2012 Preview

2011 saw a fairly mixed bag of film releases - from the fantastic (The King's Speech, True Grit, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2) to the downright ugly (Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 1). Thankfully, things are looking generally more consistent this year. The following are my picks for awards glory and general entertainment for the next 12 months. This year I'm going to make an effort to see as many of the new releases as I can and report my opinions right here.

1. The Iron Lady

Director Phyllida (Mamma Mia) Lloyd reunites with Meryl Streep to portray the life of Margaret Thatcher. Whatever your opinion of our former Prime Minister and her methods, you cannot deny by looking at the trailer that Thatcher's mannerisms and the look have been mimiced beautifully by Streep. Best Actress at this year's Oscars seems firmly set already. On UK release from January 6th 2012

2. War Horse

Spielberg's motion picture adaptation of the book and play focusses on the emotional connection between a young man and his horse set against the backdrop of the First World War and the horror of the Battle of the Somme. Have the tissues handy and get ready for some Oscar wins once again for the esteemed director. On UK release 13th January 2012.



3. Coriolanus

Ralph Fiennes' dark adaptation of one of Shakespeare's most complicated plays could prove to be one of the standouts of the year and certainly one of the best directorial debuts in years. On UK release 20th January 2012

4. The Muppets

With such critical praise to date, it looks as if this could be a triumphant return for the Muppet clan to cinemas. On UK release 10th February 2012

5. The Woman in Black

James Watkins' horror update of the famous play is also Daniel Radcliffe's first feature film post-Potter. This could provide the best movie jumps for your bucks in 2012. On UK release 10th February 2012.

6. Into the Abyss


Controversial, left field director Werner Herzog returns with a documentary in the same vein as Nick Broomfield's tracking of serial killer Aileen Wournos as he returns to the roots of a triple homicide committed in Texas 10 years ago and talks to the relatives of the victims and to the perpetrators themselves who are scheduled for execution. Likely harrowing but also insightful. On UK release 23rd March 2012

7. Dark Shadows

It's a Tim Burton film so a kooky script and a superb cast are almost second nature as Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter and Michelle Pfeiffer join forces in this update of the cult US television series about vampires and monsters. On UK release 11th May 2012

8. The Dark Knight Rises

Christopher Nolan's vision returns to the big screen this summer with his final installment in the Batman franchise. Inception's Tom Hardy is the mighty Bane, one of Batman's most deadly, physical antagonists and Anne Hathaway is attempting to outdo Michelle Pfeiffer's portrayal as the feline fatale Catwoman. If this gets even half of the box office reception that predecessor The Dark Knight received then this could be another great summer for Warner Bros. On UK release July 20th 2012

9. Skyfall

Despite MGMs bankruptcy issues, the 23rd James Bond film is now full steam ahead. Daniel Craig's back for his third appearance as 007 in the series' incredible 50th year. We are told that this film has all the perfect Bond elements and is akin to the early 1960s films such as From Russia With Love and Goldfinger. Sam Mendes seems the perfect choice to steer Bond in the right direction as the series reaches such a huge milestone. October can't come soon enough. On UK release October 26th 2012

10. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Peter Jackson returns the story of the little Hobbits to the big screen in the first of a two part adaptation of Tolkien's The Hobbit, the pre cursor to The Lord of the Rings. Martin Freeman looks like the perfect Bilbo Baggins and from the looks of the trailer it looks like we have another Christmas cinematic treat in store for 2012.