sci-fi mind bender. All of that adds up to a very engaging film for me to want to check out.

2014 Movie Preview: #6 - The Monuments Men

Release date: February 7

Plot summary: Based on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, "The Monuments Men" is an action-thriller focusing on an unlikely World War II platoon, tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from Nazi thieves and returning them to their rightful owners. It would be an impossible mission: with the art trapped behind enemy lines, and with the German army under orders to destroy everything as the Reich fell, how could these guys – seven museum directors, curators, and art historians, all more familiar with Michelangelo than the M-1 – possibly hope to succeed? But as the Monuments Men, as they were called, found themselves in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture, they would risk their lives to protect and defend mankind's greatest achievements.

My take: So we once again have a 2013 repeat here. Given the quality of the cast and the intriguing nature of the story, I refuse to believe that there are problems with the film. Instead, we will just all have to be patient until it finally arrives in theaters. Once it does, I know I'll be right in line to check it out.

2014 Movie Preview: #7 - Muppets Most Wanted

Release date: March 21

Plot summary: Disney's "Muppets Most Wanted" takes the entire Muppets gang on a global tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe's most exciting destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World's Number One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent Jean Pierre Napoleon.

My take: The relaunch of the Muppets franchise was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2011. So I am now really excited to see what they do for a follow-up. Granted some of the elements from the 2011 film are gone, like Jason Segal. However, the plot seems like the madcap type of story that is perfectly suited for the Muppets. They have also done a nice job of bringing in a lot of human actors to fill out the cast and produce some laughs as well. It's currently scheduled to come out on a competitive weekend, so I hope it either changes dates or offers enough marketing to make sure people go check it out.

2014 Movie Preview: #8 - Guardians of the Galaxy

Release date: August 1

Plot summary:
My take: This may be the biggest gamble of the year, at least of the movies I am previewing on this list. Marvel has certainly shown that they can take commodities that were not well known to the public at large and turn them into successful film franchises, but a movie based on a group of space travelers that includes a tree-like character and a talking raccoon may be a bit out there for the mainstream audience. Hopefully that isn't the case, because Marvel has already laid the groundwork through some of their other films to make this a pretty awesome extension of their film empire. The cast is excellent here so my expectations are pretty high for this one.

Checking in

Given that I just promoted the film, it would probably make sense to share with all of you the trailer for Wes Anderson's latest, The Grand Budapest Hotel so you can see for yourself whether or not this is a film for you. As for me, I've already made my reservations.

2014 Movie Preview: #9 - The Grand Budapest Hotel

Release date: March 7

Plot summary: "The Grand Budapest Hotel" recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune -- all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.

My take: Even though I pride myself on being a movie fan, I never really discovered the films of Wes Anderson until I finally saw his 2012 film Moonrise Kingdom. Since then I have gone back and watched some of his earlier stuff and have been impressed with the oddball stories and visual flair that he creates in each of his movies. Now I am as anxious to see what he produces next in the same way I do with some of my other favorite directors. This film looks to be no different in terms of quirkiness and boasts an impressive casts that mixes Anderson regulars with new, but familiar faces. I'm sure not a lot of people will see this, but I'll be happy to be one of the few.

2014 Movie Preview: #10 - The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Release date: May 2

Plot summary: We've always known that Spider-Man's most important battle has been within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies ahead. It's great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker, there's no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being Spider-Man comes at a price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common: Oscorp.

My take: For as much as I like Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, I was not impressed with the Spiderman reboot that came out two years ago. While I still have reservations, my initial glimpse at this sequel gives me hope. From the look of the film, it appears that Marc Webb is more confident and comfortable shooting this type of movie and is trying to create more of a comic book look. What makes me both interested and nervous for this sequel is the number of villains that seem to be featured in this film. That can either make for something really awesome or a jumbled mess that causes people to begin using phrases like "too many cooks in the kitchen". Given the bar that the Avengers franchise has set, this has some big shoes to fill in order to stand toe to toe with those movies.

2014 Movie Preview: #11 - Bad Words

Release date: March 28

Plot summary: Jason Bateman ("Identity Thief") makes his feature directorial debut with the subversive comedy "Bad Words." Bateman stars as Guy Trilby, a 40-year-old who finds a loophole in the rules of The Golden Quill national spelling bee and decides to cause trouble by hijacking the competition. Contest officials, outraged parents, and overly ambitious 8th graders are no match for Guy, as he ruthlessly crushes their dreams of victory and fame. As a reporter (Kathryn Hahn of "We're the Millers") attempts to discover his true motivation, Guy finds himself forging an unlikely alliance with a competitor: awkward 10-year-old Chaitanya (Rohan Chand of "Homeland"), who is completely unfazed by Guy’s take-no-prisoners approach to life.

My take: I just mentioned how Foxcatcher may be a career changing film for Steve Carell. Well the same may hold true for Bateman who stars here as the crass man infiltrating children's spelling bees. Bateman is also directing this film. I've always had a thing for the 'Bee' dating back to when I discovered that the English professor I had at UD moderated the event for several years. The dark humor in this film may not be for everyone, but I'm sure looking forward to it.

2014 Movie Preview: #12 - Foxcatcher

Release date: TBA

Plot summary: "Foxcatcher" tells the story of Olympic Gold Medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Tatum), who sees a way out from the shadow of his more celebrated wrestling brother Dave (Ruffalo) and a life of poverty when he is summoned by eccentric multi-millionaire John du Pont (Carell) to move onto his estate and train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Desperate to gain the respect of his disapproving mother, du Pont begins "coaching" a world-class athletic team and, in the process, lures Mark into dangerous habits, breaks his confidence and drives him into a self-destructive spiral. Based on actual events, "Foxcatcher" is a gripping and profoundly American story of fragile men who pinned their hopes for love and redemption on a desperate obsession for greatness that was to end in tragedy.

