2011 is almost over. And now it's time to look ahead to 2012. 2011 was a great year (for the most part). It brought us great films like Super 8, War Horse, Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Captain America, The Muppets, Transformers: Dark of the Moon, and the final Harry Potter installment. It also brought us disappointments like Green Lantern, Cowboys and Aliens, The Adventures of Tintin, and Puss in Boots. We can only hope that 2012 is even better. Here is my preview of 2012's biggest films and my projections on how well they will do at the box office.
UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING
Selene returns in the fourth installment in the Underworld series. This time she leads the fight against humans as the discover the vampires and Lycans.
Release Date: January 20
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, Charles Dance, India Eisley
Projection: The prequel made $45 million, but I think this series might be wearing off. $40 million.
RED TAILS
George Lucas produces this film about the Tuskegee airmen and their heroic fight against racism and the Nazi's.
Release Date: January 20
Cast: Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Ne-Yo, Michael B. Jordan
Director: Anthony Hemingway
Projection: Depends how it does with the teen crowd. Action looks good but certainly won't be a blockbuster. $55 million.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Daniel Radcliffe's first role after Potter has him as a lawyer who investigates the strange happenings involving a ghost in a small village.
Release Date: February 3
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer, Ciaran Hinds
Director: James Watkins
Projection: The film should bring out Potter fans and horror fans in droves. It looks terrifyingly great. $80 million.
CHRONICLE
A found footage superhero film about a group of teens that get superpowers and must fight one of their own who has turned evil.
Release Date: February 3
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Michael Kelly, Alex Russell
Director: Josh Trank
Projection: It looks intriguing and should bring a lot of teens to the theater, but with The Woman in Black as it's weekend competition and a tough February stacked up against it, I don't see it getting past $35 million.
JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND
Dwayne Johnson joins the cast of this sequel to 2008's Journey to the Center of the Earth. This film has Hutcherson's character trying to find his grandfather on an island.
Release Date: February 10
Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Vanessa Hudgens, Luiz Guzman
Director: Brad Peyton
Projection: Definitely won't be as big as the first film, but should make decent money. $45 million.
GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE
Nicolas Cage's latest attempt at making a good movie is the sequel to 2006's Ghost Rider. This time Johnny Blaze is trying to stop the devil.
Release Date: February 17
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Idris Elba, Ciaran Hinds
Directors: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor
Projection: Nobody enjoyed the first one even though it made tons of money. I don't think this one will do very good at all for a superhero movie. $50 million.
THIS MEANS WAR
Loosely based on the Spy vs. Spy segment in Mad magazine, comes this star-studded film about two spies fighting over a girl.
Release Date: February 17
Cast: Tom Hardy, Chris Pine, Reese Witherspoon
Director: McG
Projection: This is the perfect film to appeal to both men and women. It's an action packed romantic comedy. Should do very well. $95 million.
DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX
The latest Dr. Seuss adaption stars Zac Efron as Ted, who goes looking for the Once-Ler, a man who took down all the trees.
Release Date: March 3, 2012
Cast: Zac Efron, Betty White, Taylor Swift, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle, Danny DeVito
Directors: Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda
Projection: The second film from Illumination should do very well in a spring where family films are scarce. $125 million
JOHN CARTER
A Civil War vet is transported to Mars to fight in a war between Red Martians and Green Martians.
Release Date: March 9
Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, William Dafoe, Mark Strong
Director: Andrew Stanton
Projection: Disney is dumping a lot of money into this project ($250 million) and it's not getting much positive reaction from trailers so far. I would be surprised if it made over $130 million.
THE RAVEN
Edgar Allan Poe's last days involve him hunting down a serial killer using methods from his books.
Release Date: March 9
Cast: John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans
Director: James McTeigue
Projection: This period piece looks exciting but won't make a ton of money. $25 million.
MIRROR MIRROR
The first of the two Snow White films next year, has Snow White being hunted by the Prince.
Release Date: March 16
Cast: Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Julia Roberts, Sean Bean, Nathan Lane
Director: Tarsem Singh
Projection: This colorful adaptation should attract families but looks very different. It depends which Snow White movie people think looks better. I think the other looks better. $45 million.
THE HUNGER GAMES
An adaptation of the best selling novel, a young girl named Katniss must fight 23 other teens in the Hunger Games, the ultimate survival game.
