Aloha
Directed by Cameron Crowe
Starring Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, John Krasinski, Bill Murray, Jay Baruchel, and Danny McBride
Once called Deep Tiki, the currently-titled film, Aloha (which may change names again before its release), from writer-director Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Say Anything, We Bought a Zoo) is a dramedy (comedy/drama) about a disgraced 30-something U.S. weapons consultant, Brian Gilcrest (Cooper), who is deployed to a dormant military base in Hawaii to launch a spy satellite in response to aggression from China. While in Hawaii, with his U.S. Air Force assistant, Major Lisa Ng (Stone), Brian must get approval from the native Hawaiian council before the launch, all the while reconnecting with the love of his life, Tracy (McAdams) ... and her husband and kids. While the story sounds a bit simplistic -- and far-fetched -- leave it to Crowe to take such a concept and put his own special, particular spin on it to make one hell of a delightful movie. With an amazing comedic cast (especially the wonderful Cooper!) and the backdrop of Hawaii, there's much to anticipate with this film. To be released: May 29, 2015.
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Directed by Joss Whedon
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Idris Elba, Andy Serkis, Paul Bettany, and James Spader
Marvel consistently is upping its game, taking over not only the big screen but also the small screen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Carter), but it is its massive Avengers initiative (bringing together A-list actors to portray the legendary Marvel heroes) which wins most fans' attention. So, since the first installment, what have our heroes been up to? Captain America (Evans) and Black Widow (Johansson) have been on missions together and seen the end of S.H.I.E.L.D., which was infiltrated and corrupted by its enemy HYDRA; Bruce Banner/Hulk (Ruffalo) went off to work at Stark Industries, alongside Tony Stark (Downey Jr.); after a major battle with Aldrich Killian, who tried to further weaponize the "Extremis" technology, Stark seemingly gives up his Iron Man persona to be with an ailing Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow); Hawkeye (Renner) has been laying low; Thor (Hemsworth) saved his world, Asgard, and Earth from the evil Malekith, with his brother Loki (Hiddleston) posing as their father, Odin, and two Asgardians deliver an Infinity Stone (featured in Guardians of the Galaxy) to the Collector (Benecio del Toro), which, thanks to the Guardians, is currently in the custody of the NOVA Corps. In this sequel, the team come together once again to defeat the robotic threat that is Ultron (Spader), which -- in this film -- is created by Stark (in the comics, his creator is Hank Pym, who will be portrayed by Michael Douglas in the Ant-Man movie due out this year). There is no doubt this will mark the beginning of the "Civil War" storyline featured in the comics, which will lead into the next Captain America movie, to be released in 2016. To be released: May 1, 2015.
Ant-Man
Directed by Peyton Reed
Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Michael Pena, Judy Greer, Hayley Atwell, and John Slattery
First, many cinephiles were overjoyed at the announcement of cult director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) taking on Marvel's miniature might man. But it was short-lived as Wright soon dropped out and was replaced by director Peyton Reed (Yes Man, Bring it On, The Break-Up), known mostly for comedies. Although Reed doesn't have any action movies under his belt, it is still Marvel and I'm trusting they wouldn't hire someone who wasn't up for the challenge. The choice of having Paul Rudd (a comedic "everyman") portray protagonist Scott Lang is a bold choice -- and some say too risky -- but Rudd has proven he can do drama just as well as comedy. Plus, with the addition of Atwell as Agent Peggy Carter and Slattery as the older Howard Stark (Tony Stark's dad), there promises to be more flashback information to tie together Marvel's expanding cinematic universe. Although the film will not closely follow the Ant-Man comics, it still promises to be one of the top hits of the summer. To be released: July 17, 2015.
Black Mass
Directed by Scott Cooper
Starring Johnny Depp, Joel Edgerton, Sienna Miller, Dakota Johnson, Juno Temple, Peter Sarsgaard, Kevin Bacon, Corey Stoll, Adam Scott, and Benedict Cumberbatch
Based on the true story of how the FBI exploited a childhood friendship in order to take down Boston's Italian Mafia, Black Mass -- based on the non-fiction novel of the same name -- explores the friendship of childhood friends John Connolly (Edgerton) and James "Whitey" Bulger (Depp). In the late 1970s, Connolly grew up to be a major figure in the FBI's Boston office, and Bulger grew up to be godfather of the Irish Mob. The film examines how, through the two's friendship, the FBI used Bulger and his mob to take down the Italian Mafia, leading to the FBI's involvement in murders, drug dealing, racketeering indictments, and Bulger making the FBI's Top Ten Most Wanted List. With an all-star cast, and director Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart, Out of the Furnace), the film promises to make a mark this year, as well as maybe garner some Oscar nominations. To be released: September 18, 2015.
