Wondering what the next biggest thing in film is set to be further down the track this year? Much like 2013 before it, 2014 promises to be a big year in film, with a slew of big blockbuster releases scheduled throughout the year, along with some exciting smaller projects due to be revealed to the world. Here, we list five of the most anticipated movies coming out this year.
Grab your popcorn and prepare to be entertained with our round-up of the five most anticipated films of 2014.
5. The LEGO Movie
This recently-released film met with the excitement of kids, parents, and long-time Lego fans alike. First screened in cinemas on 7 February, it was a hotly-anticipated title thanks to its all-star line-up, featuring Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman, Nick Offerman and so much more, and its quirky, hilarious trailer. With its approval rating currently sitting at 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film will likely remain one of 2014’s biggest critical successes as well as its widely-anticipated releases.
4. Maleficent
A live-action Disney film set to be readapt and play around with 1959 classic Sleeping Beauty, Maleficent has a crucial twist: it is told from the perspective of the earlier film’s intriguing, iconic villain of the same name. Starring none other than Angelina Jolie in the title role, opposite the already impressive Elle Fanning as Princcess Aurora, and with a top-quality support cast including Miranda Richardson, Imelda Staunton and Sharlto Copley, this May release is sure to draw many Disney fans, Angelina fans and intrigued filmgoers to theatres.
3. Divergent
Hotly anticipated, Divergent is the first film instalment of Veronica Roth’s bestselling trilogy of young adult science fiction novels of the same name. Starring Shailene Woodley, opposite Kate Winslet, this is a dystopian, post-apocalyptic story with a difference, set in a futuristic Chicago.
Fans and sceptics alike around the world are in excited anticipation of this film to see how their vision of main character Tris and her world will translate onto the screen. The all-star cast and successful director, Neil Burger, further ramp up the excitement for this film to be released in August.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy
Set to be released in August, rounding off the competitive cinematic summer season, Guardians of the Galaxy is generating a lot of buzz among sci-fi fans, comic book aficionados, superhero film nerds and, of course, those who enjoyed Marvel’s earlier ensemble instalment, The Avengers. Tipped to take place in the same universe as the record-smashing Avengers, yet without their direct involvement, the story of this film is based on the 1960s comic book series.
Among the big names of the exciting cast are Bradley Cooper, Chris Patt, John C. Reilly, Djimon Hounsou, Glenn Close, Beicio del Toro and Zoe Saldana. Around hte world, film lovers – even those who aren’t comic book fans! – are on the edge of their seat to see what is next in the Marvel film adaptations.
1. Mockingjay, Part 1
The penultimate instalment of the blockbuster Hunger Games series, Mockingjay – Part 1 is arguably the most anticipated film in 2014. The dystopian sci-fi adventure world of the Hunger Games, and its stellar cast led by Jennifer Lawrence, make for a film series that are both relatively faithful adaptations of the books’ original source material, and also intriguing, thought-provoking texts in their own right.
One of the challenges facing the filmmakers of both this film and its second part, the series’ final instalment, is the tragic death of the unparalleled Philip Seymour Hoffman. It is expected that this won’t affect the scheduled release date of 21 November 2014, however. This is one flick guaranteed a massive audience from the get-go!
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Image source: SmartPhotoStock
Jack Ferguson is a freelance writer and film buff who loves kicking back on the weekends to watch the latest release on her custom laptop thanks to Flexirent.