I like movies. Here are a few I’m looking forward to.

The Hunger Games: March 23rd
I know everyone is excited for this movie, but I’m not ashamed to admit I’m on the bandwagon. Suzanne Collins, who authored the book, was involved in the scriptwriting – which bodes well for the story. I’ve never seen Jennifer Lawrence act, but I hear she has chops (nominated for an Oscar!) and she seems smart based on the interviews I’ve watched. I know that’s nerdy. Anyway, I’m hopeful that she can be a convincing Katniss. The rest of the cast (apart from Liam Hemsworth…who dated Miley Cyrus…which makes me question his intelligence) is fantastic, so this movie has a great chance of living up to the hype. I’ll enter with a dose of skepticism. It is, after all, a book adaptation. But I suspect it will deliver.

Dark Shadows: May 11
I was shocked when I found out how soon this movie is coming out. There’s still no trailer! (UPDATE: JUST FOUND ONE) The movie is based on an old TV show about vampires that my mom used to watch when she was little. The stills from the set look highly stylized, as we’ve come to expect from Tim Burton. Johnny Depp is in the lead, with Eva Green, Michelle Pfeiffer, Chloe Moretz, and Helena Bonham Carter. Serious potential here, though the trailer makes it look about ten times sillier than I imagined.

Moonrise Kingdom: May 25
Wes Anderson always makes visually interesting movies (Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic, Fantastic Mr. Fox). I love the 70’s vibe of the costumes and film and set styling in this movie. Not to mention the angsty tweenage romance and stellar casting (Ed Norton, Bill Murray, Francis McDormand, SWINTON). I’ll see it the day it comes out.

Snow White and the Huntsman: June 1
So, I’m not convinced that K. Stew can act, but I’m a sucker for fairy tales and Charlize Theron looks downright amazing as the evil queen in this trailer. Also, Chris Hemsworth (who played the adorably obtuse superhero Thor last year) is the huntsman, and the prince is played by the guy who was that cute priest in Pirates of the Caribbean 4…you know the one that fell in love with the mermaid? Watch the trailer. If you’re not the least bit interested afterward we are different people.
Update: I just saw a movie still with dwarves…currently downgrading my excitement to level 6.

That costume.

Les Miserables: December 7 or 14?
This should have been made into a movie musical forever ago. Hugh Jackman is playing Jean Valjean, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Russel Crowe as Javert (can he sing??) and here’s my favorite: Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the Thénardiers. Directed by the guy responsible for The King’s Speech. YES.

The Great Gatsby: December 25
I have to admit that the main draw for me here is Baz Luhrman’s directing and what I hope will be a roaring 20’s spectacle. The fact that the story is classic and Gatsby will be played by my 7th grade crush, Leonardo DiCaprio, is just the cherry on top. Oh, and Carey Mulligan as Daisy is perfect.

Do you get excited about movies? Which upcoming projects are you anxious to see?