Let’s be honest, 2014 was a bit of a bummer entertainment wise. We lost Roger Ebert, Superman snapped a guy’s neck, and Arrested Development returned to middling, confused fanfare. That doesn’t mean we can’t get excited about what’s to come in 2014 though. In fact, it’s filling us with optimism that this year will be the best in movies, music, and more. That is, until 2015 rolls along. Here are our individualized picks for what we can’t wait to have rock our socks off in 2014:
Tim Waugh
Let’s just get the most exciting news out of the way first: THE ’66 BATMAN TV SHOW IS COMING TO DVD!!! For those not in the know, the Adam West/Burt Ward TV series that ran from 1966 to ’68 has been locked in legal turmoil since Warner Bros. bought DC Comics in 1969. The show was produced by 20th Century Fox, and both companies have only been able to work out a home release of the film based on the show and merchandise until just now. The show isn’t exactly remembered for it’s narrative weight, but hey, at least your parents will enjoy the nostalgia trip! Nothing beats seeing a grown man wear a bat suit with eyebrows drawn on.
In terms of movies, it’s all about what’s coming out of Marvel Studios. Captain America: The Winter Soldier is just on the horizon and looks to be a faithful adaption of one of the best storylines in comics from the past decade. How can you not be excited about that? Amazing Spider-Man 2 and X-Men: Days of Future Past may not be released by Marvel Studios but they are still based around Marvel characters, and will at the very least offer some satisfying action even if their ambition gets the best of them. What I’m most excited for though is Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy. Easily Marvels’ biggest gamble, the film features no notable superheroes, but could very easily be Marvel’s answer to Star Wars. A trailer is imminent so impressions will be made soon enough, but as it stands now the suspense is killing me.
Ryan Wimble
I see movies being the best in entertainment in 2014. A lot of sequels are coming around like Captain America: The Winter Soldier, X Men: Days of Future Past, Dawn of Planet of the Apes, Expendables 3, and Transformers Age of Extinction with Mark Wahlberg now in the lead. Most of these movies are continuing epic series that most people would say the studios should be done with, but apparently the people in Hollywood feel they can keep making them better. I know they could be hit or miss but plenty of these films could still be worth seeing. Other sequels this year include 22 Jump Street, and Dumb and Dumber To. With hilarious first films, these comedies are going to have to step up their game to satisfy the fans of their predecessors. Then there are originals like Noah staring Russell Crowe and Anthony Hopkins, a great pair for a biblical epic, and Neighbors staring Zac Efron and Seth Rogen. Last but not least, Godzilla is getting a reboot. I have a feeling just the special effects alone will be enough to get people to go see it.
David C. Benson
2013 has come and gone, as you are quite aware of, since I’d be worrying if you didn’t. In any case, here are my picks for 2014: Maybe some of yours will be on here too or maybe not, that’s the fun in all of this. This year is all about films. Pompeii is probably going to suck; I’m not going to lie. Going with a story, which feels a lot like Gladiator, and the fact that we’re probably going to have to deal with a bland action protagonist, why would I put this on the list? Well, I have a soft spot for ancient history films and Pompeii is one I haven’t seen on the big screen yet. Also, looking at the trailer, I’m interested in how they’ll portray one of the worst ancient disasters of all time. Next up is Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. The first film, Rise of the Planet of the Apes turned a silly idea into something actually engaging. With well written characters and portraying the good and evil humans can do, it wasn’t black and white. The audience roots for Caesar even when he and his group hurt humans. The sequel is promising that a small nation has arisen of smart primates who now rule and how humans will co-exist. One wonders what kind of ethical and human debates we’ll be getting. With Big Hero 6, Disney has been so on the ball with it’s animated films that you can’t help but be excited. Add to it that this is a Marvel property and it’s likely to print millions as soon as it comes out. While it isn’t a well-known property like The Avengers, this is still exciting none the less. The animation looks great. The setting captures the quality of both San Francisco and Tokyo perfectly. And finally: Jurassic World. I know the movie won’t be out for another year, but considering I’m a major fan of the franchise, any news seems good. Earlier this year, concept art leaked of how the aquarium would look and it was awesome. When this movie finally releases the six-year-old in me will have a ball. While this certainly isn’t all I’m excited for in 2014, this is what you would get out of me if you talked to me right now.