Cecilia Mazanec
Freshman, journalism major
2015, just like other new years, is an opportunity to have good health, to create new traditions, and to become organized. However, unlike certain years, the upcoming 12 months of 2015 offer an exciting array of films to see when you and your posse are both unable to decide what to do on a Saturday night
The variety of movies coming out is especially different because of the large amount of sequels or follow-ups to movies that came out in the past. Of course I can’t name them all, but below is a list of some follow-up movies accompanied by their release date. Now you’ll know which days to arrive early and grab a seat in front of the big screen in order to witness some of the best moments of 2015.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (February 6)
Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (February 20)
Cinderella (March 13)
The Divergent Series: Insurgent (March 20)
Furious 7 (April 3)
Avengers: Age of Ultron (May 1)
Pitch Perfect 2 (May 15)
Jurassic World (June 12)
Magic Mike XXL (July 1)
Minions (July 10)
The Fantastic Four (August 7)
Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (September 18)
Spectre (November 6)
The Peanuts Movie (November 6)
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay- Part 2 (November 20)
Star Wars: Episode VII- The Force Awakens (December 18)
Mission: Impossible 5 (December 25)
In the recent years, we witnessed a lot of successful films that were based on books. Jumping from paper to the screen is a long-established phenomena. It’s a relief that, even in the modern day, literature will continue to influence cinema to a great degree. The following are just a few movies coming out this year that took their inspiration from the shelves.
Fifty Shades of Grey (February 13)
If you’re looking for a detailed summary of this movie, I’m not so sad to say that you have come to the wrong place. This movie details the… ahem, interesting relationship between a young student Anastasia Steele and a billionaire Christian Grey. (Heads up: This isn’t a movie to see with your mother.)
Paper Towns (June 5)
From John Green, the man who brought you “The Fault in Our Stars,” we have “Paper Towns,” a movie based on the story of Quentin “Q” Jacobsen who loves a girl named Margo. When Margo goes missing, Q dives into a mystery and adventure.
The Longest Ride (April 10)
This love story of an elderly couple and a young couple comes straight from the mind of Nicholas Sparks. Of course, I can’t promise that you’ll be overcome to the point of tears, but it’s happened to me before. Just a tip: bring tissues.
In the Heart of the Sea (December 11)
Starring Chris Hemsworth, this movie is based on the book of the same title about a crew that becomes shipwrecked when they are hit by a whale. This heavy drama may be even harder to watch, since it is based on a true event.
Finally, we have our newbies. Though most of the actors and directors within these films have had their fair share of spotlight, the plots are fresh additions to this year’s selection of movies.
Ant-Man (July 17)
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard the name “Marvel” in reference to superheroes, but this time Marvel Studios brings us a character we may not have heard of before. Paul Rudd plays the role of Scott Lang, the Ant-Man. Of course, this titular character has to save the world.
Jupiter Ascending (February 6)
Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum play the leads in this science fiction movie about a janitor named Jupiter Jones (Kunis) who unknowingly becomes the heir of an alien empire. Caine Wise (Tatum), a powerful warrior, must deliver the news to her and protect her from a character played by the (flawless) Eddie Redmayne.
Accidental Love (February 10)
Long in the making, this comedic movie, previously titled “Nailed,” details the romance of a woman who accidentally gets shot in the head by a nail gun. This woman, played by Jessica Biel, travels to Washington D.C. to ask help from a congressman played by Jake Gyllenhaal. This quirky movie is definitely something new, but I can’t be sure whether the story itself will stand strong.
Focus (February 27)
With Will Smith in the leading role of this romantic comedy, you can bet I’ll be sitting in the theater. This movie is about a conman (Smith) who meets a former lover (spoiler alert: she cons him right back).
Chappie (March 6)
This film is about Chappie, a robot with the ability to both think independently as well as feel emotions. Hugh Jackman and Sigourney Weaver are starring in the film.
Spy (May 22)
Susan Cooper, a CIA agent who has only previously worked a desk job, must go undercover in this movie to stop a drug trade. This may sound like a heavy action movie until you learn that Melissa McCarthy plays Cooper… which should then make you want to see it regardless, as you’re sure to laugh.
Pan (July 24)
Taking it back to one of our favorite childhood stories, “Pan” reveals the details of the backstory of Peter Pan and Captain Hook. Notable actors featured include Hugh Jackman, Rooney Mara and Amanda Seyfried.
Regression (August 28)
Though the movie is currently shrouded in secrecy, the general plot is about man who cannot remember committing a crime that he is said to have committed. However, you only need two words to know that this is a must-see: Emma. Watson.
So, whether it’s an action movie or a tear-jerker, a sequel or a book-based movie, get to the theatre. We have the whole year ahead of us, and with movies like these coming out, time at the theatre is surely time well spent.
UF PRISM 