It’s 2014 and another great year of movies lies before us. Baring in mind that at this early time of year, there are still many movies yet to be revealed, in no particular order, here are ten movies you need to watch out for in 2014.
Noah
First off is the epic re-telling of the biblical story of Noah’s ark. Ignoring all the criticism from religious fanatics, this movie looks seriously awesome. I couldn’t think of a better actor to play Noah than Russell Crowe (you might remember him from a little movie called Gladiator) who stars alongside Emma Watson and Anthony Hopkins. Don’t expect this movie to be that close to the bible story but hey, it’s a movie and at least for once you’ll be able to say that actually, the film is better than the book. Noah is scheduled for a March 28th release date.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
If you loved 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes as much as me, you’ll be pretty damn excited for its direct continuation. There are a couple of major differences for the sequel, the first being that it will be directed by Matt Reeves (Cloverfield, Let Me In) and secondly that James Franco will not return for the sequel. But let’s face it, the main emotion and drama is from the ape Caesar, motion tracked by Andy Serkis, who if you don’t know also did the motion capture for Gollum in The Lord of the Rings and the first Hobbit movie. This new kind of technology really pushes the limits of what we can do in terms of artificial intelligence and Andy Serkis’s representation of Caesar is really something to watch out for. I highly recommend checking out the first Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and then you’ll know what I’m talking about. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is scheduled for a July 11th release.
300: Rise of an Empire
300 was one of the most iconic war movies of the last decade and seven years later, we get to return the world of Sparta for 300: Rise of an Empire. With many returning cast such as Lena Headey who is now the face of Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, and David Wenham from Lord of the Rings, but also adding Eva Green and Skins’ Jack O’Connell and more into the mix. Get pumped for what will be one of 2014’s best action movies because 300: Rise of an Empire hits screens on the 7th of March.
The Hobbit: There and Back Again
Since The Lord of the Rings trilogy finished in 2003, The Hobbit had been one of the most anticipated releases in movie history and in December this year, the Hobbit franchise will come to an epic conclusion with The Hobbit: There and Back Again. Prepare for some awesome battle scenes and dragon action in eye-popping 3D. If you haven’t seen the Desolation of Smaug yet, go watch it now, then be sure to check out our review.
Need For Speed
I’m probably the only male on this planet who doesn’t care much for racing movies, but Need for Speed looks pretty damn cool. The main reason for that – Aaron Paul, b****! Considering his last scene in Breaking Bad showed him speeding off into the distance, it’s only fitting that his career picks up… well, exactly where he left off. Hell, maybe I’m just excited to see an action movie that doesn’t star Jason Statham in it. If you have a need for Speed, it hits screens March 14th… really, does every movie come out in March?
Bad Words
Bad Words is the directorial debut of Jason Bateman who also stars as the main character – a middle aged man who finds a loophole into a spelling bee in order to exact revenge and win as an adult. This looks like a seriously funny comedy that, as the name suggests has some pretty bad language. So you know, if it wasn’t obvious, don’t take your kids to this one. Bad Words comes out 28th of March.
X-men: Days of Future past, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and The Amazing Spiderman 2
This paragraph is dedicated to the multiple superhero movies that come out every year. 2014 brings us: the Captain America sequel – The Winter Soldier, staring Scarlet Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, and of course, Chris Evans; The Amazing Spider-man 2, with Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and Jamie Foxx; and X-men: Days of Future Past, in which Wolverine is sent back in time to change history and prevent a catastrophic event, staring more great actors than I can list. These movies are released April 4th, May 2nd and May 23rd respectively.
The Inbetweeners Movie 2
Little has been announced regarding the sequel to one of the best British comedies and TV show The Inbetweeners, but we do know that filming has begun in Australia and the creators have revealed ‘there will be kangaroos.’ Pictures have been released of the boys filming at a water park in Australia, with Will seemingly reluctant to ride a water flume. If that’s not enough to wet your appetite, I’m not sure what will. Regardless, going to see this movie won’t be much of a gamble as everything The Inbetweeners have made has been incredible and hilarious. The Inbetweeners 2 is slated for an August 6th release.
Godzilla
It’s been a while since the American remake, and with the huge advances in technology, it seems about time one of the most iconic and scariest monsters was re-made for the big screen. 2014’s Godzilla is a remake of the original Japanese Godzilla from 1954. Just go watch the trailer, this film looks amazing. Also it stars Breaking Bad’s Bryan Cranston. What could go wrong? Godzilla comes out May 16th.
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 1
I reviewed The Hunger Games: Catching Fire last year and oh boy was that film good. Not only that but it left the audience at a just cruel cliffhanger. The last book will be split in two like the Twilight movies (but better… much better) and it feels like an eternity to have to wait for the epic conclusion. As well as many returning actors, Juliane Moore and Natalie Dormer have been announced to appear in Mockingjay. You’ll have to wait till November 21st for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part One and next year for part two.
So that’s my ten (ish) most anticipated movies of 2014. As always, there will be many more announced in the months to come. Other movies that didn’t quite make the cut: Liam Neeson’s new movie Non-Stop, Delivery man and 22 Jump Street. If you think there are any movies that should be on the list or you want to share your top 10, be sure to leave a comment below.
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