Now that Auld Lang Syne has been repeatedly sung and the best of 2005 lists are coming out en masse it’s time to look forward to 2006. On paper this year looks like another blockbuster year, with caped heroes making triumphant returns to the big screen alongside super spies, pirates, and animation galore. The battle continues to narrow the gap between releases to the theater and DVD. Be comforted by the idea that if the Box Office slump keeps going on the studios will continue to blame piracy and you the viewer instead of turning an introspective eye towards making better movies, because there’s a lot of garbage planned for the upcoming year as well. Josh put out a more comprehensive preview for 2006 listing some of the bigger films that are anticipated, but that doesn’t mean all of them are good. I thought I’d delve in a bit deeper, offering my opinion on what looks to be worth your movie-going dollar and what might be better left behind. Here’s a look at my top ten anticipated films, movies I’m on the edge about, and a few films I’m predicting will be almost guaranteed box office bombs.
1. Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man’s Chest
What is it? A follow up to the successful Curse of the Black Pearl
Who’s Involved? The returning cast and crew from the original, plus Stellan Skarsgård, Chow Yun Fat, and Bill Nighy
When does it come out? July 7th
Why is Rafe excited? I was one of the skeptics regarding Disney making movies based on their more popular rides. While those fears proved to be founded with the treatment of my favorite Disney Ride (The Haunted Mansion), Pirates proved to be quite the surprise. Owed mostly to Johnny Depp’s over the top portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, who may prove to be one of the most memorable movie characters in recent history, the first movie started a franchise that has taken far too long to get a second chapter to a theater near me. In this second film Sparrow is back and in trouble again, owing a debt to the legendary Davy Jones, a part-man part-sea creature played by the always delightful Bill Nighy. The trailer shows Sparrow’s antics should be right on par with where he was in the first movie, as he interrupts the wedding of Wil Turner and Elizabeth Swan, reuniting the characters and making this my most anticipated film of 2006. As this is the first of two sequels that were filmed simultaneously, expect to see Pirates of the Carribean show up on next year’s list as well.
Why should I be excited? Didn’t you hear me? Captain Jack Sparrow!
Where can I find out more? Visit our Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest preview page
2. Superman Returns
What is it? The first new Superman film in almost 20 years.
Who’s Involved? X-Director Bryan Singer, newcomer Brandon Routh, nefarious Kevin Spacey, lovely Kate Bosworth, and curmudgeon Hugh Laurie
When does it come out? June 30th
Why is Rafe excited? While I’m not a huge fan of Superman (I prefer Batman and Spidey), I find I’m actually interested in seeing what Bryan Singer can do for the hero who sort of fizzled out in the ‘80s. While I think Routh has a lot to live up to with the legacy of Christopher Reeve, I’m glad they didn’t go the “Smallville” route and make this a motion picture of the television series. Instead expect a highly stylized comic book brought to screen, with proper tribute being paid to Richard Donner’s original Superman film. Unlike last year’s Batman Begins, this is not a fresh new start of the franchise. Superman is returning as Singer continues with the characters and stories that Donner laid out two decades ago. If nothing else, it should be interesting to see Singer carry on those themes, however I think the director who brought so much success to the X-Men franchise will manage to accomplish a lot with this as well.
Why should I be excited? Can’t be any worse than Richord Pryor as a villain.
Where can I find out more? Visit our Superman Returns preview page
3. Cars
What is it? Pixar’s next animated feature
Who’s Involved? An odd array of voices including Owen Wilson, Bob Costas, Bonnie Hunt, Cheech Marin, Paul Neuman, and NASCAR drivers. Expect the manditory John Ratzenberger appearance as well.
When does it come out? June 9th
Why is Rafe excited? The concept of a movie featuring talking cars definitely sounds like a stretch, but no more so than the idea of the world of the monsters in your closet or a father fish looking for his lost son. The initial trailer caused movie fans a little bit of doubt, but I refused to give in. After all, John Lasseter is at the helm for the first time since the Toy Story films. The more recent trailer proved a little more exciting for the naysayers and I’m really hoping the film will prove my confidence in Lasseter and Pixar right, and everyone else wrong. If the Disney/Pixar deal finally goes through, expect this to be overly hyped with tons of commercials and Happy Meal toys. If it doesn’t, the movie might be dealt a small blow as it’s the last picture in the current deal and Disney may not be as interested in pushing Pixar’s final film.
Why should I be excited? Despite concerns, Pixar has yet to make a mistake.
Where can I find out more? Visit our Cars preview page
4. The Fountain
What is it? A chance to put Hugh Jackman in three leading roles.
