2011 proved to be a thriving year for Hollywood. One can only hope that 2012 will be a repeat of cinematic success. In order to spend money on the right movies, here's a list of must-see films releasing during this spring semester in order of release date.
Coriolanus
Release Date: Jan. 20
Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2) makes his directorial debut in this depiction of violent Roman politics. Based on the William Shakespeare play of the same name, Rome's hero, Coriolanus (Fiennes), is banished for his disruptive nature and decides to unite with his rival Tullus Aufidius (Gerard Butler, Machine Gun Preacher) to get his revenge against the people of Rome. With the storytelling of a Shakespearean play, and the acting capacity of professionals like Fiennes and Butler, Coriolanus should astound all audiences.
Red Tails
Release Date: Jan. 20
Don't let this film's potential squander. Placed in WWII, Red Tails highlights the epic chronicle of African American pilots called into battle under the command of Colonel A. J. Bullard (Terrence Howard, The Ledge). The film is produced by George Lucas (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), who will definitely dive deep into his vast cinematic expertise to help tell a high-flying adventure capable of keeping even the most experienced dog fighter on edge.
The Flowers of War
Release Date: Jan. 20
Christian Bale (The Fighter) plays a westerner stranded in 1937 China. He soon discovers that the city of Nanking is under attack by the Japanese forces, and poses as a priest in order to aid the villagers from these attacks. Director Yimou Zhang (Under the Hawthorn Tree) has already proven his filmmaking capabilities in such films as Hero and House of Flying Daggers. With Zhang behind the lens and Bale leading the charge, The Flowers of War aspires to be a real treat.
Rampart
Release Date: Feb. 10
This is the film that Woody Harrelson was born to star in. Set in 1999 Los Angeles, Harrelson (Friends With Benefits) portrays a corrupt cop with a treacherous mindset. After he beats up an African American, everyone now questions the cop's ethics and plans to bring him to justice. Harrelson will definitely give the performance that defines his career for years to come.
Act of Valor
Release Date:Feb. 24
This could potentially be the best war film since 2010's The Hurt Locker. Documentary filmmakers Scott Waugh (Navy SWCC) and Mike McCoy (Hot Wheels: Fearless at the 500) connect in this epic about the world's most secretive, best-trained Navy SEALs team. Act of Valor utilizes realism by capturing real-life SEALs doing their patriotic duty, embarking on a heart-wrenching global battle for the recovery of a captured CIA Agent.
The Hunger Games
Release Date:March 23
North America has reached near obliteration, suffering from war, famine, and destruction. The land of Panem now rests in its place, which consists of The Capitol and twelve lower-class districts. Set in the near future, heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence, X-Men: First Class) must face off against adolescents of the rival districts on a televised fight to the death. Lawrence proved her remarkable ability to carry a film in Winter's Bone, and will certainly not disappoint this time around.
Movie 43
Release Date:April 13
Little plot information has been leaked about this project, but Movie 43 has been rumored about on the Internet for multiple years now. This film will be comprised of numerous comedy sketches, and feature stars like Hugh Jackman (Real Steel), Kate Winslet (Carnage), and Uma Thurman (Ceremony). Hopefully, Movie 43 will take advantage of its talent and create a refreshingly different film.
The Avengers
Release Date:May 4
Finally, after seven years of production planning, The Avengers will tie-in the gallant Marvel superheroes Captain America, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Nick Fury, Black Widow, and Hawkeye. So far the series has produced five top-notch superhero films, and on May 4 comic book aficionados will finally know if it was worth the wait. With most of the prominent cast returning, chances are The Avengers will be the superhero film of the year. At least until Dark Knight Rises releases.
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