Movies With Potential (that I haven't seen yet)
by danhollow | created - 05 Sep 2011 | updated - 02 May 2014 | PublicMovies I think look good. Personally. Which means your opinion does not matter.
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1. The Woman in Black (2012)
PG-13 | 95 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A young solicitor travels to a remote village where he discovers that the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.
Director: James Watkins | Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer, Ciarán Hinds, Emma Shorey
Votes: 192,671 | Gross: $54.33M
The trailer for this movie seriously hooked me. I am going to absolutely ignore any reviews I see of this. I want to judge this one myself. I pray that it is like the trailer made it appear; a movie where the fear comes from the atmosphere.
2. A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011)
R | 90 min | Adventure, Comedy
Six years after their Guantanamo Bay adventure, stoner buds Harold Lee and Kumar Patel cause a holiday fracas by inadvertently burning down Harold's father-in-law's prize Christmas tree.
Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson | Stars: Kal Penn, John Cho, Neil Patrick Harris, Patton Oswalt
Votes: 72,745 | Gross: $35.03M
You know, I don't really hate 3-D. I think it's used far too much these days; but I don't think it's horrible. Still, I expect to laugh a lot at how many bad 3-D gimmicks these guys throw in just to show how overdone it's becoming. That, and Neil Patrick Harris.
3. The Avengers (2012)
PG-13 | 143 min | Action, Sci-Fi
Earth's mightiest heroes must come together and learn to fight as a team if they are going to stop the mischievous Loki and his alien army from enslaving humanity.
Director: Joss Whedon | Stars: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner
Votes: 1,459,663 | Gross: $623.28M
Duh.
It actually is as awesome as it was built up to be. More than that, I will not say.
P.S. Hulk vs Loki, imaginations GO!
4. Paranormal Activity 3 (2011)
R | 83 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
In 1988, young sisters Katie and Kristi befriend an invisible entity called Toby, who resides in their home.
Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman | Stars: Chloe Csengery, Jessica Tyler Brown, Christopher Nicholas Smith, Lauren Bittner
Votes: 99,761 | Gross: $104.01M
The first one was pretty okay in my book, the ending terrified me. The whole second movie terrified me. I hope they can keep it up.
They didn't. Wasn't terrible, but wasn't as good as either of the others.
5. Machete Kills in Space
Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi | Pre-production
Voz flees to outer space after attempting to start a nuclear war on Earth and there is only one man who the President can trust to take Voz down: Machete.
Director: Robert Rodriguez | Star: Danny Trejo
Oh God yes!
6. The Lords of Salem (2012)
R | 101 min | Horror, Thriller
Radio DJ Heidi is sent a box containing a record--a "gift from the Lords". The sounds within the grooves trigger flashbacks of her town's violent past. Is Heidi going mad, or are the Lords back to take revenge on Salem, Massachusetts?
Director: Rob Zombie | Stars: Sheri Moon Zombie, Meg Foster, Bruce Davison, Jeff Daniel Phillips
Votes: 32,321 | Gross: $1.16M
More original Rob Zombie stuff; iz gonna be fuuuuun. A little worried he might make it a little too over-the-top, but I have faith in the guy. He seems to know where to draw the line. When it counts.
7. The World's End (2013)
R | 109 min | Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from twenty years earlier unwittingly become humanity's only hope for survival.
Director: Edgar Wright | Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Martin Freeman, Rosamund Pike
Votes: 298,258 | Gross: $26.00M
Hot Fuzz is my favorite movie of all time. Shaun of the Dead was okay. I didn't love it; but I can NOT wait for the third of the "Blood and Ice Cream trilogy" to come out!
8. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)
PG-13 | 103 min | Drama
Charlie, a 15-year-old introvert, enters high school and is nervous about his new life. When he befriends his seniors, he learns to cope with his friend's suicide and his tumultuous past.
Director: Stephen Chbosky | Stars: Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, Ezra Miller, Paul Rudd
Votes: 548,136 | Gross: $17.74M
Loved the book, and the author is writing AND directing. Who else would we trust? Going to be very interesting seeing Emma Watson as Sam; it's quite a different role for her.
