New Movies 2012

See my 2013 list here: http://www.stubbornfool.com/2013/01/new-movies-2013.html
What follows is a selection of some of the most anticipated movies for release in 2012. A whole mess of new movies are heading our way in 2012. There are a few brand new stories. But some of the most anticipated films of this new year are sequels, others are remakes, and the rest are made up of rehashed ideas. I included trailers for some, and descriptions for all of these most talked about films.

The Dark Knight Rises

The Dark Knight Rises, July 2012

The film marks the final in the Batman trilogy for Christian Bale. The idea was to make three films starring Bale  with Christopher Nolan at the helm. The villain this time is Bane, yes, that Bane. The one that broke Batman's back in the 1993 comic book. I am guessing that won't happen here. Set eight years after The Dark Knight,  Bane will be The Batman's ultimate challenge, both physically and mentally.

Perhaps you have already seen it. This video has been viewed some 30 million times between iTunes and YouTube.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2

Due out November 2012. The love story between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen concludes in this

final installment of this Stephenie Meyer's series. If you are a girl you will like this. Get what I am saying?

Breaking Dawn Part 2

The Avengers, May 2012

Looking at the characters and the actors, this should be an awesome flick. Should be. The movie stays true to the original story line of the world's greatest superheroes banding together to save the world, and realizing they don't like each other much. Look for Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Incredible Hulk in this live action Marvel sequel. Stars Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johanson, Samuel L Jackson, Gwyneth Paltrow.

Watch the trailer and get blown away.

The Expendables 2, August 2012

I guess JCVD learned his lesson. Van Damme apparently and foolishly turned down a role in the first film. Look for him and Chuck Norris and a who's who of the action world. Also joining the cast is Liam Hemsworth.

Stars Statham, Bruce Willis, Stallone, Schwarzennegar, Jet Li, Lundgren. My disappointment? Charisma Carpenter is nowhere to be found in part 2. I am happy to note Steven Segal is also nowhere to be found.
edit: Carpenter will appear in the film.

The Hobbit, the Dwarves

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Dec 2012

The Hobbit: There and Back Again, Dec 2013

I am a huge fan of Tolkien's books, especially, the Trilogy. This could be the film of the year. Or decade. Will lightning strike twice? The Hobbit is a prequel to the Lord of the Rings and covers the story of how Bilbo found the ring and his adventures before and after. They have taken certain liberties in the story - as they did with LOTR - to make the film appealing to all. This time, mostly in the form of Evangeline Lilly's character Tauriel which was made up for this film.

The Amazing Spider-Man, July 2012

A reboot of a reboot of a reboot. Wouldn't it be embarrassing for the filmmakers if this movie sucked? After all, it's only five years since the last Spider-Man movie. Was it necessary to start over? I was wondering who would go see it. And then I realized, I would got see it. Andrew Garfield takes over as Spider-Man. And it also stars the amazing Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy. Emma freaking Stone! Also Martin Sheen and Denis Leary.

Underworld Awakening, 20 January 2012

No idea if it is any good. But it stars Kate Beckinsale. In leather! The action series Romeo and Juliet for vampires and werewolves continues. Twilight for guys. So if I wasn't clear earlier gentlemen, Twilight = bad, Underworld = good.

Speaking of hot women in leather Milla Jovovich returns in Resident Evil: Retribution. Michelle Rodriguez returns as Rain as they once again battle the Umbrella Corporation. September 2012

Resident Evil 5:Retribution

Total Recall, August 2012

Kate Beckinsale stars with Colin Farrell taking over the role of Quaid in this remake of the 1990 Schwarzneggar feature. Jessica Biel is Melina. The amazingly talented Bill Nighy costars.

The Great Gatsby, December 2012

This adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel stars Leonardo Dicaprio. After The Departed I no longer hated Leonardo Dicaprio and have since watched his performances with an open mind. I got over what he did to Growing Pains.

The Great Gatsby is a classic that we were forced to read in grade 11. I guess I got over that too.

This Baz Luhrmann directed film is the 7th retelling of the novel.

I have seen several dramatic versions of Les Miserables but oddly enough I have never seen the musical. The story is set in early 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from prison, breaks parole to create a new life for himself all the while evading the driven Inspector Javert.

This musical stars Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, Helena Bonham Carter. December 2012

I've had a boner for this next movie ever since it was first announced and I sat through the pain as its release was met with delay after delay. Finally set for a November 2012 release, this remake may suck but I want to see Red Dawn. In this version a group of teenagers attempt to save their town from an attack as North Korean soldiers invade the United States.

