Films I'm Looking Forward to-Part II

 I told you in a previous post about films that I’m looking forward to, that I would remember and come across more to add to my list.  Here they are!

One thing is for sure, the last few months of 2012 are full of film goodies. 

Looper

Director: Rain Johnson. Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano. Release Date: September 2012.

This film falls into the mystery/sci-fi category.  Gordon-Levitt plays Joe, a mob hitman who kills targets that come from the future, until one day his new target is himself from the future (Willis).

I admit that I was only mildly interested in this film, until the trailer was released and got my attention, as a trailer should. The effects look cool, especially attempting to make Gordon-Levitt and Willis look as if they can be the same person.    

                               

Ruby Sparks

Director: Jonathan Dayton/Valarie Faris. Stars: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazaan, Annette Bening, Antonio Banderas. Release Date: July 2012

I like to think of myself as an avid reader, and as such, I’ve come across many literary characters that I wouldn’t mind if they came to life and spent a day or two with them.  I can honestly write an entire blog post just on that topic.

That is the premise of Ruby Sparks. Paul is a writer, whose female lead (Ruby Sparks) in his novel comes to life and, surprise, surprise he falls in love with her and then the consequences of that follow make up the film. Does she really exist and if so, for how long?  I like this premise and it seems like an interesting twist on the rom/com genre. 


I’m also a fan of Paul Dano and he isn’t the Hollywood typical idea when it comes to romantic lead. I like the that. I just wish that they didn't go with the geeky, fumbling writer and paired him with the quirky female who brings him out of his shell. 

The Master

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson. Stars: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Pheonix, Amy Adam, Laura Dern. Release Date: TBA

Paul Thomas Anderson's The Master, has been controversial since he announced that this would be his follow up to There Will Be Blood. Why? The film has to do with the story of L. Ron Hubbard (Hoffman) the founder and the start of the Church of Scientology. Pheonix plays a post WWII drifter and taken under Hubbard’s wing. Not much else is known. There was a recent presentation at Cannes, along with the trailer, but early word is for an October release.

This is also Pheonix’s return to acting after his “retirement” and foray in rap music.

I’m dreaming of a Joaquin Pheonix/Daniel Day-Lewis or Philip Seymour Hoffman/Daniel Day-Lewis best actor showdown this coming awards season.

Lawless

Director: John Hillcoat. Stars: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Guy Pearce, Gary Oldman, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska. Release Date: August 2012.

Based on the true story of depression era bootleg gang, led by brothers Forest (Hardy) and Jack (LaBeouf) Bondurant. The authorities get in their way, but want a cut of their profits. Again, it was the trailer that intrigued me. The blurring of the lines of who is really the good or bad guys. It looks promising with a solid cast as well.

Gangster Squad

Director: Ruben Fleisher. Stars: Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin, Emma Stone, Giovanni Ribisi, Nick Nolte. Release Date: September 2012.

Based on the novel of the same name, Gangster Squad is the story of the LAPD’s struggle to keep the mafia from the East Coast out of Los Angeles.

Not only does this seem to have a stellar cast, but an overall old fashioned film noir vibe to it. As well as reminiscent of Brian De Palma's The Untouchables. 

The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby

Director/writer: Ned Benson. Stars: James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain. Release Date: TBA

This movie was only announced days ago and I’m already excited for it. Not only for the great talent involved, but this seems to be a bit of an experiment in filmmaking and viewing.

The description so far is this. “This will be a story of a married couple in New York and how they cope after a life altering experience.”

The twist? This will be two films told from the two different perspectives of the couple.  The Disappearance Of Eleanor Rigby: Him, and then in The Disappearance Of Eleanor Rigby: Her.

Not much else is known. In the press release it mentioned that both films will shoot separately. What is unknown so far is how they will relate and if the films will be released at the same time or separately.

 Intriguing nonetheless.

Brave

Director: Mark Andrews/Brenda Chapman.  Stars: Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Craig Ferguson, Kevin McKidd. Release Date: June 2012.

After taking a course on the history and technology of animation film from around the world, I’ve developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for animation films. Disney/Pixar is at it again.  Add that to my love of Scottish culture and well, you get my vote for cutest film of 2012.

The story is of Princess Merida, a feisty lass who is determined to defy the path that has already been laid out  for her. Her impulsiveness and a magical wish leads to a curse that she must be brave and undo to find her true fate.