You may have noticed it last year — 2011 was a bad year for movies. Sure, there were some “OK” titles and a few long awaited movies like “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” and “Drive,” but that doesn’t compare to the list of films being released this year. Not every big movie of the year is mentioned, but each one is sure to be an unforgettable, unique experience that will, hopefully, make up for last year’s dismal release performances.
March
“Being Flynn” 3/12/12
Robert De Niro plays an eccentric father trying to get his son (Paul Dano) back into his life. This is an emotional film that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
“Jeff Who Lives At Home” 3/16/12
Jason Segal plays a stay-at-home son who is despised by his brother Pat (Ed Helms). Through the course of a day, the two learn there is more to life than they expected.
“The Hunger Games” 3/23/12
Whether you ignored the book or you have become a fan of the 2008 novel, this movie is sure to surprise. Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss who must fight to survive in a distant future where the government forces each of its 13 districts to send two competitors to fight in an arena. Only one will remain.
April
“The Assault” 4/06/12
A French movie based on a true story, “The Assault” follows three different perspectives of a terrorist plot to destroy the Eiffel tower. This action-packed movie has been praised for its realism and attention to details.
“The Five-Year Engagement” 4/27/12
The same team that brought you “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” reunites for another comedy-packed, Jason Segel adventure. Emily Blunt plays Segel’s bride in a story that captures the newlyweds’ experiences over a five-year period.
“Safe” 4/27/12
Jason Statham stars in yet another intense martial arts action movie. The plot isn’t exactly what film critics would call “high brow,” but how can you pass up an opportunity to see some serious butt get kicked by the 21st Century’s version of Steven Seagal?
May
“The Avengers” 5/04/12
OK, let’s see here: Captain America, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye and Black Widow team up to take on a super villain who threatens the world. Do I really need to say more here? Oh, Samuel L. Jackson will also be starring as Nick Fury.
“The Dictator” 5/11/12
Larry Charles (“Bruno,” “Borat”) directs and Sacha Baron Cohen stars in another satirical comedy that is sure to be a hit. Cohen stars in a dual role as the dictator and a goat herder traveling across America.
“MIB 3” 5/25/12
The long awaited third installment of one the best films about men in black suits shooting aliens. Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones and director Barry Sonnenfeld are back to save the world form another evil alien (played by “Flight of the Conchord’s” Jemaine Clement).
June
“Prometheus” 6/08/12
The secret to mankind’s origins are revealed to be a truth that was better left unknown in Ridely Scott’s (“Alien,” “Blade Runner,” and “Gladiator”) return to the genre he helped define. Prometheus is a space adventure epic with stunning visualization of epic proportions that only Scott could pull off.
“Seeking A Friend At The End Of The World” 6/22/12
What would you do if the world was going to end? Steve Carrel and Keira Knightley each set out on a heart-warming journey to find out. It is not until they discover each other that they realize that maybe it isn’t so bad at the end of the world.
July
“The Amazing Spider-Man” 7/03/12
Many were left with a fowl taste in their mouths after “Spider-Man 3.” I know I was. But I am willing to give this re-boot a shot. The plot revolves around a teenage Peter Parker and his struggles to adapt to his new powers.
“The Dark Knight Rises” 7/20/12
This is the big one for 2012. The Batman series ends with a bang. With more stars than an awards show and Christopher Nolan behind the wheel, “The Dark Knight Rises” is sure to be one the best movies of the year.
August
“Bourne Legacy” 8/03/12
Jason Bourne takes a break in the fourth installment of one of the best spy series since the likes of James Bond. Jeremy Renner plays Aaron Cross, an assassin for the CIA, who is on the run.
“7500” 8/31/12
Takashi Shimizu (“The Grudge”) directs a thriller that takes place aboard a transpacific flight that encounters super natural forces. Amy Smart and a group of passengers are put through a gauntlet that will likely make air travel seem like a death sentence.
November
“Red Dawn” 11/04/12
Stunt director, Dan Bradly (“Crank,” “Swordfish”) makes his directorial debut with a remake of the 1980s cult classic. A group of high school students (“Wolverines”) are caught in the middle of a communist invasion that only their guerilla warfare tactics can stop.
December
“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” 12/14/12
Middle-Earth returns to the big screens with a precursor to the Lord of the Rings series. Orlando Bloom and Elijah Wood return as Legolas and Frodo. Martin Freeman plays Bilbo Baggins who goes on a quest with Gandalf the Gray (Ian McKellen) to save the dwarf kingdom.
“Life of Pi” 12/21/12
Yann Martel’s intriguing novel gets a big screen adaptation with Ang Lee (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”) directing. The film is about Pi, the son of a zookeeper, who is lost at sea in a life boat with a group of animals.