Release date: March 23
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Willow Shields, Toby Jones, Amandla Stenberg, Alexander Ludwig, Lenny Kravitz
Director: Gary Ross
Projection: This will be one of 2012's biggest films. The novels have a Twilight-like fan base and this movie should make a ton of money. $240 million. Less would be a disappointment.
WRATH OF THE TITANS
The sequel to the mediocre Clash of the Titans, finds Zeus kidnapped by Hades and Perseus making an ultimate weapon to save him.
Release date: March 30
Cast: Sam Worthington, Rosamund Pike, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Bill Nighy
Director: Johnathan Liebesman
Projection: The original made $163 million, but I'm thinking less for this one. $125 million.
THE THREE STOOGES
No plot details available at this time.
Release date: April 13
Cast: Sean Hayes, Will Sasso, Chris Diamantoupolos, Jane Lynch, Larry David, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Hudson
Director: The Farrelly Brothers
Projection: I smell flop. $20 million.
THE AVENGERS
The Avengers brings together the Marvel heroes who band together to stop Loki from taking over the world with an ancient power.
Release date: May 4
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Clark Gregg, Colbie Smulders, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard
Director: Joss Whedon
Projection: This will be a massive hit. All the Marvel films have been leading up to this film. And it's going to be epic. $375 million.
DARK SHADOWS
Tim Burton's adaptation of the '60's horror show. The film is about a family whose uncle is a vampire named Barnabus Collins
Release date: May 11
Cast: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfieffer, Eva Green, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jackie Earle Haley
Director: Tim Burton
Projection: Depp and Burton have star power, but if this gets an R rating, I don't see it going as far as Alice in Wonderland. $60 million.
BATTLESHIP
A crew fights for their lives on a boat against a troop of evil aliens.
Release date: May 18
Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker, Rihanna, Liam Neeson, Alexander Skarsgard
Director: Peter Berg
Projection: The first trailer was unimpressive but if it can deliver the action, then let the cash flow. $250 million.
MEN IN BLACK III
Agent J travels back in time to stop and evil agent from killing Agent K and messing up the space-time continuum.
Release date: May 25
Cast: Will Smith, Alice Eve, Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Bill Hader, Emma Thompson
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Projection: MIB 3 will make good money, but if it doesn't make sense, it could lose some money on word of mouth.$170 million.
ROCK OF AGES
Two teens fall in love in Hollywood during the 1980's, while an evil group tries to shut down the Sunset strip.
Release Date: June 1
Cast: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mary Blige, Alec Baldwin
Director: Adam Shankman
Projection: Although some may be turned off by the fact that it's a musical, I see this doing very well. $150 million.
SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN
An evil queen sends a Huntsman to slay a girl who may become fairest of them all.
Release date: June 1
Cast: Kirsten Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Sam Clafin, Ian McShane, Toby Jones, Nick Frost
Director: Rupert Sanders
Projection: Universal is really aiming for epic fantasy here. It could bring out both fantasy and Twilight fans. $150 million.
PROMETHEUS
A group of scientists set out for space where they must fight an epic battle for survival.
Release date: June 8
Cast: Michael Fassebender, Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce
Director: Ridley Scott
Projection: With a huge budget, and supposed ties to Alien and Blade Runner, this film is a sure-fire hit. $165 million.
MADAGASCAR 3
The gang joins a circus in hopes of making it back to NYC.
Release date: June 8
Cast: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer
Director: Eric Darnell
Projection: The 2nd film was bad but this one will still make a lot. $180 million.
JACK THE GIANT KILLER
A war between men and giants sends Jack on a quest to save a princess.
Release date: June 15
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy, Warwick Davis
Director: Bryan Singer
Prediction: In a summer of fairy tales, Jack seems interesting, but depends on how people react to Hoult as a star. $100 million.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER
The title says it all.
Release date: June 22
Cast: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Cooper
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Projection: Should be interesting but I don't see it getting past $50 million.
BRAVE
Pixar's latest film about a warrior princess destined to end an evil curse
Release date: June 22
Cast: Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Robbie Coltrane, Craig Ferguson
Director: Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman
Projection: Looks OK to me, but no Pixar film has made less than $162 million and I see this one reaching $245 million.