My take: This is yet another film that was originally set to come out in 2013. While it does not have a specific date in 2014 set yet, the previews and information that were released already have given myself and others plenty to anticipate. Early buzz has Steve Carell turning in a career-changing performance. This also marks the follow-up for director Bennett Miller after Moneyball, which was my favorite film from 2011. On top of all that, you have one of those "Hollywood couldn't create something this bizarre" of a storyline. All that adds up to a very appealing movie.

2014 Movie Preview: #13 - Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

Release date: January 17

Plot summary: Based on the Jack Ryan character created by bestselling author Tom Clancy, the film is a contemporary action thriller set in the present day. The original story, written by David Koepp, follows a young Jack as he uncovers a financial terrorist plot.

My take: As usual, a film makes my yearly preview list two years in a row due to a date change. Some times those reschedulings are a red flag that there are problems with the film, but I have a feeling that this reboot of the Jack Ryan franchise simply moved out of its original December release date because it did not want to get lost in the crowded marketplace (several films released in the past couple of weeks have struggled due to stiff competition). Chris Pine is a solid lead and I am hoping he can re-invigorate this franchise in the same way he did for the Star Trek films.

2014 Movie Preview: #14 - Edge of Tomorrow

Release date: June 6

Plot summary: The epic action of "Edge of Tomorrow" unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the Earth in an unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world. Lt. Col. Bill Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop—forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again…and again. But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt). And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.

My take: The previews for this suggests there's a lot going on in this latest Tom Cruise film. There appears to be some kind of alien invasion that our planet is fighting by equipping our soldiers with over-sized robotic armor. But there's also the issue of Tom Cruise's character seemingly re-living the same day over and over again. It's a futuristic Groundhog Day. Why that is happening is just one of the questions I am curious to hear the answer to in this film. As an added bonus Emily Blunt co-stars and she's usually engaging in everything she's in.

2014 Movie Preview: #15 - A Million Ways to Die in the West

Release date: May 30

Plot summary: Seth MacFarlane directs, produces and co-writes "A Million Ways to Die in the West." He also plays the role of the sheep farmer (Albert) with an all-star cast that includes Charlize Theron, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Sarah Silverman, Giovanni Ribisi and Neil Patrick Harris. After a cowardly sheep farmer backs out of a gunfight, his fickle girlfriend leaves him for another man. When a mysterious and beautiful woman rides into town, she helps him find his courage and they begin to fall in love. But when her husband, a notorious outlaw, arrives seeking revenge, the farmer must put his newfound courage to the test.

My take: After the surprising success of Ted, everyone is curious to see what Seth McFarland can do for a follow-up. I don't imagine most people figured he would choose to do a Western. While the setting may seem unconventional, Seth has once again surrounded himself with a talented group of funny actors who will likely be able to make this the funniest Western since Blazing Saddles or The Shakiest Gun in the West

2014 Movie Preview: #16 - The Equalizer

Release date: September 26

Plot summary: A feature film adaptation of the hit 1980s television series "The Equalizer." Edward Woodward starred as Robert McCall, a private detective with a lot of contacts who is available for hire if you have a problem that you don't know how to solve.

My take: Few actors consistently make films that I end up enjoying like Denzel Washington. It can be action, drama, or comedy and he seems to make an entertaining film. I am usually not high on films that are made based off of old TV shows, but if anyone can make it work, I can imagine Denzel is that guy. It helps that he is reteaming with director Antoine Fuqua, who helped him earn an Oscar for Training Day. I don't imagine this will be as gritty as that film, but I'm hoping it's at least as good.

2014 Movie Preview: #17 - Horrible Bosses 2

Release date: November 26

Plot summary: Fed up with answering to higher-ups, Nick, Dale and Kurt decide to become their own bosses by launching their own business in "Horrible Bosses 2." But a slick investor soon pulls the rug out from under them. Outplayed and desperate, and with no legal recourse, the three would-be entrepreneurs hatch a misguided plan to kidnap the investor's adult son and ransom him to regain control of their company.

My take: The first Horrible Bosses had a lot of potential but did not quite live up to my expectations. With a lot of sequels, the law of diminishing returns sets in. I truly hope that isn't the case here because the cast is so strong. Based on the limited amount of knowledge we have on the plot, it seems like this can potentially build off of the first one and deliver an even stronger film this time around.

2014 Movie Preview: #18 - Non-Stop

Release date: February 28

Plot summary: Global action star Liam Neeson stars in "Non-Stop," a suspense thriller played out at 40,000 feet in the air. During a transatlantic flight from New York City to London, U.S. Air Marshal Bill Marks (Neeson) receives a series of cryptic text messages demanding that he instruct the government to transfer $150 million into an off-shore account. Until he secures the money, a passenger on his flight will be killed every 20 minutes.

My take: The Liam Neeson career resurgence as a bad-ass action star continues here. Although the story in some of his films have been sub-par, he always finds a way to bring the goods. The good news here is that the story sounds promising as well. Given that the Die Hard franchise has seemingly fallen off the wheels, perhaps this film can help fill that void.

2014 Movie Preview: #19 - Welcome to Yesterday

Release date: February 28

Plot summary: A group of teens discover secret plans of a time machine, and construct one. However, things start to get out of control.

My take: It seems like "found footage" films can be real hit and miss. While some use the device as a means of capitalizing on a fad, others have found a way to make it an effective storytelling device. Let's hope that Welcome to Yesterday fits into that latter category. It certainly has a decent, albeit done before, plot. Can this be a Back to the Future for a new generation or simply another showcase for how annoying teenagers can be? Only time will tell. See what I did there?