I, Frankenstein
January 24
This contemporary version of Mary Shelley’s creation saga was adapted from a graphic novel by Underworld creator Kevin Grevioux.
Vampire Academy
February 7
Here’s another series based on a popular YA novel series, in this case a series of paranormal romance novels by Richelle Mead that has already be adapted into a graphic novel.
The Lego Movie
February 7
A small troop of LEGO DC Heroes led by Batman plays a key role in this American/Australian computer-animated adventure comedy that targets young viewers.
Robocop
February 12,
This 1980s action movie franchise spawned comics and toys, but is this sci-fi cop saga ripe for revival?
The Wind Rises
February 25
The final film of anime grandmaster Hayao Miyazaki, The Wind Rises is a fictionalized biography of the designer of the Japanese Zero fighter from World War II. The movie has been criticized from both the right and the left (and by anti-smoking groups), and it is definitely not targeted at the young audience of My Neighbor Totoro, but it does encompass the theme of flight that is at the core of Miyazaki’s cinematic vision and is in many ways his most personal film. This is a film for devotees, but since Miyazaki is the greatest animation director of our era that should include almost everyone with even a moderate appreciation of the cinema. See "Final Miyazaki Film to Get Wide Release," and "The Wind Rises Trailer."
300: Rise of an Empire
March
The "Greeks versus Persians" theme remains the same but will the naval battles of Rise of an Empire be as popular as the Battle of Thermopylae was in the original 300? Zack Snyder’s original 300 movie drove the sales of lots of Frank Miller’s 300 graphic novels, but unfortunately Miller’s sequel, which ties in directly to 300: Rise of an Empire, will not be at retail when the movie opens (see "Frank Miller’s 300 Sequel Update").
Mr. Peabody & Sherman
March 7
Mr. Peabody & Sherman was one of the more esoteric segments on the Rocky & Bullwinkle show, but who doesn’t want to have fun with history.
Veronica Mars
March 14
Veronica Mars was a cult hit TV series that spawned successful trading cards and almost manage to spin-off a post-cancellation comic book series. This movie projected was fan-funded on Kickstarter and the trailer was well-received at Comic Con (see "Veronica Mars’ Comic Con Trailer").
Divergent
March 21
With the success of Twilight, Harry Potter, and The Hunger Games every studio wants a YA novel franchise hit. Veronica Roth’s trilogy is similar in theme and target audience to The Hunger Games, and it is a huge success with over 5 million sold. Summit Entertainment, the studio behind Twilight and The Hunger Games is producing the film and Shailene Woodley, who was supposed to play Mary Jane in the new Spider-Man trilogy, but probably won’t if Divergent is a hit, will star.
The Muppets Most Wanted
March 21
Ricky Gervais replaces Jason Segal as Disney as Disney hopes to solidify its revival of the Muppets franchise, but Tina Fey could make the difference in this one. Marvel is planning to release a hardcover collection of Roger Landridge’s excellent Muppet comic in conjunction with the movie (see "Langridge Muppets Hardcover").
Click here for Best in Shows, Q2 2014
