Must see films of 2013- Part 2

What do Abraham Lincoln, Alfred Hitchcock and and Ron Burgundy have in common? The answer is that they all star in some of the biggest blockbusters of 2013.

"Film is one of three universal languages, the other two: mathematics and music" Frank Capra

 Historical biopics, the return of superheroes and of course 'classy San Diego' will have cinemagoers rushing to the box office. Lights! Camera! Action! Here is part two of my must see films of 2013.

Hitchcock

The Master of Suspense is back. Anthony Hopkins has been transformed into the legendary director, Alfred Hitchcock, and is already being tipped for awards success.  The film follows Hitchcock's relationship with his wife, Alma Reville, played by Helen Mirren during the production of 'Psycho'. A screenplay by John J. McLaughlin, the same man behind 'Black Swan' coupled with an outstanding cast that also includes Scarlett Johansson means for movie buffs this is definitely a must see.

UK release date: 8th February

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Lincoln

Spielberg's newest film sees, Academy Award winner, Daniel Day Lewis return to the big screen taking the title role of Abraham Lincoln during the midst of the Civil War. This is a film that could be set for awards success with seven Golden Globe nominations including Best Director, Best Drama Film and Best Actor. A review in Rolling Stone stated, "The phenomenal Daniel Day-Lewis plays Lincoln with immersive indelible power in Spielberg's brilliant, brawling epic." It seems to have won over the critics in the States but will it be a hit with the British audiences?

UK release date: 25th January

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The Lone Ranger

Walt Disney Studios teams up again with 'Pirates of the Caribbean director', Gore Verbinski, to bring you the classic Western story of Tonto and the Lone Ranger. Many will be glad to see this film eventually released after production has halted several times due to budget issues. A fantastic cast including Armie Hammer  as the Lone Ranger and Johnny Depp as Native American, Tonto will hope this will put Walt Disney live action pictures back on track after the 2012 flop of 'John Carter'.

UK release date: 9th August

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Quartet

Quartet marks Dustin Hoffman's directing debut with some of the best and most experienced actors in British cinema.  Dame Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly, Pauline Collins and Michael Gambon star in a tale about former opera singers in a retirement home. A comedy drama that can perhaps be compared to 2012's 'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' gives cinemagoers a pleasant and friendly start to 2013.

UK release date: 1st January

Oz: The Great and Powerful

Walt Disney brings us another big blockbuster in the form of a fantasy adventure and at the helm is  'Evil Dead' director, Sam Raimi. The film is a prequel of the Judy Garland classic, 'The Wizard of Oz' and follows lives of the Wizard and the witches before the original story. James Franco plays the lead role of Oscar Diggs and the story follows his journey to the magical land of Oz. However, all isn't rosy for Oscar as he encounters three witches played by Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz and Mila Kunis. Exceptional CGI graphics, an intriguing story and exciting cast mean that this is a film that will be on the watch-list for many movie lovers.

UK release date: 8th March

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The Big Wedding

Now here is a film for those who love a romantic comedy and for those who don't like this genre don't stop reading. This film arguably has one of the best casts of 2013 including Robert De Niro, Diane Keaton, Katherine Heigl, Robin Williams, Susan Sarandon and Amanda Seyfried. Interested? A remake of a 2006 French film, 'Mon frére', the film focuses on a long divorced couple (De Niro and Keaton) who are forced to pretend they are still married for their son's (Ben Barnes) wedding. It sounds cheesy but with a great cast this could be one of the feel good comedies of 2013.

UK release date: 31st May

Man of Steel

'Watchmen' and '300' director, Zack Snyder brings us the newest Superman franchise with 'Man of Steel'. British Actor, Henry Cavill, stars as Clark Kent with Amy Adams in the role of Lois Lane. The film follows how Clark Kent came to be Superman and his unique place on earth after being transported at an early age from Kryptonite. Produced by Christopher Nolan, who also co-wrote the story with Dark Knight writer, David Goyer, this could revitalise the comic book character of Superman in the same way the Nolan trilogy reignited Batman.

UK release date: 14th June

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Nolan has praised the director Snyder suggesting he is the perfect man to direct 'Man of Steel' in a world which is far harder to create than the world of the Dark Knight.

The World's End

Director, Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost come together again to make the final film in the, 'Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy', the previous two films being, 'Shaun of the Dead' and 'Hot Fuzz'. The film follows a group of friends who reunite for an 'epic' pub crawl but not everything goes to plan and the existence of humankind is under threat. An original, quirky story combined with a tried and trusted recipe for success may see 'The World's End' represent a successful end to a popular collaboration.