When they finally released a trailer, I went in hoping the movie would look good. 2:30 minutes later, I felt better than I could remember feeling for a long time. I am going to cherish this movie forever.
This movie is a gem. There's going to be a whole generation that cherishes every scene, character, and line in it.
9. Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)
PG-13 | 132 min | Action, Adventure, Thriller
The IMF is shut down when it's implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization's name.
Director: Brad Bird | Stars: Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton
Votes: 528,542 | Gross: $209.40M
The trailer blew me away. I'm seeing it. End of discussion.
The movie blew me away. I'm buying it. End of discussion.
10. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012)
R | 105 min | Action, Fantasy, Horror
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, discovers vampires are planning to take over the United States. He makes it his mission to eliminate them.
Director: Timur Bekmambetov | Stars: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Cooper, Anthony Mackie
Votes: 161,672 | Gross: $37.52M
Oh hell yeah!
Loved it. Some changes made, but a lot of them worked very well.
11. The Muppets (2011)
PG | 103 min | Adventure, Comedy, Family
A Muppet fanatic with some help from his 2 human compatriots must regroup the Muppet gang to stop an avaricious oil mogul from taking down one of their precious life-longing treasures.
Director: James Bobin | Stars: Amy Adams, Jason Segel, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones
Votes: 96,879 | Gross: $88.63M
It's the *beep* Muppets.
It was awesome.
12. In Time (2011)
PG-13 | 109 min | Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
In a future where people stop aging at 25, but are engineered to live only one more year, having the means to buy your way out of the situation is a shot at immortal youth. Will Salas is accused of murder and on the run with a hostage.
Director: Andrew Niccol | Stars: Justin Timberlake, Amanda Seyfried, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde
Votes: 446,526 | Gross: $37.52M
The concept is definitely intriguing, time replaces the currency of the world. And unlike the world today, when you run out of money, you die. Nothing is drawn out. If you have one bad day and don't make your quota, it's over. And with the use of people's lives as currency comes people with time to spare who equate taking someone's life with taking their property.
Here's the thing, I really don't think Justin Timberlake needs to ego boost right now; but I'm still interested in seeing it. I hope it's as good as it looks.
It is as good as it looks. And I really hope for sequels. Lord knows the possibilities for a world run on time are endless.
13. The Big Year (2011)
PG | 100 min | Comedy
Two bird enthusiasts try to defeat the cocky, cutthroat world record holder in a year-long bird-spotting competition.
Director: David Frankel | Stars: Owen Wilson, Jack Black, Steve Martin, John Cleese
Votes: 47,994 | Gross: $7.20M
All 3 of these guys have had their fair share of flops and unfunny flicks in the last several years, so there is that threat and concern here. Still, I have hopes that this can be the kind of movie that could start a recovery for them. I'm not expecting rave reviews, they shouldn't be trying to overdo things. Do what they did at the start of their careers, focus on doing a good job and being funny. Even if they don't get in as many jokes, if they can do well with what they have, they should do well.
I have hopes for this movie.
It's a fun and caring movie. The director definitely made this with a lot of love. Bird Watchers will love it, as will anyone willing to give it a try and get into it.
14. Arthur Christmas (2011)
PG | 97 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Santa's clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission with Grandsanta to give out a misplaced present to a young girl in less than two hours on Christmas Day.
Directors: Sarah Smith, Barry Cook | Stars: James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Hugh Laurie
Votes: 67,110 | Gross: $46.46M
I love Aardman, and they do some fantastic work. I also love Hugh Laurie, and James McAvoy is growing on me as well. Plus the animation looks fantastic and the story interesting.
I loved it. Most complicated Santa characters I've ever seen, but also with the love and hilarity we've come to expect from Aardman.
15. The Hunger Games (2012)
PG-13 | 142 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games: a televised competition in which two teenagers from each of the twelve Districts of Panem are chosen at random to fight to the death.
Director: Gary Ross | Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci
Votes: 1,003,953 | Gross: $408.01M
Haven't read the books myself, but when I saw the full-length trailer, I was hooked. It got my blood pumping so much more than I was expecting. This looks like one of the most exciting movies I've seen in a while.