Who’s Involved? Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz times three, directed by Darren Aronofosky
When does it come out? February 28th, but that date has changed more times than Jackman changes characters in this movie.
Why is Rafe excited? Aronofsky follows up his prior odd tales with a movie that follows three stories told over a period of 1000 years, all played by Jackman and presumably with the love interest of each character played by Weisz. All of Jackman’s characters share the same quest and name, so despite playing different characters there shouldn’t be any confusion over who is who. The idea is quite interesting and the trailer, while sparse, intrigues me. The movie was slated for a 2005 release and has been relegated to February, which isn’t always a good sign. Something makes me think the film will probably be panned with a poor box office take, but eventually will go on to garner a cult status on DVD, much like Aronofsky’s other films.
Why should I be excited? Can you get enough Jackman?
Where can I find out more? Visit our Fountain preview page
5. Clerks 2: The Passion of the Clerks
What is it? A return to old school Smith.
Who’s Involved? Kevin Smith and friends (Brian O’Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes) and somehow Rosario Dawson.
When does it come out? March 3rd
Why is Rafe excited? Clerks is probably my least favorite of Kevin Smith’s films, so a direct sequel to his debut pic isn’t as high on this list as a non-Clerks sequel would be. I’m also a bit confused about what the difference between all of Smith’s other “View-Askewniverse” movies and a direct “sequel” might be. Oh, and I liked Jersey Girl, so seeing Smith return to his roots is a bit disappointing then watching him evolve. Hmm… maybe I’m not as excited about this film as I thought I was. Still, regardless of the amount of dick and fart jokes, Smith’s films tend to have some great insight on the human condition, and I’m interested in seeing good old Dante and Randal a little bit further down the road.
Why should I be excited? If you like Smith, because it’s another film. If you don’t, there’s absolutely no reason to be excited.
Where can I find out more? Visit our Clerks 2 preview page
6. Lady in the Water
What is it? “A bedtime story” from the guy who brought you spooky spirits and subtle super-heroes.
Who’s Involved? Paul Giamatti, Bryce Dallas Howard, Bob Balaban, and M. Night Shyamalan
When does it come out? July 21st
Why is Rafe excited? It’s about time for a change of pace for Shyamalan. After completely rocking audiences with his first few movies, the suspenseful director damaged his streak with The Village which was predictable and a bit boring. His newest flick is being advertised as “a bedtime story” which sounds like a change from his usual dramas. However, the story sounds a lot like Splash (although with a “narf” instead of a mermaid – whatever that is), and the trailer looks like Giamatti as his usual unhappy self. Those similarities to what’s been done before makes me hope Night will throw something unique into the mix, but there’s a part of me that is hoping this will avoid the tradition of his previous films and avoid the surprise ending.
Why should I be excited? Shyamalan has had enough successes to afford him the occasional failure, so let’s forget about The Village (even Spielberg had 1941)
Where can I find out more? Visit our Lady in the Water preview page
7. Slither
What is it? A small town gets invaded by some sort of supernatural slug.
Who’s Involved? Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, and Michael Rooker
When does it come out? March 31st
Why is Rafe excited? Admittedly, there’s nothing about this movie that looks like it’s going to win any awards. It does, however, appear to bank on Fillion’s ability to deliver some great comedic lines which is good since, after the failure of Serenity, his abilities need another outlet. What this looks like is a perfect “B” movie, something along the lines of Arachnaphobia and Eight Legged Freaks which can be enjoyed without the need for much thought. Most of the effects in the trailer look pretty cheesy, but there are a couple moments that weird enough to make me interested. If nothing else, it’ll be a fun film to pan, although my expectations are set a little higher then that.
Why should I be excited? Because Fillion’s career deserves at least another ten minutes.
Where can I find out more? Visit our Slither preview page
8. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
What is it? Exactly what the title says it is.
Who’s Involved? Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Zooey Deschanel, Ted Levine, Sam Rockwell
When does it come out? December 20th
Why is Rafe excited? Brad Pitt has really found his niche in the last couple of years. There may not have been much difference in his characters in Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Oceans 11 but wow they were fun to watch. Personally I’m hoping Pitt brings that same spirit to the outlaw character in this film. The first couple of publicity pictures released show that, no matter what, this is slated to be a pretty looking picture and, with a title like that, there’s no doubt what the movie is about. Good westerns are hard to come by as well, so one that sounds promising so far in advance is a good sign. With ex-wife Jennifer Aniston listed as a producer, you have to wonder if Pitt ever tried to get co-star Affleck to contact his brother so the two could trade stories about public relationships and breakups.