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Bridge of Spies
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Tom Hanks, Austin Stowell, Amy Ryan, Alan Alda, Sebastian Koch, and Eve Hewson
Matt: Steven Spielberg's newest film is the true-life event of James B. Donovan (Tom Hanks), a Brooklyn lawyer and U.S. Navy Reserve commander, who negotiates the release of U.S. pilot Francis Gary Powers (Austin Stowall) after he is shot down in the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. This is Spielberg doing what he does best, along with partner-in-crime Hanks, so I have big expectations with this one. To be released: October 16, 2015.
Cinderella
Directed by Kenneth Branagh
Starring Lily James, Cate Blanchett, Richard Madden, Helena Bonham Carter, Hayley Atwell, Ben Chaplin, and Derek Jacobi
With the release -- and success -- of Disney's live-action Maleficent, the House of Mouse has been looking to transition other famous princesses into the live world. The next step, for release this year, is Cinderella (and Beauty and the Beast has already been given the green light with Emma Watson to star as Belle). With director Kenneth Branagh (Thor, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit), the film promises to fit the style Disney likes to achieve. What's mostly a stand-out on this film, though, is the cast: Lily James (Downton Abbey) as Cinderella and Cate Blanchett as her evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine (a perfect casting as far as I'm concerned). Hopefully, Disney can deliver on a script as good as Maleficent, with its ability to take a somewhat simplistic story and giving it multiple layers. To be released: March 13, 2015.
The End of the Tour
Directed by James Ponsoldt
Starring Jason Segel, Jesse Eisenberg, Anna Chlumsky, Mamie Gummer, Joan Cusack, and Ron Livingston
This is a biographical film (biopic) of writer David Foster Wallace, who committed suicide on September 12, 2008, at the age of 46, based on the 2010 non-fiction David Lipsky book, Although of Course You End Up Becoming Yourself: A Road Trip with David Foster Wallace. The film follows Lipsky (Eisenberg), who accompanies Wallace (Segel) on his book tour to promote his novel, Infinite Jest. To be released: January 24, 2015.
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Entourage
Directed by Doug Ellin
Starring Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jeremy Piven, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Dillon, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Billy Bob Thornton, Haley Joel Osment, Rex Lee, and Perrey Reeves
For fans of the hit HBO series, this is long overdue! Especially since there were some unanswered questions left by the series finale. To see the cast again reminds me of what made the series so fun and so entertaining. Let's hope Doug Ellin can keep that same magic going with a full-feature film. For those who don't know, Entourage is loosely based on actor Mark Wahlberg's life as he hails from Boston (in the series/movie, the character Vince Chase hails from Queens, New York) and has his entourage made up of childhood friends. In the series, Chase (Adrian Grenier) is a successful actor who is managed by best friend Eric (or "E") (Kevin Connolly), and accompanied by his D-list actor brother, Drama (Kevin Dillon) and his driver, Turtle (Jerry Ferrara). The show follows them as they are "fish-out-of-water" trying to navigate the roads of Hollywood, lead by Chase's lovable-jerk-of-an-agent Ari (Jeremy Piven). The film promises to be an end-all to the story and I'm looking forward to seeing each of the characters (hopefully) succeed. To be released: June 5, 2015.
Everly
Directed by Joe Lynch
Starring Salma Hayek, Jennifer Blanc, and Hiroyuki Watanabe
Salma Hayek is stirring up some action in her latest film, about a single mother who finds herself in an apartment where multiple assassins are sent to kill her. In order to save her mother and daughter, she must fight her way through the melee of dangerous killers and find a way out of the building ... and her situation. This isn't the first time Hayek has played action (the most notable being Once Upon a Time in Mexico), but this is the first time she has taken the lead. And I can't wait to see how she does it. In a film reminiscent of Smokin' Aces and Shoot 'Em Up, there promises to be lots of action and lots of funny sight gags and cheesy one-liners. To be released: February 27, 2015.