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION
The sequel to the 2009 blockbuster finds the team fighting Zartan.
Release date: June 29
Cast: Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, Ray Park, Bruce Willis, Byung-hun Lee, Ray Stevenson
Director: Jon Chu
Projection: The original made $150 million but I see this one, with added star power, and a prime summer release date, getting to $200 million.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
Peter Parker gets bit by a radioactive spider and turns into Spider-Man.
Release date: July 3
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Martin Sheen, Rhys Ifans
Director: Marc Webb
Projection: It won't be a phenomenon like the original but will still make a massive amount of money. $295 million.
TED
A story about a man and his teddy bear who comes to life.
Release date: July 13
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth McFarlane
Director: Seth McFarlane
Projection: If it's funny, it'll be a hit. $80 million.
ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT
The gang battles pirates as continental drift begins.
Release date: July 13
Cast: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Aziz Ansari
Directors: Steve Martino and Mike
Projection: It'll make loads of cash, even if it's not good. $195 million.
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
The Batman's final mission takes place seven years after The Dark Knight and will introduce Bane, Catwoman, and Talia Al-Ghul.
Release date: July 20
Cast: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Joseph Gordon- Levitt, Matthew Modine, Marion Cotillard, Josh Pence
Director: Christopher Nolan
Projection: One of the biggest films of all time is waiting for us in July 2012. It's a disappointment if it doesn't make $530 million.
THE BOURNE LEGACY
No plot details available at this time.
Release Date: August 3
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton
Director: Tony Gilroy
Projection: Still no trailer, but with Renner's new star power after Ghost Protocol, it should do decent. $170 million.
PARANORMAN
A boy that can talk with the dead must end his town's curse.
Release Date: August 17
Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Christopher Mintz-Plaase, Leslie Mann, Anna Kendrick, John Goodman
Directors: Chris Butler and Sam Fell
Projection: Too scary for younger kids, but too childish for teens. $60 million.
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA
A young boy discovers Dracula's hidden resort and falls for his daughter.
Release Date: September 21
Cast: Adam Sandler, Miley Cyrus, Steve Buschemi, Kevin James, David Spade, Andy Samberg
Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
Projection: A Halloween comedy from Adam Sandler. Sounds like a hit to me. $100 million.
LOOPER
A member of the mob of the future discovers that his next target is his future self
Release Date: September 28
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano
Director: Rian Johnson
Projection: Definitely an ambitious project, but I'm not sure it will appeal to the general public. $35 million.
FRANKENWEENIE
A scientist brings his dog back to life only to face a monster.
Release Date: October 5
Cast: Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau
Director: Tim Burton
Projection: Another quirky horror comedy from Burton. Should attract decent business but not as much without Johnny Depp. $75 million.
TAKEN 2
A sequel to the 2009 hit
Release Date: October 5
Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen
Director: Olivier Megaton
Projection: With lots of Liam Neeson action-fests out this year, I don't see this film doing as good as the original. $95 million.
RED DAWN
A group of teens fight off a North Korean army
Release Date: November 2
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Isabel Lucas, Josh Peck, Connor Cruise
Director: Dan Bradley
Projection: After years on the shelf, Red Dawn will finally get on the screen. The cast looks awesome and I see this being a decent hit with the teen crowd. $70 million.
WRECK-IT RALPH
A story centered on an evil video game character who wants to be good but unleashes an army on his arcade
Release Date: November 2
Cast: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman
Director: Rich Moore
Projection: Sound ridiculously cool, like a Toy Story with video games. Should be a massive hit with families and it should make $160 million.
SKYFALL
M's past comes back to haunt her and Bond must hunt down a threat that will destroy MI6.
Release Date: November 9
Cast: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Helen McCrory, Ralph Fiennes
Director: Sam Mendes
Projection: After MGM's downfall, Bond is primed for a box office hit. $170 million.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN-PART 2
The final chapter in the Twilight saga
Release Date: November 16
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Launtner, Dakota Fanning, Michael Sheen, Anna Kendrick, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz
Director: Bill Condon
Projection: Primed to be one of the biggest hits of 2012. $350 million.
GRAVITY
Two astronauts stranded in space attempt to get back to Earth.
Release Date: November 21
Cast: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Projection: By far the most ambitious project of the year; it will be epic, amazing, and groundbreaking, but it won't be huge at the box office. $50 million.
RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and others team up against the Bogeyman
Release Date: November 21
Cast: Jude Law, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Alec Baldwin, Dakota Goyo, Chris Pine
Directors: Peter Ramsey and William Joyce
Projection: This film sounds like it will be awesome. $155 million.
THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
A prequel to Lord of the Rings about the adventures of Bilbo Baggins.
Release Date: December 14
Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Hugo Weaving
Director: Peter Jackson
Projection: This film will be huge. $340 million.
WORLD WAR Z
A United Nations official embarks on a quest to stop the zombie epidemic
Release Date: December 21
Cast: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, David Morse, James Badge Dale
Director: Marc Forster
Projection: If it doesn't stay true to the book, it may lose some business, but I think it will be a hit. $125 million.
LIFE OF PI
A man becomes stranded on an island with an assortment of animals
Release Date: December 21
Cast: Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma, Tabu
Director: Ang Lee
Projection: I think it sounds pretty cool, but it's too weird for the big screen. $45 million.
LINCOLN
A biopic about the 16th president of the United States
Release Date: December TBA
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jared Harris, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn, James Spader, Sally Field
Director: Steven Spielberg
Projection: Spielberg's last historical film, Munich, made $47 million. I'm thinking around $60 million for this one.
DJANGO UNCHAINED
A freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from an evil plantation owner
Release Date: December 25
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Samuel L. Jackson, Sacha Baron Cohen, Christoph Waltz
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Projection: Tarantino's last film made $120 million. $130 million for this one.
THE GREAT GATSBY
A man finds himself intrigued by the life of his friend Jay Gatsby
Release Date: December 25
Cast: Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Projection: The 3D will certainly annoy audiences, but it should do decent. $80 million.
Well, that's it for my 2012 preview. Check back soon for my 15 most anticipated movies of the year and 2011: A year in review along with more reviews.
UNDERWORLD: AWAKENING
Selene returns in the fourth installment in the Underworld series. This time she leads the fight against humans as the discover the vampires and Lycans.
Release Date: January 20
Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, Charles Dance, India Eisley
Projection: The prequel made $45 million, but I think this series might be wearing off. $40 million.
RED TAILS
George Lucas produces this film about the Tuskegee airmen and their heroic fight against racism and the Nazi's.
Release Date: January 20
Cast: Cuba Gooding Jr., Terrence Howard, David Oyelowo, Tristan Wilds, Ne-Yo, Michael B. Jordan
Director: Anthony Hemingway
Projection: Depends how it does with the teen crowd. Action looks good but certainly won't be a blockbuster. $55 million.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK
Daniel Radcliffe's first role after Potter has him as a lawyer who investigates the strange happenings involving a ghost in a small village.
Release Date: February 3
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Janet McTeer, Ciaran Hinds
Director: James Watkins
Projection: The film should bring out Potter fans and horror fans in droves. It looks terrifyingly great. $80 million.
CHRONICLE
A found footage superhero film about a group of teens that get superpowers and must fight one of their own who has turned evil.
Release Date: February 3
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Michael Kelly, Alex Russell
Director: Josh Trank
Projection: It looks intriguing and should bring a lot of teens to the theater, but with The Woman in Black as it's weekend competition and a tough February stacked up against it, I don't see it getting past $35 million.
JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND
Dwayne Johnson joins the cast of this sequel to 2008's Journey to the Center of the Earth. This film has Hutcherson's character trying to find his grandfather on an island.
Release Date: February 10
Cast: Josh Hutcherson, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine, Vanessa Hudgens, Luiz Guzman
Director: Brad Peyton
Projection: Definitely won't be as big as the first film, but should make decent money. $45 million.
GHOST RIDER: SPIRIT OF VENGEANCE
Nicolas Cage's latest attempt at making a good movie is the sequel to 2006's Ghost Rider. This time Johnny Blaze is trying to stop the devil.
Release Date: February 17
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Idris Elba, Ciaran Hinds
Directors: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor
Projection: Nobody enjoyed the first one even though it made tons of money. I don't think this one will do very good at all for a superhero movie. $50 million.
THIS MEANS WAR
Loosely based on the Spy vs. Spy segment in Mad magazine, comes this star-studded film about two spies fighting over a girl.