I liked it. Didn't blow me away, but I definitely liked it. Isabelle Fuhrman still scares me whenever I see her.
16. Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
PG-13 | 127 min | Action, Adventure, Biography
In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen.
Director: Rupert Sanders | Stars: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Sam Claflin
Votes: 302,476 | Gross: $155.33M
I suppose I'm one of the few people who recognizes Kristen Stewart as a good actress; but she is. Aside from that, this movie hooked me visually. It looks unbelievable. Beautiful and twisted and disturbing and affecting and so much more I can't put it into words; all at once.
The visuals are absolutely the best part of this movie. The gothic feel and look; I can't put it into satisfactory words, you need to see and experience it. Ms. Stewart also at her most emotional, laughing, singing, dancing, giving a rousing war speech. But Charlize Theron absolutely steals the show as Queen Ravenna.
17. Hugo (2011)
PG | 126 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
In 1931 Paris, an orphan living in the walls of a train station gets wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.
Director: Martin Scorsese | Stars: Asa Butterfield, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Lee, Ben Kingsley
Votes: 336,870 | Gross: $73.86M
Admittedly, I don't quite know what to say about Hugo. I haven't watched some of the longer trailers, and i don't quite know what to make of it yet. But I am a fan of Martin Scorsese, so here's hoping.
Immensely enjoyable movie. Particularly if you've done a report or two on "Man in the Moon" by Georges Melies.
18. The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
PG-13 | 164 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
Eight years after the Joker's reign of chaos, Batman is coerced out of exile with the assistance of the mysterious Selina Kyle in order to defend Gotham City from the vicious guerrilla terrorist Bane.
Director: Christopher Nolan | Stars: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman
Votes: 1,827,970 | Gross: $448.14M
This may well be the only movie more anticipated than The Avengers or The Muppets. Me, I'm somewhat undecided. Batman Begins is probably my favorite superhero movie of all time, and The Dark Knight was.....well it was the god**** Dark Knight, do I even have to say it? Beyond that, I thoroughly enjoy Nolan's style of real effects over CGI whenever possible.
I liked it. Bane was a ton of fun and is definitely one of my favorite characters in the series, and Anne Hathaway definitely gives a great spin on Catwoman.
19. The Grey (2011)
R | 117 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
After their plane crashes in Alaska, six oil workers are led by a skilled huntsman to survival, but a pack of merciless wolves haunts their every step.
Director: Joe Carnahan | Stars: Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo, Dallas Roberts
Votes: 263,381 | Gross: $51.58M
I was against seeing this movie the moment I saw the cover page (the one to the left of this paragraph). I thought "oh God, they're trying to kill Liam Neeson's career with another poorly-devised action flick". Then once I started watching the trailer the idea of the movie began to grow on me. In particular the ferocity and savagery of the characters and their surroundings. It actually looks fairly exhilarating.
It was exhilarating, and very raw. Not to mention the beautiful snowy landscapes.
20. Haywire (2011)
R | 93 min | Action, Drama, Thriller
A black ops super soldier seeks payback after she is betrayed and set up during a mission.
Director: Steven Soderbergh | Stars: Gina Carano, Ewan McGregor, Michael Fassbender, Michael Angarano
Votes: 89,780 | Gross: $18.94M
Another movie I dismissed as a dumb action flick the moment I saw the poster. Again, then I saw the trailer, and it changed my mind. The acting looks good, I'm a fan of several of the actors, the action looks both awesome and realistic and (thank god) not shot at 3 cuts a second. I'm definitely going to try and check this one out.
How to describe Haywire? Think a B-Action flick (like an Old Van Damme film or a Steve Austin film), subtract the cheesy, add in an ensemble cast of great actors with a relentless MMA fighter (Ms. Gina Carano), excellent cinematography, and relatively little dialogue/story.
