The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Director: Peter Jackson; Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Andy Serkis

The Hobbit is one of my favourite books of all time, and The Lord of the Rings is without a doubt my favourite movie trilogy. Though I would have loved to have seen Guillermo Del Torro’s vision of Middle Earth, I’m tremendously happy that Peter Jackson is back in the directors seat. Adapting arguably Tolkien’s best book, with a phenomenal cast comprised of LOTR veterans and some talented new blood, I can’t wait to see what Peter Jackson and company have in store! It simply isn’t Christmas without hobbits, dwarves, wizards and one bloody epic-battle…

Release Date: December 2012

Skyfall

Director: Sam Mendes; Cast: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw

It’s felt like an eternity since we last saw Bond on the silver screen in Quantum of Solace (2008). Now that the MGM’s financial troubles are finally behind them, the world’s favourite secret agent is set to return with a vengeance in Skyfall – a brand new adventure, not directly tied to the events of Casino or Quantum. With Javier Bardem as the main villain, Ben Whishaw as the new Q, and Oscar winner Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition) taking over directing duties, Skyfall promises to be a whole new class of Bond film – with a capital B. Which begs the question, greatest Bond movie ever?

Release Date: October 2012

Much Ado About Nothing

Director: Joss Whedon; Cast: Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker, Nathan Fillion, Clark Gregg, Reed Diamond, Fran Kranz

Okay, the first curveball on the list. An adaption of Shakespeare’s immortal play, Much Ado About Nothing is a film written and directed by Joss Whedon – yes, the Joss Whedon: the creative mind behind Buffy, Angel, Firefly & Serenity, Dollhouse and Dr Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog, and director of this summers tent-pole blockbuster The Avengers.  With a cast made up almost exclusively of alumnus from Whedon’s past shows, the film was shot in just 12 days on location in Whedon’s Santa Monica home during a break from filming The Avengers. Once completed the film is headed for the festival circuit “because”, and I quote, “it is fancy.” Hopefully, it will be picked-up by a distributor and we’ll get the opportunity to watch it later in the year.

Men In Black 3

Director: Barry Sonnenfield; Cast: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin

With a great story and a strong chemistry between its two leads, the original Men In Black was one of the most enjoyable films of the late 90s. The third instalment in the series see’s Agent J (Smith) travelling back in time to the 1960’s to stop the assassination of his partner Agent K (Lee Jones) – which he must do with the help of a younger Agent K (Brolin). The film also stars Emma Thompson, as the new head of the MIB, Alice Eve as her younger 1960s counterpart, and the hilarious Bill Hader as Andy Warhol. The new trailer looks like a promising return to form for the series. At the very least, MIB 3 will give us the opportunity to watch Josh Brolin’s do an eerily spot on Tommy Lee Jones impression! Seriously, it’s really quite good…

Release Date: May 2012

The Dark Knight Rises

Director: Christopher Nolan; Cast: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, Anne Hathaway

After the phenomenal critical and commercial success of The Dark Knight, writer and director Christopher Nolan returns to Gotham to give the Dark Knight his final swansong. Set eight years after the last film, Gotham has been experiencing a new golden age of tranquillity whilst Batman (Bale) has gone into hiding, having taken down the Joker and taken the fall for Harvey Dents murderous rampage. However, the arrival of the mysterious Selina Kyle (Hathaway) and the villainous masked man Bane (Hardy) force the Dark Knight to rise up, one last time…

Arguably the most eagerly anticipated film of 2012, I’m pretty sure I don’t need to convince anyone to get excited about this film. I urge those of you who haven’t seen it yet to watch the six-minute prologue attached to IMAX screenings of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, hopefully, this will tide you over until July…or make you even more excited and make the wait all the more unbearable!