The first one was a lot of fun and showed some unexpected grit for a movie of its era. And we got to see all the stars of the 90s and early 00s before they were stars. Can't predict that the remake will have the same impact.

Red Dawn

Seen the trailer? John Carter, Edgar Rice Burroughs second most famous character March 2012.

I will watch anything with Liam Neeson. He's got a busy year ahead with four films set to be released.

The Grey January 2012

In Alaska, an oil drilling team struggles to survive after a plane crash strands them in the wild. Hunting the humans are a pack of wolves who see them as intruders. Also,

Wrath of the Titans, March 2012 Sequel to the the remake Clash of the Titans.

Battleship, May 2012 Based on the Milton Bradley game, a fleet of ships is forced to do battle with an armada of unknown origins in order to discover and thwart their destructive goals.

Untitled Taken Sequel, Oct 2012 This time Neeson's character is kidnapped. No mention if it is the daughter that rescues him.

The Raven, March 2012

I have read everything ever written by Edgar Allan Poe so this is a bit of a kick. A fictionalized account of Poe's last days in pursuit of a serial killer and completely opposite of Poe's true character. Poe the person was not a happy man and was hardly the hero. In this film the poet is in pursuit of a killer whose murders mirror those of the characters in the stories. John Cusack stars.

Because it hasn't made enough money, the 2nd highest grossing film of all time will be re-released in a 3D version. I can't wait to see that scene where Jack sketches Rose. Yes, Titanic 3D. April 2012

Three Stooges, April 2012

Everybody who was anybody, was associated with this film at one point or another. Larry David plays a nun. So it has to be funny. Sean Hayes plays Larry and some lesser known actors are the other stooges.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, June 2012

Based on a true story.
In it President Lincoln's mother is killed by a supernatural creature, which fuels his passion to crush vampires and their slave-owning helpers. Stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Rufus Sewell.

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter

World War Z, December 2012

We have seen a lot of great films of zombie lore in the last few years, call it the golden age, or at least the silver age of the walking dead in film. After Zombieland, The Walking Dead, Shaun of the Dead, 28 Days Later, can there be another good one?

Based on the novel by Max Brooks, who also wrote The Zombie Survival Guide, a UN representative, writing a report on the great zombie war, interviews survivors in the wake of World War Z. Brad Pitt stars.  Brooks was a writer on SNL from 2001- 2003. He is also son of the legendary Mel Brooks.

World War Z

Star Trek 2

And a few more...

Star Trek Sequel

May 2013 and in 3D. J.J. Abrams' reboot continues. Set production started in 2011. Filming started January 2012.

Ghostbusters III,  201?

Most of the original cast and a few younger known B status actors.

Arrested Development, 201? Return of the Bluths. What's the hold up?!

Arrested Development

Super Troopers 2 Has been in development hell for a couple years. Who knows if this will ever be released. A sequel to the incredibly funny 2001 film.

A whole mess of new movies are heading our way in 2012. I am excited to see most of these 2012 new movies. Did I miss any? Super Troopers 2, Arrested Development, Ghostbusters III, Star Trek Sequel,World War Z, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Three Stooges, The Raven, John Carter, The Avengers, Red Dawn, Les Miserables, The Great Gatsby, Total Recall, Underworld Awakening, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, The Hobbit: There and Back Again, The Expendables 2, The Twilight Saga, The Dark Knight Rises

Red Dawn is On!

The L.A. Times is reporting an overhaul of the film Red Dawn. The movie, already complete, and long passed the originally scheduled 2010 release date, is getting a new antagonist. Perhaps MGM bankruptcy troubles were a godsend, only time will tell. As I have mentioned before, the film plot surrounds the invasion of the U.S.A. by foreign aggressors. The original script and final production had the Chinese invading. It seems though, with the huge film market that exists in China for American film, producers decided to erase any mention of attacking Chinese. The L.A. times reports "filmmakers now are digitally erasing Chinese flags and military symbols from 'Red Dawn,' substituting dialogue and altering the film to depict much of the invading force as being from North Korea."

Red Dawn

Does this have you worried? What film of good quality would receive such a major overhaul? I am starting to wonder if the studio's financial woes were not the only reason for keeping the film in the can. Is it really just money talking? Politics? We shall see once Red Dawn finally hits the big screens.
I have been on the edge of my seat waiting for the release since I heard of it in 2007. The original hit the theatres in 1984 and was a fun gritty film about a bunch of High Schoolers who take on an invading force from the Soviet Union.
The fears of the Cold War added to the success of the film. But whose afraid of China these days? North Korea and their wacky leader make a much better target. Not to mention the much smaller market of North Korea, where it is unlikely the film will ever be released. Red Dawn stars Chris Hemsworth and is expected to hit the box office some time in 2011. Details of the release are still sketchy, although it has been reported that Denmark will screen the film in September 2011. More to come...

