15 Films To Look Forward To in 2015

Yet another year has passed and yet another has begun. 2014 was a huge year in entertainment and set up this fine year of 2015 in such an epic way. We've seen everything from the hysterical antics of '22 Jump Street' to the heartbreaking tale of 'The Fault in Our Stars' and even the mind-stretching sophisticated cube that is 'Interstellar'. The silver screen is going to see some huge titles come along its path and I have a feeling that we're going to be in for an even more amazing cinematic year this time around. With that being said my fellow movie-goers, here are 15 movies to look forward to in 2015:

15. American Sniper

 

I was really, really looking forward to 'American Sniper' coming out on Christmas Day. To my dismay, I learned (the hard way) that it's debut in mainstream theatres isn't until early this month. As a result, 'American Sniper' is the first movie you should look out for this year. Clint Eastwood has done more than enough proven himself as a masterful filmmaker with his timely works such as 'Million Dollar Baby' so throwing Bradley Cooper into the mix looks like a recipe for success. 'American Sniper' hit theaters on January 16th.

14. Cinderella

 

Not quite sure why there's a remake to the classic 'Cinderalla' but I guess Disney does as Disney does. I think what will put this on the I-need-to-watch-this list is the fact that Helena Bonham Carter is playing Fairy Godmother. Think about that for a second. Bellatrix LeStrange is going to play the embodiment of goodness that is the Fairy Godmother. That will be a real treat. With that aside, 'Cinderella' rocks a fairly well known cast range like Lily James (Cinderella), Richard Madden (Prince Charming) and Cate Blanchett (Lady Tremaine). Even though it's not the most groundbreaking of the films coming out this year, I think it will definitely be the most unique just because of two things: Disneu and Helena Bonham Carter. 'Cinderella' comes to theaters on March 13.

13. The Divergent Series: Insurgent

 

I remember sitting down and slowly setting fire to my regrettably-bought copy of 'Divergent'; the first installment to that Twilight follow-up that-series-that-I-think-should'nt-exist. After staring at the ashes of my printer paper enemy I made up my mind that nothing can redeem such an atrocity. One down, millions of copies to go. Months later and the people of the Internet are crying tears of joy and triumph as the trailer for 'Divergent' sees the light of day. The angry critic within me protested 'Divergent' from that day on, until one day I was left with no choice but to see it (it was free after all). I was thoroughly impressed. I guess what made it worth it was that I wasn't hearing every single one of Trish's annoying, stupid, boy-crazy, hopeless, depressing and pitiful thoughts whenever she decided to think for half a second. Rant aside, 'Insurgent' releases this year to follow up 2014's release of 'Divergent' and it looks like it's shaping up to be a good addition to the 2015 movie roster. 'Insurgent' releases on March 20th.

12. Furious 7

 

Following the death of Paul Walker (May he rest in peace), the biggest question on everyone's minds was whether or not they were going to continue the 'Fast & Furious' franchise. Not only did Universal Studios choose to move forward with the franchise, they actually made a good trailer. The 'Fast and Furious' series is one of those "they-should-stop-making-these-things" like Resident Evil but I think it did sort of prove itself with its...sixth installment. That sounded way better in my head. 'Furious 7' follows the gang as Shaw (Jason Statham) tries to seek revenge against Toretto (Vin Diesel) for killing his brother in 'The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift'. Pretty simple plot but as Paul Walker's final debut in theaters, it's sure to be one heck of a ride (pun intended). 'Furious 7' hit theaters on April 3rd, 2015.

11. The Avengers: Age of Ultron

 

YES. YES. ALL OF THE YES. Marvel Studios is bragging once again and gracing us with the infinity gem that is 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'. Aside from being one of the many epic titles of Marvel's Phase Three plan, we finally get a glimpse of how the Disney/Marvel fusion is doing. Whoever came up with the idea to put that Pinocchio song in this trailer is a genius and is well deserving of a pay raise. This film will pick up some time after 'The Avengers' when Tony Stark attempts to start a peacekeeping program that (of course) doesn't go anywhere near as planned. To take on this new threat the Avengers will need to reassemble to fix everything and take on Ultron; a robot bent on wiping out the human race. Phew. Anyway, as I have said once and will continue to say...All hail Marvel! 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' comes to theatres on May 1st, 2015.

10. Pitch Perfect 2

 

What's more acca-awesome than a cult classic? An acca-awesome sequel to that cult classic! The long-awaited sequel, 'Pitch Perfect 2', finally got its release date and will probably be one of this years most entertaining films. This film will follow everyone's favorite group, The Barden Bellas, as they compete in an acapella competition against groups from all around the world. The twist? No American team has ever won the competition. Aside from being the successor to such a hit, this film has a lot to live up to and it had better not fail. I'm curious to see what the set list for this movie's soundtrack will be and how Pentatonix will make their promised appearance. I guess time will tell. 'Pitch Perfect 2' hits theatres on May 15th, 2015.

9. Tomorrowland

Talk about obscure. I'm not exactly sure what Disney has up their sleeve for their upcoming 'Tomorrowland' film but I'm excited to see what's in store. From what was released so far, 'Tomorrowland' will follow the adventures of a curious teenager and a former inventor as they attempt to explore and reveal the secrets of a mysterious place suspended in time and space. To make things even more interesting, apparently they both have shared memories of this place so they collectively try to see what's going on. Honestly if any other company tried to produce something like this I wouldn't have given this a second glance. But it's Disney, and if it's one thing we've all learned it's that Disney can (almost) do no wrong. 'Tomorrowland' hits theatres on May 22nd, 2015.

