Your Voices is a simple concept created to encourage conversation and opinions between movie lovers. It works like this: I throw out a certain topic and I’ll take time to make my case or share my opinions. Then it’s time for Your Voices. Head to the comments section and let fellow readers and moviegoers know your thoughts on the topic for that day!
If even half of the potentially great movies deliver, 2015 is going to be a fabulous year at the theater. So many movies, from big tentpole blockbusters to small independent films, have caught my attention and my excitement. So simply picking one would normally be difficult. But that’s not the case this year. You see, there is a new Star Wars movie on the way, and there’s no possible way on earth that any movie could excite me more than it.
I know that “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens” might be an obvious popular choice, but for me it’s legit. I saw the original trilogy during its first theatrical release. As a kid I spent more time with my Star Wars toys than with my friends. I had everything – action figures, vehicles, shirts, lightsabers, blasters, storybooks, comics, etc. etc. etc. And of course the movies. They were what opened up the world of cinema for this bright-eyed imaginative kid. “Star Wars” has been an intimate part of my life since I was a young boy.
Considering that, naturally I would be excited that a new “Star Wars” installment is hitting theaters this year. Of course there are reasons to be cautious. For the most part I like J.J. Abrams, but he does make me a little nervous. Also can this film launch an exciting new chapter after the pitch-perfect ending of Episode VI? I could list several more questions or concerns I have, yet none of these things dampen my excitement for seeing a new Star Wars film. My expectations are high and my fingers are crossed. Now I just have to wait until December 18th! But what about you? Now it’s time for YOUR VOICES.
YOUR VOICES: What is your most anticipated film of 2015?
Now it’s time for Your Voices. With so many 2015 movies to consider, which one would you call your most anticipated? Please share Your Voices on today’s question. I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.
keithandthemovies.com 
Fifty Shades of Grey. No? Okay, it’s probably Avengers 2: Age of Ultron, with the new Star Wars a close second (probably because they handed it to J.J. Abrams to also mess up). But I’m not bitter. 😉
Avengers 2 is high on my list too. I don’t know, I’m keeping the faith with Star Wars and hoping they don’t blow it!
Wow! I think J.J.A. is great! You didn’t like Star Trek?
I was mixed on the first Star Trek movie, but I really enjoyed the second one. I think there have been times where Abrams loses his way a bit, times when he’s trying to be too much like Spielberg in his heyday.
I will stand fast and ardently support the Star Treks. I adore them.
The first one I loved. Thought it a very clever reboot. I have big issues with the sequel, though. Let’s pick this and that from Wrath of Khan, mash them altogether and regurgitate back in 3-D and big effects (and a crap load of lens flares, which he later apologized for) and expect longtime Trekkers to bow in appreciation. Hum…no. But, I’m not bitter 😉
That’s interesting. I bought into it as a crazy reimagining much more than the first movie. I didn’t find Pine particularly good in the first film and I often found him and the entire Kirk representation to be way over the top. And I didn’t care for some of their plot angles and contrivances.
Yeah, I hear you. Funny how it works. I was prepared to dislike (remakes and the lot) the first and came away satisfied. Came fully expecting great things for the second, but…
I have to say this, when I first saw the Star Trek reboot I flat out didn’t like it at all. But I waited a year or so and re-watched it and had a much better experience with it. I guess what I’m saying is my opinions on the first film have evolved and who knows, they may continue to evolve.
I think one of the reasons I am optimistic about Star Wars is that it isn’t a reboot. Abrams (surely) isn’t rewriting franchise history. He’s giving us new movies directly connected with the old. I think that may help my concerns.
Agreed. That aspect is something I’m holding on to. A continuation instead of a reboot should be quite different. Interesting that it’s Star Wars this time for J.J. Many Trekkers look on at SW in rather rivalrous terms. Naturally, I’m hoping for a Irvin Kershner emulation rather than a George Lucas one. But, that’s just me 😉
100% agree!!!!!!!
It’s a hard job including the past what makes the series and giving it enough of a twist to feel fresh and new. That blending (or you say Mashing) was poor. Okay, the flares were much. But I was on the edge of my seat a lot. Maybe you needed less motion. It was a faced paced film! (I still love it).
Oh my Keith, way too many to list here 🙂 For sure I’m looking forward to SPECTRE and Jurassic World are two at the top of my mind.
Spectre is high on my list! Can’t wait. Can’t get too excited for Jurassic World but I will definitely see it.
I wasn’t either until I saw that trailer. Mostly curious than super excited tho. Btw Keith, would love to hear your thoughts on my latest 2014 recap list 😉
You got it Ruth! Definitely gonna check it out!
SPECTRE , everything else pales.
That’s how I feel with Star Wars. I am excited for Spectre though.
I am super excited for SPECTRE. That is definitely my most anticipated movie for the year 😀 😀
I think JJ Abrams is AWESOME and just GETS the sci-fi thing, so I reckon he could do wonders with Star Wars. I was a bit sketch about it and all but after watching the trailer I am fully sold on it being awesome. I hope.