Still, it all works. The story is simple and resolves without dragging things out, mostly because there isn't really an emphasis on dialogue. Action does the talking. It's realistic by action movie standards, with Carano issues beatings with elbows, knees, hands, grapple holds and jumping strikes without going for cheesy posturing or one-liners. If you're looking for Die Hard, go somewhere else; this film isn't for everyone.
21. Carnage (2011)
R | 80 min | Comedy, Drama
Two pairs of parents hold a cordial meeting after their sons are involved in a fight, though as their time together progresses, increasingly childish behavior throws the discussion into chaos.
Director: Roman Polanski | Stars: Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, John C. Reilly
Votes: 133,040 | Gross: $2.55M
I haven't seen much Roman Polanski, but I know he has a reputation for some incredible films. Then I found this film about two pairs of parents arguing with each other about a fight their kids got into, and I just loved it. No action, no CGI, no stupid gimmicks, just four exceptional actors working with an exceptional director on what looks to be a hilarious film.
I may have overjudged the film as "hilarious". It's a real-time event between two families over an hour or so. I recommend anyone with ADD go see Hit & Run instead, this movie will probably bore you. Still, all the actors do a fantastic job and there are definitely some funny moments.
22. This Means War (2012)
PG-13 | 103 min | Action, Comedy, Romance
C.I.A. operatives wage an epic battle on each other when they discover they are dating the same woman.
Director: McG | Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine, Tom Hardy, Til Schweiger
Votes: 194,260 | Gross: $54.76M
Admittedly, this looks gimmicky. I acknowledge that it appears to be somewhat juvenile and stupid. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the trailers and I think it looks like some good, simple fun. Haven't decided if I'm actually going to see it, but I think it may do all right.
23. Goon (2011)
R | 92 min | Comedy, Drama, Sport
Labeled an outcast by his brainy family, a bouncer overcomes long odds to lead a team of under performing misfits to semi-pro hockey glory, beating the crap out of everything that stands in his way.
Director: Michael Dowse | Stars: Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill, Eugene Levy
Votes: 90,810 | Gross: $4.17M
Is it dumb? Is it exploitive? Is it unrealistic and contrived? Yes to all the above. But as a former hockey player myself, I know it will also be fun. Even if it has almost nothing to do with the game itself.
Hey, I can enjoy a good dumb movie as much as anyone.
I loved this movie. It's not about winning the big game, it isn't even about one of the big teams. It's all about this exceedingly sweet guy who can brawl like a champ. It's also about teamwork, and being a part of a whole, not just relying on individual talent. This is now my favorite hockey movie of all-time.
24. The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
R | 124 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
One year after meeting, Tom proposes to his girlfriend, Violet, but unexpected events keep tripping them up as they look to walk down the aisle together.
Director: Nicholas Stoller | Stars: Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Chris Pratt, Alison Brie
Votes: 102,575 | Gross: $28.84M
I'm a huge Jason Segel fan, and I also adore Emily Blunt. I'm really looking forward to watching her cut loose. And there's no better person to make her feel comfortable cutting loose than Jason Segel; he's one of the sweetest guys in Hollywood today.
One of the sweetest love stories I've ever seen on film. It's a miracle a movie like this was made.
25. The Three Stooges (2012)
PG | 92 min | Comedy, Family
While trying to save their childhood orphanage, Moe, Larry, and Curly inadvertently stumble into a murder plot and wind up starring in a reality television show.
Directors: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly | Stars: Sean Hayes, Chris Diamantopoulos, Will Sasso, Jane Lynch
Votes: 33,199 | Gross: $44.34M
I'm definitely going to throw the word "potential" around this movie a lot. It has the potential to be a very good Three Stooges movie from what I've seen of the trailers. The principal actors are relatively unknown (although I recognize one of them from $#!+ my Dad Says and an appearance on HIMYM), but they really seem to be throwing themselves into this movie as far as getting the Stooges many quirks and attributes down. There is lots of great slapstick and well-timed expressions that really makes me feel optimistic about this turning out well.
What worries me are things like the iPhone joke, the "Facebook Poke", and, of course, Snooki's appearance. Such things really don't need to be in a Three Stooges movie, although they do seem to be trying hard to make them work in the context of the film.