The Fantastic Four
Directed by Josh Trank
Starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, Toby Kebbell, Tim Blake Nelson, and Reg E. Cathey
Marvel's Fantastic Four is one of those franchises which -- for some reason or another -- is so difficult to adapt into a decent film. The original (starring Chris Evans, Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, and Ioan Gruffold) was a major stinker, but if anyone can revitalize the franchise, it's director Josh Trank -- the awesome director behind the sleeper hit Chronicle (a found-footage film showing the birth of a supervillain, in a real-world setting). Plus, with Miles Teller and Michael B. Jordan leading the film, there is a lot of acting strength here. Let's just hope the screenwriters get this right! To be released: August 7, 2015.
Goosebumps
Directed by Rob Letterman
Starring Odeya Rush, Jack Black, Amy Ryan, Ken Marino, Dylan Minnette, Ryan Lee, and Halston Sage
I have to admit that I'm more excited to see this with my daughters more than anything else. They're big fans of the series and we're looking forward to going and see this together. Based on R.L. Stine's series of young adult/tween horror books and the 1995 TV anthology series, Goosebumps promises to have plenty of thrills as a kid must team up with Stine's niece (Odeya Rush) after Stine's (Jack Black) imaginary demons are set loose on the town of Greendale, Maryland. To be released: August 7, 2015.
High-Rise (2015)
Directed by Ben Wheatley
Starring Tom Hiddleston, Jeremy Irons, Sienna Miller, Luke Evans, Elisabeth Moss, James Purefoy, and Sienna Guillory
I was quite excited when I read this film -- based on the 1975 novel by J.G. Ballard -- was going to be released. The story is about a class war which erupts within a luxurious apartment building, transforming the building into a battleground between economic classes. Lead character Dr. Robert Laing will be played by Tom Hiddleston, and the story will stick to its metaphor of the building representing wealth class politics in America. Really can't wait to see this one! To be released: TBD 2015.
In the Heart of the Sea
Directed by Ron Howard
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland, Ben Whishaw, and Brendan Gleeson
Based on the true life 1820 event which inspired Herman Melville to write the classic novel Moby Dick, and based on Nathaniel Philbrick's non-fiction novel In the Heart of the Sea, this film looks like it could be a cross between The Perfect Storm and Jaws. The story follows a whaling ship crew, lead by its Captain George Pollard Jr. (Benjamin Walker) and First Mate Owen Chase (Chris Hemsworth), who are stalked and hunted by a large sperm whale, which strands the crew at sea for 90 days, thousands of miles from home. Director Ron Howard hasn't had any major solid hits lately -- his last film being 2013's Rush, with Hemsworth -- but this looks to put him back on the map. Plus, there's always an intriguing story when it comes to man vs. nature. It makes for great drama! To be released: December 11, 2015.
Inside Out
Directed by Pete Docter & Ronaldo Del Carmen
Starring Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, and Kaitlyn Dias
Pixar promises to strike cinematic gold again with its latest release: Inside Out. This time, the master animators are bringing audiences into our brains to see the inner workings of Joy (Amy Poehler), Fear (Bill Hader), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), and Sadness (Phyllis Smith). They all reside in each of us, but this particular set of emotions reside within "tween" girl Riley (Kaitlyn Dias). They help guide her through the difficult process of her life being suddenly uprooted and having to move to San Francisco, where she has no friends and has to navigate the new city, school and home with many conflicting emotions in the "headquarters of her mind." I'm excited to take my girls to see this and, as for why it may be good, it's Pixar! There doesn't need to be any other reason. To be released: June 19, 2015.
