AM’s Guide To The Most Anticipated Movies of 2011
Another year of movies has come to pass with great and not so great movies now in the history books. Movie lovers have a lot to look forward to in 2011 with a wide variety of promising releases set to come out. Certainly, the bombastic action flick will be coming back with a bang while a lot of big name franchise are either looking to establish themselves or continue to dominate the box office. With that said, let us take a ridiculously comprehensive look at some of the most anticipated movies of 2011.
The Green Hornet (January 14)
Director: Michel Gondry
Cast: Seth Rogen, Cameron Diaz, Christoph Waltz, Jay Chou
Britt Reid (Seth Rogen), son and heir to Los Angeles’ largest newspaper fortune, is a rich, spoiled playboy who has been happy to maintain a direction-less existence. When his father James Reid (Tom Wilkinson) dies, Britt meets an impressive and resourceful company employee, Kato (Jay Chou). They realize that they have the resources to do something worthwhile with their lives and finally step out of James Reid’s shadow. Kato builds the ultimate weapon, The Black Beauty, an indestructible car with every weapon imaginable and Britt decides that in order to be heroes, they will pose as villains. With the help of Britt’s new secretary, Lenore Case (Cameron Diaz), they learn that the chief criminal in the city is named Benjamin Chudnofsky (Christoph Waltz). He has united all the gangs under his power, and he quickly sees that the Green Hornet is a direct threat to the prosperous criminal underworld he controls.
Castor’s Take: The trailer make this seem to be a rather unexciting but competently put together flick. We already know what to expect from Seth Rogen and I doubt this is going to make much of a ripple in terms of its contribution to the world of cinema. However, it should be a decent time at the movie theater if you are bored in the middle of the month of January (you will be).
- Anticipation Factor: Low
- Chance of Sucking: 40%
I Am Number Four (February 18)
Director: D.J. Caruso
Cast: Alex Pettyfer, Timothy Olyphant, Teresa Palmer
Three are dead. Who is Number Four? D.J. Caruso (“Eagle Eye,” “Disturbia”) helms an action-packed thriller about an extraordinary teen, John Smith (Alex Pettyfer), who is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Timothy Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events–his first love (Dianna Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny.
Castor’s Take: I can’t say that I’m very excited about seeing this movie. The trailer makes it look like something that would be better suited as a TV show and we can already see hints that the acting will be sub-par. I would say skip it at this point in time.
- Anticipation Factor: Indifferent
- Chance of Sucking: 60%
The Adjustment Bureau (March 4)
Director: George Nolfi
Cast: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Anthony Mackie
Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us? Matt Damon stars in the thriller The Adjustment Bureau as a man who glimpses the future Fate has planned for him and realizes he wants something else. To get it, he must pursue the only woman he’s ever loved across, under and through the streets of New York. On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris (Damon) meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt). But just as he realizes he’s falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. David learns he is up against the agents of Fate itself—the men of The Adjustment Bureau—who will do everything in their considerable power to prevent David and Elise from being together. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path…or risk everything to defy Fate and be with her.
Castor’s Take: The fact that this was pushed back to the early spring of 2011 is quite worrisome and may point to a less than stellar reception after the movie was screened. Nonetheless, this $58 million sci-fi romance does star Matt Damon and Emily Blunt and could be a good surprise for fans of romantic sci-fi’s.
- Anticipation Factor: Medium
- Chance of Sucking: 40%
Battle: Los Angeles (March 11)
Director: Jonathan Liebesman
Cast: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Ramon Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan
For years, there have been documented cases of UFO sightings around the world – Buenos Aires, Seoul, France, Germany, China. But in 2011, what were once just sightings will become a terrifying reality when Earth is attacked by unknown forces. As people everywhere watch the world’s great cities fall, Los Angeles becomes the last stand for mankind in a battle no one expected. It’s up to a Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and his new platoon to draw a line in the sand as they take on an enemy unlike any they’ve ever encountered before.
Castor’s Take: I like the premise of following the troops doing the fighting instead of being stuck with some random civilians like in War of the Worlds or Cloverfield. Whether it’s any good or not, I certainly hope that it favors grittiness and realism over bombastic set action pieces.