Release Date: February 17
Cast: Tom Hardy, Chris Pine, Reese Witherspoon
Director: McG
Projection: This is the perfect film to appeal to both men and women. It's an action packed romantic comedy. Should do very well. $95 million.
DR. SEUSS' THE LORAX
The latest Dr. Seuss adaption stars Zac Efron as Ted, who goes looking for the Once-Ler, a man who took down all the trees.
Release Date: March 3, 2012
Cast: Zac Efron, Betty White, Taylor Swift, Ed Helms, Rob Riggle, Danny DeVito
Directors: Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda
Projection: The second film from Illumination should do very well in a spring where family films are scarce. $125 million
JOHN CARTER
A Civil War vet is transported to Mars to fight in a war between Red Martians and Green Martians.
Release Date: March 9
Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, William Dafoe, Mark Strong
Director: Andrew Stanton
Projection: Disney is dumping a lot of money into this project ($250 million) and it's not getting much positive reaction from trailers so far. I would be surprised if it made over $130 million.
THE RAVEN
Edgar Allan Poe's last days involve him hunting down a serial killer using methods from his books.
Release Date: March 9
Cast: John Cusack, Alice Eve, Luke Evans
Director: James McTeigue
Projection: This period piece looks exciting but won't make a ton of money. $25 million.
MIRROR MIRROR
The first of the two Snow White films next year, has Snow White being hunted by the Prince.
Release Date: March 16
Cast: Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Julia Roberts, Sean Bean, Nathan Lane
Director: Tarsem Singh
Projection: This colorful adaptation should attract families but looks very different. It depends which Snow White movie people think looks better. I think the other looks better. $45 million.
THE HUNGER GAMES
An adaptation of the best selling novel, a young girl named Katniss must fight 23 other teens in the Hunger Games, the ultimate survival game.
Release date: March 23
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Willow Shields, Toby Jones, Amandla Stenberg, Alexander Ludwig, Lenny Kravitz
Director: Gary Ross
Projection: This will be one of 2012's biggest films. The novels have a Twilight-like fan base and this movie should make a ton of money. $240 million. Less would be a disappointment.
WRATH OF THE TITANS
The sequel to the mediocre Clash of the Titans, finds Zeus kidnapped by Hades and Perseus making an ultimate weapon to save him.
Release date: March 30
Cast: Sam Worthington, Rosamund Pike, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Bill Nighy
Director: Johnathan Liebesman
Projection: The original made $163 million, but I'm thinking less for this one. $125 million.
THE THREE STOOGES
No plot details available at this time.
Release date: April 13
Cast: Sean Hayes, Will Sasso, Chris Diamantoupolos, Jane Lynch, Larry David, Sofia Vergara, Jennifer Hudson
Director: The Farrelly Brothers
Projection: I smell flop. $20 million.
THE AVENGERS
The Avengers brings together the Marvel heroes who band together to stop Loki from taking over the world with an ancient power.
Release date: May 4
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Clark Gregg, Colbie Smulders, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard
Director: Joss Whedon
Projection: This will be a massive hit. All the Marvel films have been leading up to this film. And it's going to be epic. $375 million.
DARK SHADOWS
Tim Burton's adaptation of the '60's horror show. The film is about a family whose uncle is a vampire named Barnabus Collins
Release date: May 11
Cast: Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfieffer, Eva Green, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jackie Earle Haley
Director: Tim Burton
Projection: Depp and Burton have star power, but if this gets an R rating, I don't see it going as far as Alice in Wonderland. $60 million.
BATTLESHIP
A crew fights for their lives on a boat against a troop of evil aliens.
Release date: May 18
Cast: Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker, Rihanna, Liam Neeson, Alexander Skarsgard
Director: Peter Berg
Projection: The first trailer was unimpressive but if it can deliver the action, then let the cash flow. $250 million.
MEN IN BLACK III
Agent J travels back in time to stop and evil agent from killing Agent K and messing up the space-time continuum.
Release date: May 25
Cast: Will Smith, Alice Eve, Josh Brolin, Tommy Lee Jones, Bill Hader, Emma Thompson
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Projection: MIB 3 will make good money, but if it doesn't make sense, it could lose some money on word of mouth.$170 million.
ROCK OF AGES
Two teens fall in love in Hollywood during the 1980's, while an evil group tries to shut down the Sunset strip.
