15 for 2015: Our Year-Ahead Preview

Geek Peek 2015: The Boxed Office helps you geek-out on your movie going for the year ahead

Happy 2015! It’s time once again for all of us here at the Boxed Office take our annual crystal ball session concerning our most anticipated films of 2014. We look ahead at some of the biggest sci-fi, super hero and fantasy and CGI films coming soon to a theater near you: 

(ARTH VADER AV) The Seventh Son (2/6) The lone remaining warrior of an ancient mystical order travels to find a foretold hero born with incredible powers, the last Seventh Son. Having watched this initial trailer for an 2014 release over a year ago, I am not sure what to make of this one, Pontificator. Generally, its never a good sign when a film is pulled and re-tooled or has a significant amount of new, re-shot material. Here's to hoping.  

(AV) Jupiter Ascending (2/6) Who's ready for an original Wachowski Brothers screenplay? Apparently no one was a year ago. The original 2013 release of this film was halted when initial audience pools tracked so poor, executive pulled the film and completely re-tooled the film. In February 2015, we’ll see how that effort turned out. I will say, though, P-Man, the new trailers kind of have me a little giddy. Here’s to hoping Mila “TED” Kunis and Channing “Jump Street” Tatum can do something they have yet to do prove so far… that they can act. 

(AV) Chappie (3/6) One the most talented directors in Sci-fi today is Neil “District 9” Blomkamp who’s latest film, Chappie, premieres March 6th. While initial reports are panning the film, I am excited to see what comes of this latest film. Another precursor to the ‘countdown to the singularity’, Chappie is the story of an AI / Robot who learns of the human world through the actions of his creator(s) and those that fear and mistrust him. 

(AV) Ex Machina (4/10) It’s time for another Singularity story arc, Ponty. This one features the story of Caleb, a 20-nothing programmer employed at a large internet company, who wins a week at a private mountain retreat. But, when Caleb arrives at the isolated retreat he finds that himself swept up into a a strange and frightening experiment in which he must interact with the world's first true artificial intelligence, who takes on the form of a beautiful woman. Directed by horror pro Alex “28 Days” Garland, the movie chronicles an interesting inter-species coupling thats both telling and frightening. 

(AV) Avengers: Age of Utron (5/1) When it comes right down to it, there really are only two big flicks to look forward to in 2015, Star Wars and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Marvel Studio’s follow-up to their colossal 2012 hit, pits our heroes against the Avenger’s greatest adversary, the twisted AI construct, Ultron. With new foes, new allies and new costumes for Marvel’s most colorful band of brothers, Age of Ultron has every potential to exceed the $1.4 billion payday that accompanied the 1st movie.

(THE PONTIFICATOR TP) Mad Max: Fury Road (5/15) : Being a big fan of the original Max films (“Mad Max” and “The Road Warrior,” not so much “Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome”) I was happy to hear that director George Miller was attached to this project Vader. It means most of what made those films great will be returning for this reboot/reimagining although I was sad to see Max’s car get destroyed in the trailer (love that car). Tom Hardy is an excellent actor and the perfect choice to reprise the role of Max. This film looks as though it’s gonna be huge and the fact that they are offering it in 3D just tells me to expect some serious special effects! I hoping it’s everything the first two films were…and more.

(TP) Jurassic World (6/12):  I’m a huge fan of all the Jurassic Park films and so I’m very excited about this latest installment, the fourth in the series, set twenty-two years after the original. Although director Colin Trevorrow hasn’t done anything thus far to impress me, I’m hopeful that Spielberg as executive producer and Chris Pratt as the lead can pull this off regardless of any shortcomings, anywhere. The premiss of the film has some cheese potential, I mean, in addition to the regular dinosaurs posing a threat (as usual) we now have a genetically modified dinosaur to deal with, but this type of film is not meant to be thought-provoking, just a wild ride. From what I have seen so far, it looks to be just that, a wild ride for the summer and I’m looking forward to it Vader.

(AV) Ant Man (7/17) Who’s psyched to see a grown man shrink down to be 1/4” tall? I know I am! The littlest big Marvel flick stars Paul “Ant Man” Rudd, Evangeline “I’m Lost as an Elf” Lilly and Michael “Henry Pym” Douglas. Shrouded in controversy, due namely to the hiring and 8-years-later firing of wunderkind director Edgar Wright, this film has almost everyone in a quandary about this film’s ability to resonate with audiences. As for me, I say this; if Marvel made The Guardians Of The Galaxy the top film of 2014, they can do anything. The trailer is fun and has CGI that will likely make the world of the Ant Man a giant success.

(TP) The Fantastic Four (8/7): I gotta say that even though I was gracious in my opinion of the first two films (being a comic geek and all), I have not been thrilled by what I have been hearing  about this film. There has been much controversy over the cast, specifically Michael B. Jordan as the Human Torch, but reading the latest synopsis for the film, I might be willing to throw everything I know about the Fantastic Four out the window and come at this film with an open mind. I generally have not been happy with how Fox has treated Marvel characters, but it seems they might be taking some notes from Marvel Studios as it has been confirmed that the Fantastic Four takes place in the same cinematic universe as the X-Men. Despite the negative rumblings, I will remain optimistic.