Throw your worries out the window! It's the Stooges and they can do no wrong! Watching Moe join the cast of Jersey Shore and brutalize every member over and over was hilarious!
26. Argo (2012)
R | 120 min | Biography, Drama, History
Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1979.
Director: Ben Affleck | Stars: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Alan Arkin
Votes: 639,241 | Gross: $136.03M
I'd heard of the story behind this movie about a story behind a movie, and I was intrigued. To save a small group of ambassadors from a hostile country that wants them dead, they smuggle them out under the guise of a science-fiction story titled "Argo".
When I finally got around to seeing the trailer, I was at first excited by the pretty intense political scenes I saw early on, then worried by some of the middle clips with emphasis placed on characters that I can barely see as relevant to saving these people's lives when it all comes down to it. But it ended with just as much tension and serious excitement as I was hoping for.
As it is, I am currently undecided on the film.
Watching it again, it grew on me more. Kind of like The Town, it gets better when you've seen it a few times. Great acting, spectacular pacing, and tightly directed. Still funny, too.
27. Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
PG | 101 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
A video game villain wants to be a hero and sets out to fulfill his dream, but his quest brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.
Director: Rich Moore | Stars: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman
Votes: 458,597 | Gross: $189.42M
Just looking at the cover for this movie; a movie regarding an obscure video game character from a game I'd never played, I expected nothing. Less than nothing, really, I half-expected it to look like a cheap YouTube video for a character very few people would know about.
But when I saw the trailer, I fell in love with this movie. Every video game boss I know and love, all gathered around discussing how they are bad guys, but not "bad guys"; you got Bison, Bowser, those Ghost Dudes from Pac-Man, zombies, etc all just talking around each other. Wreck-it Ralph has had enough, and starts hopping video games. I have no idea where it all goes from there, but from the small glimpse into this world that I got from the trailer, it looks like an amazing journey.
I cried watching this movie. My absolute favorite movie of 2012. This film is Toy Story for video games. Beautifully animated and a wonderful story; but what really caught me off-guard was how character-driven it was.
28. Pacific Rim (2013)
PG-13 | 131 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
As a war between humankind and monstrous sea creatures wages on, a former pilot and a trainee are paired up to drive a seemingly obsolete special weapon in a desperate effort to save the world from the apocalypse.
Director: Guillermo del Toro | Stars: Idris Elba, Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Charlie Day
Votes: 531,010 | Gross: $101.80M
Pacific Rim:
Guillermo Del Toro = Must See!
Giant Fighting Monsters vs Giant Fighting Robots = Must See!!
Charlie Day and Ron Perlman for Comic Relief = Must SEE!!!
It's awesome. But you knew that.
29. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
R | 122 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.
Director: David O. Russell | Stars: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver
Votes: 742,883 | Gross: $132.09M
I looked this movie up after hearing remarkably good things about it from Roger Ebert. I'm not a big Bradley Cooper fan, although I do enjoy a bit of Jennifer Lawrence every now and again.
I took a look at the trailer, and now this movie is on my list of movies-to-see. It's a movie I don't think I really caught the complete story from the trailer, but I got the feeling of it clearly. This is the movie to see for Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, both of them are doing the best acting I've ever seen from either of them. Furthermore, Robert DeNiro finally has a movie and a role that in no way insults his previous acting ability. This could be the movie that truly puts all of these great actors on critics' watch lists.
Put into easier terms; it's nice, sweet, quirky, funny, off-kilter, and above all enjoyable.
It takes a little while for this movie to really find its rhythm. The characters jump between sarcastic and blunt at random intervals, and it can be hard to tell if or when they're being serious in a conversation. But once the big football scene happened; I was completely hooked. The finale had me and the entire theater dying with laughter for reasons we can't properly explain.
30. Sinister (I) (2012)
R | 110 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
A controversial true-crime writer finds a box of Super 8 home movies in his new home, revealing that the murder case he is currently researching could be the work of an unknown serial killer whose legacy dates back to the 1960s.