Release Date: June 1
Cast: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Tom Cruise, Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mary Blige, Alec Baldwin
Director: Adam Shankman
Projection: Although some may be turned off by the fact that it's a musical, I see this doing very well. $150 million.
SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN
An evil queen sends a Huntsman to slay a girl who may become fairest of them all.
Release date: June 1
Cast: Kirsten Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Sam Clafin, Ian McShane, Toby Jones, Nick Frost
Director: Rupert Sanders
Projection: Universal is really aiming for epic fantasy here. It could bring out both fantasy and Twilight fans. $150 million.
PROMETHEUS
A group of scientists set out for space where they must fight an epic battle for survival.
Release date: June 8
Cast: Michael Fassebender, Noomi Rapace, Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson, Idris Elba, Guy Pearce
Director: Ridley Scott
Projection: With a huge budget, and supposed ties to Alien and Blade Runner, this film is a sure-fire hit. $165 million.
MADAGASCAR 3
The gang joins a circus in hopes of making it back to NYC.
Release date: June 8
Cast: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer
Director: Eric Darnell
Projection: The 2nd film was bad but this one will still make a lot. $180 million.
JACK THE GIANT KILLER
A war between men and giants sends Jack on a quest to save a princess.
Release date: June 15
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, Ian McShane, Bill Nighy, Warwick Davis
Director: Bryan Singer
Prediction: In a summer of fairy tales, Jack seems interesting, but depends on how people react to Hoult as a star. $100 million.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER
The title says it all.
Release date: June 22
Cast: Benjamin Walker, Rufus Sewell, Dominic Cooper
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Projection: Should be interesting but I don't see it getting past $50 million.
BRAVE
Pixar's latest film about a warrior princess destined to end an evil curse
Release date: June 22
Cast: Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Kevin McKidd, Robbie Coltrane, Craig Ferguson
Director: Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman
Projection: Looks OK to me, but no Pixar film has made less than $162 million and I see this one reaching $245 million.
G.I. JOE: RETALIATION
The sequel to the 2009 blockbuster finds the team fighting Zartan.
Release date: June 29
Cast: Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, Ray Park, Bruce Willis, Byung-hun Lee, Ray Stevenson
Director: Jon Chu
Projection: The original made $150 million but I see this one, with added star power, and a prime summer release date, getting to $200 million.
THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
Peter Parker gets bit by a radioactive spider and turns into Spider-Man.
Release date: July 3
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Martin Sheen, Rhys Ifans
Director: Marc Webb
Projection: It won't be a phenomenon like the original but will still make a massive amount of money. $295 million.
TED
A story about a man and his teddy bear who comes to life.
Release date: July 13
Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Seth McFarlane
Director: Seth McFarlane
Projection: If it's funny, it'll be a hit. $80 million.
ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT
The gang battles pirates as continental drift begins.
Release date: July 13
Cast: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Aziz Ansari
Directors: Steve Martino and Mike
Projection: It'll make loads of cash, even if it's not good. $195 million.
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
The Batman's final mission takes place seven years after The Dark Knight and will introduce Bane, Catwoman, and Talia Al-Ghul.
Release date: July 20
Cast: Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Joseph Gordon- Levitt, Matthew Modine, Marion Cotillard, Josh Pence
Director: Christopher Nolan
Projection: One of the biggest films of all time is waiting for us in July 2012. It's a disappointment if it doesn't make $530 million.
THE BOURNE LEGACY
No plot details available at this time.
Release Date: August 3
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Rachel Weisz, Edward Norton
Director: Tony Gilroy
Projection: Still no trailer, but with Renner's new star power after Ghost Protocol, it should do decent. $170 million.
PARANORMAN
A boy that can talk with the dead must end his town's curse.
Release Date: August 17
Cast: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Christopher Mintz-Plaase, Leslie Mann, Anna Kendrick, John Goodman
Directors: Chris Butler and Sam Fell
Projection: Too scary for younger kids, but too childish for teens. $60 million.
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA
A young boy discovers Dracula's hidden resort and falls for his daughter.
Release Date: September 21
Cast: Adam Sandler, Miley Cyrus, Steve Buschemi, Kevin James, David Spade, Andy Samberg
Director: Genndy Tartakovsky
Projection: A Halloween comedy from Adam Sandler. Sounds like a hit to me. $100 million.
