2012 seems to be the year of the best-selling novel turned box office blockbuster. Between the Hunger Games opening and Twilight closing, classic literature and teen thrillers are now being immortalized in film as well. Here’s a look at the top ten films making their way to a theatre near you this year:
The Hunger Games – March 23rd, 2012
Based on the best-selling books by Suzanne Collins, this sci-fi action/drama is getting a lot of buzz from movie goers and critics alike. Based in a postapocalyptic world, District 12 resident, Katniss Everdeen, is forced into a fight-to-the-death battle that not only challenges the strength of her relationships with others, but her own personal strength as well . This film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close – January 20th, 2012
Starring Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, and newcomer, Thomas Horn, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close tells the story of a boy on an adventure spurred by the untimely death of his father on September 11th. With only a key and the memories of his father as clues to his expedition, Oskar Schell goes on a journey taking him across Manhattan.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part II – November 16th, 2012
The worldwide phenomenon finally comes to a close in Part II of Stephanie Meyers acclaimed novel, Breaking Dawn. Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner, the battle between the vampires, wolves, and Volturi ends in a nail-biting end that is sure to have every female from ages 11 – 55 screaming over the incredible amounts of sweaty, shirtless men.
The Dark Knight Rises – July 20th, 2012
In this last installment of Batman series, taking place 8 years after the time period of The Dark Knight, Harvey Dent has died and in an act of kindness, Batman has taken responsibility for his crimes. However, the blame he now carries causes him to be hunted down by the Gotham Police. It is up to Batman, once again, to return to protect Gotham City from further harm by the villan, Bane.
The Great Gatsby – December 25th, 2012
Although we have to wait almost an entire year, the film adaption of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece The Great Gatsby, will be brought to life by an a-list cast with Leonardo DiCaprio playing Gatsby and British actress, Carey Mulligan as Daisy. Jay Gatsby, an aloof millionaire has everything in the world, except for the married, Daisy Buchanan. However, all of Gatsby’s money and material goods do not satisfy him and he thus begins a downward spiral, thus resulting in his demise.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – December 14th, 2012
The prequel to the trilogy that changed modern films is finally coming to the silver screen. J.R. Tolkein’s, The Hobbit, tells the story of Frodo’s uncle, Bilbo Baggins and the original story behind the precious ring. This film stars, Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, and Andy Serkis.
The Amazing Spiderman – July 3rd, 2012
Just when you think there couldn’t be another superhero movie, think again. The fourth spiderman movie (completely different from the other three), focuses on Peter Parker, played by The Social Network’s Andrew Garfield, during his high school years as his world-saving powers develop as well as his feelings for classmate, Gwen Stacy, played by Emma Stone.
Men In Black III – May 25th, 2012
Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith return as the alien fighting duo in Men In Black III. In what is rumored to be the final MIB film, Agent J must go back to 1960s Manhattan to save the world and all of humanity from evil aliens… and Andy Warhol.
Les Miserables – December 7th, 2012
Despite not having a full cast yet or even beginning production, the long anticipated film to the widely popular musical, Les Miserables, is garnering a lot of buzz from fans and critics alike. Set in early 1800s France, Les Miserables centers around the characters of Jean Valjean, Inspector Jarvet, Cosette, Fantine, Marius Pontmercy, Eponine, and Enjolras, as they fight for love and justice. So far, the confirmed cast consists of Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, and Aaron Tveit. Rumored to join are Amanda Seyfried and Taylor Swift.
Although for most of these cinematic gems we have to wait for the Christmas season, there are bound to be a few flicks along the way to catch our imaginations.