Director: Scott Derrickson | Stars: Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, James Ransone, Fred Thompson
Votes: 280,292 | Gross: $48.09M
You judge an action movie by the action, you judge a comedy by whether or not it's funny. And you judge a horror movie by whether or not it's scary. This trailer physically took sleep away from me for a few nights. The guys behind Insidious and Paranormal Activity are definitely putting another quiet-but-creative frightfest together. Does it look good? Honestly? I don't really think so. But as far as being scary, this movie is taking a great stab at emulating the newest icon of terror; Slenderman. Sinister's presence is known as Bagul, once you see him or his mark, he starts appearing everywhere. Children are especially vulnerable. It works, I got scared. If that's enough for you, by all means see it.
Not as good as Insidious, but still a powerful and chilling horror movie. Low-budget, high-quality, wicked scare-factor.
31. The Protector 2 (2013)
R | 104 min | Action
When the owner of a major elephant camp is murdered, Kham finds himself the number one suspect and on the run from both the police and the deceased's vengeful twin nieces. But luck is on ... See full summary »
Director: Prachya Pinkaew | Stars: Tony Jaa, RZA, Phetthai Vongkumlao, JeeJa Yanin
Votes: 7,524 | Gross: $0.00M
32. Warm Bodies (2013)
PG-13 | 98 min | Comedy, Horror, Romance
After a highly unusual zombie saves a still-living girl from an attack, the two form a relationship that sets in motion events that might transform the entire lifeless world.
Director: Jonathan Levine | Stars: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich, Lio Tipton
Votes: 243,634 | Gross: $66.38M
It's amazing to think that a movie like this can be a game-changer for Zombie movies, but it's true. Think back, the last great evolution for zombie movies was when they started making them comedies. Before that, the last great innovation was zombies that could run. That's about it.
A way for zombies to actually change back? That's new territory.
This is a good, charming, fun film for horror fans. It knows the mistakes Twilight makes, and skates around them all brilliantly.
33. Sabotage (2014)
R | 109 min | Action, Crime, Drama
Members of an elite DEA task force find themselves being taken down one by one after they rob a drug cartel safe house.
Director: David Ayer | Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard, Olivia Williams
Votes: 66,277 | Gross: $10.51M
David Ayer's next project. I'm sold. Arnold's involved. I'm livid.
34. Machete Kills (2013)
R | 107 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
The U.S. government recruits Machete to battle his way through Mexico in order to take down an arms dealer who looks to launch a weapon into space.
Director: Robert Rodriguez | Stars: Danny Trejo, Alexa PenaVega, Mel Gibson, Jessica Alba
Votes: 82,428 | Gross: $8.01M
A) I love Machete. B) This promises to be everything the first film was; but MORE. C) In addition to Danny Trejo's return as the Mexican of all Mexicans, we also have Mel Gibson, Charlie Sheen, Sofia Vergara, Lady Gaga, Cuba Gooding Jr., Antonio Banderas, Alexa Vega....I'm starting to feel dizzy.... D) Return of the awesome Grindhouse Narrator for the previews!
35. Your Voice in My Head
Drama | Announced
A self-destructive writer struggles with her personal issues and embarks on the difficult road to recovery.
36. The Conjuring (2013)
R | 112 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren work to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in their farmhouse.
Director: James Wan | Stars: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Ron Livingston, Lili Taylor
Votes: 555,038 | Gross: $137.40M
I thought this was Insidious Chapter 2 for a while (even looks just like the house from Insidious). When I found out it wasn't, I was elated. The hide-and-seek trailer for this movie illustrates how much terror one can create with the smallest budget imaginable.
This film set a new standard by which we can judge horror films. I'll put my reputation on the line and say it's the best horror film of the 21st Century (so far).
37. Free Birds (2013)
PG | 91 min | Animation, Action, Adventure
A pair of turkeys discover a time machine and decide to use it to travel to the first Thanksgiving, to take turkeys off the menu forever.
Director: Jimmy Hayward | Stars: Woody Harrelson, Owen Wilson, Dan Fogler, Amy Poehler
Votes: 26,008 | Gross: $55.75M
I love animated movies, but if there's one thing that bothers me about them, it's when they try to just glide by. Movies like Cars, Rio, and now Turbo and Planes; they try to hide a weak and dull story behind a lot of celebrity names and animation.
