I had a lot of fun going back and revisiting my most anticipated movies of 2012 list from last January. It was interesting to see which films lived up to my expectations, which movies fell short, and which ones made it into consideration for my Best of 2012 list. I am proud to say that several of the movies really impressed, but unfortunately a couple of them disappointed and one was pushed back to a 2013 release date. But that was 2012. This is a new year and that means a new list. So enough horseplay, right? Without further ado here are my most anticipated films of 2013. Like last year, some on this list have legitimate question marks. But like last year, all on this list really intrigue me.
#10 – “EVIL DEAD” The original “Evil Dead” remains one of my favorite horror movies of all time so normally I would be very sceptical of a new remake. But optimism quickly replaced scepticism just by seeing Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell heavily involved. The pair were the forces behind the original film and if you’ve seen the released red band trailer, you can see their fingerprints all over this picture. It looks gory and gruesome but it also looks potentially frightening and that’s something that we rarely get with the modern horror movies of today. This thing could tank. But it could also be old school horror in its glory.
#9 – “THE WOLF OF WALL STREET” Whenever Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio team up the results are usually pretty terrific. This new collaboration sees Leo playing a stockbroker surrounded by Wall Street corruption and mob influences. The film also features a great supporting cast featuring Matthew McConaughey and last year’s Best Actor Oscar winner Jean Dujardin. On the flipside it also features Jonah Hill, something that is a cause for concern. Nevertheless Scorsese is an amazing filmmaker whose credentials prove him to be a master of his craft.
#8 – “WORLD WAR Z” I swear 2013 looks like it’s going to be a big, big year for science fiction. The first sci-fi movie on this list mixes in a dab of horror. It is “World War Z”, a post-apocalyptic zombie outbreak picture starring Brad Pitt. Now I can see where some people may be experiencing zombie fatigue but not me. This movie sounded like a lot of fun and that was before I saw the trailer. Now I’m thoroughly pumped for it. Of course there is the risk of this turning out to be another catastrophic zombie movie. But I’m really thinking that this could be something special. Don’t believe me? Just check out the trailer then mark June 21st on your calendar.
#7 – “THOR: THE DARK WORLD” The first Thor movie was one of the bigger surprises in Marvel’s cinematic universe. It had the potential to be really good or a real cheesefest. Marvel handled it perfectly resulting in an exciting and often funny superhero romp. Now it’s time for the sequel and just like with all of this wave of Marvel films it ties into the larger movie universe. Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman both return but more exciting is the return of the wonderful Tom Hiddleston as Loki. He alone is worth the price for the ticket. I am a little cautious with this one but I have faith in the creative minds at Marvel.
#6 – “INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS” There’s not a lot of information out there about “Inside Llewyn Davis”. So why on earth is it even on my most anticipated list? Simple. It’s written and directed by my favorite filmmakers Joel and Ethen Coen. The brothers have been known for dipping their toes in just about every genre. This film is about the 1960’s New York folk music scene. Sounds pretty drab doesn’t it? Well not in the hands of the Coen’s. Their cleverness and creativity always interests me and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. It’ll be smart, witty, and undeniably unique. Add the interesting leads of Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan and this could be a real treat.
#5 – “MAN OF STEEL” I really want there to be a strong Superman franchise. There’s lots of things “Superman Returns” did right but it couldn’t overcome director Bryan Singer’s creative liberties. Now we get another reboot but this time there’s a lot of promise. Christopher Nolan and David Goyer, the creative geniuses behind The Dark Knight trilogy, are heavily involved in this production which really excites me. The fact that Zack Snyder is directing worries me some. But listen to this supporting cast: Amy Adams, Kevin Costner, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, and Diane Lane. Yep, I’m all over this one and my fingers are crossed.
#4 – “TO THE WONDER” Terrence Malick doesn’t make a lot of movies but when he does they’re attention getters. Now, out of the blue, we are getting two films out of him in a three year span. His last film “The Tree of Life” was my favorite movie on 2011 so naturally I would be interested in this one. I am a sucker for Malick’s style and even when he may miss the mark slightly I am consumed by his presentation. This looks like another Malick gem this time starring Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, and Javier Bardem. This could be really good and I can’t wait for it to hit theaters.