LOOPER
A member of the mob of the future discovers that his next target is his future self
Release Date: September 28
Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Paul Dano
Director: Rian Johnson
Projection: Definitely an ambitious project, but I'm not sure it will appeal to the general public. $35 million.
FRANKENWEENIE
A scientist brings his dog back to life only to face a monster.
Release Date: October 5
Cast: Winona Ryder, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Martin Landau
Director: Tim Burton
Projection: Another quirky horror comedy from Burton. Should attract decent business but not as much without Johnny Depp. $75 million.
TAKEN 2
A sequel to the 2009 hit
Release Date: October 5
Cast: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen
Director: Olivier Megaton
Projection: With lots of Liam Neeson action-fests out this year, I don't see this film doing as good as the original. $95 million.
RED DAWN
A group of teens fight off a North Korean army
Release Date: November 2
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki, Isabel Lucas, Josh Peck, Connor Cruise
Director: Dan Bradley
Projection: After years on the shelf, Red Dawn will finally get on the screen. The cast looks awesome and I see this being a decent hit with the teen crowd. $70 million.
WRECK-IT RALPH
A story centered on an evil video game character who wants to be good but unleashes an army on his arcade
Release Date: November 2
Cast: John C. Reilly, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch, Sarah Silverman
Director: Rich Moore
Projection: Sound ridiculously cool, like a Toy Story with video games. Should be a massive hit with families and it should make $160 million.
SKYFALL
M's past comes back to haunt her and Bond must hunt down a threat that will destroy MI6.
Release Date: November 9
Cast: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Helen McCrory, Ralph Fiennes
Director: Sam Mendes
Projection: After MGM's downfall, Bond is primed for a box office hit. $170 million.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN-PART 2
The final chapter in the Twilight saga
Release Date: November 16
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Launtner, Dakota Fanning, Michael Sheen, Anna Kendrick, Ashley Greene, Kellan Lutz
Director: Bill Condon
Projection: Primed to be one of the biggest hits of 2012. $350 million.
GRAVITY
Two astronauts stranded in space attempt to get back to Earth.
Release Date: November 21
Cast: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Projection: By far the most ambitious project of the year; it will be epic, amazing, and groundbreaking, but it won't be huge at the box office. $50 million.
RISE OF THE GUARDIANS
Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and others team up against the Bogeyman
Release Date: November 21
Cast: Jude Law, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Alec Baldwin, Dakota Goyo, Chris Pine
Directors: Peter Ramsey and William Joyce
Projection: This film sounds like it will be awesome. $155 million.
THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY
A prequel to Lord of the Rings about the adventures of Bilbo Baggins.
Release Date: December 14
Cast: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Hugo Weaving
Director: Peter Jackson
Projection: This film will be huge. $340 million.
WORLD WAR Z
A United Nations official embarks on a quest to stop the zombie epidemic
Release Date: December 21
Cast: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, David Morse, James Badge Dale
Director: Marc Forster
Projection: If it doesn't stay true to the book, it may lose some business, but I think it will be a hit. $125 million.
LIFE OF PI
A man becomes stranded on an island with an assortment of animals
Release Date: December 21
Cast: Irrfan Khan, Suraj Sharma, Tabu
Director: Ang Lee
Projection: I think it sounds pretty cool, but it's too weird for the big screen. $45 million.
LINCOLN
A biopic about the 16th president of the United States
Release Date: December TBA
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Jared Harris, Tommy Lee Jones, David Strathairn, James Spader, Sally Field
Director: Steven Spielberg
Projection: Spielberg's last historical film, Munich, made $47 million. I'm thinking around $60 million for this one.
DJANGO UNCHAINED
A freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from an evil plantation owner
Release Date: December 25
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Samuel L. Jackson, Sacha Baron Cohen, Christoph Waltz
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Projection: Tarantino's last film made $120 million. $130 million for this one.
THE GREAT GATSBY
A man finds himself intrigued by the life of his friend Jay Gatsby
Release Date: December 25
Cast: Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Isla Fisher
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Projection: The 3D will certainly annoy audiences, but it should do decent. $80 million.
Well, that's it for my 2012 preview. Check back soon for my 15 most anticipated movies of the year and 2011: A year in review along with more reviews.
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