- Anticipation Factor: Medium
- Chance of Sucking: 40%
The Beaver (March 23)
Director: Jodie Foster
Cast: Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence
Two-time Academy Award(R) winner Jodie Foster directs and co-stars with two-time Academy Award(R) winner Mel Gibson in THE BEAVER – an emotional story about a man on a journey to re-discover his family and re-start his life. Plagued by his own demons, Walter Black was once a successful toy executive and family man who now suffers from depression. No matter what he tries, Walter can’t seem to get himself back on track…until a beaver hand puppet enters his life.
Castor’s Take: The fact that this is the first movie starring Mel Gibson to be released after his umpteenth PR debacle may well be enough to attract the attention of certain movie-goers while others will completely avoid it for obvious reasons. Judging the movie on its own merit, the script is absolutely brilliant, blending comedy with a surprisingly dark undertone that is sure to have pushed Gibson as an actor. I personally look forward to this.
Rob’s Take: You can say whatever you want about Mel Gibson, but they guy has made some really great films. Pair him with Jodie Foster, who directs the film. It is an interesting premise about a troubled man, who tries to get his life back on track by taking on an alter ego through the use of a beaver puppet. It should be a pretty good drama-comedy that looks to be heartfelt. Something to look forward to early in the year.
- Anticipation Factor: High
- Chance of Sucking: 25%
Sucker Punch (March 25)
Director: Zack Snyder
Cast: Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Jamie Chung, Jena Malone
Close your eyes. Open your mind. You will be unprepared. “Sucker Punch” is an epic action fantasy that takes us into the vivid imagination of a young girl whose dream world provides the ultimate escape from her darker reality. Unrestrained by the boundaries of time and place, she is free to go where her mind takes her, and her incredible adventures blur the lines between what’s real and what is imaginary. She has been locked away against her will, but Babydoll (Emily Browning) has not lost her will to survive. Determined to fight for her freedom, she urges four other young girls–the outspoken Rocket (Jena Malone), the street-smart Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens), the fiercely loyal Amber (Jamie Chung) and the reluctant Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish)–to band together and try to escape their terrible fate at the hands of their captors.
Castor’s Take: Scantily clad girls with guns killing people and blowing stuff up. Do I really need to say anything else?
- Anticipation Factor: Medium
- Chance of Sucking: 35%
Red State (March 2011)
Director: Kevin Smith
Cast: Melissa Leo, Kevin Pollak, John Goodman
A horror film in which a group of misfits encounter fundamentalism gone to the extreme in Middle America.
Rob’s Take: I am more intrigued than anything by the fact that this is a Kevin Smith film. As a comedy first director, my political side has me wondering if this film can be effective. The trailer is well constructed. He has assembled a cast of pretty respectable actors including Melissa Leo, Kevin Pollak, and John Goodman. It could end up being just a lot of smoke and mirrors, but until I hear otherwise, I am fairly excited about checking out this film.
- Anticipation Factor: Low
- Chance of Sucking: 40%
Source Code (April 1)
Director: Duncan Jones
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright
When decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) wakes up in the body of an unknown man, he discovers he’s part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. In an assignment unlike any he’s ever known, he learns he’s part of a government experiment called the Source Code, a program that enables him to cross over into another man’s identity in the last 8 minutes of his life. With a second, much larger target threatening to kill millions in downtown Chicago, Colter re-lives the incident over and over again, gathering clues each time, until he can solve the mystery of who is behind the bombs and prevent the next attack. Filled with mind-boggling twists and heart-pounding suspense, Source Code is a smart action-thriller directed by Duncan Jones also starring Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, and Jeffrey Wright.
Castor’s Take: The script by Ben Ripley made the Black List so there is hope that this is going to be a good movie. Unfortunately, the trailer isn’t really selling me into seeing this so far since there is so many plot holes that one can think of!
Rob’s Take: This film looks to be a blend between The Matrix and Groundhog’s Day. I liked both films, so hopefully a super combo will also deliver. I realize that this film has potential to be really bad, but it stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, and Vera Farmiga. It is the follow-up to Duncan Jones brilliant debut of Moon. Those things alone have caught my interest. The trailer makes the film look fairly intense and exciting. But I guess we will have to wait and see. I am willing to give this one a shot.