Most Anticipated Movies of 2011

See my 2013 list here: http://www.stubbornfool.com/2013/01/new-movies-2013.html
See my new 2012 list here:  www.stubbornfool.com/2012/01/new-movies-2012.html

Ever since Tron hit the theatres, and with the ongoing delays to Red Dawn's release, I had to focus on the other films coming up in 2011. After a little bit of thought, very little thought come to think of it, I compiled a list of movies that I think will be big important film releases in 2011. Important for me. Important in that I want to see them. How did I come up with these titles? What were my criteria? Glad you asked. For each one I asked myself, out loud, do I want to see it in the theatre or do I wait until it's on one of my movie channels. The list of films below are those I am willing to pay at least $8 (but probably $10) to see in the theatre. as the way things go in Hollywood these days, most of the films below are not original scripts but sequels and remakes. 

The Hangover Part II - I watched the original this week. The first time I saw it, I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. I listened the hype. With the second and third viewings of the film it just got funnier. In the sequel the boys travel to Bangkok for Stu's wedding. I noticed that Heather Graham is not reprising her role. As much as I like Graham, it would have been too easy a plot. Best line from the original? "I didn't know they gave out rings at the Holocaust." (May 2011).


Paul - I wrote about this a few days back. The third film starring Nick Frost and Simon Pegg and it's not a sequel. They first worked together on the brilliant Shaun of the Dead and again on Hot Fuzz. More funny comedy. (March 2011)

Scream 4 - The Scream franchise launched a sub genre of spoof horror films. The third was to be the last but I have no issues with another sequel. I like Courtenay Cox. Too bad Dirt went off the air. Also reprising their roles are David Arquette and Neve Campbell. (April 2011).


Cowboys & Aliens - The only three things you need to know about this movie, 1 - extra-terrestrials arrive in a spaceship in the old west of Arizona 1873 to take over the Earth, b - it stars Harrison Ford, 7 - it stars Daniel Craig. Just in case you need more, it's directed by John Favreau and it's based on a comic book. (July 2011).


Hall Pass - The one thing you need to know about this film is that it's by the Farrelly Brothers. Christina Applegate, Jenna Fischer, Owen Wilson, Alyssa Milano. (February 2011).


Unknown - I haven't hear much about this one except that it stars Liam Neeson, one of my favourite actors. It's a thriller where a man awakens from a coma, only to discover that someone has taken on his identity and that no one, not even his wife, believes him. (February 2011).

Tintin & Snowy (Milou)

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn - This was supposed to be live action but in the end to stay true to Hergé's vision it is animated. Simon Pegg, Daniel Craig and Jamie Bell as Tintin. There is no indication of who stars as the unicorn. (December 2011).


The Adjustment Bureau - an adaptation of the Philip K Dick short story. Maybe you haven't read his stories but you have seen the films (Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report). (March 2011).


Conan the Barbarian - Having been a fan of the Robert E Howard stories I have been looking forward to this one. And not since the 1982 Arnie and James Earl Jones film have we seen a proper adaptation. Not that the '82 film stuck to the original story but it was fun. (August 2011).

The most sensational, inspirational

The Muppets - An all-star cast and written by Jason Segal. It's the Muppets!!! (November 2011).


Red Dawn - I been blogging for a year and I have been writing about this movie for a year. Nuff said. (? 2011).


A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas - If I have to tell you anything about this movie, it ain't for you. (November 2011).

Zombieland 2 - The number one rule is good cardio. No official word if the entire cast will be back. Or if any of the cast will be back. Only freaking rumours. (postponed until 2013).


Super Troopers 2 - The first ST movie is one of the funniest movies ever. The guys from Broken Lizard are back. I am hoping Brian Cox reprises his role. Original plot ideas had this set up as a prequel, but it in fact picks up months after the last film left off. (Postponed to 2012).

One reason I liked Zombieland

300: Battle of Artemisia - Prequel to Frank Miller's 300. The first one was great so the second has to be great also. Right? Right? Anyone? (postponed to 2013).


The Raven - Having read everything ever written by Edgar Allan Poe, and a few stories about him, I was intrigued by this fictionalized account of Poe's life. Poe the person was not a happy man and was hardly the hero. In this film the poet is in pursuit of a killer whose murders mirror those of the characters in the stories. John Cusack stars. (postponed to 2012).


