Upcoming 'Big' Films

It's been a great year so far with big films like Star Wars III, Batman Begins, War of the Worlds, Sin City and Cinderalla Man all delivering what audiences desire from blockbuster films - large scale, yet intelligent (well mostly) entertainment.

While some other 'big' films did not quite deliver the goods such as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Kingdom of Heaven, Hostage and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy (based on their ratings at Rotten Tomatoes).

A friend asked me recently what other 'big' films we had to look forward to, so what better time then mid-year to do a round up.

Sin City (Out 11 Aug in NZ, but has been out since April in most other countries!)
The reviews are positive and it looks like a real original in the trailers. I'm excited by the prospect of a graphic novel being translated into a film almost frame for frame! I've always thought Rodriguez is totally overrated but it looks like he's made something that finally interests me now (Co-Directing with Frank Miller that is). Also looking forward to seeing Mickey Rourke kick some butt and Jessica Alba shaking some butt... nice!

The Island (July 22 worldwide)
I am really excited about this! Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson are a nice choice to headline a film together and the plot seems intriguing. All the trailers make it look great. Maybe Michael Bay (Armageddon) has done the impossible and blended his 'blow up everything' style with a decent plot? I hope so. The early buzz on it is good so far.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (July 15 worldwide but 8 Sept in NZ apparently!)
I love the original (I'm a huge Gene Wilder fan) and have not been looking forward to this much. I was a fan of Tim Burton in the old days (Pee Wee, Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Batman, Ed Wood) and have been totally let down by his recent work (Mars Attacks, Sleepy Hollow, Planet of the Apes, Big Fish). Apparently this one is far closer to Roald Dahl's original book then the 70's version (which was a disappointment to fans of the book, but loved by most others) and it's not a musical. Let's hope Tim Burton is back in form with this one, after all he is immensely talented. I just hope Depp makes Wonka his own and isn't too zany.

Cinderalla Man (Out since June 3 worldwide but out 29 Sept in NZ!)
I liked Russell Crowe before he started biffing phones into peoples faces and now I like him even more. What a champion! But seriously he is always utterly convincing as whoever he portrays and generally chooses strong material. Ron Howard is a bit of a softy if you ask me, but he's made a few OK films so I'll reserve judgement for now. It's a pity Renee 'sucking on a lemon' Zellweger is in it, I can't stand her and I hope she doesn't ruin it for me. I'm surprised it didn't make much $ at the boxoffice.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Nov 18 worldwide)
I didn't like the first two much (maybe I'm not the target audience) but I enjoyed The Prisoner of Azkaban quite a bit. If the 4th one has as good a story as the last it should be a pretty soild kid's film. Mike Newell seems like a strange choice to fill the directing chair (Pushing Tin, Donnie Brasco), I wonder if it will pay off?

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Dec 09 worldwide)
Andrew Adamson is clearly a very talented dude (even if I don't think the Shrek films are as amazing as everyone else seems to think so, I can appreciate his skill), the source material is fantastic and Weta are at the top of their game. I find it hard to imagine that this won't be a wonderful, magical film. The trailer didn't blow me away, but it certainly had the right tone. I feel confident that it will be a success. A lot rests on the very small shoulders of it's young leads.

King Kong (Dec 14 worldwide)
Possibly the most anticipated film this year other then Star Wars III. Peter Jackson is a genius and this is his dream project... what could go wrong? Well a lot I guess, but I hope not. The trailer has certainly produced mixed reactions (including much criticism over the under whelming graphics). I really don't know what to think about this one. I want it to be good so badly but it's so hard to imagine what it will be like from what we have seen. It may just be a fun ride without leaving much of an impression or it may be far more complex then we ever imagined. One thing's for sure, I can't wait to find out!

What films are you looking forward to most?