#3 – “OBLIVION” Yep, another science fiction movie makes my list but this one intrigues me most of all. Tom Cruise stars as a drone repairman who works high above the war torn remains of Earth. He ends up accidentally setting off a series of events that brings with them shocking revelations. That’s really all I know. But I can say the recently released trailer really grabbed me. The cool premise and amazing visuals has the sci-fi part of me drooling. Many of the details about “Oblivion” have been intentionally hidden. But the studio is “excited” about the project. So am I.
#2 – “IRON MAN 3” I remember when I first heard that Robert Downey, Jr. had been cast to play Iron Man. I thought Marvel Studios had lost their collective minds. Now can you imagine anyone else playing him? I love what Downey, Jr. does with his Tony Stark character both in “The Avengers” and the previous two Iron Man pictures. “Iron Man 2” wasn’t as good as the first film but even it had its moments of pure fanboy brilliance. Now he’s back and what a cast he has along with him. Paltrow and Cheadle are back. But new are Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, and Ben Kingsley. This will be a big film and needless to say I’m all over this one!
#1 – “MUD” At only 34 years of age, Jeff Nichols has become one of the most intriguing directors working today. He only has two films under his belt but both demonstrated his amazing style of Southern storytelling. “Shotgun Stories” was great and his second film “Take Shelter” was one of the best of 2011. “Mud” takes him back to the deep south. Its been called a modern-day Huckleberry Finn and stars Matthew McConaughey. Nichols is a fellow Arkansas guy and the way he captures the rural southern landscapes is unlike any other. “Mud” did well at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival and it’s my clear #1 movie to see in 2013.
So how about you? What are some of your most eagerly anticipated films of 2013. Here’s hoping we have a lot of good things to talk about doing the upcoming movie season!
Keith & the Movies 
To The Wonder, Inside Llewyn Davis, The Wolf on Wall Street, Only God Forgives, and Mud are my most anticipated films.
Awesome to see “Mud” on someone else’s list. I just love Jeff Nichols and can’t wait for this, his third film.
This is a good list. We’re about 70% on the same page. I’m skeptical about World War Z – I found something about the FX of the zombies in the trailer – Thor is my least favourite of the Marvel movie universe and I know nothing at all of To The Wonder.
Is the new Wolverine this year? I’m so hopeful about that one. Monster’s University looks like good fun to me too. I’m curious about Elysium too.
I look forward to you seeing your list and sharing your thoughts.
Yep Wolverine hits theaters in July. I really want it to be good. But my dislike for the last picture is hard to get over. Monsters U. does look good. I’m just not a huge animation guy.
Thanks a lot for checking out my list. Hope to see you around a lot more! 🙂
Big on the super hero flicks, eh? Hard not to have a handful of them on the anticipated list, seeing as we’re getting, what, 5 this year? LOL Eesh.
You make Mud sound interesting, it wasn’t high enough on my radar til now, but I’ll elevate it. Meanwhile, yeah, another Scorsese DiCaprio? Hells to the yes, please!
I’m pretty big on superhero flicks mainly because I grew up big into comics. That’s probably why I love the good ones and get fire-spitting mad at the bad ones. lol!
Mud is really exciting to me. It was filmed in a small rural town called Dermott not to far from where I live. Jeff Nichols has an incredible knack for capturing the rural south. This one should be right up my alley.
Oooh good list 😀
Thanks man! 2013 could be a really good year!!!
Lots of good ones on there and you didn’t even mention any Ryan Gosling films 😉
I am bit nervous about World War Z, they brought in Lindelof to work on the script and that is never a good sign.
prob most excited by Mud on your list, I loves me some Jeff Nichols
I think World War Z Is the biggest risk/reward of any movie on the list. There are tons of reasons to be concerned. But it also could turn out to be an absolute blast. That’s what I’m hoping for.
Well I hope it’s amazing but my expectations have been tempered immensely
With good reason. Let us cross our collective fingers!
I wasn’t aware of the Lindelof connection to World War Z…
…this new piece of info concerns me greatly. Couple this with the FX in the trailer – WWZ is officially off my 2013 list.
Still can’t move it off of my list. I’m the ever optimist…well not really. I just love me some zombies!!!
I see danger in WWZ but I hope it works. Evil Dead is a necessity after seeing the red band trailer. Most of the others look good but I have no expectations for the Malick film, I hated, and I mean hated, Tree of Life. I’ll look for your post on it and see what you liked. I enjoy what you write and agree most of the time but boy are we worlds apart on that one.