Jupiter Ascending
Directed by The Wachowskis
Starring Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Sean Bean, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Douglas Booth
Originally set for release last year, the film got pushed back to its new release date to contend with lesser blockbuster films and gain some more audiences. Fortunately, it comes to most movie-goers in February -- a time when there aren't many major film releases -- and is a film with more originality than 99% of main studio releases nowadays. In the film, a caretaker, Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis), is surprisingly targeted by a ruthless son (Eddie Redmayne) of a powerful family that live on a planet in need of a new heir. Jones travels with a genetically-engineered warrior (Channing Tatum) -- sworn to protect her -- to the planet in order to stop the son's tyrannical reign. The Wachowskis (The Matrix, Cloud Atlas) are very visual and action-oriented directors but, no matter what they do, their methods effectively work ... and work well. I don't let the visual effects sway me into wanting to see this film, but am ultimately excited to see where the story goes ... even if it may somewhat be predictable. To be released: February 6, 2015.
Jurassic World
Directed by Colin Trevorrow
Starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jake Johnson, Vincent D'Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, BD Wong, Judy Greer, and Katie McGrath
Fourteen years after the last Jurassic Park film (Jurassic Park 3), the franchise has been brought back to life by director Colin Trevorrow (Safety Not Guaranteed), with the story taking place 22 years after the events of the original Jurassic Park. In the film, the island of Isla Nubar now features a fully-functioning Jurassic World theme park (like the one conceived of in the original 1993 film), but, after 10 years of low ticket sales and attendance, the owners concoct a scheme to draw more crowds to the park and up their revenue in the process. Unfortunately, the new "scheme" is a new genetically-modified hybrid dinosaur called the Indominus Rex, and it breaks loose on the island, wreaking havoc and killing patrons. It's up to the park's staff, lead by Velociraptor behavioral researcher Owen (Chris Pratt). Sure, the premise sounds like some B-movie you may watch on the SyFy channel, but with the cast and involvement of Trevorrow, my interest is certainly piqued to visit the park once again. Plus, I love the premise of the film(s) as it shows how humans' involvement with wildlife as entertainment is just another form of a reality-show mentality (notice in the trailer the audience cheering when an aquatic dinosaur feeds on a great white shark); in a way it's perverse and this film's story reminds us of that. Unlike the reality shows we see on TV, these "participants" did not volunteer for their "work" and, most times, are not happy with their environment (I'm looking at you, SeaWorld!). To be released: June 12, 2015.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Directed by George Miller
Starring Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
I have to admit that I never was that crazy about the Mad Max series of films, but this one looks way too cool to pass up seeing in the theater! The casting of Tom Hardy as Max (the original role being portrayed by Mel Gibson) is nothing short of brilliant and the film looks like one ride through literal hell! In an apocalyptic future set in a dust-bowl desert, Max comes across Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a mysterious woman on a mission to cross the desert, back to her childhood homeland. Along the way, they meet several degenerate pirates, who hunt for blood and nothing more. Like I said, Mad Max has not been my favorite -- although I have wonderful memories of going to see Beyond Thunderdome in the theater when it was released in 1985! But this trailer makes this film seem like one of the craziest films to be released in the past 10 years or so (although Verdi's "Requiem" only makes me think of the beginning of Battle Royale)! So I'm onboard! Start your engines! To be released: May 15, 2015.
Masterminds
Directed by Jared Hess
Starring Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Kristen Wiig, Devin Ratray, Jason Sudeikis, Ken Marino, and Kate McKinnon
Based on the 1997 Loomis Fargo robbery in North Carolina, this film follows armored car driver and vault supervisor David Ghantt (Zach Galifianakis), who, along with many accomplices, steals $17.3 million in cash. Because of the comedic actors picked for the film, I think it's not a stretch to say this film will be more comedic in tone, but at least it's not at the expense at someone's life (a major problem when Michael Bay's Pain & Gain -- a film that made comedic situations over someone's murder -- was released). I'm intrigued to see what director Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) will do with this. To be released: August 14, 2015.
Minions
Directed by Kyle Balda & Pierre Coffin
Starring Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan, and Jennifer Saunders
Set in 1968, 42 years before their adventures with Gru from Despicable Me, the Minions -- led by Stuart, Kevin and Bob -- are looking for a new evil master to serve when they come across Scarlet Overkill (Sandra Bullock), an aspiring villain, in New York City. Not much else is known about the plot other than that, but with the same team from Despicable Me leading this film, there promises to be plenty of laughs. Another one I'm looking forward to seeing with my kids! To be released: July 10, 2015.
