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Op-Ed: The 10 most anticipated movies of 2012

If you like movies, the next 12 months should give you enough drama, action, awe-inspiring special effects and Hollywood A-listers to keep you sated into 2013.

We listed the top 10 films getting big buzz from the blogosphere, Hollywood and on Digital Journal. Let us know if you think we missed any 2012 films you’re going to see.

The Dark Knight Rises
Release date: July 20, 2012

The sequel to Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight includes two new villains to battle Batman and his high-tech gadgetry. In the trailer, we already know a bit about Bane’s deadly plans, and Anne Hathaway as Catwoman might be an odd choice to some but already we like her better in the role than the 1990s Michelle Pfeiffer. Expect Rises to overtake The Dark Knight in box office sales by the time the sellout dust settles.

World War Z

Release date: Dec. 21, 2012

Starring Brad Pitt and Matthew Fox, World War Z riffs off the book of the same name and follow survivors from a zombie apocalypse. We know, sounds like The Walking Dead on the big screen but there’s been tons of praise heaped on the book for chronicling a compelling story with well-rounded characters. Also director Marc Forster is known for crafting visually arresting films (Stranger Than Fiction) or fine action blockbusters (Quantum of Solace).

The Great Gatsby
Release Date: Dec. 21, 2012

Another adaptation of a novel, The Great Gatsby takes the classic book by F. Scott Fitzgerald and spices it with Leo DiCaprio in the title role and Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway. This will attract the over-40 set due to the literary hook but the young cast should also lure in the tweens hoping to see Leo in a dramatic romantic role. Can’t go wrong with the steady-handed Baz Luhrman at the helm.

The Dictator
Release date: May 11, 2012

Just because Sacha Baron Cohen is starring in another madcap comedy doesn’t mean this is Borat II. Strangely enough, The Dictator is based on Saddam Hussein’s novel, yes, we kid you not. Described as the story of a “dictator who risks his life to ensure that democracy would never come to the country he so lovingly oppressed,” this film also features Megan Fox, Ben Kingsley, John C. Reilly and B.J. Novak from The Office, making for a widely varied cast.

Life of Pi
Release date: Dec. 21, 2012

More novel adaptations this year, and this one is sending Canadians into a frenzy. The Life of Pi by Yann Martel won the Booker Prize in 2002 and garnered widespread attention across the world. The story of an Indian zookeeper’s son set adrift on a boat with exotic animals, The Life of Pi film stars Maguire (wow, he’s busy) and is directed by Ang Lee, of Brokeback Mountain. Is he angling for another Oscar with this fantastical tale?

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
Release date: Dec. 21, 2012

Come autumn 2012 you’ll start to feel the excitement of Middle Earth geeks whispering sweet somethings about their favourite prequel coming to the silver screen. The first of two Hobbit films, the 2012 epic follows Bilbo Baggins on his journey with dwarves. thanks to the oh-so-mysterious Gandalf. Wouldn’t be surprised if this easily took the #1 box-office spot from Christmas 2012 well into January.

Prometheus
Release date: June 8, 2012

Is Prometheus a prequel to Alien? What exactly is happening in the trailer? There are many unanswered question with Ridley Scott’s sci-fi comeback movie (let’s be honest, his last best film was Gladiator). Scott surrounded himself with some top-notch talent, such as Michael Fassbender, who’s winning acclaim for his challenging role in Shame, and Noomi Rapace, known as the sly hacker Lisbeth in the Swedish films beginning with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Can’t wait to see what CGI Scott plays with in Prometheus.

The Iron Lady
Release date: Jan. 12, 2012

Meryl Streep is likely to get an Oscar nod for her turn playing Margaret Thatcher in a bio-pic already getting some heavy praise. The always likeable Jim Broadbent plays Denis Thatcher but let’s be honest, this is a one-woman show and if Streep can win us over like Helen MIrren did with The Queen, expect another golden statue for the legendary actress.

The Avengers
Release date: May 4, 2012

Comic book collectors, take note of May 4, circle that date. The Avengers take flight that day, and there are enough superheroes to make even this guy salivate: Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, Black Widow and more. It doesn’t hurt to have the uber-geeky Joss Whedon directing this hero fest, but realize you won’t get much more here than special effects wizardry and snarky lines from Downey Jr. Sometimes, you just want to be entertained with a good superhero flick and Avengers should be a top pick in the spring.

The Brave
Release date: June 22, 2012

It’s the Pixar movie going all-in with a female protagonist and a contentious movie title already facing legal trouble. Once it’s good to go, kids and their dragged-along parents will be treated to the powerful visual storytelling that has made Pixar what it is today. Brave follows Princess Merida on a journey to undo a beastly course, and stars the voices of Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly and Craig Ferguson. Judging by the trailer, this could make lil Jenny root for a female hero, something we rarely see in Pixar movies.

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