Promising Crop of Films

Watching some trailers and talking about movies with people, there are some promising crop of films slated for release between the end of 2014 through 2016.  I might not see all the same movies as other people as promosing.  But here are some I am looking forward too.

"Paddington" (2014)

"Padington" starrs Ben Whishaw as Paddington and Nicole Kidman as Millicent.  Now "Paddington Bear" was around before I was born, but it still was something that was apart of my childhood.  The trailer was funny and one movie I'm looking forward to seeing when it comes to North America in January.  It was already released in the United Kingdom at the end of November and according to what I've looked into the movie, it has mostly positive reviews.  Not that I buy into what the reviews say.

Trailer #1



Trailer #2



"Jurrasic World" (2015)

I'm a fan of the "Jurassic Park" series of movies.  I enjoyed the element of human and dinosaurs.  It's an interesting concept which we won't get to see ever.  With "Jurassic World" being released next year, the thought of a hybrid dinosaur is something we can only dream and fantasize about.  If it lives up to the others, we'll have to wait and see.



"Spongebob Movie: Sponge Out of Water" (2015)

I can't believe "The Spongebob Squarepants Movie" was released ten years ago in 2004.  This is the second movie in the "Spongebob Squarepants" series.  What I find to be odd is that in this movie, unlike the series or first film, is that being out of the water isn't effecting them (not including Sandy as she is a land creature).  I enjoyed the first movie for what it was and I hope this second movie will be as equally enjoyable.

Trailer #1



Trailer #2



"Home" (2015)

Dreamworks Animation has had some hits and misses when it comes to the animated style of films.  The hits (or my personal favourites) are "Shrek," "Shrek 2," "Shrek the Third," "Shrek Ever After," "Bee Movie," "Kung Fu Panda," "Madagascar," "Madagascar 2: Escape From Africa," "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted," "How to Train Your Dragon," "Puss in Boots," and "The Croods."  The rest either I didn't care for or haven't seen.

"Home" staring Rihanna as Gratuity "Tip" Tucci, a teenage girl and Jim Parsons as Oh, a member of the Boov race.  It also has the voice of Steve Martin as Captain Smek, the leader of the Boov race and Jennifer Lopez as Lucy Tucci, Tip's mother.  A stellar cast with a story of two people from different races who form a friendship while on the run from the Boov's enemy.  I dig the trailer.  Parsons seems like he channeled a bit of the Sheldon Cooper persona or quirks.  I can dig that.



"Minions" (2015)

I've seen parts of "Despicable Me," but I didn't care for it.  "Minions," which is a prequel, looks a lot better than "Despicable Me."  I like the story of how they must survive regardless even if they don't have a "master," for a lack of a better term, to be a minon too.  It's a story of do or die or put up or shut up.  It might be cliche, but by the looks of the trailer, it might work in this instance.



"Strange Magic" (2015)

Even though George Lucas has nothing to do with the "Star Wars" franchise anymore, that doesn't mean he isn't still making movies.  "Strange Magic" was in the works long before Disney aquired LucasFilms.  They said they are not Disney or Pixar and wanted this film to remain a LucasFilms production.  That I can respect.

I like this idea of that director Gary Rydstrom said of Lucas that he "really wanted to make a beautiful fairy tale with goblins and elves, and do it in a way that only this company can do."  The trailer looks absolutely phenomenal and I hope this animated film can live up to what the trailer has shown us.



"Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2" (2015)

The first one was hilarious and I am hoping the sequel can be just as funny.  The trailer leaves something, but I'm going to go out on a limb and try to see it.  The story is a flip flop compared to the first film.  But than again, being in the same setting wouldn't necessarily make for a good movie.  Hopefully this sequel isn't a dude.



"Popeye" (2016)

The classic cartoon returns to big screen for seemingly the first time in well over 30 years.  This early trailer doesn't show much.  So with that being said, I can't say for sure whether or not it looks good.  But being as I watched "Popeye" growing up, I probably will end up seeing it.



"The Cobbler" (2015)

Before I watched the trailer, I thought it was a rendition of "The Elves and the Shoemaker."  I could tell by the thumbnail that it would be another in the line of Adam Sandler dramedies ala "Click," "Jack and Jill," "Spanglish" and others.  One part of the trailer pretty emotional.  That's where the drama comes in to play.  It looks pretty deece and worthy of more than being on the fence about it.



"Project Alamanac" (2015)

Not always into sci-fi films, but this one seems interesting even if it has something to do with Michael Bay.   A movie about time travel and how it can effect events is how they scripted "Back to the Future."  I've never always been a believer of time travel, but back in high school this one guy was open to the idea.  He said, paraphrasing of course, that we should be open to the idea.  Maybe time travel is possible.  Many a movie and TV series have done something with time travel.  This one looks different than your usual time travel film.  Seems to also have a thriller aspect in parts of it.  Parts of it have this feel good, hedonistic element to it as well.  I say that it looks deece and worthy of more than being on the fence.

Trailer #1



Trailer #2



There are some films I'm on the fence about.

"Inside Out" (2015) - Disney Pixar: This trailer leaves me wanting something more.  For a Disney Pixar film, they usually do a good job of getting you wanting to see it.  Not with this film.  Maybe a second trailer might fill that void.

Those are most of the trailers I've watched.  I've also watched "Terminator: Genesys" and "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens."  Those two don't excite me.  With that being said, the end of 2014-parts 2016, movies are seemingly in good hands.  But with more trailers being released, it can only get better.

Not in the Christmas Spirit Yet

I like Christmas.  This is a time to reflect on the past year.  Or so they say.  It is also a time to spend with family and friends with good food and coversation.  I love Christmas carols whether they be traditional or non-traditional.

We are deep into the 2014 Christmas season.  But this year, I'm not feeling it as much as in the past.  I just need something to get me in the spirit.  I haven't been listening to a lot of Christmas carols/music.  Although I can't go a Christmas season without listening to Boney M.'s "Christmas Album."  The odd time I will give the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton Christmas album "Once Upon a Christmas."  Oh my childhood.

With that being said, I've had egg nog.  As good as that is, that hasn't gotten me into the spirit.  I've seen a little bit of Christmas programming on TV.  That hasn't gotten me into the spirit.  I'm not a Grinch by any means, but I just need that one thing.

This time of the year is so busy with Christmas parties, Christmas shopping, and getting everything ready for the holidays that we sometimes forget the meaning of Christmas.  Maybe a Christmas movie marathon is in order.  Classics like "Home Alone," "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," "Scrooge," a first viewing of "A Christmas Story" (never seen it), etc. etc..  Or maybe listening to a ton of Christmas music might be in order.  Or maybe going to the Crackers Christmas gathering on the 14th might be in order as well.

Whatever it is, I'm sure I'll find it.  One thing is a bummer, one of my good buddies will not be home for Christmas as he has to work over it..  But another buddy should be home.  I'll have to ask him.

I wish you and yours a safe and merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Years.