Mission: Impossible Rogue Nation
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie
Starring Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Simon McBurney, and Alec Baldwin
After Brad Bird did such an amazing job with its predecessor, I'm looking forward to seeing what Christopher McQuarrie (Jack Reacher, The Way of the Gun) does with the franchise! The Mission: Impossible series has come a long way since its dismal first and second films. The only thing known about the plot is the IMF team (Cruise, Pegg, Rhames, and Renner) take on eradicating The Syndicate -- an international rogue organization committed to destroying the IMF. To be released: July 31, 2015.
Pan
Directed by Joe Wright
Starring Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Rooney Mara, Amanda Seyfried, and Garrett Hedlund
Director Joe Wright is taking the legend of J.M. Barrie's literary immortal "boy-who-never-wants-to-grow-up" and turning it into somewhat of an origin story. In the film, Peter (Levi Miller) is spirited away to a magical land where he comes to know fun and danger while meeting the pirates Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman), Hook (Garrett Hedlund), and Princess Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara). I've always been a fan of the world of Neverland and look forward to seeing this particular spin on the myth! To be released: July 17, 2015.
The Peanuts Movie
Directed by Steve Martino
Starring Noah Schnapp, Venus Schultheis, Mariel Sheets, Hadley Belle Miller, Noah Johnston, Rebecca Bloom, and Alexander Garfin
It's been a while since the Peanuts gang have seen the screen, and while this release makes me a little wary, I have to say, I'm very excited about this film! I've been a Charlie Brown/Snoopy fan since I was a kid and I gratuitously watch the Peanuts specials on TV every year. I have to admit I find a spiritual comradeship with Charlie Brown ("I got a rock."). And now, with having kids, I look forward to taking them to see this movie -- even if it's more for me than for them! To be released: November 6, 2015.
Pixels
Directed by Chris Columbus
Starring Michelle Monaghan, Adam Sandler, Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage, Sean Bean, Ashley Benson, Jane Krakowski, and Kevin James
Gamers of all generations! Take note! There is a new movie coming out this year about 1980s video games characters attacking New York! And even though Adam Sandler is involved, Pixels looks to be as every bit of awesome as it sounds. In the film, video game experts -- lead by Sam Brenner (Sandler) -- are called on by his childhood friend-now-President Will Cooper (Kevin James) to help save the U.S. (and the world) from aliens that misinterpret video feeds from classic 1980s video games as a declaration of war against them, thus using the games as models from their various assaults. For anyone who grew up playing Atari 2600 (Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, Centipede, etc.), this film will be a must-see. And I know that's what the production companies are banking on, but they sure got my money! To be released: July 24, 2015.
Regression
Directed by Alejandro Amenabar
Starring Emma Watson, Ethan Hawke, David Thewlis, Devon Bostick, Dale Dickey, and Aaron Ashmore
All that is known about this film is a father is accused of sexually abusing his daughter (Watson) -- a crime of which he has no memory of committing. This film is the disturbing tale of a father and daughter torn apart, and the detective (Hawke) investigating the case, thrown into the center of a conspiracy that shocks the nation. While that is not much to go on -- and sexual abuse films are not my "cup of tea" -- I still am looking forward to seeing this film solely based on its leadership under excellent filmmaker Alejandro Amenabar (Open Your Eyes, The Others, The Sea Inside). Amenabar knows drama and how to expertly weave an intriguing tale so this will be one I won't miss. To be released: August 28, 2015.
The Revenant
Directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
Starring Tom Hardy, Leonardo DiCaprio, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter, and Lukas Haas
Based on the novel by Michael Punke, The Revenant is about frontiersman Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio), who, in the 1823, sets out on a path of vengeance against those who left him for dead after a bear mauling. Not only is the film directed by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu -- fresh off his impressive, Oscar-nominated Birdman -- but it's a revenge pic with DiCaprio and Tom Hardy. 'Nuff said. To be released: December 25, 2015.
Spectre
Directed by Sam Mendes
Starring Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Monica Bellucci, Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Dave Bautista, and Andrew Scott
It's James Bond. There is no further explanation needed. To be released: November 6, 2015.
Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Directed by J.J. Abrams
Starring Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Domhnall Gleeson, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Gwendoline Christie, Lupita Nyong'o, Max von Sydow, Andy Serkis, Peter Mayhew, Warwick Davis, Anthony Daniels, and Kenny Baker
I've heard one potential storyline for this sequel to 1983's Return of the Jedi, and all I will say is that if what I read is going to be the film, I will be disappointed. However, I'll still give it a try. I'm looking forward to the return of original trilogy characters Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), and Han Solo (Harrison Ford), but also very curious how the new characters will figure well into such a huge saga. I was hoping director Brad Bird would take up the task on this film, but I got my very-close-second J.J. Abrams so I'm very happy. Either way, it's the Wars, so I'll be first in line come opening day! To be released: December 18, 2015.
Straight Outta Compton
Directed by F. Gary Gray
Starring Corey Hawkins, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Jason Mitchell, Aldis Hodge, Paul Giamatti, Keith Stanfield, and Neil Brown Jr.
The biopic of gangsta rap group N.W.A. may not be for everyone, but I can't wait to see the early lives of some of rap's most influential pioneers (Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E) brought to the screen. Plus, I think F. Gary Gray is a great filmmaker. While not a huge rap fan, even I have to say this film is long overdue. (WARNING: The trailer below is a red-band trailer, meaning there is expletive language and brief nudity.) To be released: August 14, 2015.
Tomorrowland
Directed by Brad Bird
Starring George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Kathryn Hahn, Hugh Laurie, Pierce Gagnon, Judy Greer, and Tim McGraw
Rather than take on the newest Star Wars, director Brad Bird decided to stay loyal to his commitment to Disney to make the long-awaited Tomorrowland -- based on the theme park at Disney World. In the film, a teenager (Britt Robertson), who loves science, teams up with a former boy-genius inventor (George Clooney) to embark on a mission to unearth the secrets of a place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory. Disney is keeping the story very hush-hush, but with a screenplay by Bird and Lost alum Damon Lindelof, there is great promise here, in which I'm sure will be a story for all ages. To be released: May 22, 2015.
Triple Nine
Directed by John Hillcoat
Starring Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Kate Winslet, Gal Gadot, Teresa Palmer, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Anthony Mackie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Clifton Collins Jr.
In this all-star cast movie, a group of corrupt cops are blackmailed into pulling off a seemingly impossible heist, which includes the murder of a rookie police officer -- a code "999" -- in order to distract the other cops while they pull the heist. The cast is what makes me most excited for this film, along with direction by John Hillcoat (The Road, Lawless). To be released: September 11, 2015.
True Story
Directed by Rupert Goold
Starring Jonah Hill, James Franco, Felicity Jones, Ethan Suplee, Gretchen Mol, Genevieve Angelson, and Robert John Burke
Based on the true story of journalist Michael Finkel (Jonah Hill), who finds out his identity had been stolen by murdering fugitive Christian Longo after Longo murdered his own wife and children in December 2001. The film deals with Finkel's interviewing of Longo and getting to know him -- giving the film tones of Infamous. To be released: April 10, 2015.
Vacation
Directed by John Francis Daley & Jonathan M. Goldstein
Starring Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Leslie Mann, Chris Hemsworth, Michael Pena, Elizabeth Gillies, Charlie Day, Chevy Chase, and Beverly D'Angelo
This reboot/sequel of the classic National Lampoon's Vacation series is either going to be really funny or really lame. In the film, Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) is finally grown up and, inspired by his father Clark (Chevy Chase), taking his family on a trip to Wally World before it closes down permanently. Although Wally World's security guard (the late, great John Candy) and Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) will be sorely missed, I still think this film has great potential. Let's just hope Lindsay Buckingham's "Holiday Road" makes an appearance! To be released: October 9, 2015.
The Walk
Directed by Robert Zemeckis
Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ben Kingsley, Charlotte Le Bon, James Badge Dale, Ben Schwartz, and Steve Valentine
After the documentary Man on Wire, great interest was sparked about Philippe Petit, the French man who walked between the two Twin Towers (of the World Trade Center) in Manhattan in 1974 -- one year after the finish of its construction. This film directed by Robert Zemeckis, follows Petit (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and his team as they get ready for the legendary feat. NOTE: If you're afraid of heights, this may not be the movie for you to see -- as evidenced in the trailer alone! To be released: October 2, 2015.