As even the most casual of film fans will tell you, 2015 is packed with an unprecedented number of blockbuster films. From the Avengers sequel to the return of high profile franchises such as Jurassic Park and Star Wars, you would be forgiven for overlooking any films coming out before then. However, looking ahead to the 2014 year in film, we still have quite a few films to be excited about.
For fans of comic book adaptations, there’s no shortage of films despite the glut in the genre slotted for 2015. In terms of superhero sequels, this year will see the release of “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” “The Amazing Spider-Man 2” and “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” Each of these films’ predecessors did relatively well both at the box office and with critics and fans. They all look promising, with “Days of Future Past,” appearing as the most appealing, as it will ambitiously bring together the universe of the original X-Men trilogy and the world created in “X-Men: First Class.”
Marvel is looking to build upon their already expansive universe with the very unique and risky “Guardians of the Galaxy.” “Guardians” is an interstellar tale revolving around a team made up of a man from earth, aliens, a talking raccoon and an anthropomorphic tree. With a mixed cast comprising of some of Hollywood’s biggest action and comedy stars, this is certainly a film to look forward to in the months to follow.
Moving away from the superhero subgenre, 2014 will also see the release of the already controversial “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.” Producer Michael Bay has caused quite a stir among hardcore fans due to his decision to cast Megan Fox as the traditionally redheaded, bright yellow jumpsuit-wearing human sidekick, as well as his announcement that the adolescent reptiles will have some sort of extraterrestrial origins.
Sticking with Michael Bay related titles, the director/producer along with Paramount Pictures, is dragging the Transformers series back onto the Big Screen with “Transformers: Age of Extinction.” Despite the last film’s massive failure with critics, it managed to be a huge box office success. Bay and Paramount look to rake in more money with this next film, which will star Mark Wahlberg and bring in a new breed of Transformer known as the Dinobots. These will transform into dinosaurs rather than automobiles. Will this be enough to attract the big audience the studio is betting on? It probably will, as sad and unfortunate a truth that is.
This year won’t be missing what seems to be a required presence of reboots and remakes either. “Robocop,” the remake of the classic ‘80s action sci-fi film is coming in mid-February. While recent trailers look promising, especially in terms of special effects, it is difficult to see any reason, besides money, for this film to have been remade. In the summer, the latest iteration of “Godzilla” smashes into theaters, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Bryan Cranston. The film’s first trailer is certainly worth a watch and will give you chills even after your second or third viewing.
The earlier half of this year has the most to offer those looking for something appropriate for all ages with “The Lego Movie” in February and “Muppets Most Wanted” in March. Both attempt to draw in younger audiences with popular children’s properties and grab the attention of the older crowds with star-studded casts and the nostalgia of childhood.
As it seems Hollywood still hasn’t found a cure for its sequelitis, 2014 will of course see its fair share of sequels with the likes of “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” “The Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “The Expendables 3,” “300: Rise of an Empire” and “22 Jump Street.” While fans of these franchises will likely be back for more, it’s unlikely these sequels will draw in many new moviegoers.
Outside of all the sequels, remakes, reboots and comic book movies there will be a few stand-alone films. Christopher Nolan, best known for his directorial work on the Dark Knight Trilogy is back with his sci-fi film “Interstellar,” starring Matthew McConaughey. Little has been revealed regarding this film, but it is exciting to have an original sci-fi property coming to theaters. There are also not one but two, entirely separate, films about Hercules hitting theaters this year; “The Legend of Hercules,” an origin story, and the simply titled “Hercules,” starring Dwayne Johnson, which takes place after the mythical hero has completed his famous twelve labors.
This year may not have the inordinate amount of big budget films of 2015, but moviegoers will still have much to look forward to in the meantime. Hopefully with so many of these high profile franchises choosing to forgo a 2014 release there will be more room for some surprise hits in the coming months.
Cory Willey can be reached at [email protected].