- Anticipation Factor: Low
- Chance of Sucking: 35%
53 Comments
Hey Castor, glad I’m not the only one not anticipating Green Hornet. I love that you have the ‘chance of sucking’ and your assessment sounds about right
Oh y’know, I feel the same way about The Beaver, Castor. I may not run to the theater to see it but the trailer does intrigue me. Given the premise, casting Gibson might actually work for this film.
Have you read the script yet?
Oh no I haven’t even though you’ve sent it to me already. I gotta look for it again.
Great list and fun reading your take on each movie…unfortunately my anticipated movies are not in that list.
I’m looking forward to see Paul and The Retreat.
From your list, I will definitely watch TinTin and Larry Crow (because Tom Hank is in it).
Sherlock is being made into sequel?? Jezz why do they have to do that? That Sherlock is an insult to Sherlock fans. Robert downey is playing a womanizer who can fight and try to be charming and have good deduction BUT NOT sherlock at all. I wish they make Bennedict Cumberbatch’s version of Sherlock as a movie rather than making sequel of Robert Downey’s weird version of Sherlock.
>>sorry for the rant, it’s just I really like Sherlock Holmes and that movie totally ruins his image.
I liked the first Sherlock Holmes, it’s a different take but nowhere in the written material does it say that it is the wrong interpretation. Holmes always had an affinity for Adler so I don’t see why you would call him a womanizer for it. Now, I think Guy Ritchie isn’t exactly the right guy to direct this franchise but I look forward to the sequel.
I think there are some fans of Sherlock who are ok with Ritchie’s interpretation and like Castor said, it’s not wrong, just different. I personally enjoyed it, but then again I’m not a die hard SH fan. I’m indifferent about the sequel though, I’d rather see something more original.
Unfortunately…I am the die hard fans that hate it
I like downey but you will never get me to watch it.
Tho, I am happy to know that A LOT of people who love the book hate the movie…so I am not alone.
For me, that character is really not how I imagine sherlock over the year of my reading and rereading sherlock.
What??? You didn’t even see it? Novroz…
lol.. you don’t need to see the whole movie to know that He is NOT sherlock. The trailer tells a lot.
I remembered feeling so enthusias hearing that Downey (I like him) will play Sherlock…then I saw the trailer and I was shocked.
It’s better not watching it, if I watch it I am afraid I am going to loath it…at least for now, I only refuse to watch it
I think that is the disadvantage of being both book and movie lover, I tend to compare them.
I actually had no problem with the how Sherlock was portrayed and Downey is HOT! My problem was the film was a total snoozefest!
Ok, let me say I’m a BIG fan of the Doyle novels and short stories. The Sherlock Holmes series are probably my favorite books to date. On that note, I thoroughly enjoyed Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes. Furthermore, I’m not sure you can make an opinion on it since you’ve yet to even watch the movie.
I thought Downey’s portrayal of Sherlock Holmes was probably one of the more “on point” portrayals of the man that I’ve ever seen. Far better than all those older “Sherlock is a snooty, uptight, sophisticated English man” portrayals.
You say you don’t like it because he’s portrayed as a womanizer who can fight, etc.? Is that what you meant? Because that’s EXACTLY what he is in the books. I don’t think the movie ruins his image at all. In fact, I know several die hard fans (including myself) that are rather pleased with how Sherlock was portrayed. He’s given those rough-edges to his character that many haven’t done. Gave him that attitude and sarcasm and meanness that he’s known for. Turned him into a total badass like he is. And showed him to be a brilliant man.
Sure, the movie has its flaws and it’s not a perfect adaptation, but it’s probably one of the best portrayals I’ve seen of Sherlock. I was rather pleased with it to finally see a real Sherlock rather than one of those uppity sophisticated English man type of Sherlocks.
If there’s anything to complain about, it’s the portrayal of Watson. Now THAT was completely off. For instance, one thing that always stuck with me was how Watson (Law) would smart off to Sherlock (Downey) in the movie and kinda condescend to him and even hit him once. There’s no way Watson in the books would ever act this way with Sherlock. Sherlock was his ideal really and he admired him FAR too much. Though I will say Law’s and Downey’s banter was amusing (just not accurate to the books).
Also, they did Hollywood-ize the movie too much thus making it a bit “weird”. But that can be forgiven. He (Ritchie) wasn’t going for an exact adaptation anyways, he wanted to make it big like that.
All in all, I thought it was a really fun movie and was quite pleased with Downey as Sherlock.
Snap!