Release Date: 20 July 2012

Looper

Director: Rian Johnson; Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt

In this intriguing time-travel thriller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays a Looper, a killer who works for a crime syndicate based in the future. All is well until he realises that one of his next targets is his future self (Willis).  With Rian Johnson, the writer-director behind Brothers Bloom and phenomenal Brick, at the helm, count on things getting mighty complicated before the end credits role. Definitely, one to watch out for…

Release Date: 28 September 2012

The Avengers

Director: Joss Whedon; Cast: Samuel L Jackson, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlet Johansson, Jeremy Renner

Having spent years and multiple films laying the groundwork, the stage is finally set for Marvel’s Avengers to finally hit the big screen. When a new threat emerges that jeopardises the fate of the entire world, Nic Fury (Jackson), director on the international peace keeping organisation SHIELD, brings together the earth’s mightiest heroes to combat it. Marvel Studios has a phenomenal track record with comic book movies, and I think they’ve made an excellent decision giving directorial duties to Joss Whedon. I’m confident that he will be able to tell a great story and juggle this impressive, dysfunctional ensemble of super-heroes.

Release Date: 27 April 2012

Prometheus

Director: Ridley Scott; Cast: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Charlize Theron,  Idris Elba, Guy Pearce, Patrick Wilson

A team of explorers travel to the darkest corners of the universe to search for the origins of humanity. There, they must face a terrifying battle to save the human race. Whether this much-hyped film takes place in the same universe as the Aliens films or just a universe that’s Aliens-adjacent, isn’t clear yet – but who cares, it’s Ridley Scott back in space with an all-star cast. Be happy!

Release Date: 1 June 2012

The Bourne Legacy

Director: Tony Gilroy; Cast: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Wiez, Edward Norton, Joan Allen

Set within the same Bourne universe, Legacy is a brand new spin-off featuring a whole new cast of players. Jeremy Renner stars as Alex Cross, a CIA-trained spy, dealing with the ramifications of the previous films and a whole new conspiracy. Though I was initially apprehensive about a new Bourne films without either Matt Damon in the lead role or Paul Greengrass behind the lens, I’m getting more and more excited about the prospect of Legacy. I couldn’t think of a better choice to take on this lead than Jeremy Renner; he’s a fantastic actor and that has proven that he can do action well in Ghost Protocol. With an amazing supporting cast – including Rachel Wiez, Edward Norton and Joan Allen, returning to play Pamela Landy – and long-time series scribe Tony Gilroy taking on writing and directing duties, Bourne Legacy looks set to become a worthy addition to this spy brilliant series.

Release Date: 17 August 2012

The Amazing Spider-Man

Director: Marc Webb; Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Martin Sheen, Sally Fields

Full confession, I’m a huge Spider-man fan. I have been ever since I was a kid, when I would engorge myself on the comics and cartoons. So the prospect of a brand new Spider-man film puts a smile on my face (seriously, there is an earnest/disturbing grin plastered on my face right now, whilst I write this). Though I doubt the debate over whether it was necessary to re-boot the franchise will ever cease, these is no reason not be excited about The Amazing Spider-man. Andrew Garfield is an incredibly talented actor, and his heart-felt speech at comic-con, dressed in a cheap Halloween Spider-man costume, has endeared him to the comic book community. The uber-taleneted Emma Stone will play Peter Parker’s first love, Gwen Stacey, Welshmen Rhys Evans gets double duty as Dr Connors and The Lizard, whilst Martin Sheen will get to say that immortal line – “with great power comes great responsibility” – as Uncle Ben. Check out the official website, where you’ll get a better look at the cast and the costume.

Release Date: 4 July 2012

Special mentions

The Raven

In The Raven, Edgar Allan Poe spends the last days of his life working with the police to track down a serial killer whose crime scenes mimic those found in the writers stories. Staring John Cusack as Poe with James McTeigue, the director V For Vendetta, at the helm The Raven could be one of 2012 dark horses.

Release Date: 9 March 2012

The Cabin in the Woods

Joss Whedon has teamed up Drew Goddard, the writer of Cloverfield, to create Cabin in the Woods – a film that takes the old clichéd horror story of a mysterious cabin in the woods and flips it on its head. Starring Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and some Whedon alumnus, Cabin in the Woods is finally going to be released in 2012. Expect an intelligent plot and big scares from this.

Release Date: 13 April 2012

Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter:

The title says it all…

Downey plays a highly strung father who ends up having to travel across country with aspiring actor and all-round nutter Ethan to be able make it home in time for his child’s birth.