I hope too Zoe. I don’t doubt he will make it look great. But Star Wars fans are so passionate about the mythology. I hope he doesn’t screw it up!
Well, he did a great job with Star Trek, so I have faith!
Well, I was mixed on Star Trek. I wasn’t crazy for his first movie, but I really liked the second one.
It’s The Force Awakens for me too, and for exactly the same reasons as you. It’s all so wired in to me from my childhood onwards that the general misfire of the three ‘prequels’ doesn’t really bother me at all, or diminish my expectations. The music, the sand, the x-wings, the droids, sound effects…it all just triggers a well-conditioned response! I have a lot of confidence in Abrams as I enjoyed both of his Star Trek films even though I’m not a huge fan of that particular series. How did you feel when you saw the teaser last month?
The other movies that I’ve heard about that I’m really looking forward to are The Revenant, which is also out next Christmas, The Hateful Eight just because I always look forward to QT, and Inherent Vice, which is out here fairly soon. Lenny Abrahamson’s adaptation of Room might be interesting, too.
How did I react to the trailer? I was as giddy as a child. When I saw the Falcon I was particularly jazzed. I can’t wait to see more.
It has to be Star Wars for me. I excited yet cautious. I can’t wait!
“Excited yet cautious”. Yep. But my gosh, think of the possibilities! I’m pumped!
I’m gonna go with SPECTRE and I’m curious to see how Ron Howard does with
‘In the Heart of the Sea’, the Moby Dick-ish story. I have a soft spot for Ron and secretly root for him to deliver another winner like ‘A Beautiful Mind’.
Lots of love for Spectre. No arguments here. I can’t wait for it. And I am with you on In the Heart of the Sea. I’m cautious but very intrigued. I hope Ron Howard pulls that one off because it could be a ton of fun.
How has no one mentioned Mad Max: Fury Road!? Definitely that one for me.
Oh man! You have no idea how much I want that movie to be great. Tom Hardy. Mad Max. What a combination. I so hope it delivers.
Well I’m looking forward to Spotlight and Avengers for my Ruffalo fix, but the most anticipated is probably Crimson Peak
Your “Ruffalo fix”. My “Blunt fix”. It’s who we are, right? 😉
Spectre is the one, can’t wait for it to be released.
Wow. I’m excited for Spectre too but I am really surprised at how it is THE movie for so many people.
It’s such an iconic series and has a large fanbase to say the least.
That’s true. But we are talking STAR WARS also. 😉
I am excited for Star Wars too.
Just think of it, every year franchise films are a given. But Bond, Star Wars, and The Avengers in the same year?
It’s definitely a great year to be a fan of these franchises.
I am going to have to go for Mad Max: Fury Road.
You will hear no gripes from me. Growing up I loved that series and I hope they can bring it back with some pop.
Star Wars is number 1 obviously 😀
Yep. Hands down.
Can’t wait either for Star Wars!
Yep. I just hope it delivers. Fingers are crossed.
Spectre and Star Wars for me. I will always get excited for a Star Wars film, no matter what’s come before it!
Exactly! Same with me. Star Wars will always top my list. I’ve been invested in that franchise since I was 6 years old!
‘Silence’ by Scorcese
‘The Revenant’ by Innaritu
‘The Hateful Eight’ by Tarantino
& ‘Hail Ceaser’ by Coens
Though the anticipated movies often dissapoint me and the unknown independent films that comes from nowhere always surprises
Some good mentions there. I heard some talking about how they don’t see how the Scorcese film makes it out this year. It’ll will be interesting to see.
I’m definitely interested in The Revenant and Hail Ceaser. The Hateful Eight I will approach cautiously. QT movies are always a mixed bag for me.
For me it might be ‘Z for Zachariah.’ I don’t know what it is about that, but the concept is absolutely top-notch. I’m getting a little tired of all these bombastic Hollywood productions.
What happens when Episode VII is worse than Episodes 1-3? 😉
Z looks very intriguing. Looking forward to it.
Star Wars is indeed a big franchise but it is to special to me. I just can’t lump it in with the other tent pole stuff. I’m a fanboy! To prove it I even like Episodes 1-3 despite their flaws (*turns my head in shame)
That kind of passion is the kind that could very well make me go out and see this one. There were certainly parts of the *new* trilogy I enjoyed. Liam Neeson, for one. 😉
I think right now I’m just DREADING having to plan for this release. When do I need to get my tickets? How much time in advance will I need to arrive at the theater? (This, probably a week after it debuts. . . I doubt I’ll see it when it first comes out. That day is gonna be nothing short of madness.)
There’s a lot of Star Wars that gets me excited, but I think this year I’m going to make an effort to make indie releases more of a priority.
That’s really cool. There are some great indies that I let slip by me every year. It’s a shame.
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