(I fully and completely agree with JL)
Wow…I didn’t know there’s a reply this long.
Thank you for all the explanation JL…I’ll wait for the movie in TV.
To buy or rent it is really out of the question since I am not interested from the beginning. Will judge the movie by then but usually my feeling before and after watching a movie is always the same.
Here’s an example…I never really interested on seeing Zombieland. My student gave it to me and I left it rotten for 6month and finally watched…and voila, I like some part of it but not totally impressed by it.
And to make matter worst…I have already fallin deeply in love with Sherlock from BBC…it’ll be tough to beat by Ritchie’s movie
Sticking with Source Code and The Tree of Life.
of that lot im probably most looking forward to The Beaver. source code looks like one of those films where we’re forced to watch the same scene over and over again and the Adjustment Trailer looks like its gonna be worse than Vanilla Sky. but.. theyre only trailers so i could be completely wrong. i reckon that I Am No 4 could be a surprise hit
Looking forward to ‘Beaver’ and Red State but I’m sure Sucker Punch is going to be a flop.
I have two concerns with Tree of Life that prevent it from being at the pinnacle of my anticipation list.
1) The vague similarities between this and Lovely Bones. I’m sure it’s just face level, but the sheer letdown factor of Lovely Bones was so catastrophic, I still have nightmares.
2) The long, winding process it has gone through to finally receive a theatrical release. Always sends up a caution flag for me.
Other than that I’m riding HP to the end, and the rest I’ll play wait and see (though if Wong’s The Grandmasters gets a US release this year I’ll be right there)
The Tree of Life’s long road to being released is due to his director’s eccentricities though, not the movie being pushed aimlessly around the pipeline. Malick has always been known to edit his movies until the last minute and even after they are released. That’s why they were so many reports of the movie being “90% done” for months. In any case, I certainly hope it doesn’t disappoint like The Lovely Bones ahah
I just scrolled until I saw “Tree of Life.” Pretty much the only 2011 film I anticipate. Everything else I’ll just be happy to enjoy as long as its decent.
What a fantastic list and preview of 2011!! I am impressed, although I expect nothing less from Captain America! I knew you couldn’t resist having high hopes for your own movie! and RED, I hope Thor is great too. I love Branagh’s work, but am still curious about this one.
While I am looking forward to several films. I am hoping that some with low expectations for me will surprise me! (Cars2, Pirates of the Caribbean,Transformers, etc.) This is definitely the year of Superheroes though! (which I love)!
Castor, with ur permission, I’d love to post a link to this list on my page for “TrailerTimeThursday!”
Well I couldn’t help myself… It’s not everyday that they make a movie about me and I do have stakes in it doing well.
I welcome any links from the the ScarletSp1der!
Great rundown on the movies! One of the producers on Conan is Swedish BTW. Haven’t worked with him since he has been US based for the last 20 years.
Ho-hum.
Dear Sweet Lord! When does Natalie Portman sleep?!
Black Swan
Thor
Your Highness
AND
No Strings Attached?
Good recap of the coming releases by the way. I’d up the chances of Breaking Dawn sucking to 115%, though. Not only is it a Twilight installment, but it’s HALF of a Twilight installment, a-la Harry Potter.
Well, she’ll be even more sleepless when her baby arrives
But looking at her upcoming projects post Black Swan, looks like she’s going downhill fast!
Ahah, 115% of sucking for Breaking Dawn… in every sense of the word.
Ahah yea it seems like Natalie is primed for the perennial post-Oscar crash…
You’re right about the post-Oscar crash. That’s a total shame, too. Portman’s career has been languishing in the realm of mediocre for too long and to finally breakthrough with “Black Swan” and then put out her 2011 slate is just disappointing.
I think, though, it may very well provide hard evidence for the lack of decent roles for women in Hollywood.
Just in that list alone, we have two chances to play the damsel in distress and one romantic comedy.
Actually i just checked out the trailer of Your Highness, and from what i saw her role she didn’t seem like a damsel in distress. There is one in the movie, but Portman isn’t playing that character.
There role in Thor does seem like it will go that route tho. And i’ve pretty much given up on any hollywood movie that purports to tackle the subject of casual sex partners/friends with benefits/whatever you want to call it because they always write it so that really they are just trying to hide feelings for each other(Zach and Miri went the same rout).