Due Date sure looks like a real hoot, but I’ve been disappointed with movies such as this before (great actors, really funny trailers, good writing team, but when you get to the theatre you feel like you’ve seen it all before). Downey will be excellent as always, and I’m quite looking forward to seeing him in a role that isn’t so ‘hero-centric’ – i.e. Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes. Galifianakis I also like, but if the guy isn’t careful he’ll be typically cast in these wacky and strange character roles – although there’s nothing wrong with that because he’s good at it, I’d just like to see him spread his wings a bit and do something a little deeper.

Don’t forget to let us know what you think of Due Date, or if you’ll even be seeing it at all, comment below, on our Facebook group or by tweeting us!

The Film Buzz Anticipation Rating: ******~~~~ (6/10)

UK Release Date: 5th November 2010

Director: Todd Phillips

Writer’s: Alan R. Cohen, Alan Freedland, Adam Sztykiel, Todd Phillips

From left to right we have Robert Downey Jnr as Iron Man, Clark Gregg as S.H.I.E.L.D Agent Phil Coulson, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Chris Hemsorth will continue to play Thor, Chris Evans as Captain America,  Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury,  Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Mark Ruffalo will be the third actor of recent times to portray The Hulk. The balding man is Director and writer Joss Whedon, and the guy on the end is Zak Penn who along with Whedon will be penning The Avengers screenplay.

The Avengers was originally a Marvel comic that started back in the early 1960′s by writer and creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The Avengers were some of Marvel’s greatest superheroes all combined in one comic. Many different heroes have overtime appeared in The Avengers comic such as: Iron Man, Thor and Ant Man, the team was also sometimes made up of Gods, Robots, humans and aliens, somewhat  a diverse group. Since then The Avengers have been turned into films, animated TV series and video games.

Well we can’t wait for this latest Marvel incarnation of The Avengers, we’ll keep you in the know, but if you want it straight from the source you can check out  The Avengers Teaser Site.

Iron Man 2 is one of the film’s I have been anticipating the most this year and it was certainly worth the wait.
Starring Robert Downey Jr, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sam Rockwell, Scarlett Johnasson, Don Cheadle, Mickey Rourke and Samuel L. Jackson – you can check out the trailer below if you haven’t already to get your taste buds salivating.

The Plot

Following on from six months after the first Iron Man movie, the world now knows that Tony Stark (Downey) is Iron Man, and now they all want a piece of either the Iron Man technology or Tony Stark himself. Stark is however unwilling to let go of his awesome technology and thus Stark ends up facing increasing amounts of pressure from friends and foe alike.

The Thoughts

It takes a little while to set the foundations of the film, but all with plenty of humour and lot’s of nice little references to other Marvel characters from the comics, those of which  I can only assume are tie-ins from other Marvel movies on the way.

Downey is 100% spot on as Stark! From now on Downey is and will forever be Tony Stark – he played the role to perfection. Stark is a selfish, cocky, arrogant but undeniably likeable and Downey was spot on in his portryal.

Paltrow also reprises her role as Pepper Pots and I like the way she plays Pepper – she looks as if she’s incapable but actually you know that in a fight she could probably take care of herself. Heaven knows why they keep putting her in those heels that she obviously cannot walk in!

I admit with Johnasson I was not sure if I would be able to deal with her in an action role. But she pretty much did exactly as she should have and I found myself wondering why they didn’t give her a bigger role – she was most certainly underused in this movie which was a disappointment.

Sam Rockwell and Mickey Rourke both play the ‘bad guy’ in Iron Man 2. Rockwell portrays Hammer as cheaper knock off version of Tony Stark, which doesn’t work for the character but made Rockwell’s portrayal all the more entertaining. Rourke was absolutely terrifying, if you saw this guy walking down the street towards you, there is no doubt that you would cross over to the other side to avoid him, whilst not taking your eyes off him the entire time. Rourke’s character Ivan Vanko doesn’t say much, but he doesn’t have to – the very presence of this man is enough to shake even Stark, and so far from this Iron Man franchise Vanko is by far the best villain.

Overall the film was well put together, perhaps there were one too many characters that wasn’t really needed as they didn’t aid to bringing the plot forward. Director Jon Favreau (Happy Hogan) clearly has a talent for film making and took to this project with open arms – I just wish he would stop trying to act, but I guess everyone wants to be part of the Iron Man experience.

