The beauty of movies is that you never really know the experience that you are embarking on until you sit in your seat and the lights go down. In 2015, there will be countless films for us to see, review, and talk about. To celebrate the start of the new year, we have compiled a list of movies that we can’t wait to see.
Just because a movie is on this list does not mean that it will be good. In fact, a few made it onto the list because they look like intriguing disasters. However, there is a lot to look forward to. The list isn’t numerically ranked, because the truth is that we want to see them all. Many of these movies we have already begun covering, so make sure to search the website if there is something that peaks your interest. Enjoy the list and happy new year!
Mad Max: Fury Road
Release Date: May 15th, 2015.
Stars: Tom Hardy,Charlize Theron, Megan Gale, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley
Synopsis: “Mad Max: Fury Road” is the fourth film of George Miller’s Road Warrior/Mad Max franchise co-written and directed by Miller. The post-apocalyptic action film is set in the furthest reaches of our planet, in a stark desert landscape where humanity is broken, and most everyone is crazed fighting for the necessities of life. Within this world of fire and blood exist two rebels on the run who just might be able to restore order… There’s Max (played by Tom Hardy from “The Dark Knight Rises”), a man of action and a man of few words, who seeks peace of mind following the loss of his wife and child in the aftermath of the chaos. And… Furiosa (played by Charlize Theron from “Prometheus”), a woman of action and a woman who believes her path to survival may be achieved if she can make it across the desert back to her childhood homeland.
The P.O.G.: As a film buff I am constantly asked what my favorite action sequence is. Up until recent years I used to simply just utter, “The Road Warrior.” The gritty action holds up to this day because the stunts were really happening on camera, by stuntmen who literally risked their lives to make the movie cooler.
Tom Hardy seems to have found the role that he was a born to play in Max. He has shown in such movies as Lawless, that he is superbly capable of being a physical threat who does most of his communicating with his fists. It seems that Miller has taken the world that he created in the late 70’s and 80’s and not only modernized it, but left a template for the future of how insane, post-apocalyptic films should look. Plus the continued use of practical stunts and vehicle-work, should give Fury Road a feel unlike any movie you have seen before.
Fantastic Four
Release Date: August 7, 2015
Stars: Miles Teller, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell, Kate Mara, Toby Kebbell, Tim Blake Nelson, Reg E. Cathey
Synopsis: “The Fantastic Four,” a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel’s original and longest-running superhero team, centers on four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe, which alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy.
The P.O.G.: I don’t know if it is going to be any good. But this is no doubt one of the most anticipated movies of the year around these parts. Part of it is the morbid curiosity of watching the result of a car crash. There has been much chatter around the choices made to modernize Marvel’s first family, which makes it fall closer to the Ultimate comic lines than their traditional 616 appearance. Add to the fire some color-blind casting and there is all the ingredients of a social media firestorm. However the optimist in me, thinks that we are all going to be pleasantly surprised by the movie and the progressive decisions that were made. I am a long-time Fantastic Four comic book reader and I am the first to admit that the entire property needs a shake-up and does not speak to the modern family and audience. If we don’t watch Leave it to Beaver, why should our comic book movies feel like those times?
Josh Trank’s resume is thin, but his filmwork is strong and his reputation has earned the trust of Kathleen Kennedy to direct a Star Wars spin-off film. That isn’t easy for a hack to do. Screenwriter Simon Kinberg struck fire with X-Men: Days of Future Past and with a planned shared universe rumored to be in the works, they can’t afford to throw out a turd. The new direction of the franchise seems so dynamic, that my hopes are that it is for a solid purpose that will surprise everyone, a la Quicksilver.
The Hateful Eight
Release Date: TBD
Stars: Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Channing Tatum, Kurt Russell, Bruce Dern,
Synopsis: In “The Hateful Eight,” set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie’s Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all…
The P.O.G.: Django Unchained was one of my favorite films of 2012 and I can’t wait to see what other Old West tricks that Quentin Tarantino has up his sleeves. He has assembled another eclectic, all-star cast and the early word is that Tarantino has wrote another winning story. He has rarely failed since Reservoir Dogs, I can’t wait to see how this one turns out.
The Avengers: Age of Ultron
Release Date: May 1st, 2015.
Stars: Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo, James Spader, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Bettany, Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson
Synopsis: Marvel Studios presents “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the epic follow-up to the biggest Super Hero movie of all time. When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure. Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron” stars Robert Downey Jr., who returns as Iron Man, along with Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor and Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk. Together with Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye, and with the additional support of Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, the team must reassemble to defeat James Spader as Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Wanda Maximoff, played by Elizabeth Olsen, and Pietro Maximoff, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and meet an old friend in a new form when Paul Bettany becomes Vision.