UK release date: 14th August

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Anchorman: The Legend Continues

Ron Burgundy returns. One of the most quotable comedy films of the 2000s gets a sequel as the San Diego news anchor continues his escapades in the newsroom. Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell and Christina Applegate are back in this hotly anticipated movie that is still very much under wraps.

US release date: 20th December

What film are you most excited about in 2013? Leave a comment below.

Check out part one of the must see films of 2013 below.

Must see films of 2013- Part 1

"That's what I like about the cinema- it can be bizarre, classic, normal, romantic. Cinema is the most versatile thing." Catherine Deneuve

Cinema has the ability to educate, excite and inspire its audience. It transports you to a different place with different lives and different stories. It can stir every emotion, from laughter and happiness to anger and tears. Cinema has the ability reflect society but also misrepresent it.

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2012 saw the return of Bond with 'Skyfall' breaking the seven day UK box office record with £32.7 million. 'The Avengers' stormed the US box office overtaking the Harry Potter finale with $200m. Moviegoers eagerly anticipated the final instalment of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy with 'The Dark Knight Rises' and the public we transported back to Middle Earth with 'The Hobbit' hitting cinema screens this festive season.

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What does 2013 hold for fans of the big screen? More sequels, the return of big name directors, remakes and literary adaptations? So grab the popcorn, avoid noisy sweet wrappers and find your seat as I preview some of the movie highlights of 2013 coming to a cinema near you.

Les Misérables

Many people have been waiting for the release of this film for a long time. When first performed on stage in the mid 1980s,  Les Misérables was panned by some critics but since then the French Revolution has never looked back. Rousing choruses and emotional songs have captivated audiences for over 25 years and now Cameron Mackintosh's musical moves from stage to screen. A stellar cast including Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe combined with 'The King's Speech' director, Tom Hooper means this adaptation is bound to be an epic journey that is already proving 'magnafique' with the critics. It has already received several Golden Globe nominations and fans of the stage version will be flocking to cinema's to see Jean Valjean and company belt out classics such as 'Bring Him Home', 'Master of the House' and 'Do you hear the people sing'.

UK release date: 11th January

Django Unchained

Tarantino is back and back with a fantastic cast. Leonardo DiCaprio, Christopher Waltz and Jamie Foxx lead the line in the new western, 'Django Unchained'. This marks Tarantino's first film since the fantastic, 'Inglorious Basterds' in which I believe Christopher Waltz delivers one of the greatest villainous performances in cinema, a performance which was recognised with an Academy Award. Jamie Foxx plays the title character, Django, a slave who is bought by Christopher Waltz's character, Dr. King Schultz. The two of them make a pact in that if Django can help Schultz kill the vicious Brittle brothers and DiCaprio's character, a plantation owner and slave master,  Calvin Candie. This film, like Les Miserables, has been nominated for various Golden Globes including best screenplay, best drama film and best director.

UK release date: 18th January

Monsters University

A bit different to the previous two movies but for many just as eagerly awaited. Monsters Inc was arguably one of Pixar Disney's finest with a creative and imaginative story coupled with phenomenal animation and loveable characters. Mike and Sully return in 'Monsters University', a film that shows the characters relationship and lives whilst at the University of Fear, perhaps when they were not even best of friends. Pixar usually get it right and this one has been a long time in the making with Billy Crystal, John Goodman and Steve Buscemi all reprising their roles in this year's most exciting animated feature.

UK release date: 12th July

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Flight

Denzel Washington takes the lead role in 'Flight' and has already been nominated for a Golden Globe in the best actor category for his performance. 'Flight' is the story of a pilot (Washington) who saves a plane from crashing. Nonetheless, Washington's character isn't an exemplary pilot being an alcoholic and frequent drug abuser. Castaway director, Robert Zemeckis, brings us an interesting and alternative view of the life of a pilot.

UK release date: 1st February

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Catching Fire

'The Hunger Games' was undoubtedly one of the big success stories at the box office in 2012, raking in $685.5 million worldwide. Consequently, many will have high hopes for the sequel, 'Catching Fire' in which Jennifer Lawrence will reprise her fantastic performance as Katniss. Fans of Suzanne Collins trilogy will hope that director, Francis Lawrence (previously directed 'Constantine', 'Water for Elephants' and 'I am Legend') can do the second novel justice.

