4. Cowboys & Aliens – This is the only film on the top of my list that I am honestly worried won’t be as good as I hope. C&A is a crossover film in that it combines two genres, Westerns and Sci-Fi. I like the idea of crossovers, as it is unique and outside the box. Jon Favreau directs, but what has he done exactly? Oh, he only directed one of the most successful superhero franchises of all time (Iron Man). I should also mention that James Bond 6.0 and Han Solo/Indiana Jones co-star. Even with all of these positive signs, I still worry that my expectations are too high.
3. The Muppets – This is still in the early stages of development, with mainly rumors flying around. What we do know is that Jason Segal (How I Met Your Mother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall) is writing and starring, so that’s a good sign. We also know James Bobin, writer/director of Da Ali G Show and Flight of the Conchords is directing. Amy Adams (Enchanted, The Fighter) has signed on to co-star. And of course, all of our favorite Muppets will be there. I love the Muppets, and I am so excited to see them getting a reboot with the brilliant Segal holding the pen. On a side note, I discovered when I was at FAO Schwartz in New York in December that you can now make your own Muppet! I am very tempted.
2. Paul – Here is a film I was eager to get some info on at Comic-Con last year. They had a panel, but it was on Saturday, which I didn’t have a pass for. Paul stars Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as two Brits who decide to road trip through America to see extraterrestrial hot spots. While on their trip, they come into contact with and befriend an alien named Paul (voiced by Seth Rogen). The only other thing I know is that the government is after them (led by Jason Bateman). This marks the first time Pegg and Frost work together sans Edgar Wright, who was working on his first movie sans Pegg/Frost (Scott Pilgrim vs the World). The trio previously did Spaced, Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz together. I love these guys and will watch anything they do, especially together.
1. Your Highness – From the director of Pineapple Express comes a new comedy starring two of Pineapple Express’s actors, James Franco and Danny McBride. Franco plays a prince in medieval times whose future wife (Zooey Deschanel) is kidnapped. He must work with his useless brother (McBride) to save her. Along the way they are joined by an archer (Natalie Portman) who helps them on their quest to save the future princess. By the way, I am in love with the two gorgeous brunettes in this film, and I certainly don’t mean Franco and McBride. I think this will be a quality fantasy/comedy with lots of laughs and good times.
Here are some honorable mentions worth keeping an eye on:
The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn
Apollo 18
Arthur
Bridesmaids
Contagion
Friends with Benefits
Green Lantern
The Hangover: Part II
Horrible Bosses
I Am Number 4
Immortals
Kill the Irishman
Mother's Day
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Priest
Red Riding Hood
Sucker Punch
Tower Heist
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
What's Your Number