8. Paper Towns

 

Following the success of John Green's 'The Fault in Our Stars' and it's adaptation to the silver screen, it was revealed that the popular novel 'Paper Towns' will be next up to turn into a movie. Sadly, no trailers or teasers have officially been released yet but the casting roles so far seem really strong and can make for another box office success if things go one really well. The novel follows a young man by the name of Quentin and his next door neighbor Margo as they embark on the road trip of their very lives with their friends. Luckily for me you all, 'Paper Towns' wasn't nearly as gut-wrenching as 'The Fault in Our Stars' so I don't think you'll need as many boxes of tissue this time. 'Paper Towns' hits theaters on June 5th, 2015.

7. Jurassic World

 

If you're one of those kids who watched movies so much to the point where it was a health hazard, then you've probably seen the 'Jurassic Park' series. Guess what? Happy birthday! Director Colin Trevorrow is bringing it's revival to the big screen this year. 'Jurassic World' will take place about twenty-two years after 'Jurassic Park'. The park is now open to the public for everyone's joy and fun. After 10 years of being open, visitors start to come to the park less often so a new attraction opens up to put the park back on the market. Guess what? It backfires. After becoming the oh-so-hilarious Star Lord in 2014's 'Guardians of the Galaxy', Chris Pratt returns in a star role which probably won't disappoint. 'Jurassic World' opens its gates on June 12, 2015.

6. Inside Out

 

Pixar has proven on one or more occasions that it is one of the kings of creativity and ingenuity. You know those things that run around in your head that you can never control? No, I don't mean those weird voices. I mean your emotions. Pixar has captured the idea of having emotions and somehow turned it into an intriguing concept for an animated film that is sure to impress. 'Inside Out' follows Riley (Kaitlyn Dias), a young girl who is going through the emotional stresses of beginning a new life after her father accepts a job in a new city. Riley (and every one of us living and breathing human beings) is guided by her emotions, particularly Joy (Amy Poehler), Anger (Lewis Black), Disgust (Mindy Kaling), Fear (Bill Hader) and Sadness (Phyllis Smith) and they conflict over things as the situation continues to grow and grow. 'Inside Out' debuts on June 19, 2015.

5. Ant-Man

Here comes Marvel again doing what they do best, make something awesome and market the heck out of it. They chose not to stop at 'Marvel: Age of Ultron' and to also make 2015 the year of 'Ant-Man'. This film will follow Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and the super-suit that's been given to him from creator and former Ant-Man, Dr. Hank Pym. Like most other superhero movies, he will end up pulling off an epic feat to save the world. Now excuse me as I set up my mobile tenting station outside of the movie theatre. Priorities. 'Ant-Man' comes to the theatres on July 17, 2015.

4. Pan

 

3 words. Bald Hugh Jackman. Okay, okay, that may not be isn't the only reason to keep an eye out for 'Pan'. Everyone knows Peter Pan right? Well here's his origin story. 'Pan' follows the story of a young boy who finds his way to the magical land of Neverland. Here he finds the very things that will mold him into the whimsical Peter Pan that we all know today. Through it all he will realize what he's meant to be and become a hero. I'm really happy to hear that director Joe Wright ('Pride & Prejudice', 'Atonement', 'Hanna' is taking the reigns on such a concept. Some of the cast has yet to be finalized but aside from the almighty Hugh Jackman be sure to expect Amanda Seyfried, Rooney Mara, and Garett Hedlund. 'Pan' whisks us away to Neverland on July 24, 2015.

3. 007: Spectre

 

Near the end of 2014, it was revealed that James Bond's adventures as Adele's fame-booster isn't exactly over. No, this isn't going to be Idris Elba yet. Daniel Craig is still around and kicking. 'Spectre' will follow Bond as he is haunted by a puzzling message from his past that leads him to unearth a sinister organization that I can only assume does sinister-y things. The secret service is in the spotlight and M has to fight the struggle of keeping it from being shut down all while Bond is uncovering the dangers and conspiracies of SPECTRE layer by layer. There isn't much more information yet but surely things will pick up as the year passes by. 'Spectre' comes to theatres on November 6, 2015.

2. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

 

At last the time has come. What started out as a pretty poorly made book-movie adaptation has turned into something brilliant, almost poetic by nature. 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1' was such an amazing film. Quite frankly it should be the standard of book-movie adaptation that Hollywood that should look up to. The whole 2 part gimmick didn't seem like it was even worth using on the Mockingjay arc because it's such a small novel but kudos, kudos, and even more kudos to Francis Lawrence for leaving about half of the earth's population on edge for part 2. 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2' will immediately follow the chaos in Panem as Katniss Everdeen and District 13 launch their revolution against the Capitol and President Snow to end things once and for all. Chills my friends, chills. 'The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2' hits theatres and our hearts on November 20, 2015.

1. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Where do I start? The awesome lightsaber designs, R2-D-something riding on a metal soccer ball? Black stormtroopers? Han Greedo Han Greedo Han shooting first? 'Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens' finally blesses us with it's oh-so-lofty presence many years after it's predecessors. What's it going to be about? Not too sure. So far, storylines and the synopsis has been kept under tightly wrapped wraps. I just want more awesome lightsabers in the next trailer despite the controversy. There isn't much more to say except to keep a look out for incoming trailers throughout the year. 'Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens' comes out on December 18, 2015.