Most Anticipated Films of 2013

Same thing as last year. Just a list of the films I'm looking forward to for next year. The ones closer to the top are the ones I'm looking forward too most. Made a list of 20 entries like last time too. I didn't include include the films I was looking forward to last year (To the Wonder, Place Beyond The Pines, Only God Forgives, Stoker, Gravity, World War Z) that I was unable to see for various reasons. (excuse the repeat Untitled terrence Malick Project, it's a different film). Also left off The Hobbit sequel, seemed like a waste of space since the series obviously be there until 2014. Here we go.

- Untitled Terrence Malick Project / Knights of Cup (two films, same project, not sure which will be out first)
- Pacific Rim
- The Counseler
- An Enemy
- The World's End
- Her
- Trance
- Twelve Years a Slave
- The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: His/Hers (actually it's two films, same project, counting as one)
- Maps to the Stars
- Oblivion
- Can a Song Save a Life?
- Don Jon's Addiction
- Blood Ties
- Elysium
- The Zero Theorem
- Prisoners
- Man of Steel
- Inside Llewyn Davis
- White Bird in a Blizzard

Anna Karenina (*** out of ****)

I have never seen a movie like Anna Karenina before and I don't think I would like too again either. Don't get me wrong, I found the film worthwhile and often enticing, but the concept of the film is an better idea on paper rather than execution. To set the stage, much of the film takes place in a single large room. It's a large theater and serves as different locations for the film, so it's as if Anna Karenina is a play. Yet the characters never show any acknowledgment of this and carry about their lives as if this setting was normal. This style of filmmaking sets up for lavish and wonderful scenes. Filled with flamboyant choreography and dazzling costumes, the film is never boring to look at. However this concept often can distract from the story and as the film progresses the theater scenes become erratic in usage (going long stretches without them). Still this original take on the classic novel is welcomed and makes for some lovely cinema.

Keira Knightly strongly plays the title character in this Joe Wright adaption. Married to minister Karenin (Jude Law), Anna is in the spotlight of Russian social life. She however becomes fascinated by Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a "rich good looking calvary officer". The two begin a an affair that will shock all of the country. Meanwhile Levin (Domhnall Gleeson) begins his journey in life looking for marriage and a place in the world.

Joe Wright's has brought a lot to this much adapted novel with his theater oriented concept.  The actors do a terrific job with such a challenging film. It's not all that it could've been but I appreciate what it attempted.

*** out of ****