Shawn's Dashingly Splendiferously Most Anticipated Movies of 2013

Alright, let's face the facts: Thus far, 2013 hasn't been quite the knockout year for cinema that one would have hoped for. I haven't had the opportunity to see anything other than Warm Bodies myself, but judging from professional reviews and audience reactions alike, nothing released in the past few months has been worth getting all hot and bothered about. From A Good Day to Die Hard to the more recent Oz the Great and Powerful, the films I've been anticipating the most haven't elicited a response much more enthusiastic than an indifferent shrug of the shoulders.

But not all is lost, my friends and companions!! If the upcoming release calendar indicates anything, it's that we're just getting warmed up. And in order to give you hope to guide you through these droll and dreary moviegoing days of early 2013, I have compiled a list of the ten films that are almost certainly guaranteed to whet your whistle and exceed all your wildest hopes and dreams. These films are poised to ensure that 2013 ends up being a worthy year for cinema after all!

And now, without further delay, let's push off, shall we?

(Listed in alphabetical order, because ranking things has become oh so tiresome...Although, the first film on the list is easily the one I am most looking forward to...)

BEFORE MIDNIGHT (Release Date: May 24 - LIMITED)

Directed by Richard Linklater

Okay, so some of you may not be familiar with them, but Before Sunrise (1995) and Before Sunset (2004) - the  collaborations between esteemed director Richard Linklater and the multitalented writers/actors Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy - are two entries in what could very well be the definitive cinematic love story of all time. They also happen to be my personal favorite films. Never has a relationship been examined and dissected in such an honest, heartfelt way and Hawke and Delpy as the two leads transcend simple performances to portray something much more genuine and, at times, heartbreakingly real. The first two entries have already been hailed as modern masterpieces and, judging from the early critical reaction it's garnered, Before Midnight may be the best of the lot.

Variety's Justin Chang praises the film, stating, "One of the great movie romances of the modern era achieves its richest and fullest expression...Exquisite, melancholy, hilarious, and cathartic."

BIG SUR (Release Date: TBD)
Directed by Michael Polish

I'll be the first to admit that Walter Salles' interpretation of Jack Kerouac's On the Road was lacking in nearly every which way. Its biggest fault was abandoning the spirit of its author's interpretations of life, love, friendship, and adventure. It seems almost fitting that On the Road's darker, more pessimistic spiritual sequel Big Sur should get its big screen due in the year following On the Road's release. The storyline follows the exploits of Kerouac's downward spiral into the alcoholism that would end his life.

Big Sur may not have a release date yet, but judging from its hypnotizing trailer, it promises to be quite the visual powerhouse and a powerful examination of a man at the end of his rope:

GRAVITY (Release Date: October 4)
Directed by Alfonso Cuaron

Alfonso Cuaron's first full length feature since his 2006 masterpiece Children of Men continues to be shrouded in mystery. All that's been released, aside from one or two production stills, is its plot synopsis: Two astronauts trapped on a damaged space station attempt to find their way back to Earth. We also know that George Clooney and Sandra Bullock are the film's leads and that Cuaron penned the screenplay with his son Jonas.

Honestly, Cuaron could make a movie about two people sitting in a living room and it would end up being a work of visual splendor and compelling drama, so I have nothing but high hopes for this one.

IRON MAN 3 (Release Date: May 3)
Directed by Shane Black

To be quite frank, the latest Iron Man 3 trailer isn't doing much for me. I'm not sure what it is about it that turns me off, but it doesn't matter; nothing could possibly deter my excitement for this one. The original Iron Man still stands tall as one of the finest superhero outings of all time. Even though its sequel's reputation isn't nearly as positive, I honestly don't mind it too much. Electing Shane Black to helm the third entry of this profitable series though was an inspired decision and is the primary reason I'm so excited to see how it turns out. Ben Kingsley as the Mandarin looks rather spectacular as well!

