01. Birdman
Release Date: 2nd Jan
Much like his character in the film, Michael Keaton’s career, only really remembered for that one iconic superhero role, returns from the depths of inconspicuousness with one triumphant performance. Add the disembodied voice of Keaton’s conscience, fantastic supporting performances from the likes of Edward Norton and Emma Stone, and some jaw-dropping visuals; and you’ve got yourself a film for the ages.
02. Whiplash
Release Date: 16th Jan
A thriller about drumming sounds boring, however the solid stream of five star reviews and multiple Oscar nominations say otherwise. The general consensus is that JK Simmons gives the performance of his career and that this is the greatest musical film (with no actual musical numbers) ever made.
03. Foxcatcher
Release Date: 17th Jan
Yet another dark and edgy biographical drama, this time focusing on the apparently dark and edgy world of Olympic wrestling. Fangirls in the audience will swoon at the appearance of hunk-of-the-month, Channing Tatum, while film buffs will enjoy an unrecognisable Steve Carrel, as he joins the Keaton/Simmons pantheon of actors who’re suddenly godlike.
04. Inherent Vice
Release Date: 30th Jan
Based on one of the better liked works of popular avant-garde novelist, Thomas Pynchon is one thing. But with the addition of director Paul Thomas Anderson (a seal of quality), and you’ve got yourself a film that needs to be seen. So far, this looks to be yet another work of his that the director can safely stow under his belt, and the roster of screwball PTA token characters are ever present, including Joaquin Phoenix returning as the frontman. This truly is a day to mark in your calendar!
05. Avengers: Age of Ultron
Release Date: 1st May
Joss Whedon has tackled the first computer-animated film ever, kept series like Buffy and Angel fresh after countless seasons, found a way to resurrect his beloved space-western and broken box office records with Avengers Assemble. However, with Ultron, Whedon faces possibly his biggest challenge yet: meeting the inflated expectations of fans with a film so hyped that it already developed an internet meme before release. You can’t blame the fans, though: a trailer shows Quicksilver, ballet and Hulkbuster. How can we help being anything other than ecstatic?
06. Mad Max: Fury Road
Release Date: 15th May
After the lead actor went cuckoo and disappeared off everyone’s radar, it’s no wonder George Miller’s beloved post-apunkalyptic franchise went so silent for so long. Or maybe it’s because Max’s latest batty outing was in the works being perfected. Based on early footage and the frankly genius tagline of “What a lovely day!”, we suspect the latter.
07. Jurassic World
Release Date: 12th June
Doing for dinosaurs what Jaws did for sharks AGAIN, but with the addition of Chris Pratt and a genetically-modified super dinosaur this time round. All the key components are there, and the filmmakers definitely have captured the scale that the first one had. However is it possible that they’ve managed to pull off that same sense of wonder that the original had? Probably not, but the director’s previous works include Safety Not Guaranteed, so we should expect something decent.
08. Minions
Release Date: 10th Jul
The yellow pill-men solely responsible for making the Despicable Me franchise so popular now have their own movie. It’ll make millions, people will love it. MOVING ON!
09. Ant Man
Release Date: 17th July
It’s unlikely that director, Peyton Reed, will be able to breathe the same life that Scott Pilgrim and Hot Fuzz director, Edgar Wright could have done with his script. With that being said, Disney/Marvel appear to be on a roll with their ideas and execution (evidenced by the fact that they made me and countless others feel for a raccoon and a tree), and the two leads, in the form of Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas make for an acting combination not to be sneered at.
10. Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Release Date: 18th Dec
This is the film that everyone is looking forward to . JJ Abrams makes another turn rebooting a beloved sci-fi franchise, this time, under the supervision of the House of Mouse. As is the way with most of Abrams’ projects, little is known, however a teaser showcases practical effects fused with crisp CGI, football robots, impractical lightsabers and the Millennium Falcon. If this isn’t the most profitable film of the year, then we’ll eat a fridge.