(TP) The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials (9/18): I wasn’t a very big fan of the first film, it just didn’t make sense to me on many levels (see the review here) so a continuation of the story doesn’t have me particularly excited. That said, the very fact that it takes place in the most scorched part of the Earth with new dangers and challenges does have me intrigued. I’m hoping this film makes more sense than the first, or at the very least can add more sense to the first. At any rate, great directing and awesome special effects can do much to salvage a film, so I’m hoping this film encompasses all of the above and leaves us with something interesting to review later Vader.

(AV) Victor Frankenstein (10/2) This unique take on Mary Shelley’s classic tale of the original plastic surgeon, is the tale of Dr. Frankenstein’s monster as told from the prospective of Igor, the film is told from the troubled young assistant's dark origins-likely his cameo in 2014’s Dracula untold–or his redemptive friendship with the a young Viktor Von Frankenstein. Igor becomes an eyewitnesses to the emergence of how Frankenstein–and his infamous abomination–become the legends we all know. We can be cautiously optimistic that this film will be an entertaining–if not certifiable–train wreck. Heres to hoping, P-Man. 

(TP) Spectre (11/6): I’ve been watching James Bond films since I was a kid (they actually predate me) and I have enjoyed all of them (some more than others). I have certainly enjoyed Daniel Craig as Bond and look forward to seeing more of him in this film, his fourth installment as 007. Monica Bellucci will be the “Bond Girl” of this film and at fifty years old, the oldest to ever do so. Although this film will not be based on any of Ian Fleming’s original work, the idea of a worldwide secret criminal organization (Spectre) seems to fit right in with what has come to be expected from a Bond film. Also expected is plenty of action, some gadgets…and a new Aston Martin. As with the previous Bond films by Craig, this one should be a lot of fun O’Dark One.

(AV) The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2 (11/20) Pontificator, if I may, do you know why I am just this side of giddy over the release of this film? It’s because it means a certain and definitive END to this franchise that has quite frankly… overstayed its welcome. Let hit the finale button on this series and wrap this all up. I am fatigued over the amount and volume of HG comments, fandom, and movie chatter. This story has run its course for me and I will be happy to watch the final installment–and equally happy for the end of the franchise.

(TP) The Martian (11/25): This film seems like it will be a very interesting movie, although not as original as it appears to be. Based on a novel by Andy Weir, it looks to be a mix of “Gravity” meets “Interstellar.” Matt Damon plays an astronaut stranded on Mars (remember he was also stranded in Interstellar) with little hope of rescue, but a determination to live in hopes of just that. With Ridley Scott directing, I have high hopes that this film will keep me on the edge of my seat and completely entangle me in the plight of Damon’s character. If this film even hints at the desperation and emotional angst Sandra Bullock displayed in “Gravity,” I’m predicting a winner here with a deep impact and lasting impression. 

(TP) Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (12/18): Oh my… one can only hope this film is actually as big as it’s expected to be. This will be Disney’s first Star Wars film since acquiring the rights from Lucas and having J.J. Abram’s directing is just the tip of the iceberg. Set thirty years after the events of “Return of the Jedi”, not only is the film headed in a new direction (this movie will ignore the expanded universe of the novels, games, etc), with much of the old cast returning, but rumors are Disney has completely ignored any input from Lucas! Now this can be a good thing (no Jar-Jar shenanigans) or a bad thing (everything we have ever loved about Star Wars). Personally, I think Disney is smart enough to make this film as big, if not bigger, than the Star Wars films that have come before and this has me salivating in anticipation for a BIG December opening, Vader. 

Building A Deeper Bond

James Bond turns a corner and a new leaf in Skyfall–arguably one of the best Bond films ever!

ON CONTINUITY

ARTH VADER (AV): I wonder what the prolific Ian Flemming would think of Skyfall, the latest installment in the ongoing saga of the world's most famous super spy, James Bond. Skyfall (Paramount Pictures) is a bold re-imagining of the James Bond continuum. Daniel Craig's flawless characterization of the infamous assassin/spy/agent 007 is quite a detraction from previous characterizations. He is his stoically smug, witty and confident self but Skyfall delivers a different caliber of Bond than even the first two Daniel Craig 007 journeys. Darker, more insidious and even more vulnerable. For me, this makes the new Bond light years more believable and more awesome. Thoughts, Pontificator? 

THE PONTIFICATOR (TP): Well Vader, this film was something of a departure, even a bit from the last two films, but still fits snuggly into the new continuity the recent Bond films have created. Bond has been updated and made more real...and although the rewrite isn’t exactly what Bond has always been, the mythos hasn't suffered a bit.