The visuals were stunning, not once did I notice the CGI or did it detract from the story telling. Most of the technology that Stark uses is slightly unbelievable,  although highly inventive – for me it’s still a little too early to believe technology could have advanced that much. A highly entertaining story with mostly strong performances from a fantastic cast that are under used.

Oh and don’t forget, if it’s not too painful for you, wait till the end of the credits to see a little something extra.

Iron Man 2 is out at all UK cinemas now, check it out.

Don’t forget to let us know what you think of Iron Man 2, by leaving a comment or you can Tweet us or Facebook us.

The Film Buzz Rating: ********~~ (8/10)

UK Release Date: 29th April 2010

Director: Jon Favreau

Writer’s: Stan Lee (comic), Justin Theroux (screenplay)

Links: IMDB, Official Site

With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military. Unwilling to let go of his invention, Stark, along with Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), and James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle) at his side, must forge new alliances — and confront powerful enemies.

Directed by Jon Favreau starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson, Mickey Rourke and others in a solid cast and mind-blowing technology driven action – this film is a definite must-see of the year.

Everyone is buzzing with anticipation for this film, it’s hitting cinemas officially tomorrow but for the eager beavers – advance screenings are on today!

See it if you liked: X-Men: The Last Stand (2006), Iron Man (2008), Sherlock Holmes (2009)

Certificate: 12A

Genre: Action/Adventure

Release Date: 30 April 2010

The Last Song

Do you ever really forget your first heartbreak?

Based on best-selling novelist Nicholas Sparks’s (A Walk to Remember, The Notebook) latest novel, The Last Song is set in a small Southern beach town where an estranged father (Greg Kinnear) gets a chance to spend the summer with his reluctant teenaged daughter (Miley Cyrus), who’d rather be home in New York. He tries to reconnect with her through the only thing they have in common – music. In a story of family, friendship, secrets and salvation, along with first loves and second chances, this film will certainly tug on heartstrings.

Directed by Julie Anne Robinson from a screenplay by Spars & Jeff Van Wie and also starring Bobby Coleman, Liam Hemsworth, Hallock Beals and Kelly Preston.

See it if you liked: The Notebook (2004), The Sisterhood Of The Travelling Pants (2005), Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009)

Certificate: PG

Genre: Drama/Romance

Release Date: 30 April 2010

The Disappearance of Alice Creed

Gemma Arterton stars as a young woman kidnapped by two scheming men in this gripping British hostage story.

Read The Film Buzz Official review here.

See it if you liked: Red Road (2006), Funny Games (2007), Taken (2008)

Certificate: 18

Genre: Thriller

Release Date: 30 April 2010

Why the rush though fellas? The 26th is a whole week away there may still be enough time for the volcano to settle down. News is coming in as I type that airspace in Scotland and Northern Ireland are opening up again – still no word on England, but things are looking better.

Sorry UK fans, maybe Iron Man 3′s world premiere will be US based.

So far Iron Man 2 looks like it’s shaping up to be the flick of the summer. If you remember the ending from the first film, you’ll know that Stark revealed to all that he was Iron Man, so it looks as if we’re going to see the backlash of Stark’s revelation in this sequel.

Robert Downey Jnr

Is it just me or is Downey Jr looking a little bit worse for wear? It’s probably all those movie’s he’s making, the dude needs to get some serious shut eye.

Iron Man 2 hits UK cinemas on April 30th 2010 (not soon enough).

You should follow us on twitter here!

So how did that leave you feeling? Excited? Intrigued? Nauseous? Let us know.

Iron Man 2 Film Poster

The second Iron Man film to be released next year is again directed by Jon Favreau (Pete from Friends) and features the return of Robert Downey Jr (Sherlock Holmes) as Stark and Gwyneth Paltrow (Two Lovers) as Pepper Pots, and also introducing some new additions Scarlett Johansson (The Other Boleyn Girl) as Black Widow and Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) as Whiplash. More details will come as we get them.

The Film Buzz Anticipation Rating: 7.5/10

UK Release Date: May/ June 2010

Director: Jon Favreau

Writer’s: Justin Theroux (screenplay), Stan Lee, Don Heck, Larry Lieber, Jack Kirby

Links: IMDB, Official Site