This movie is more like the radical days of early Pixar. A turkey is discontent with the (admittedly accurate) stigma that turkeys are dumb. He is taken into captivity, and gets used to a pretty sweet gig until a crazy turkey revolutionary kicks in his door, kidnaps him, and drags him along on an adventure to go back in time and stop turkeys from being eaten during the first Thanksgiving, thus ensuring a better future for gobblers everywhere. Did that feel out of nowhere and crazy? I sure as hell thought so! Also, this mad turkey hero is voiced by Woody Harrelson.
This is the kind of animated movie that needs attention.
38. Hellboy (2019)
R | 120 min | Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, Hellboy battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.
Director: Neil Marshall | Stars: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Sasha Lane
Votes: 98,764 | Gross: $21.90M
PLEASE MAKE!
39. Jobs (2013)
PG-13 | 128 min | Biography, Drama
The story of Steve Jobs' ascension from college dropout into one of the most revered creative entrepreneurs of the 20th century.
Director: Joshua Michael Stern | Stars: Ashton Kutcher, Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas
Votes: 103,884 | Gross: $16.13M
I've never really been a big fan of Ashton Kutcher. I think part of the problem is how few serious films I've seen him do. Most of what i see him involved with is comedy, and he commonly plays obnoxious or annoying characters. He can be funny, don't get me wrong; but I never really saw anything that impressed me. The trailer for this film really caught me off-guard. Seeing Kutcher play a role so seriously; it was like seeing him again for the first time. I have a really good feeling about this film, and in particular his performance.
40. Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
R | 103 min | Action, Comedy, Crime
Following Kick-Ass' heroics, other citizens are inspired to become masked crusaders, but Red Mist leads his own group of evil super-villains to get revenge, kill Kick-Ass, and destroy everything he stands for.
Director: Jeff Wadlow | Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Jim Carrey
Votes: 288,517 | Gross: $28.80M
Kick Ass was okay in my book. I enjoyed some of the dark humor (particularly during the early days when he got thrashed about and beaten by the bad guys), although some of the gore and harsh realism bothered me. I enjoyed Chloe Moretz as Hit Girl, but Nicholas Cage gave my favorite performance as Big Daddy. I'm sad we won't be able to see him again (unless it's in flashback).
Now I'm inly making this judgment based on what I've seen in the trailers, but Hit Girl doesn't seem to be as compelling or interesting this time around. I dunno, maybe we've already been too desensitized, but she just doesn't seem to grab you like she did in the first film. Now Jim Carrey; that's another story entirely.
I was psyched the moment he was announced for the film, and when I actually saw him in the trailers, my excitement grew. Most people just think of Carrey as the rubber-faced funny guy who always has to be the center of attention and always has to make people laugh. People don't realize that even while he's doing this, he always hits every emotional note and mark required of his character. Jim Carrey is an exceptionally good actor, not just an exceptionally funny one. And with this film where he is not the star but a supporting character, we get to see that side of him more clearly. He isn't going to be playing for every possible laugh, but instead playing the character straight and grounded in the dark comedic world of Kick Ass.
I could legitimately see Carrey going for a Best Supporting Oscar if this role goes as well as I think it will.
41. Dear Mr. Watterson (2013)
TV-PG | 89 min | Documentary
A documentary about the impact of the newspaper comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes," created by Bill Watterson.
Director: Joel Allen Schroeder | Stars: Berkeley Breathed, Jef Mallett, Stephan Pastis, Seth Green
Votes: 2,038 | Gross: $0.01M
For those of us who always prayed for something after "It's a magical world, Hobbes ol' pal. Let's go exploring!"
42. 47 Ronin (2013)
PG-13 | 128 min | Action, Drama, Fantasy
A band of samurai sets out to avenge the death and dishonor of their master at the hands of a ruthless shogun.