UK release date: 22nd November

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Carrie

Stephen King's supernatural telekinetic story is being remade but will it match up to the iconic 1970's original starring Sissy Spacek. The 1970s version created is a horror classic that would always make you jump, especially the last scene. Kick Ass star, Chloe Moretz, takes the title role of Carrie as a girl who is taunted and isolated by her peers. Nonetheless, Carrie uses her telekinetic powers to seek revenge on those at school but also her mother played by Julianne Moore. Will this remake match up to the 1976 fright-fest?

UK release date: 5th April

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The Great Gatsby

"Hello, old sport." Now this is a film I cannot wait to see, especially as it finished filming in April 2012 and was due for release at the end of 2012.. For many F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel is one of the best ever. Robert Redford and Mia Farrow starred in a film adaptation  back in 1974 but 2013 sees this American classic get the Baz Luhrmann treatment. The 'Moulin Rouge' director aims to recreate the style and glamour of 1920s America with glittering costumes and of course Gatsby's lavish parties.  DiCaprio has secured another great role as Jay Gatsby, spiderman actor, Tobey Maguire plays Nick Carraway and English star, Carey Mulligan is Daisy Buchanan. An incredible cast and memorable director coupled with a Great American Classic story mean that 'The Great Gatsby' could be one of the films of 2013.

UK release date: 17th May

What film are you most looking forward to? Leave a comment below or vote in the poll on the right.

Part 2 will look at even more films to relish in 2013 including 'Lincoln', 'The Lone Ranger' and 'Man of Steel'

The Christmas Movie

Every year everyone ends up watching the same Christmas films that make you laugh, cry and get you into that Christmas spirit. Here is my list of some of the best Christmas films out there, ranging from modern slapstick to charming classics.

The Snowman

Raymond Brigg's timeless tale with no words but a wonderful score and poignant story means for many 'The Snowman' is a staple of Christmas viewing.

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The Gathering

I would of thought this is the one movie out of the list that you haven't heard of but it actually happens to be one of my favourites. Ed Asner plays a a dying father separated from his wife but his illness brings them together and it gives them the idea to have one last family Christmas. The story then shows their quest to find their sons and daughters and persuade them to their beautiful, traditional American house.

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Elf

There is no doubt in my mind that the Will Ferrell comedy is the best Christmas movie of the last decade. Original, laugh out loud and dripping with Christmassy feeling.

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"I like smiling. Smiling is my favourite"

 Home Alone

Macaualy Culkin's finest and perhaps only hour. These films are rife with slapstick comedy with Joe Pesci starring as one of the hapless robbers who is humiliated by youngster, Kevin McAllister who is left at home by his family. The soundtracks to both films are also exceptional with classics such as Perry Como's 'It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas' to the choir based songs such as 'Somewhere in my memory.' Home Alone 1 and Home Alone 2 are sentimental but great films that follow the same formula and always bring home not just humour but how Christmas is a time for family and friends.

The scene below in Home Alone 2 when the hotel staff think they're under attack is one of the funniest in any film.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

This has become a cult classic. Chevy Chase stars as the Christmas loving father who just wants the perfect tree, the best lights in the street and the tastiest turkey. Unfortunately none of these things come true in this lighthearted comedy complete with an evil squirrel, a young Juliette Lewis and laughs around every corner.

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The Polar Express

"All aboard the Polar Express!" Incredible animation and an imaginative story ensure that the Polar Express doesn't run out of steam. Tom Hanks provides the voices to many of the characters with the story following a boy who is doubting the existence of Santa Claus. With various catchy songs he then goes on a journey to find that St Nick is very much alive and starts to believe again.

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Miracle of 34th Street

This is one of the those films that often tops people's list of the best Christmas films. Two excellent versions that follow Kris Kringle and his troubles at a New York department store.

Muppets Christmas Carol

There are plenty of dickens adaptations but none appeal to the whole family quite as much as Jim Henson and Michael Caine's collaboration. Witty songs accompany Kermit and Miss Piggy as they are face the wrath of Ebenezer Scrooge but even though everyone knows how the story ends this is still a captivating adaptation.

It's a Wonderful Life

I actually think that the final scene in this film is perhaps the best ever in cinema. James Stewart stars as George Bailey, a frustrated businessman who meets an angel called Clarence who will change his life for the better. Clarence shows George what life in Bedford Falls would be like if he wasn't born. This is a film about friendship that will likely bring a tear to most people's eyes. Whether you like to laugh or cry this is a film that everyone should watch every Christmas.

"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"

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Other great Christmas films include, 'A Christmas Story', 'Love Actually' and 'White Christmas'.

What's your favourite Christmas film? Tell me my commenting at the bottom.