If Black manages to pull this one off though, it'll be the first quality third superhero movie ever made!! (And no, for those of you still wondering, The Dark Knight Rises doesn't DOESN'T count)

KILL YOUR DARLINGS (Release Date: TBD) - 
Directed by John Krokidas

Kill Your Darlings is second only to Before Midnight as the film I am most excited to see this year. The story follows the early, early days of the Beat Generation and its formation. It pays particular attention to the coming of age of Allen Ginsberg (Played by Daniel Radcliffe) and his friend/object of affection Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan of Chronicle fame). I've always been particularly fond of Radcliffe and I'm very excited to see what he does with this role. DeHaan, one of the finest young actors of his generation, is also quickly becoming one of my favorites. You've also got Ben Foster as William Burroughs, Jack Huston as Jack Kerouac, and Michael C. Hall as the deeply disturbed David Kammerer. This is already shaping up to be one of the finest films of the year.

MAN OF STEEL (Release Date: June 14) -
Directed by Zack Snyder

Maybe I'm in the minority, but I was actually quite fond of Bryan Singer's oft-criticized Superman Returns. It wasn't quite the rousing event it should have been, but, despite what certain viewers have said, it certainly wasn't a travesty either. Even with my appreciation of the film, I can recognize its shortcomings - Slavish devotion to Richard Donner's iconic take on the character; a rather dull storyline; a dreadful Lois Lane; that damned Super Kid. As far as I'm concerned, Donner's original Superman film still stands tall as the Godfather of superhero flicks. The only issue with it now is that it is, along with its weaker sequels, hopelessly dated. Superman is very much in need of a revival and from what I've seen, Man of Steel may be up to the task.

Now as you may or may not already know, I'm not the biggest Zack Snyder fan; the guy knows how to make pretty pictures, but hasn't quite mastered the ability to back them up with meaningful storytelling. With this in mind, I'm still rather excited to see what he's cooked up here. The trailers have been nothing short of magnificent and the film's screenwriter David S. Goyer has hinted that these previews only just barely scratch the tip of the iceberg. Henry Cavill looks great in the role and Amy Adams seems the perfect choice for Lois. Will audiences finally embrace a modern day take on the Man of Steel? We'll have to wait until the summer to find out!

PACIFIC RIM (Release Date: July 12) 
Directed by Guillermo Del Toro

A movie in which giant, human operated robots do battle against enormous monsters written and directed by mastermind Guillermo Del Toro.

Um...do you really need me to explain why this will be awesome??

STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS (Release Date: May 17)
Directed by J.J. Abrams

Hardcore Trekkies may disagree with me (Or Trekkers, or whatever the hell you guys call yourselves now), but I'm of the strong opinion that J.J. Abrams was the best thing to happen to Star Trek in a long time. His 2009 reboot of the long dormant series brought the entire franchise roaring back to life with a sorely needed adrenaline kick. To date, it stands as the series' most critically acclaimed and financially successful entry and for good reason - It's pretty flipping awesome.

With all this in mind, there's really no reason to not be ecstatic for this long awaited sequel. Judging from all of its previews, the action levels have been kicked up to 11. Add Benedict Cumberbatch to the mix as a mysterious villain (Is he Khan?? IS HE????) and you've got the recipe for a summer sequel that seems destined to live up to its hype. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Into Darkness will delve a bit more into the philosophy discussions that elevated the television series and the better films from being just mindless entertainment, but, regardless, I couldn't be more pumped.

THE WIND RISES (Release Date: TBD) - 
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

I don't know too much about Hayao Miyazaki's latest effort other than it being some kind of biography about Jiro Horikoshi, the man who designed Japanese fighter planes. Truth be told, I'm not exactly sure if this is getting a US release date this year (It's being released in Japan this year, that's for certain). Nevertheless, Miyazaki is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time and I eagerly await anything he creates.

THE WORLD'S END (Release Date: August 23) - 
Directed by Edgar Wright

Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz are easily two of the finest comedies ever created. Period. Any collaboration between Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and writer/director Edgar Wright seems destined to be hilarious, genuinely exciting, and surprisingly touching. There may not be much in the way of a trailer or plot specifics regarding their latest release (Something about a group of buddies bar hopping as Armageddon happens all around them), but one thing's for certain: If it's anything like the trio's previous collaborations, it'll be something to get very excited about.


THERE YOU HAVE IT, FOLKS!! LET THE COUNTDOWN TO OUR FIRST RELEASE BEGIN! MAY IS ONLY A MONTH AWAY....