As we come to the end of the January/February “catch up” period for American films that were released at the end of last year in their home country (it could also be called “Oscar fever”, if you’re so inclined), we bring you the 14 films we can’t wait for over the year ahead. There are a TONNE of films to choose from, so narrowing it down to just 14 has been far from an easy task! But let’s see what we can do…
14. Guardians of the Galaxy
Release Date: 7th August 2014
Teased for us at the end of Thor 2, we weren’t too sure about this one until we saw the trailer earlier this week. Seems like we’re in for a treat, in one of the most ambitious MARVEL films to date. Sure, Avengers was a big task, but they spent years introducing us to the characters – with some exceptions. Here, we’ve got the vibes of Watchmen or The Fantastic Four in the sense that it’s the introduction of a bunch of “superheroes” all at once. How this fits into the MARVEL Universe and leads into The Avengers 2 will be interesting indeed, though one thing seems to be clear from the trailer: this will be Chris Pratt’s show. And there’s nothing wrong with that (especially for us Parks and Recreation fans.
13. Godzilla
Release Date: 15th May 2014
Godzilla. Or: Let’s try this again. They disappointed in the first American attempt at the Japanese franchise, but with some pretty impressive actors at the helm for the 3D reboot, we’re feeling a bit more positive about this one.
12. The Fault In Our Stars
Release Date: 5th June 2014
An adaptation of the much-loved book by John Green. We’re looking forawrd to seeing how it will shape up.
11. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1
Release Date: 20th November 2014
The passing of Philip Seymour Hoffman will add an unexpected poignancy to the first part (of two) of the final book in the Hunger Games series. After two fantastic films, the expectations are high, though much in the same way that Harry Potter came to an end, they’re keeping much the same production team on board to see it over the finish line. If it ain’t broke, why fix it? We can’t wait.
10. Captain America: Winter Soldier
Release Date: 2rd April 2014
Let’s see how the sequel to Captain America shapes up in a post-Avengers, post Thor 2 market. The expectations and stakes are raised higher and higher each time Marvel bring another film out, will they be able to please?
9. Big Eyes
Release Date: TBC 2014
Amy Adams and Christoph Waltz star in a very out of character Tim Burton film about an divorced artist couple at odds with each other. Let’s hope it’s a return to form – or, better yet: a step away from it.
8. Wolf Creek 2
Release Date: Today!
John Jarratt is back as Mick, so already we know this could be a winner. 2013 was a very slow year in Aussie filmmaking so let’s hope this film will start 2014 off right. The film is released in Australia today…
7. Under The Skin
Release Date: May 2014 (TBC)
Scarlett Johansson as a man-eating, more than occasionally nude extra terrestrial roaming the Scottish highlands in search of lonely hitchhikers. It’s a story straight from your daydreams.
6. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
Release Date: 31st July 2014
After the commercial and critical success of Rise of the Planet of the Apes, it will be interesting to see how closely this sticks to the original film. The trailer certainly has us intrigued.
5. X-Men: Days of Future Past
Release Date: 22nd May 2014
Bringing the original cast and the original director together with the new generation cast via some form of time travel is going to either make for one hell of an amazing film, or a total clusterfuck. We’re going to be along for the ride either way. Anything to see Patrick Stewart and Ian Mckellan on the same screen, really.
4. 22 Jump Street
Release Date: 5th June 2014
The trailer, which you can view HERE, is hilarious. The first film was one of the surprise comedies of the year when it was released, with a killer script and excellent turns from both Hill and Tatum. We’re pretty unapologetic in our anticipation of this one. Though we understand that comedy sequels rarely amaze…
3. The Lego Movie
Release Date: 3rd April 2014
This movie sounded like a stupid idea until the trailer was released. What works is the fact that the film-makers seem to be in on the joke of how ridiculous the concept of making a movie about Lego is. The humour looks great and it has a brilliant voice cast including Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell and Morgan Freeman. Plus it’s written and directed by the guys who made 21 Jump Street. And, it’s sitting on 96% on Rotten Tomatoes… Keen? It’s like reliving your childhood nostalgia and all those little characters coming to life… how could you NOT be!?
2. The Grand Budapest Hotel
Release Date: 10th April 2014
Do we even need to… oh come on – Wes Anderson bringing what may be the greatest cast in history together for a premise that is both strange and wonderful, in a way that only Wes could get away with. We can’t WAIT for this one.
1. Interstellar
Release Date: 6th November 2014
It’s a new Christopher Nolan movie. About time travel. Enough said.
All release dates were correct at the time of printing. For latest dates, visit our Release Dates page HERE.
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