Will Batman vs Superman live up to the hype?
Accounting for both cinema and home audiences, 2016 appears to have a strong line up of blockbuster and awards fair, as well as independent and genre offerings worth getting excited for.
Cultured viewers will appreciate franchises such as Underworld returning, hopefully as immaculately constructed as ever, and I’m predicting some quality to be found in an adaptation of one of 2015’s most popular novels. Please note also that these films are included based on their Australian release dates, and some may have already been released in other territories.
Of course sometimes the very best films are the ones that come out of nowhere and don’t feature on these types of lists, but I hope you can agree and see reason to be excited about the below 10 titles!
For Eddie’s list of most anticipated films click here.
Plot summaries from IMDb
10. Cold Moon
Directed by: Griff Furst Starring: Robbie Kay, Christopher Lloyd, Candy Clark
Christopher Lloyd as James Redfield in Cold Moon
An adaptation of Michael McDowell’s renowned novel Cold Moon Over Babylon currently in post-production. The imagery and setting of McDowell’s harrowing pulp thriller promise to translate strikingly to screen, and the cast in particularly instils confidence that this could be an independent standout.
9. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
Directed by: Burr Steers. Starring: Lily James, Lena Headly
Austin with a sharp twist…
Jane Austen’s classic tale of the tangled relationships between lovers from different social classes in 19th century England is faced with a new challenge — an army of undead zombies.
Seth Grahame-Smith’s 2009 novel send-up of Austin’s classic sparked a swath of similar titles, being a good idea that before long got a bit out of hand. This isn’t expected to be terrific, but should at least be a fun time at the cinema with it’s healthy combination of comedy and zombies.
8. Lights Out
Directed by: David F. Sandberg. Starring: Teresa Palmer, Emily Alyn Lind
Still from the amazing short film Lights Out
A woman is haunted by a creature that only appears when the lights go out. A feature adaptation of the 2013 short film, “Lights Out” by David Sandberg.
The Lights Out short is one of the scariest things put to film, and something I showed many friends late at night, each time resulting in the anticipated terrified reaction. If Sandberg can create the same feel and maintain it over the course of an entire feature, this should be an absolute treat for horror fans.
7. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice
Directed by: Zack Snyder. Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams
DC fans everywhere desperately want Snyder’s latest blockbuster to be good
Fearing the actions of Superman is left unchecked, Batman takes on Superman, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat Doomsday is created by Lex Luthor. It’s up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis.
I actually think it is my unbelief and disappointment of the casting of Affleck that has me now most curious to see this; that and I’m eager to see if Snyder can redeem himself from the underwhelming Man of Steel and directionless Sucker Punch. 300 and Watchmen show proof of a film-maker with an assured hand and tendency towards risk taking, and I’m hoping Dawn of Justice again solidifies this.
6. Underworld 5
Directed by: Anna Foerster. Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Theo James
You can never get enough Underworld
Selene is back. This is all that is needed to be known. No Beckinsale-less Rise of the Lycans type scenario here, but rather a continuation of the vampire/werewolf series featuring what makes it so good.
5. MallBrats
Directed by: Kevin Smith. Starring: Jason Lee, Shannen Doherty, Jeremy London
There’ll be chocolate covered pretzels for all in MallBrats!
So, apparently Yoga Hosers is pretty rubbish, but this Smith fan believes that MallBrats (or Mallrats 2) can bring the original slacker charm that endeared the Clerks follow-up to many people. Clerks 2 showed that Silent Bob can do sequels well, and with the original cast back on board signs are positive for this one.
4. The Conjuring 2
Directed by: James Wan. Starring: Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson
Scares are imminent with Wan’s anticipated sequel
Lorraine and Ed Warren travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.
The Conjuring was one of my favourite films of 2013; far better than most imagined and successful because it scared so very thoroughly. It’s lucky then that James Wan is back on board for the sequel, as he is one of the most assured voices in the genre working today.
3. The Girl on the Train
Directed by: Tate Taylor. Starring: Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Luke Evans
Haley Bennett features in a strong cast for The Girl on the Train
Paula Hawkins’ novel reached a massive readership, who found intrigue in it’s band of deeply flawed characters and central disappearance plot, and while I wasn’t gripped at every stage while reading it I could clearly picture the movie that this story could fill.
2. In a Valley of Violence
Directed by: Ti West. Starring: Ethan Hawke, John Travolta, Karen Gillan
Horror director Ti West looks to be changing tact with his next film
A revenge Western film set in the 1890s, where a man arrives in a small town seeking vengeance for his murdered friend.
Still very early in his career, Ti West has an enviable collection of films under his belt (The House of the Devil, The Innkeepers, V/H/S and The Sacrament among others). He has never made a western, though, and I sense that this will be a western quite unlike any other.
1. The Witch
Directed by: Robert Eggers. Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie
The cinematography and directing appear assured in The Witch
A family in 1630s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession.
While its already been released in other areas, here in Australia we’re still awaiting this much anticipated horror title that appears as densely terrifying as it is stunningly captured. There is every chance this will be one of the underground hits of the year.
Pingback: 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2016: Eddie’s Take | Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)·
I may see The Girl on the Train but was hugely disappointed that Chris Evans wasn’t cast as rumored, he supposedly dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. In case anybody reads my comment & hasn’t read the book I’ll try not to spoil by just saying that he’d be great in the role people wouldn’t expect him to be in similar to his performance in the so-so but interesting Fierce People.