CASTING, DIRECTING AND ACTING

AV: Casting Craig was a masterstroke of movie-making genius. Daniel's two earlier Bond films, Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace were both solid but for me at least, Skyfall goes somewhere much greater, beyond the scope of mere "next installment". Skyfall is a crowning jewel in a long list of great–and not-so-great–bond stories. The action is paced in such a way that the films tempo is actually a part of the storytelling, Ponty. What's more, the direction was a winning array of close, medium and wide-angle shots, even in the non-action sequences, the films keeps the viewer engaged in the larger tapestry of events. And I just have to say, casting Javier Bardem as the sniveling and uncomfortably sinister Silva makes this one of the more believable Bond experiences to date. 

TP: Daniel Craig is quickly winning the title of the best Bond for me. He’s gritty and takes a serious approach to the role. This difference from the usual suave, cool as ice-water, modus operandi of the past actors is what sets Craig apart from all the rest. Craig makes Bond more human by making him vulnerable while still delivering everything else that audiences have come to associate with Bond. Javier Bardem seems to be born to play Silva, the latest Bond villain. Very few people are destined to be the perfect fit for a Bond villain... so bless Bardem for answering his calling. Naomie Harris may not be as glamorous as Bond women have been in the past, but she is perfect for her role and was a nice surprise for longtime fans of the old films.

SPECIAL EFFECTS

AV: You know, pontificator, I really enjoy movies where the experience so completely rolls the visual effects into the DNA of the movie that I don't even notice them. Such is the case in Skyfall. Iconic scenes like the train crashing through a London street, the Bond estate blown to bits or even a hapless duel in a pit of Komodo dragons are all SF/X shots that the viewer just absorbs as part of the film's experience. Even a harrowing fight sequence on the top of a fast-moving bullet-train is a believable event in a movie that goes to great lengths NOT to make me go "Whoa!" at the visuals and focus on the event at hand. Could this mean our little Hollywood is finally growing up, Ponty? 

TP: You are spot-on here Vader. The special effects were a seamless part of the visual experience and nothing was so over-the-top as to take away from the tone of the film. Even the opening chase scene was pretty straight forward and although thinking back on it, in reality it could probably never happen like that, at the time I was watching... it was real enough that I wasn’t even questioning the crane scene. 

TAKING A DEEPER LOOK

AV: As always, there is a tantalizing array of Bond-girl beauties here Ponty but I have to address another more pressing observation for Skyfall. This movie goes to great lengths to distance itself from the campiness of earlier James Bond flicks. The movie's dialogue even goes so far as to have the new "Q" talk smack about exploding pens and silly devices. I see this as a step toward farming a more believable, more relatable and more sophisticated Bond for future films. Look, no one loves exploding pens, jetpacks and cars that 'become' submarines more than I do, but… well… been there, done that. Often those things become fillers or 'eye candy' meant to distract me from a weak script or completely implausible villains. DNA-recognition sensors in Bond's Walther PPK? Now you're talking! This is a new, re-invented bad-ass bond–just what the doctor ordered. 

TP: I think the most significant aspect of this film is Bond’s vulnerability. He is shot in the line of duty, fails to qualify for active duty later on, and can’t quite compensate for his injuries. I don’t remember the character being this vulnerable since the beginning of Die Another Day. Gone are the gadgets, replaced by an updated Q with superior hacking ability. I thought this was very significant as this was a hefty statement that Bond is now in the 21st century. The Bond of today isn’t the can-do-anything slickster and this is what really makes it work. I thought this film might have gone a little too much in this direction though since certain expectations are now associated with Bond. I think this will change as the new direction is embraced by a new audience.  

ON SEQUELS:

AV: What, are you kidding me? Of course–bring 'em on! We ain't stopping here kids, we have ole Jimmy B right where we want him, cool, hip and delivering a world of hurt to those who would hurt our world. Ten more please! Yes, yes I'll wait… 

TP: I thought I heard somewhere that this was Craig's last film, but fortunately I also read that he has signed on for two more! So rest assured, we will have ample opportunity to discuss the direction of Craig’s ever-evolving Bond. 

RATE IT!

ARTH VADER rates Skyfall: This movie is, without a doubt, the VERY BEST Bond movie I have ever seen. And that says a lot since I have seen a TON of good Bond films. Deliciously intelligent, riddled with scorching hot–and ethnically diverse–"Bond girls" and a deeper, darker premise with a glimpse into the more sinister machinations in the world of 007 and MI6, Skyfall is a delightful action epic that delights and dazzles and well-worth seeing. And this is one fan-boy who can't wait for the Blu-Ray release. 

That said, I gladly encourage no fewer than 9.5 busted blocks to fall from the sky for Skyfall. 

THE PONTIFICATOR rates Skyfall: There have been about 25 Bond films, and Craig’s have been some of the most enjoyable for me. Although this was a great film, it wasn’t the best ever. It was probably the most realistic, but certainly not the most entertaining... and in the end, that’s what it’s really all about. As I look skyward, I only see 7.5 busted blocks falling for this film. 

Skyfall: 8.5 Busted Blocks