The Lists: Our top 10 most anticipated films of 2012
A new year, a new reserve of hope for the multiplex
Ben Affleck and Rachel McAdams in Terrence Malick's currently untitled next project.
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The 2011 film year and the experiences we had at the multiplex are officially memories. But 2012 brings the promise of new experiences and new memories in the dark of a crowded theater, so naturally, we should join the chorus and offer up our personal anticipations.
HitFix has already offered up a lengthy, well-considered (though overly populist) list along these lines. It features a lot of the usual stuff, but while a number of the films on our list show up there, a few do not.
I asked Guy, Gerard and Roth to send me their top 10s, combined them with my own and came up with what we are collectively looking forward to at theaters in the new year. The result was an interesting mesh of the usual and the not-so-usual, both on the various lists and on the eventual combined collective.
Two films that ranked rather high on HitFix's list, I was surprised to see, didn't even register on ours: Joss Whedon's "The Avengers" and Peter Jackson's "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey." The latter, in fact, only showed up on one of the lists submitted by the four of us, which is REALLY surprising, though perhaps indicative of the fact that the film kind of looks like more of the big-screen Middle Earth that we've already seen.
Just missing the list were Pixar's "Brave," David Cronenberg's "Cosmopolis," Neill Blomkamp's "District 9" follow-up "Elysium" and Rian Johnson's "Looper." Meanwhile, films that were mentioned here and there but not high enough or in bulk enough to register on the full list included Wes Anderson's "Moonrise Kingdom," Laurent Cantet's "Foxfire," Kathryn Bigelow's tentatively-titled "Kill Bin Laden," Terrence Malick's "Voyage of Time," Derek Cianfrance's "The Place Beyond the Pines," Oliver Stone's "Savages," François Ozon's "Dans la maison" and Andrew Dominik's "Cogan's Trade."
So what does that leave? Well, check out our new gallery for the answer. Not all of the films chalked up will make it to release in 2012, I'd wager, but for now, they all seem to be in the clear. Hopefully.
Feel free to offer up your own list in the comments section below.
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Spearheaded by editor Kristopher Tapley, In Contention represents a collective of awards obsessives who comment and reflect upon, muse about and attempt to decipher the Oscar season on a daily basis throughout the year, and especially during the Oscar crunch of the fall. Regular contributors include Guy Lodge, Roth Cornet and Gerard Kennedy.
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2011-2012 OSCAR NOMINATIONS
Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Original Screenplay
Best Art Direction
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Film Editing
Best Makeup
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
Best Sound Editing
Best Sound Mixing
Best Visual Effects
Best Animated Feature Film
Best Documentary Feature
Best Foreign Language Film
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Login or create a HitFix account Login SignupCasey Fiore
January 3, 2012 at 3:05PM EST Reply to CommentI'm very surprised that Cogan's Trade isn't on here. As a fellow Jesse James fanatic, Kris, I can't imagine you aren't chomping at the bit for a new Dominik-Pitt collaboration
Kristopher Tapley It was on my list. On another, too, I believe. Just didn't rack up the placement points to register, but hey, we're definitely looking forward to it.
January 3, 2012 at 3:26PM ESTloyal_mehnert
January 3, 2012 at 3:09PM EST Reply to CommentI wouldn't say The Hobbit not showing up is really THAT surprising considering those polled. Nor is it indicative of any real world Middle Earth fatigue or an underwhelming trailer.
For the vast majority of people, The Hobbit along with The Dark Knight Rises are the two most anticipated films of 2012. They'll also account for roughly 2 billion dollars in worldwide box office and multiple Oscar nominations.
Kristopher Tapley Who said anything about the "real world?" It's very clear this is our take.
January 3, 2012 at 3:28PM EST
January 3, 2012 at 3:38PM ESTKristopher Tapley Even if I was, what would be so objectionable? Is there anything in that trailer that indicates something so refreshing within what we've already seen? And if your answer is "yes," is it so crazy that others might say "no?"
January 3, 2012 at 5:07PM ESTParsing words is the worst. Just offer some comments or your list or whatever and don't live to give a hard time.
January 3, 2012 at 7:26PM ESTYou're a blogger, readers respond, it's the circle of life. Relax dude.
Anyway -
1. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2. Django Unchained
3. The Master
4. The Dark Knight Rises
5. Gravity
6. Prometheus
7. The Avengers
8. Lincoln
9. The Hunger Games
10. This is 40
11. Moonrise Kingdom
12. Cogan's Trade
*Malick's next film is in my Top 3 but without a firm release date, I didn't include it.
Kristopher Tapley I;m relaxed. It's an annoying pattern with you. *shrug*
January 3, 2012 at 9:26PM EST(And note that it only got a response from you.)
January 4, 2012 at 12:30AM ESTI'm here for the movies in the Oscar race and since The Hobbit is my #1 on the 2012 list, I guess I was the lone voice out of 15 commenters to respond. Not a big deal, I can't believe we're still talking about this.