The P.O.G.: This movie will determine the trajectory of the Marvel cinematic universe, as well as the Point of Geeks. Marvel is trailblazing a new path in the movie industry by telling huge stories on a multi-picture canvas. The hub of these stories so far has been The Avengers.
I liked The Avengers a lot, but did not love it as much as others may have. The first half of the movie is weak and it honestly feels like a high budget television show for most of the running time. In fact on a recent rewatch, I was shocked and impressed by how much the production quality mirrored Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Most importantly I am looking for a good story, but come May, I will be looking to see if this movie truly feels cinematic and epic. I am hoping that director Joss Whedon is maturing with the franchise and from the looks of the new film it is only going to get better…
In the Heart of the Sea
Release Date: March 13th, 2015
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Brendan Gleeson, Ben Whishaw, Cillian Murphy, Benjamin Walker, Tom Holland
Synopsis: “In the Heart of the Sea” stars Chris Hemsworth (“Marvel’s The Avengers,” “Rush”) as the vessel’s veteran first mate Owen Chase; Benjamin Walker (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”) as its inexperienced Captain, George Pollard; Cillian Murphy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) as second mate Matthew Joy; and Ben Whishaw (“Skyfall”) as novelist Herman Melville, whose inquiries into the event 30 years later helped bring the story to light. In the winter of 1820, the New England whaling ship Essex was assaulted by something no one could believe: a whale of mammoth size and will, and an almost human sense of vengeance. The real-life maritime disaster would inspire Melville’s Moby-Dick. But that told only half the story. “In the Heart of the Sea” reveals the encounter’s harrowing aftermath, as the ship’s surviving crew is pushed to their limits and forced to do the unthinkable to stay alive. Braving storms, starvation, panic and despair, the men will call into question their deepest beliefs, from the value of their lives to the morality of their trade, as their captain searches for direction on the open sea and his first mate still seeks to bring the great whale down. The film also stars Tom Holland (“The Impossible”) as young seaman Tom Nickerson, and Brendan Gleeson (“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1”) as the same man, 30 years later. Spanish actor Jordi Mollà (“Riddick”) is the captain of another ship, the Archimedes, who tries to warn the Essex of what may lie ahead.
The P.O.G.: Plenty of reasons from Ron Howard to Moby Dick to be intrigued by this movie, but it really just comes down to one thing…I just want to see that whale in IMAX. That is all…
Jurassic World
Release Date: June 12th, 2015
Stars: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Judy Greer, Ty Simpkins, Vincent D’Onofrio, Irrfan Khan, BD Wong, Omar Sy
Synopsis: This is a new sci-fi terror adventure set 22 years after the horrific events of the original “Jurassic Park.”
The P.O.G.: This movie actually looks really bad to me. It wasn’t the shoddy special effects from the trailer that tainted me either. There is a lot of time left for them to sharpen that up. The whole premise just seems so forced and illogical. It’s usually not a good sign when the movie viewer feels smarter than the scientists on screen and the movie hasn’t even begun yet. However, I do know that there is a lot of talent involved behind and in front of the camera that I trust. So I am going to proceed with caution. But I am definitely proceeding…
The Martian
Release Date: November 25, 2015
Stars: Matt Damon, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Daniels, Sean Bean, Kate Mara, Michael Pena, Jessica Chastain, Sebastian Stan
Synopsis: “The Martian” is based on Andy Weir’s 2012 e-book publication, which issued a print edition this past February. It is officially described as follows: Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there. After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive. Chances are, though, he won’t have time to starve to death. The damaged machinery, unforgiving environment, or plain-old “human error” are much more likely to kill him first. But Mark isn’t ready to give up yet. Drawing on his ingenuity, his engineering skills—and a relentless, dogged refusal to quit—he steadfastly confronts one seemingly insurmountable obstacle after the next. Will his resourcefulness be enough to overcome the impossible odds against him?
The P.O.G.: After seeing Damon’s appearance in the other big space movie last year, I can’t wait to see what more space terror Will Hunting is cooking up. The movie has been described as Gravity meets Castaway, which sounds like a terrifyingly awesome combination. Ridley Scott has been hit-or-miss as of late, however the advanced buzz is that The Martian has all the makings of a superior film. Jessica Chastain has been churning out a consistent stream of good material, almost the female equivalent of a Matthew McConaughey. Add the equally talented Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jeff Daniels, and Kate Mara, and this looks like a must-see flick.
