What to look forward to in film: 2011

2011 gets underway with The Green Hornet (14th January), the year’s first superhero film – based upon a 1930s TV and comic book character starring Seth Rogan and Cameron Diaz star. February sees a film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s acclaimed novel, Never Let Me Go (February 11), telling the story of three childhood friends growing up in an English boarding school with a twist. Don’t let the science fiction tag put you off because if it’s an emotional and thought-provoking film you’re looking for, then this will be the one for you.

James Franco returns to the world of comedy in May in Your Highness (13th May) a comedy-fantasy also starring Natalie Portman and Danny McBride. The film follows the hilarious journey of prince Fabious and his lazy, arrogant brother in their attempt to rescue Fabious’ bride to be. Fans of Pineapple Express and Judd Apatow comedies are sure to enjoy this tongue-in-cheek medieval quest.

Later in May Javier Bardem stars in Biutiful (17th May), the portrayal of a devoted single father’s journey through the dark underground of Barcelona’s black market as he tries to both reconcile with a lost love and ensure his children’s future as his own death draws near. An intense ride fuelled by another powerhouse performance from Bardem.

Very little is known about upcoming science fiction Super 8 (10th June); written and directed by the man behind Lost, Fringe, the brilliantly executed Cloverfield and most recently, last years revamp of Star Trek, J.J. Abrams. Steven Spielberg is producing the project, which is believed to be based around three children who, whilst making their own fun movie, stumble upon an extra terrestrial.

The long awaited return of the respected director, Terence Malick comes in the form of The Tree of Life – (July TBA) a tale of three brothers and the changes that occur in their lives as they grow. The story is a 1950s period piece focussing on the eldest brother witnessing the loss of innocence in life. Such sketchy plot details often surround Malick’s work, however, his films never fail to entice our imagination and this is a must see for fans of Malick and the talented cast he employs in Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica Chastain.

Finally, a film based on true events, The Whistleblower (August 2011), starring Rachel Weisz as Kathryn Bolkovac, portrays a former Nebraskan cop who is sent out to Bosnia to investigate accusations of sex trafficking, abuse and sexual assault by UN workers, peacekeepers and the local police. Early reports suggest that some scenes are not for the faint hearted but it has all the makings of a potential Oscar contender.

By the looks of things, then, it’s going to be a good year in film.