Kristopher Tapley I am happy you're hear. I guess you've been busting balls a lot lately and it just rubbed me wrong this time. I typically enjoy the insight. And I'm definitely cranky today. Carry on.
January 4, 2012 at 12:43AM EST
January 4, 2012 at 1:03AM ESTHoustonRufus
January 3, 2012 at 3:15PM EST Reply to CommentWow, I'm suddenly ready to turn the page completely. ha!
notthedoctor
January 3, 2012 at 3:33PM EST Reply to Comment47 RONIN... Samurais + 3D. 'Nuff said.
Joe
January 3, 2012 at 3:36PM EST Reply to Comment'Elysium' is 2013.
Kristopher Tapley It's in post. No reason to think it can't or won't make the cut. IMDb says 2013, but that's not exactly a valid source.
January 3, 2012 at 5:09PM ESTRashad Kris, It has a March 8, 2013 release date.
January 3, 2012 at 7:34PM ESTKristopher Tapley Where? Not doubting you, just haven't seen this. In any case, moot, since it's obviously not on the list.
January 3, 2012 at 9:26PM ESTRashad Sorry, they moved it to March 1st, 2013
January 3, 2012 at 11:04PM ESThttp://www.variety.com/article/VR1118038335
A more informed person than Tapley. Sony OFFICIALLY set 'Elysium' for March 1st, 2013. It is not coming out this year.
January 4, 2012 at 2:22AM ESTLaura Stewart
January 3, 2012 at 3:52PM EST Reply to CommentNo "Imogene" and/or "On The Road"? Word is, the latter may have a Cannes premiere.
Brock Landers
January 3, 2012 at 3:53PM EST Reply to CommentDecent list. Really getting tired of everyone choosing big blockbusters as their most anticipated. We all know that at least half of them are going to suck dick anyway. Here is a list I have confidence in:
1. Cogan's Trade (Andrew Dominik)
2. The Master (Paul Thomas Anderson)
3. Gangster Squad (Ruben Fleischer)
4. The Place Beyond the Pines (Derek Cianfrance)
5. Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón)
6. Moonrise Kingdom (Wes Anderson)
7. Only God Forgives (Nicolas Winding Refn)
8. Django Unchained (Quentin Tarantino)
9. Seven Psychopaths (Martin McDonagh)
10. Savages (Oliver Stone)
And the new Malick film, if it gets released. Just because Malick is starting to make new films in 2012, doesn't mean his latest will get released in 2012.
ChrisLominac That's a great list and probably pretty close to my own. While I agree overall with your sentiment against big blockbuster, I have to admit, I'm pretty psyched for The Dark Knight Rises, even if it can't possibly meet expectations.
January 3, 2012 at 4:33PM ESTBrock Landers Don't get me wrong, I am really looking forward to it (probably tied for the 10th spot, actually). I am also looking forward to The Hobbit and Prometheus as well. I just wanted to throw out some movies that people seem to either not know about or have completely ignored.
January 3, 2012 at 4:50PM ESTBrock Landers Speaking of The Dark Knight Rises, check out this Lion King spin-off:
January 3, 2012 at 5:02PM ESThttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NRsPDhyHrc
Sooooo good.
Kristopher Tapley Are we sure Refn's film will be released this year?
January 3, 2012 at 5:08PM ESTBrock Landers It starts shooting in February, so it'll likely be a 2012 release. I'm not sure how long Refn takes to shoot and edit though.
January 3, 2012 at 5:14PM ESTCde. "Just because Malick is starting to make new films in 2012, doesn't mean his latest will get released in 2012."
January 3, 2012 at 5:41PM ESTGood point. Major work on The Tree of Life ended in September 2010 (when the new untitled work started filming) but they decided to hold it until Cannes this year.
Cde. Refn is very fast. Drive shot in the last quarter of 2010 and was ready for Cannes.
January 3, 2012 at 5:45PM ESTWhether it comes out this year probably depends more on the distribution side of things.
Mykill
January 3, 2012 at 4:23PM EST Reply to CommentI wish that a new Francois Ozon film would get me excited, but after the dull mediocre streak of Angel, Ricky, Hideaway, and Potiche, I can't really seem to be too excited about his work anymore. I will still continue to hope that he has another effort as bold and unique as Criminal Lovers, See the Sea, Sitcom, Water Drops on Burning Rocks, or 8 Women still left in him. But his recent output doesn't really give me that much hope.
Liz I actually liked Potiche, but Angel... *shiver*
January 3, 2012 at 7:59PM ESTMykill Yeah I should clarify that Potiche wasn't as bad as the other three films that I had listed, but it wasn't exactly a return to form of his earlier work that I had hoped or expected.
