With just about a week of 2012 under our belts now, it only seems appropriate, after all the looking back, reflection and those best of 2011 lists, that we look forward to what this new year has to offer. It isn’t just the end of the world coming our way, but some really exciting things to keep us occupied until then.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
This is probably the film I’m most excited to see in 2012. Ironically enough, it’s also the one we’ll have to wait for the longest with a release date of December 12. We have Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, the return of Ian McKellan, Cate Blanchett and Andy Serkis among others, and all of them under the direction of Peter Jackson. Simply put, it will be good. The trailer alone stands as a testament to that.
South Park Video Game
Other South Park video games exist, but this is the first that seems to be worth the time. It’ll be a role-playing style adventure, unlike any other South Park game out there, and involved in its creation are Trey Parker and Matt Stone, which means a lot. It at the very least guarantees a product with some integrity, something Trey and Matt have always excelled at, and not just a lazy effort at cashing in. No official release date yet, though.
Sherlock Series 2
If you're in the UK (or have a TunnelBear account), series two of Sherlock is already one episode in. "A Scandal in Belgravia" was quite an episode, too. We’re introduced to Irene Adler, a female character I can totally get behind, and adds layers or nuance and goodness to Sherlock and Watson's relationship while remaining witty, fast paced and quite sexy. I really can't wait to see more. PBS will start airing it in the US some time in Spring.*
Guided by Voices – Let’s Go Eat the Factory
I'm often disappointed by band reunions, not because they're usually just opportunities to cash in on fan nostalgia and former glories. I mean, we all have bills to pay after all. It's that bands on reunion tours do just that and never make any new music. Guided by Voices, however, is doing it right. Returning with their original lineup, they'll be releasing Let's Go Eat The Factory January 17, with all new music to boot.
The Dark Knight Rises
The third and last installment by Christopher Nolan is also the last time Christian Bale will be starring as Batman. The pair added new life to the dark knight in film, making Gotham gritty and scary again, like it should be. This final piece picks up eight years after The Dark Knight and includes Bane, a lesser known rival to the Batman, as well as Catwoman and whoever Joseph Gordon-Levitt is! The Dark Knight Rises is in theaters July 20th.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
Ni No Kuni is a 2010 Japanese role playing video game developed by Level 5. More importantly, it’s the first video game from the animation company, Studio Ghibli, who have brought us anime classics like Kiki’s Delivery Service, Totoro and Princess Mononoke. The game’s plot includes things that make Studio Ghibli so special and its Japanese reception has been incredible. It’s been confirmed for Western release in early 2012, although nothing set in stone.
Secret World of Arrietty
It seems only right that after mentioning Ni No Kuni, I should also point out Studio Ghibli’s latest film, The Secret World of Arrietty, arriving in US theaters February 17. The film is based on Mary Norton’s classic children’s fantasy novel, The Borrowers, about tiny people who live under the floorboards of a regular household.
*Note, PBS will also begin airing series two of Downton Abbey (already aired in the UK) January 8. Watch it.
Sarah McBride’s thoughts on music, film, lit and life can be found at sarahism.com. You can follow her on twitter @sarahism.