2014 was an excellent year for films. Particularly in the blockbuster department where we got great films like Planet of the Apes, X-Men: Days of Future Past and Guardians of the Galaxy. 2015 is looking to be an even better year with some of the biggest sequels in history coming finally coming out. While this is by no means a complete list of probable great blockbusters, these are the five I find myself most looking forward to in the coming year.
Avengers Age of Ultron (May 1st)
Starting off with an assured choice, Avengers: Age of Ultron is the upcoming sequel to the Marvel mega hit mashup, The Avengers. With multiple trailers already released exhibiting a darker tone, this movie is shaping up to be one of the best, most dramatic films of the year. Seeing our favorite heroes go up against a foe as devastating as Ultron has got comic book fans giddy, and everyone who isn’t familiar with the super villain should rest assured, he will give the team a run for its money. The Marvel universe has worked hard to get established and now we are starting to see the real culmination of this world. Of course, a third film will be coming out down the road that will truly cap things off. Age of Ultron is surely going to be one of, if not the, biggest film of the year.
Jurassic World (June 12th)
I must admit, of all of the films chosen for this list, Jurassic World worries me the most. The first Jurassic World trailer was excellent, and the cast being led by Chris Pratt is a huge thumbs up for me, but I can’t shake the feeling that the film could still be a monumental disappointment. It spent years in development hell and it has been over a decade since the less-than-stellar Jurassic Park 3 “graced” our screens. Giant dinosaurs have been sorely lacking from the film-scape lately and I, for one, am excited to see this movie just to fill that gap. The key here will be to not try and reinvent the wheel. As long as Jurassic World is entertaining, it will be a success.
Inside Out (June 19th)
Excitement just doesn’t do Inside Out justice. Not only is Pixar returning to original work but, after a pair of unspectacular outings, the stakes are high for their newest feature. If the first trailer is any indication, this is going to be Pixar’s return to glory. Featuring a fabulously original take on growing up, full of likable voice actors, and topped off with beautiful animation, Inside Out has all the ingredients to be a true winner. Really, the Inside Out trailer does more for the movie’s anticipation factor than I ever could, so watch it. Watch it now!
Spectre (November 6th)
Last year, I finally scratched one of my film goals off the old checklist and watched all 23 EON produced James Bond films. Personally speaking, I’m not the biggest fan of the series as a whole. I love the Connery era, am indifferent to Moore/Brosnan, like Dalton/Lazenby and love Daniel Craig. Since we get another Daniel Craig entry on the heels of Skyfall (a series highlight), hopes are high as can be for the upcoming Spectre. Though we don’t have a trailer yet to confirm or deny any speculations, a few still images have hit the web that confirm at least one series staple (skiing) will make its triumphant return to the series. Let’s all get together and pray that it’s close to Skyfall/Casino Royale and far, far away from Quantum of Solace.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (December 18th)
Come on. You knew it was coming. You can’t talk about big upcoming movies of 2015 without at least mentioning the return of the Jedi. Star Wars: The Force Awakens probably has more riding on it than anything else on this list. It’s the first film now that Disney owns the property and, with it coming a long time after the ill fated prequels, expectations are at the maximum. Between this and Age of Ultron I’m not sure which film will end up being the bigger money maker, or the bigger critical smash. With good ol’ J.J. Abrams at the helm some of our worries should be stilted, but you just never know with something this big and prolific. The first Episode 7 teaser trailer got us excited. A full length trailer will be a massive deal when it drops. For now, keep your expectations in check, but don’t be afraid to get a little giddy at the idea of Star Wars making a return to the classics we all know and love.
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