By guest blogger Serena Piper
Journalism major at the University of Oregon. Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus Oregon. Magazine, freelance blogger, future world traveler. In her spare time, she likes to read as many books as she can, go for long drives, and peruse news websites. Hopes to one day write for National Geographic.
According to the Hollywood Museum, Americans spend $4.9 billion at the movies and another $12 billion on video rentals each year. Last month, an article by Brad Tuttle of TimeMagazine reported that a study they conducted found that “6 in 10 (61%) adults rarely or never go out to the movies,” and that if we’re part of the group that does still go out to movies, we’re in, get this, the minority. I guess the recession should’ve prepared us for this day.
“When the economy turns south there’s a rise in affordable splurges like romance novels and donuts,” Tuttle explains. “This is because people want to treat themselves in minor, inexpensive ways,” he says. (Hmm.. that may explain my recent Starbucks addiction…)
If Tuttle is right, and we are mostly spending our money on inexpensive things, then we should take a weekend every now and then to splurge on a movie, right? Hey, you can’t spend every weekend partying, can you? Don’t answer that.
Like I was saying, we all love the excitement of a night out at the movies every couple of weekends or so. Whether you’re into action, suspense, drama, or comedies, there’s always something for everyone.
The Hunger Games, Titanic 3D, and The Hobbit top the list of most anticipated movies this year, but you might be interested to know what else is set for release in 2012:
The Amazing Spiderman (July 2012)
Emma Stone stars in the upcoming movie, The Amazing Spiderman. Photo by Loren Javier
In the fourth Spiderman film, Peter Parker uncovers a clue that will help him figure out why his parents disappeared. On his quest for discovery, Parker runs into Dr. Curt Connors, his father’s former business partner, and Connors’ alter ego, The Lizard. Unfortunately, a lot of the roles have been recast, so we won’t be seeing Tobey Maguire or Kirsten Dunst. Instead’ the new cast includes Emma Stone, Sally Field, and Andrew Garfield.
What to Expect When You’re Expecting (May 2012)
Based on the 1984 pregnancy guide by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazel, What to Expect is about five couples experiencing the ups and downs of having a baby. Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, and Dennis Quaid are among a cast that is sure to make us laugh. Bonus: Chris Rock and eye-candy Chace Crawford also have roles!
TheDarkKnightRises (July 2012)
Christian Bale returns as Bruce Wayne in this sequel to The Dark Knight. Liam Neeson and Anne Hathaway join Bale. In the second installment, bad guy Bane (Tom Hardy) is destroying the city and Batman feels compelled to assist his city and its police department in taking him down. Not exactly a new plot, but who doesn’t like Batman?
The upcoming film is based on the book of the same name, The Life of Pi. Photo by Sonia T 360.
For this one, I would suggest reading the book first. However, if you don’t have time to read the book before the movie comes out, it’ll only take a quick scan of the movie’s plot to pull you in: “The story of an Indian boy named Pi, a zookeeper’s son who finds himself in the company of a hyena, zebra, orangutan, and a Bengal tiger after a shipwreck sets them adrift in the Pacific Ocean.” Who could say no to that? Tobey Maguire shows his face for this adventure film, set for release this December.
Are you a fan of Pride and Prejudice? Make sure you see Anna Karenina, starring Keira Knightley and Jude Law as her lover. Based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina tells the story of a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage. When she tries to search for a better life, she only finds a more complicated one.
The Great Gatsby (December 2012)
This literary classic comes to life on the big screen this December! Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Nick Carraway who moves to Long Island and finds himself fascinated by neighbor Jay Gatsby’s luxurious lifestyle. Gatsby’s circle welcomes him in, and what follows is a mix of drama, obsession and tragedy.
As you can see, it was hard to narrow down the list to just a few. There are numerous websites showcasing the upcoming blockbusters of 2012, so be sure to check them out and let us know which ones you’re most excited for!
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