Ranked alpabetically for a smidge of objectivity:
1.
“THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL”
A rotating cast of identifiably kooky Wes Anderson characters? Together in and around a legendary European hotel during the mid-20thcentury? Can’t wait to see how many pastel color schemes can fit into one frame.
**October throwback to SNL’s Wes Anderson parody featuring Edward Norton’s killer Owen Wilson impression. If only the SNL writers and Mr. Anderson could team up in real life, imagine the possibilities and all the roles Jason Schwartzman could play.
2.
“HER”
So, love in the age of artificial intelligence, set to a soundtrack with the likes of Arcade Fire and Karen O. Bring it!
In the not so distant future, a man falls in love with his computer operating system (played by Scarlett Johansson). Doesn’t seem like it’s going to have a modern fairy tale ending. Looks like singularity might be taking over sooner than we think?
** The National Board of Review has already named “Her” as Best Film of the year, along with Spike Jonze for Best Director.
3.
“HOW TO CATCH A MONSTER”
Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut of a film he also wrote and produced is a neo-noir fantasy with “Mad Men’s” Christina Hendricks starring as a single mom swept into a dark underworld. Sadly, he’s behind the camera and not in front of it. Still sounds as weird and wonderful as the creator.
4.
“INTERSTELLAR”
Christopher Nolan’s first film since Batman ended. Featuring Catwoman (Anne Hathaway), wizened stripper Dallas from “Magic Mike” (Matthew McConaughey), Eric Forman from “That ‘70s Show” (Topher Grace), and Matt Damon, among others, exploring space together.
5.
“ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE”
Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton as uber-goth Adam and Eve in vampiric, rock’n’roll form? Yes, please. Pause while I check if Tilda’s napping at the MoMA so I can tap on her glass box to wake her up and tell her I’m excited to see her looking even paler than usual.
6.
“PALO ALTO”
Another one of the Coppola clan is making the attempt to establish herself in the film industry, namely Gia Coppola, who collaborated with actorartistdirectorpoetteacherstudentwritert-shirtdesigner James Franco on “Palo Alto.” The upcoming film is adapted from a collection of short stories Franco wrote based on his high school experiences growing up in the Silicon Valley town. Trademark coming-of-age film containing teen angst, stoners, lust, and illicit crushes? With Blood Orange scoring the original soundtrack? Check.
7.
UNTITLED TERRENCE MALICK PROJECT
The director is known for being really out there. Words circulated have included mad as a hatter, enigmatic, insufferable, brilliant…
But just take a look at the plot and bevy of crazy good actors and musicians ranging from Cate Blanchett to Florence Welch to Patti Smith to Michael Fassbender! How’s that for six degrees of Kevin Bacon?
IMDb’s summary: “Two intersecting love triangles. Obsession and betrayal set against the music scene in Austin, Texas.”
Side tidbit: There’s even a witty Tumblr for the yet to be named project (with many nice compulsory pictures of Ryan Gosling). Speaking of, it’s so far listed as the sole upcoming acting project for him. Only ONE? Hey girl, is any other incentive needed?