Chappie
Release Date: March 6th, 2015
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver, Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley
Synopsis: Every child comes into the world full of promise, and none more so than Chappie: he is gifted, special, a prodigy. Like any child, Chappie will come under the influence of his surroundings – some good, some bad – and he will rely on his heart and soul to find his way in the world and become his own man. But there’s one thing that makes Chappie different from anyone else: he is a robot. The first robot with the ability to think and feel for himself. His life, his story, will change the way the world looks at robots and humans forever.
The P.O.G.: This looks to be my childhood favorite all grown up. Surely a director as talented as Neill Blomkamp would rightfully be irritated by comparing his film to a 1985 movie starring Steve Guttenberg, called Short Circuit. However the similarities in stories about robots who reach an advanced level of sentience is too hard to ignore. I’m looking for Blomkamp to add his trademark layering of social commentary and for the movie to have an emotional core and depth many aren’t expecting. Heck, he almost made this grown man cry over an alien insect in District 9. There is no telling what he could do with a robot with the personality of Sharlto Copley.
Ant-Man
Release Date: July 17th, 2015
Stars: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Judy Greer, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Pena, Martin Donovan, Wood Harris, John Slattery, David Dastmalchian, T.I.
Synopsis: The next evolution of the Marvel Cinematic Universe brings a founding member of The Avengers to the big screen for the first time with Marvel Studios’ “Ant-Man.” Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner-hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world.
The P.O.G.: This has been on the radar for years. I don’t think that most people are really thinking about how fun a shrinking man scenario can be on film. There has been much talk about the behind-the-scenes turmoil of the film, however at the end of the day I am not too concerned. I am extremely confident that Marvel can make an entertaining movie out of Ant-Man. Will it be the best movie they have ever made? Probably not, but it will be a fun way to cap off the Age of Ultron.
Straight Outta Compton
Release Date: August 14, 2015
Stars: Paul Giamatti, Aldis Hodge, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Neil Brown Jr.
Synopsis: In the mid-1980s, the streets of Compton, California, were some of the most dangerous in the country. When five young men translated their experiences growing up into brutally honest music that rebelled against abusive authority, they gave an explosive voice to a silenced generation. Following the meteoric rise and fall of N.W.A., “Straight Outta Compton” tells the astonishing story of how these youngsters revolutionized music and pop culture forever the moment they told the world the truth about life in the hood and ignited a cultural war.
The P.O.G.: The time is finally right to start looking back at the culture of the 1990’s, with not only nostalgia, but a sense of history. From gangster rap to 22 Jump Street and Beats headphones, N.W.A. literally changed the world twenty years ago and their influence is still at the forefront of pop culture. It will be interesting to see the story that many have imagined through their music on the big screen for everyone to see. I recently caught the trailer (it will be available on the P.O.G. site soon) for the upcoming biopic and it really raised my expectations for F. Gary Gray’s look into one of the most controversial rap groups ever.
Tomorrowland
Release Date: May 22, 2015
Stars: George Clooney, Judy Greer, Tim McGraw, Hugh Laurie, Kathryn Hahn, Keegan-Michael Key
Synopsis: From Disney comes two-time Oscar winner Brad Bird’s riveting, mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” starring Academy Award winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world–and them–forever
The P.O.G.: Why am I excited about this movie? Only because everyone who has seen extended footage says I should be excited. Brad Bird is the king of Pixar and I did enjoy Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol. Tomorrowland is based on the Disneyland attraction so it is sure to full of spectacle and charm. Will it be cool? That is yet to be seen…
Z for Zachariah
![Z_FOR_ZACHARIAH_400PX[1]](/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Z_FOR_ZACHARIAH_400PX1-178x300.jpg)
Release Date: TBD
Stars: Margot Robbie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Chris Pine
Synopsis: Based on the Robert C. O’Brien novel. The story, a psychological thriller, follows a girl who believes she is the only survivor after a devastating nuclear event, but comes to learn she is not alone.
The P.O.G.: I read this book in my childhood and it was one of my first introductions to the post-apocalyptic and thriller genres. There are really only a few people in the entire story, so casting actors that can carry the character drama is crucial. This will be another chance to check out the acting chops of Margot Robbie as she prepares for her role as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad. There is some heavy material in this story and the weight of the film will be on her shoulders. I’m looking forward to seeing this story come to life.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Release Date: December 18th, 2015
Stars: John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Lupita Nyong’o, Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Oscar Isaac, Max von Sydow, Adam Driver, Andy Serkis, Carrie Fisher, Domhnall Gleeson, Gwendoline Christie,
Synopsis: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” will be set 30 years after the events of “Return of the Jedi.”