Yeah can understand your point, but I still think that the remaining cast is spot on. Emily Blunt was a real get – she actually looks very similar to the girl I pictured while reading. It’ll be a very popular movie I think!
Jordan
Awesome post. Listen, I’m creating a one post per day for a year thingy for movie/TV geeks on my blog for y’all. Would love some suggestions, yay’s or nay’s on the idea: https://bhatiayash60.wordpress.com/2016/01/29/2016-starts-on-february-1/
Thanks! Sounds like a good idea to me – I’ll be sure to check it out. Appreciate how it’s not critical but rather celebratory of film.
Jordan
Some decent films here! I hope this new Underworld is better than that last one
I had no love for that, and I seem to be one of the few that thoroughly enjoyed Rise of the Lycans.
I think I might need to see Lycans again, can’t say I liked it as much as the modern entries. I was impressed with the last one but disappointed with how short it was – I hope chapter 5 can regain the credibility the series seems to be losing.
Jordan
The Superman/Batman film has me intrigued. Doomsday is being used………Doomsday was the character that appeared in one of the biggest selling Superman comics of all time………”The Death of Superman”………and dare I say it, Superman and Doomsday beat each other to death!
Hmmmmm, ……………it was a great comic and can’t wait for this film!
Let’s hope its used to good effect in the film! I just cant see Snyder making another average one, it’s time for another Watchmen-type success story I reckon.
Jordan
No Suicide Squad? A film with Christopher Lloyd sounds very appealing, such a talented actor. I think Barman vs Superman gets uninterested as I have no clue how it will work. I do hope Affleck proves the doubters wrong.
Eddie has Squad on his list, and I’m certainly keen to see it too. Cold Moon in particular I think can win a lot of fans if its anything like the novel.
Jordan
*Batman
You…you….you LIKED Clerks II? This, I cannot forgive.
Hahaha. I’m looking forward to new Mallrats too though. Tell em Steve Dave.
I’m sure the hookshot will return and I for one can’t wait!
Jordan
hahahaa
Clerks 2 won me over with it’s heart, and nostalgic ending.. I’m always happy seeing Dante and Randle at the Quick Stop!
Jordan
Great list. Cold Moon sounds interesting. Never heard of it, so thanks for that. Ti West does Western sounds cool. But The Witch is one I’m anticipating big time. That looks like a well made psychological horror. No Star Wars or Suicide Squad? 😉 With so many nerdy blockbusters, it’s actually refreshing not to see a list littered with them.
Ha I’ll definitely be seeing Star Wars but it’s the smaller offerings that I think have potential to stand out this year, those 3 you just mentioned in particular.
Jordan
I’m really looking forward to seeing The Witch too. There’s something exceedingly eerie about its trailer. Here’s to another great year!
Have a good feeling about this year!
Jordan
Wow… I’m definitely in two minds about MallBrats…
Yeah, that’s fair enough.. I’m being optimistic.
Jordan
Lights Out and Cold Moon certainly look intriguing! Can’t say I’m all that excited for the Batman movie but I’m loving your number 1 choice! It is an INCREDIBLE movie… if you guys are interested, this is what I thought of it: http://wp.me/p4P9IW-NB
Oh awesome! So good to know the hype is warranted!
Jordan
Reblogged this on GUM: Growing Up Millennial.
Interesting list here guys! Batman vs superman over Marvel Civil War, Deadpool and xmen though? Are you looking forward to Passengers?
I can certainly chime in here and say I can’t wait for Passengers.
E
Haha I’m surprised it didn’t make the list! Its getting a lit of hype its currently got a good cast – fingers crossed it should tick all the boxes! Got any picks for the Oscar season?
Yeh aboluetly mate, we are looking to compile them into a comprehensive list the week before the Oscars hit but it’s certainly shaping up to be one of the most open in recent memory in concerns with the Director and Picture category.
E
Great stuff, I think director will be one of the ones to watch this year – the Baftas are going to be no indication after this years nominations differed so much from the globes as well! The Big Short was probably my biggest surprise, unexpectedly great film from someone you would not have expected it from!
Yeh I’ve sadly yet to see that one mate but very keen to check it out, always been a fan of McKay’s comedy work so excited to see him move forward with his career 🙂
E
Definitely recommend it! Can you recommend any Australian cinema – were in the UK and don’t get a lot over here from your side!
Easy mate, sometime both Jordan and I did a list of must see cinema, hope these below articles profile a few good options.
https://jordanandeddie.wordpress.com/2014/01/31/10-must-see-australian-films-eddies-take/
And
https://jordanandeddie.wordpress.com/2014/01/24/10-must-see-australian-films-jordans-take/
I was 100% sure that I would see Resident Evil:Final Chapter in that list, but then I saw that it’s going to be released in the beginning of 2017. And then I was expecting to see Jeepers Creepers 3, but again I realized that it’s going to be released in 2017. So yeah…
haha
Of all the movies that are ACTUALLY going to come out in 2016, I’m really excited about The Witch and The Conjuring 2. Oh, and Lights Out is just awesome!!!!
Hey! Haha I’m too predictable… I had resident evil:final chapter on my 2014 list.. after getting that so wrong I was careful to check this time. Underworld will be my guilty pleasure fix instead!
Ha I only knew about lights out thanks to your site, so thanks for that! Surely that and the conjuring 2 will be great.
Jordan
Haha! Well, regarding Resident Evil, I want to believe that the longer it takes to get a release date the better it’ll be ! ( And I want to believe the same thing for Jeepers Creepers, as well! Haha )
Pingback: Film Review – The Witch (2015) | Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys)·