Battlestar Galactica - A remake of the 2004 movie? NO. It's a remake of the 70s TV show. This makes no sense whatsoever. The prequel TV series Caprica is already out there. The re-imagined TV movies and series were hugely popular and so well done. A remake of a remake that just got off the air? It turns out the re-imagining of the show wasn't enough. This is a remake of the original TV series. Make sense now? No? Didn't think so. (? 2011).


Speaking of remakes, Warriors is the retelling of the amazing 1979 film. The Baseball Furies may be back and maybe some fan fury if this movie sucks. (? 2011).


Pride and Prejudice and Zombies - The film adaptation of the Jane Austen parody novel written by Seth Grahame-Smith. More zombie fun. (postponed, now 2013).


There is very little out there about Auschwitz. Never forget. The film is set for a German screening in February but no word on a North American release. This is a must see. (2011).


Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, X-Men: First Class, Green Lantern. Too many super hero movies. Although the 2012 Avengers looks pretty good.

Red Dawn

This is getting painful. While everyone was holding their breath for the release of Harry Potter, while millions await the release of the next Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader , while hundreds thousands of people look forward to Tron: Legacy, I may be the only person in the world sweating it out for the Red Dawn remake.
Originally scheduled for a September 2010 theatrical release, the film had been pushed back to November, and now until sometime in 2011. Red Dawn is a remake of the 1984 film of the same name, where a group of high school athletes take to defending their town from invading armies. The movie, filmed in Michigan, has been caught in the bankruptcy troubles of MGM.
The 1984 film plot played off Cold War fears as Soviet and Cuban troops invade U.S. soil, with the "Wolverines" attempting to fend off the invaders. The 2011 update takes the West's fear of China's rise as its driving force.
The original cast was a who's who of Hollywood, before they were stars. boasting the likes of Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Jennifer Grey and Charlie Sheen. The sequel? A couple familiar faces, will this film launch their careers?
In the mean time, Tron's North American release is set for December 17th.

Red Dawn Cast

Red Dawn of Tron

I am looking forward to the release of two films, both of the remake and sequel variety. Tron: Legacy a sequel to the amazing 1982 film Tron, is scheduled for a December release. Red Dawn, a remake of the 1984 motion picture is due some time in 2010. They cannot be released quick enough for my liking.  Rumour has it though that financial troubles over at MGM has delayed the scheduled fall release of Red Dawn.

My friend Mike suggested that there are far too many remakes and sequels for his liking and he has no interest in seeing these films. This from a man whose living room is covered with Goldorak posters. What's old is new again my friend. Just like you after botox.

Tron is a film about a computer hacker who gets pulled in his employer's mainframe. He is forced to be a combatant in a series of dangerous competitions. The mix of live action, dazzling animation and hand painted effects kept me spellbound when I first saw the film. I plan to watch it before the sequel is released as I am curious if the original can stand up to the test of time. Interstingly enough, the original is a Walt Disney production but has been largely ignored in the last number of years. Jeff Bridges stars in both Tron and Legacy.

While you watch the trailer, keep in mind that in 1982 the household computer was something new, computers were still largely in the realm of science fiction. Also to note the popular Commodore 64 and Apple II were home computers with 64KB capacities.

Tron was produced in 1982 on a budget of $17 million and pulled in $33 million in the North American box office. It was later nominated for two Academy Awards, for sound and costume design. Tron spawned video games and arcade games as well a a couple Family Guy spoofs.

Red Dawn was released two years after Tron. The only connection as far as I am concerned is that they are 80s films re-imagined for today's screens. Red Dawn was a great action film that realized the imagination of many boys. It fulfilled the fantasy of being an action star or a real hero.

The film contained enough grit to make it feel real. It also had enough exaggerated exploits to make it fun.

The plot- High School football jocks take on an army of Soviets invading the U.S.A.

We get our heroes and maidens, and even a conflicted bad guy.

The original starred a then cast of unknowns, Patrick Swayze, C Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Charlie Sheen and Jennfer Grey. They threw is a couple old timers for balance in Harry Dean Stanton ("Avenge Me!"), Ben Johnson and Powers Boothe. In a seven week wide release it took in $38 million.

The 2010 remake has the Chinese "People's Liberation Army" invading the U.S. of A. It is up to the Wolverines to counter the invasion. In a year that provided us with A-Team, The Losers, and The Expendables, why not a High School football team taking on occupying foreign armies?