Why should I be excited? Cowboy movies are almost as cool as pirate tales.
Where can I find out more? Visit our Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford preview page
9. X-Men 3
What is it? Exactly what the title says it is.
Who’s Involved? Halle Berry and lots of other returning cast members. Newcomers Kelsey Grammer, Ben Foster, and director Brett Ratner
When does it come out? May 26th
Why is Rafe excited? I really would like to see X-Men 3 succeed, if for no other reason than the fact that no super-hero franchise has really successfully made it to three movies without messing things up. The signs are not good here though. The change in director wasn’t Fox’s choice, but rather from the former director leaving, and the initial teaser trailer looks like a bland mesh of what’s been done before. From the sound of things, Halle Berry has had more input thanks to her Oscar-winner status, and mutants appear to be getting tossed in without any real rhyme or reason, leaving out appearances by former fan favorites like Alan Cumming. Still, I was wrong about the trailer for the first X-Men movie, and the first two were excellent movies, so I’m giving the third film in the franchise the benefit of the doubt.
Why should I be excited? Despite Berry’s interference, Jackman is producing and Stewart has had some hopeful things to say lately. It may end up being good after all.
Where can I find out more? Visit our X-Men 3 preview page
10. Sin City 2
What is it? More tales from the mind of Frank Miller
Who’s Involved? At the very least, Clive Owen since his character is featured in the one tale that’s been announced. Probably most of the other cast members as well.
When does it come out? June 1st
Why is Rafe excited? I wasn’t a huge fan of the initial Sin City but it wasn’t for the film lacking accomplishment. Visually the movie was absolutely stunning, a comic book adaptation in an almost literal way, transporting the frames of the comic to the screen and just adding movement between them. I’m just not a fan of the types of stories told in Sin City. Still, I’m looking forward to the sequel which will no doubt be more of what made the first film so popular – black and white action mixed with some color and lots of groin damage. Details on the sequel haven’t been easy to come by, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the release of this gets pushed back as far as the summer of 2007. Whenever it comes though, I’ll be ready.
Why should I be excited? Whether you like the content or not the movie is visually impressive.
Where can I find out more? Visit our Sin City 2 preview page
Movies I haven’t made up my mind on yet:
V for Vendetta
What is it? A comic book adaptation from the Wachowski brothers
When does it come out? March 17th
What does it have going for it? The Wachowski brothers primarily, who made the ultimate comic book movie with The Matrix. The idea that they’re working with Hugo Weaving again is exciting.
Why does it have going against it? I’m not familiar with the original comic book, but nothing about the movie has really inspired me to change that.
Where can I find out more? Visit our V for Vendetta preview page
Mission Impossible 3
What is it? Another Ethan Hunt adventure from another director
When does it come out? May 5th
What does it have going for it? Tom Cruise being 2005’s most annoying celebrity aside, the Mission Impossible flicks have always been fun, even if not the most thought provoking movies.
Why does it have going against it? It’ll put Tom Cruise back on the promotional circuit, just when he had finally disappeared for a while.
Where can I find out more? Visit our Mission Impossible 3 preview page
A Scanner Darkly
What is it? Animation of real actors
When does it come out? March 31st
What does it have going for it? It’s based on a story by Philip K. Dick, which I tend to like.
Why does it have going against it? Why have real actors involved at all if you’re just going to animate over them?
Where can I find out more? Visit our A Scanner Darkly preview page
The Da Vinci Code
What is it? The greatest selling novel of the new millennium brought to the big screen
When does it come out? May 19th
What does it have going for it? An incredible cast and lil’ Ronny Howard directing.
Why does it have going against it? Go ask five people who you know own the book to tell you what it’s about. If you even get an answer try and imagine that brought to the movie screen.
Where can I find out more? Visit our Da Vinci Code preview page
Movies to avoid:
The Pink Panther was moved from last year to its current February release – never a good sign for any movie. Avoid Steve Martin (who at this point needs to stay behind the camera) and rent the original Peter Sellers films instead... Underworld: Evolution wasn’t moved, it was always intended for a graveyard January release, which the first movie rightfully had as well... The Shaggy Dog sounded good on paper with Tim Allen’s name attached, but looks incredibly bad from the trailer… Miami Vice has started out on the wrong foot by releasing a trailer that didn’t even take advantage of the memorable theme music of the television series. Call in the bomb squad for this potentially bad cop drama that hopefully won’t inspire Don Johnson replacement Colin Ferrell to record a new version of “Heartbreak”.
me with the way you see it.
