Here are the five movies I am looking forward to seeing the most next year:
#5: Dr. Suess' The Lorax (March 2)
(Trailer can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QVCIDVeelA)
While I am not very familiar with this particular Dr. Suess book, I immediately just loved the trailer as soon as I saw it. It looks like one of those movies that embrace the childhood imagination, with some modern-day perks put in. And while Illumination Entertainment hasn't been the most impressive with its' first two films (Despicable Me was fine, but Hop was disappointing), this could turn the tide and be a very fun adventure.
#4: Rise of the Guardians (November 21)
Debuting over my favorite week to launch a movie (Thanksgiving week), this proposed fantasy adventure has no trailer yet, but what I've read, it looks like a nice twist on all of the legendary figures (Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, etc.) combined with elements from How To Train Your Dragon and The Chronicles of Narnia. While DreamWorks Animation has yet to do a movie over Thanksgiving break, I really think this looks very interesting.
#3: Big Miracle (February 3)
(Trailer can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv-mWQUoXOg)
With a similar premise to Dolphin Tale and basing upon a true story, this live-action adventure looks like its' going to be a fun adventure for both kids and parents (provided that the language isn't stronger than what its' PG rating suggests). The story of whales being trapped in a hole in the arctic circle and the determination to try and get them free could also be a major player for critics and next years' awards season.
#2: Brave (June 22)
(Trailer can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEHWDA_6e3M)
Pixar goes to its' co-distributor Disney's roots for their first fairy tale. While it may lean more towards fantasy than a musical, the animation looks very impressive and the film looks like a combination between How To Train Your Dragon and Tangled. Based on its' fantasy themes alone, I'd be shocked if this got away with a G rating, but even with a female heroine (a Pixar first), this still looks like a thrilling adventure.
#1: Journey 2: The Mysterious Island (February 10)
(Trailer can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdFCjwcK8IE)
I didn't see the first movie, but this one looks very different compared to the other. Its' fantasy elements and adventure and action-filled scenes are the kind that I can really dive into. Similar to Spy Kids: All The Time in the World and Cats & Dogs 2, this has the best chance out of all the releases this year to make it into my Top 10 all-time list. Also, I have enjoyed Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in his recent films Tooth Fairy and Race to Witch Mountain.