The P.O.G.: If we weren’t excited about this, we might as well shut the website down. Star Wars at its core is the true point of geeks. Does J.J. Abrams have what it takes to guide the franchise into the new millenium? It seems like things are off to a good start. Somehow it just feels right…
The Revenant
Release Date: December 25th, 2015
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter, Domhnall Gleeson
Synopsis: Leonardo DiCaprio will play Hugh Glass, a 19th century fur trapper who is mauled by a grizzly bear, left for dead and then robbed. When he survives against all odds, he sets out on a treacherous journey to exact revenge on his betrayers in this captivating and inspiring story based on the Michael Punke novel, “The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge.”
The P.O.G.: This is the reason that there is no ranking system for this list. How can you possible quantify the potential of this flick? A movie about Leo DiCaprio getting torn to shreds by a grizzly bear, who then goes on a revenge hunt for Tom Hardy and directed by the man who brought us Birdman! I’m out of breath… This needs to happen soon…
Pixels
Release Date: July 24th, 2015
Stars: Adam Sandler, Brian Cox, Kevin James, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Michelle Monaghan
Synopsis: When aliens misinterpret video-feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war against them, they attack the Earth, using the games as models for their various assaults. President Will Cooper (Kevin James) has to call on his childhood best friend, ’80s video game champion Sam Brenner (Sandler), now a home theater installer, to lead a team of old-school arcaders (Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage) to defeat the aliens and save the planet.
The P.O.G.: I have never, ever, ever looked forward to an Adam Sandler movie, but that might change this year. Okay, to be fair I’m actually excited about the movie that he is in…Pixels is based on the short film where classic video game characters smash our city Godzilla style. I’m not sure which videogame licenses that they secured for the movie, but there should be a lot of fun 8-bit surprises for gamer fans.
Terminator: Genisys
Release Date: July 1st, 2015
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke, Jai Courtney, Matt Smith, J.K. Simmons, Byung-hun Lee, Michael Gladis, Dayo Okeniyi
Synopsis: No official synopsis available presently.
The P.O.G.: I love The Terminator. I love Back to the Future. Put those two things together and what do you get…? A catastrophe…that’s what. But regardless I will be there to see the franchise go down in flames.
The trailer looked very encouraging, but it is hard to get behind this movie and its elderly star who has had a string of disappointments lately. With that being said, they have found some creative ways around the aging process and The Terminator mythology that will at least get me in my seat at the theater. I don’t want this to suck… I can’t take anymore heartbreak after Terminator: Salvation.
Peanuts
Release Date: November 6, 2015
Stars: A bunch of kid’s voices…
Synopsis: In “Peanuts,” a 3D, CGI animated comedic adventure, Snoopy, the world’s most lovable beagle – and flying ace! – embarks upon his greatest mission as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis, while his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home.
The P.O.G.: I was expecting this to be a cash-grabbing disaster. However when I saw the trailer last month, it instantly took me back to the simplicity and imagination of my youth. It also made me think about the very adult neurosis of the Peanuts‘ characters, that I can’t wait to enjoy as a grown-up this time this time around. I’m sold.
The Jungle Book
Release Date: October 9, 2015
Stars: Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Scarlett Johansson, Christopher Walken, Ben Kingsley, Giancarlo Esposito, Lupita Nyong’o, Neel Sethi
Synopsis: Based on Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book,” the classic tale of an Indian boy named Mowgli who is raised by wolves and living among the animals. Bill Murray will voice Baloo the bear, Christopher Walken will take on the role of King Louie, the ruler of a troop of monkeys and apes, while Giancarlo Esposito will voice Akela, the leader of the wolf pack. With Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Lupita Nyong’o as Raksha, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, and Scarlett Johansson as Kaa. The film also marks the debut of newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli, who will be the only actor to physically appear on screen.
The P.O.G.: One of the all time Disney classics being brought to live-action by the director who first brought Iron Man to the big screen. Director Jon Favreau has collected a once-in-a-lifetime cast, that has the talent level to bring these characters to life like never before. While this incarnation will not be a musical, Bill Murray will be singing “Bare Necessities” at some point which should be a reason to see the movie in itself.
2015 will be a monumental year for our favorite geek films and shows. We will be here every step of the way to walk you through each of these movies and much more over the coming year. What are you most looking forward to this year? Let us know on the comment boards, , , and !