LOL! But that “worlds apart” is part of what makes talking so much fun! 🙂
Your concern is well warranted when it comes to WWZ! Crossing my fingers though!
Some cool choices here, I too am becoming intrigued by Oblivion as well.
Oblivion has tons of potential! Hoping (really hoping) it delivers!!!
Great picks. Share your enthusiasm for Thor. The first one is probably one of my favourite pre-Avengers films. It just blew me away.
Not so sure about World War Z having read the book. The trailer doesn’t look like it’s taking much from the original source apart from the zombies and title!
Lots of caution and skepticism about WWZ! I could be a little too optimistic about it. I just think the payoff could be really good. Realistically it could also be another CGI laden snoozefest! My fingers are crossed.
Nice list bro. The Coens, Malick, Scorsese and of course another from the impressive Jeff Nichols and Michael Shannon. It could be a good year ahead man. 🙂
Lots of potential for some good movies and some good movie conversations this year!
Mud wasn’t really on my radar at all but I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for it. Also looking forward to To The Wonder and Man of Steel, but perhaps most of all I’m excited for 12 Years a Slave, the next Fassbender/McQueen collaboration.
I’ll tell you one I really wanted to include but there’s just no serious talk of the release date. “Before Midnight” reunites Linklater, Hawke, and Delphy. Really excited about it.
I think that is due to come out this year, it’s just been shown at Sundance I think, so I would be surprised if it didn’t come out this year. I haven’t seen the other two yet, but have got them on DVD waiting to be watched.
They’re lots of fun. Straight dialogue but really, really compelling characters. I think you’ll enjoy them.
I’m surprised there is no Star Trek Into Darkness on your list! 🙂
I wish I shared your enthusiasm for 2013 movies, but I am about as stoked for it as I am for Nicolas Cage to sign on for Ghost Rider 3 (Please, No!). ha. Okay, that’s not true, I am still ready for 2013, but there aren’t any that truly stand out to me this year as being super stellar.
I am interested in several though, such as Man of Steel, Oblivion, Star Trek Into Darkness, Iron Man 3, Pacific Rim. Good call on “Mud.”
Can’t wait to see Jurassic Park in 3D in theaters believe it or not! It’s always fun to look back on these “anticipating” lists a year later and see just how they met up with expectations. 🙂
fun post.
To be honest I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Star Trek remake. I’m not a big Trekkie by any means, but Abrams blew his movie up into something that didn’t feel like Star Trek at all. And as usual with Abrams, he took such radical liberties with the source material that I just couldn’t stay on board. Not saying it was a bad movie, but I certainly didn’t love it and I expect more the same this time.
YES on Man of Steel!! My most anticipated of the year by a long shot. Looking fwd to Oblivion too, but WORLD WAR Zzzzzzzz… not so much.
Like Gil Pender in “Midnight in Paris” when he said “everybody’s down on moonstones”. Well, “Everybody’s down on “World War Z”! 🙂
hahaha…”World War Zzzzzzzzzzz” 😀
LOL! Lots of people are down on that pick but I’m a big enough zombie guy that I think it has quite an upside. Of course it could be a complete bust !!!
Cool list. Looking forward to (almost) all of these, except for Oblivion and Thor, although I would watch the latter just for Lok. He’s the best. My most anticipated 2013 film would be The Great Gatsby, though.
I’m really excited about Gatsby. The only reason I left it off this list is because I had it on last year’s list! LOL!
Lol. Hope the wait is worth it.
All good picks but I’m looking forward to the next “Madea” movie myself.
I gotta say I haven’t seen any “Madera” flick yet.
Ha! Neither have I. I don’t think you are missing much, dude. I can’t wait for Scorcese’s film, though. I’m curious as to how the next Captain America movie is going to be like as well.
Didn’t Cap get pushed to 2014?
It did? I didn’t know that. Oh wow. Thanks for the head’s up. I must have had my hole in a hole. Oh well, Thor and Iron Man 3 will do lol!
Great list Keith. Hope to hear from you 🙂 – sabina@moviepilot.com
And so now that the year is winding down, looking at your list, I’d be intrigued to know your disappointments and what adjustments you’d make!
This was the list I made at the start of the year and there would be some huge adjustments! I think Iron Man 3 is the biggest one. Talk about a major league disappointment!!!