@Julian – True about the “Your Highness” trailer but considering her love interest is a bumbling chubby dude, I will put down money that he’ll have to prove his worth at some point by rescuing her, no matter how badass she’s been throughout the first two acts.
So a) Damsel in Distress b) in a corset no less.
I could be wrong, though!
Well, this is a very good list and a good diss towards “Transformers 3″. That’s going to suck along with “Twilight: Breaking Dawn Pt. 1″.
I have a list of my own and it’s in 2 parts:
Pt. 1: http://thevoid99.blogspot.com/2010/12/most-anticipated-films-of-2011-pt-1.html
Pt. 2: http://thevoid99.blogspot.com/2010/12/most-anticipated-films-of-2011-pt-2.html
Though it doesn’t have all of the films you mentioned. Mine is more art-house than commercial releases.
I’ve actually recently heard that The Beaver is kind of mundane, which brings me down since the premise is so outstanding. I’m still going to be in line to see it, though.
Surprised at the low anticipation for Source Code. Jones possesses so much goodwill after Moon that I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt on anything that he does, and as far as plot holes from a trailer or a script, well, that’s not to say they won’t be explained or totally missing from the final film.
Sucker Punch just doesn’t look like my cup of stupid. Snyder has style but he’s also a spazzoid teenager running on a never-ending sugar overdose, and seeing crappy anime tropes brought to bear in a live-action film doesn’t really get me going. Maybe the most exciting thing about the movie for me will be seeing Vanessa Hudgens not be herself.
The Green Hornet already sounds like a decent foray into the superhero world for Gondry– not great, but decent– and man, I want Red State to be great. If Smith pulls that movie off I’ll have tons of respect for him.
While I didn’t really like (or hate) Legends of the Guardians, I like what Snyder has done so far. He keeps his material different from other directors, and I have to respect that. I hate it when people use that excuse for the likes of Uwe Boll, but I doubt many people would put Snyder on the same level as Boll.
The one movie I was upset that I couldn’t fit into my Top 10 was “A Dangerous Method”, but the fact that it isn’t guaranteed for a 2010 release left it off.
Hi Red, how are you big guy? I’m really curious about Dangerous Method, hopefully they’d get a release this year yet. 2011 looks to be the year for Michael Fassbender, his star is definitely on the rise.
I’m doing good! And yes, it’s only a matter of time before people start to really notice Fassbender. Most people just didn’t catch on to his performances in the likes of 300 and Inglorious Basterds.
Glad to hear it, Red! Well I noticed him in those two films… I’ve been championing for him endlessly on my blog. I hope more people will notice him more.
…If there was a happy ending in ANtichrist i totally missed it. Seriously, i’m afraid to see what Lars considers a downer ending
Ahaha indeed. That was one f’ed up movie!
I mean, i think i am a generally hard to shock viewer, but i actually had to look away during the clit cutting scene. I just couldn’t look
The happy ending was right after the….um….yeah…
Underwhelming seems to be your watchword for 2011. You couldn’t give Sucker Punch a better anticipation factor?
I’d rather not expect too much from Sucker Punch after Watchmen but I do hope it’s good
I personally liked Watchmen, but i know not everybody did
I recently saw the trailer for Adjustment Bureau and I was feeling it until they slapped me with that stupid title! Sucker Punch looks too confusing and I just don’t know how I feel about that beaver movie!
A new Michelle Monaghan film! Lovely. And it even sounds good.
I anticipate The Green Hornet and that D.J. Caruso film sucking.
I’m probably most anticipating the final Harry Potter film if I’m being honest!
Only a 20% chance that an unnecessary sequel to Pixar’s worst film will suck. I call shenanigans! The film will certainly make a ton of money, but I seriously doubt it’ll be a critical success.
…Oh, I loved Cars. But I am surprised they are making a sequel to a film that wasn’t as well received as some of their others.
Good list. I have some similar picks coming out on mine this week. But I have zero interest in the Beaver and The Green Hornet.
And where is Tree of Life???
Near the top of the second page!
Some exciting looking films coming out. Great coverage of them all. Looking forward to Source Code because of Duncan Jones in Moon. There are some really great teams pairing up too. Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody! Woo!
Reitman and Cody do make for an interesting creative team.
The film ‘Now’ looks promising imo.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1637688/
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