Anyone can get excited about the upcoming blockbusters, but compiled here is a list of the lesser-praised – but just as awesome – films that are due to grace the theaters in 2015. I know I’m looking forward to hearing and seeing more about these films, many of which may knock our socks off.
10. Frankenstein
We’re all familiar with the story: using cadaver parts, Victor Frankenstein brings his human-like creature to life during a lightning storm. I’m curious to see what director Paul McGuigan will do with this Frankenstein remake, especially casting James McAvoy as Victor Frankenstein and Daniel Radcliffe as his servant, Igor. Including the character of Igor makes me wonder how dramatic or horror driven the film will be, especially since the sneak peeks of Radcliffe don’t portray the character with his notable hump. It’s also unclear who was cast as Frankenstein’s monster, but I do hope the film lives up to expectations.
Frankenstein comes to theaters in the U.S. on October 2, 2015.
9. The Good Dinosaur
The Good Dinosaur tells the animated tale of Arlo, a 70-foot-tall teenage Apatosaurus, who ends up befriending a human boy. As with all Disney Pixar films, I expect this will be heart-warming, probably somewhat moralistic, but also good silly fun! Here’s another film with a great cast. Among them are the recognizable voices of Lucas Neff, Neil Patrick Harris, and John Lithgow, just to name a few. Being that the last great animated dino-film was from my childhood – The Land Before Time – Disney has some BIG shoes to fill.
The Good Dinosaur is set to be released November 25, 2015 in the U.S.
8. Tomorrowland
Disney has been quite secretive about this project. Recently releasing this storyline is the first hint of a wondrous things to come:
Bound by a shared destiny, a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity and a former boy-genius inventor jaded by disillusionment embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space that exists in their collective memory as “Tomorrowland.” Source: Tomorrowland Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
George Clooney has been cast as the inventor and young Britt Robertson as the curious teen. Among them are several other stars including Hugh Laurie, Judy Greer, Tim McGraw. With a cast as diverse as this, Tomorrowland should prove to be full of Disney magic.
Tomorrowland will be released May 22, 2015 in the U.S.
7. Seventh Son
Science fiction, fantasy, adventure – this and more has me curious about Seventh Son, a film loosely based on the first book of the The Wardstone Chronicles: The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney.
Tom Ward (Ben Barnes), the seventh son of a seventh son starts his journey as an apprentice to the local Spook (spy) to protect his country from all manner of evil spirits and witches. I’m not used to seeing Julianne Moore as an antagonist, so this should be interesting!
Seventh Son is due for release on February 6, 2015 in the U.S.
6. Mortdecai
Transcendence. I’m excited to see what happens in this film and what will happen once this painting (inevitably) is recovered.
Mortdecai will be released in the U.S. on February 6, 2015.
5. Cyber
American and Chinese forces work together on a case of advanced computer hacking in the upcoming film Cyber. Two magical words any girl wants to hear: Chris Hemsworth. Though this cyber crime film doesn’t have much information, yet an interview with Hemsworth gave away some details:
“I just finished it. It’s based in the world of cyber terrorism,” Hemsworth said. “Basically, something similar to the Chicago Board of Trade is hacked into and it sets off a chain of events around the world, affecting the stock market. And the code that was used to hack into it, my character had written it years before and he happens to be in prison for cyber crime. He is pulled out and offered a deal if he works with a joint task force of the FBI and the Chinese government in trying to track this guy down. It starts off in Chicago and ends up in Kuala Lumpur, in Hong Kong and in Jakarta. It’s this sort of cat-and-mouse international heist-thriller.” Source: ComingSoon.net
Sounds like a suspense-filled action thriller to me!
Cyber is due to be released in the U.S. on January 16, 2015.
4. Inside Out
Structured somewhat like Osmosis Jones, director Pete Docter, who was also responsible for Up, Monsters Inc., and WALL-E, created a new film which literally takes us inside the emotion “headquarters” of the 11-year-old protagonist, Riley, who has just been uprooted from her life and moved with her father to San Francisco. In Inside Out, we’re introduced to Riley’s emotions: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness, who help and hinder her life in her new surroundings. This movie is fun and creative – and sounds a little like an attraction from my visit to Epcot in Disney World when I was 11 – Cranium Command – which is unfortunately no longer featured at the park. Basically, the audience gets to witness through a preteen’s eyes all the turmoil and angst of muddling through a new school, new friends, and acclimating to her new life. To add to my enthusiasm for the film, the voices of the emotion characters are some great stars of comedy including Mindy Kaling, Amy Poehler, and Bill Hader.
Inside Out will be released in U.S. theaters June 19, 2015.
3. B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations
B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations is a super-secret government agency whose mission is to protect humans from ghostly hauntings… the catch is the agents themselves are ghosts! Imagine if Men In Black hired all-alien agents. The story follows two new agents who stumble on the villain’s evil plot to destroy the agency and wreak havoc on Earth. Not only is the plot appealing to kids and adults alike, B.O.O. has a comedic all-star cast including Seth Rogen, Bill Murray, and Melissa McCarthy.
B.O.O.: Bureau of Otherworldly Operations will be in theaters in the U.S. on June 5, 2015.
2. Goosebumps
There isn’t a ton of information out about Goosebumps yet, but it’s one film that I am truly looking forward to. While it’s rumored that Goosebumps series author R. L. Stine himself will have a cameo in the film, Jack Black is set to play the creator of terror (described as a Stine-like author) in the upcoming movie and actress Odeya Rush as his niece, Hannah. I grew up reading Goosebumps books; my mom and I would read a few chapters together every night, and it would always leave us hanging in a precarious spot! That’s what I love about his writing. Here’s to hoping the director Rob Letterman is able to create a bit of that suspense on the big screen.
Goosebumps will be hitting theaters in the U.S. on August 7, 2015.
1. Jupiter Ascending
Derrek Greene’s Coming Soon discussion of Jupiter Ascending got me interested in the film. From The Wachowskis, directors of Could Atlas and The Matrix, Jupiter Ascending is a mystifying journey through space, following the prophetic destiny of Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis). Sci-fi fantasy is one of my favorite genres and this is definitely one added to my list of must-see’s.
Jupiter Ascending will be released in U.S. theaters on February 6, 2015.
Next year should provide an awesome plethora of new movies – something for everyone. As stated, the blockbusters are the blockbusters and will always get all the attention, but so many less-advertised movies are noteworthy additions to anyone’s go-to movie list!
What do you think of my 2015 choices? Are there any others you’re particularly excited to see? Let me know in the comments!
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