Director: Carl Rinsch | Stars: Keanu Reeves, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kô Shibasaki, Tadanobu Asano
Votes: 171,185 | Gross: $38.36M
I'm as skeptical of Keanu Reeves as the next guy; but this looks exceptionally good. Limited CGI, lots of real stunts and real swordplay. I really want to see this.
43. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
PG | 114 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama
When both he and a colleague are about to lose their job, Walter takes action by embarking on an adventure more extraordinary than anything he ever imagined.
Director: Ben Stiller | Stars: Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Jon Daly, Kathryn Hahn
Votes: 341,014 | Gross: $58.24M
I love how little dialogue there is in this trailer. It coincides with the idea that a person with seemingly so little to say has so many wonderful things going through his head. This is a love letter to all you imaginers out there.
44. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
PG-13 | 136 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
As Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world, he teams up with a fellow Avenger and S.H.I.E.L.D agent, Black Widow, to battle a new threat from history: an assassin known as the Winter Soldier.
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | Stars: Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Redford
Votes: 899,352 | Gross: $259.77M
Iron Man 3 disappointed me (see my review for my full argument). Thor 2 looks fun, but it's doubtful that it will be breaking any new ground. SHIELD will probably be absent from the movie yet again, CGI armies will attack and cause damage, and Thor will be facing a threat that has godly strength and power, but the fight will ultimately end with hammer versus spear or some other kind of weapon (my money's on spear).
The Winter Soldier is a different animal entirely. SHIELD is going to be heavily involved, we'll be seeing Agent Romanov again, maybe Hawkeye, definitely Fury; perhaps even Coulson and Hill. Plus, Captain America isn't a CGI hero or a God; when he goes into battle, he gets bruised and bloodied from any wound. If he's facing The Winter Soldier, it's going to be a real fight with real consequences. I can't wait!
45. Insidious: Chapter 2 (2013)
PG-13 | 106 min | Horror, Mystery, Thriller
The Lamberts believe that they have defeated the spirits that have haunted their family, but they soon discover that evil is not beaten so easily.
Director: James Wan | Stars: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Barbara Hershey, Lin Shaye
Votes: 188,832 | Gross: $83.59M
Sold.
46. The Family (I) (2013)
R | 111 min | Comedy, Crime, Thriller
The Manzoni family, a notorious Mafia clan, is relocated to Normandy, France, under the Witness Protection Program, where fitting in soon becomes challenging as their old habits die hard.
Director: Luc Besson | Stars: Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron, John D'Leo
Votes: 123,065 | Gross: $36.92M
I like Luc Besson. I like mob films. I love Robert DeNiro in mob films. I love a mob film with black comedy. The Family.
47. Escape Plan (2013)
R | 115 min | Action, Thriller
When a structural-security authority finds himself set up and incarcerated in the world's most secret and secure prison, he has to use his skills to escape with help from the inside.
Director: Mikael Håfström | Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, 50 Cent, Vincent D'Onofrio
Votes: 257,501 | Gross: $25.13M
Beyond just Sylvester Stallone's new movie. Beyond just Stallone and Schwarzenegger teaming up for the first (real) time. Beyond just nostalgia for old action movies. Beyond all that, this looks like a pretty damn interesting movie.
There's a kind of Burn Notice charm to it. Stallone's character makes a living breaking out of "inescapable" prisons. He knows all the twists and turns and how to get around them. Then he finds himself kidnapped and locked into "The Tomb", the most secure prison ever devised. Just looking at this place makes you wonder how on earth he could hope to escape. That intrigues me more than anything else.
48. Godzilla (2014)
PG-13 | 123 min | Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
The world is beset by the appearance of monstrous creatures, but one of them may be the only one who can save humanity.
Director: Gareth Edwards | Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe
Votes: 441,006 | Gross: $200.68M
Find the teaser. Try Vimeo. Watch it. In my wildest dreams, I could have never imagined something this incredible.
49. Rurouni Kenshin Part I: Origins (2012)
TV-MA | 134 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
A former assassin who has resolved to never kill again has his vow sorely tested.
Director: Keishi Otomo | Stars: Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei, Yû Aoi, Munetaka Aoki
Votes: 29,019
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