RIP IT UP MOVIE CLUB: Three Films We Can't Wait To See

Captain America
With Marvel’s The Avengers due out next year, we still have the rest of the year to be introduced to the colossal ensemble of super heroes that will feature in one of the most anticipated movies of all time. With Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr), Hulk (Mark Ruffalo - replacing Edward Norton) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) having already proven themselves by thwarting their respective foes, that leaves just one superhero left to tide fans over until next year.

Step forward Steve Rogers (a superbly casted Chris Evans) who becomes the first Avenger, Captain America. With Hugo Weaving cast as the Captain’s nemesis, the Red Skull, you get the feeling that Marvel will continue its winning run as the clock counts down to its showpiece in 2012.  

Rise of the Planet of the Apes
There’s no denying the quirky director’s genius, but Tim Burton’s rendition of The Planet of the Apes is one of his films that is better forgotten. However, one positive outcome from the rather underwhelming revival of the Apes is that it has left room for a fresh take at rebooting the famous sci-fi franchise, with director Rupert Wyatt stepping up to the helm. Rather than acknowledge Burton’s attempt, Wyatt has thankfully chosen to go a completely alternative route, instead focusing on the events that lead up to the prime-ape takeover.

With the fantastic Andy Serkis (Gollum, The Lord of the Rings) filling in as Caesar the alpha monkey, if you will, this remake will hopefully help erase the memory of the 2001 Mark Wahlberg trainwreck.

Cowboys and Aliens
A western set in 1873 Arizona, featuring an alien invasion and starring James Bond and Han Solo. Jon Favreau’s (Iron Man) latest offering promises to be one of the most interesting features of 2011, mixing two remarkably diverse genres to deliver what is surely the only sci-fi western to be released this year.

When a mysterious stranger, Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), lands in 19th century Arizona, with no recollection of who he is and where he’s from, he finds himself in the town of Absolution; a small town ruled by the iron-fisted Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford). When the aforementioned aliens attack, Lonergan must help the town overcome the attack, whilst piecing together his past.

With True Grit already showing that there is a place for westerns in today’s market, Favreau’s Cowboys and Aliens could be just the film to spark a western revival.

By Shane Drought

What movies are you looking forward to seeing?