January 4, 2012 at 12:30PM ESTcristian_camilo_villa
January 3, 2012 at 5:48PM EST Reply to CommentGreat list, this is ours http://filmicas.com/2011/12/31/las-20-peliculas-mas-esperadas-de-2012/
bef
January 3, 2012 at 6:04PM EST Reply to CommentMy top ten looking forward to would be
1. Gravity (Alfonso Cuaron)
2. Prometheus (Ridley Scott)
3. The Master (Paul Thomas Anderson)
4. Moonrise Kingdom (Wes Anderson, I haven't been looking forward to a Wes film in a while, but the cast, setting and story make me feel like this will be a change of pace)
5. Cogan's Trade (Andrew Dominick)
6. The Wettest County (John Hillcoat)
7. Djanogo Unchained (Quentin Tarantino)
8. Only God Forgives (Nicolas Winding Refn)
9. Imogene (Shari Berman, Robert Pulcini)
10. Cloud Atlas (Tom Twyker, Lana Wachowski, Andy Wachowski -- could be amazing or a disaster, but it will most likely be VERY interesting)
bef Looks like a great, auteur year for sci-fi and revisionist westerns -- I'm excited! (Oh, I left Malick off, if the Affleck/McAdams/Bardem comes out in 2012, that will, of course, shoot up the list. But I am still, perhaps, most interested in Gravity, although Malick is my favorite filmmaker.
January 3, 2012 at 6:07PM ESTFrank Lee
January 3, 2012 at 6:05PM EST Reply to CommentThe offerings for next year look kind of bleak. I'll see the Ridley Scott, Tarantino, and Malick movies and whatever Woody Allen gives us, but there's not much more that really intrigues me.
Amir
January 3, 2012 at 7:30PM EST Reply to CommentSince already responded to the question regarding Cogan's Trade, I have to say, the omission that surprises me the most is Seven Psychopaths. For some reason I thought that would be a popular choice with you guys.
Brock Landers It's going to be great. I read the script and I have rarely laughed that much.
January 3, 2012 at 7:37PM ESTRashad
January 3, 2012 at 7:35PM EST Reply to CommentTDKR and Django by far, but Cloud Atlas is a must for me.
Mark
January 3, 2012 at 8:20PM EST Reply to CommentI'm surprised by the lack of Argo.
Laura Stewart One of my most anticipated.
January 3, 2012 at 10:01PM ESTChris138
January 3, 2012 at 8:39PM EST Reply to CommentThe Dark Knight Rises, Prometheus, Malick's new film (if it's actually released this year), Gravity, Wettest County, Lincoln, Gangster Squad, Skyfall, Cogan's Trade and The Great Gatsby are the ones that really have my interest in 2012. I'm also curious about The Amazing Spider-Man and The Hobbit, but not as much as the other titles I mentioned.
Chris138 I almost forgot Django Unchained. I'll definitely be interested in seeing that.
January 3, 2012 at 8:42PM ESTcamjenks
January 3, 2012 at 9:00PM EST Reply to CommentMy most anticipated in no particular order, because I can't decide is:
Django Unchained
Prometheus
the Dark Knight Rises
World War Z
The Great Gatsby
the Hobbit
Gravity
New James Bond
(and I guess sorta maybe the Avengers)
juan_josé_serrano
January 3, 2012 at 9:34PM EST Reply to CommentHey Kris when are you doing your Best Shots of 2011?
Marvin H
January 4, 2012 at 1:11AM EST Reply to CommentNo Quinton Tarintino's Django Unchained? Leonardo Dicaprio, Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx. I'm looking forward to that one.
M Harris
January 4, 2012 at 1:17AM EST Reply to CommentNo Quinton Taratino's Django Unchained? Leonardo Dicaprio, Christoph Waltz and Jamie Foxx. I'm looking forward to that one.
matsunaga
January 4, 2012 at 5:44AM EST Reply to Comment1. Dark Shadows (Tim Burton)
2. Django Unchained (Quentin Tarantino)
3. Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World (Lorene Scafaria)
4. The Hobbit: An Expected Journey (Peter Jackson)
5. The Avengers (Joss Whedon)
6. Anna Karenina (Joe Wright)
7. The Great Gatsby (Baz Luhrmann)
8. The Paperboy (Lee Daniels)
9. Brave (Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman)
10. The Dark Knight Rises (Christopher Nolan)
11. Gravity (Alfonso Cuaron)
12. The Amazing Spider-man (Marc Webb)
13. ParaNorman (Chris Butler, Sam Fell)
Kyle Pinion
January 4, 2012 at 12:11PM EST Reply to CommentHonestly, any year we get Nolan, PT Anderson, and Tarantino films is already a win for me, though I'm excited to see what Jackson, Cuaron, and another Dominik film can cook up. 2012 will be head and shoulders better than 2011, which I found personally to be a terrible year for movies.
bef
January 4, 2012 at 12:36PM EST Reply to Comment...2012 looks like it could rival 2007 the last top to bottom truly great American year at the cinema. Hmmm also the last great year of the neo-western (no country, there will be blood, assassination of Jesse James) and the best procedural (zodiac) in a decade, on the american side. I think 2011 was better than 2010 but 2012 just looks tops.