Belle (2013)

An illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral is raised by her aristocratic great-uncle. Director: Amma Asante Stars: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson, Miranda Richardson We hear whispers about Amma Asante's historical biography, saying it could be destined for an awards push this year. We will see how this shapes up after the film's debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2013. Gugu Mbatha-Raw could find herself in a series of contemporary gowns if her first starring role is as well received as people are expecting.

Belle (2013)

An illegitimate mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy Admiral is raised by her aristocratic great-uncle. Director: Amma Asante Stars: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson, Miranda Richardson We hear whispers about Amma Asante's historical biography, saying it could be destined for an awards push this year. We will see how this shapes up after the film's debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2013. Gugu Mbatha-Raw could find herself in a series of contemporary gowns if her first starring role is as well received as people are expecting.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Peter Parker runs the gauntlet as the mysterious company Oscorp sends up a slew of

supervillains against him, impacting on his life. Director: Marc Webb Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Paul Giamatti What's most interesting to us with this burgeoning franchise reboot isn't the amount of mystery and misdirection surrounding the events of its second installment, it is director Marc Webb's investment in future sequels. He's already teased the notion of The Gentleman and the Sinister Six antagonizing Peter Parker down the road. Besting that, screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci already have people thinking we will see Venom in The Amazing Spider-Man 4, which is currently set for a 2018 release. 2018. We can't even estimate if we'll be good or evil tomorrow.

Swerve (2011)

Colin happens upon a road accident where he finds a dead man, a beautiful woman, and

a suitcase full of money. After trying to do the right thing he soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous scheme. Director: Craig Lahiff Stars: Jason Clarke, Emma Booth, David Lyons, Travis McMahon This somewhat dusty Australian thriller has earned a limited theatrical release in conjunction with its VOD push now that Jason Clarke has an elevated Stateside profile thanks to his appearances in Zero Dark Thirty, The Great Gatsby, and a couple other high-profile projects.

Swerve (2011)

Colin happens upon a road accident where he finds a dead man, a beautiful woman, and

a suitcase full of money. After trying to do the right thing he soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous scheme. Director: Craig Lahiff Stars: Jason Clarke, Emma Booth, David Lyons, Travis McMahon This somewhat dusty Australian thriller has earned a limited theatrical release in conjunction with its VOD push now that Jason Clarke has an elevated Stateside profile thanks to his appearances in Zero Dark Thirty, The Great Gatsby, and a couple other high-profile projects.

The Hobbit The Desolation of Smaug (2013)

The dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim Erebor, their homeland, from Smaug. Bilbo Baggins is in possession of a

mysterious and magical ring. Director: Peter Jackson Stars: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott The best ways to sum up our enthusiasm for the second installment of Peter Jackson's prequel trilogy are: We can't wait for Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of Smaug as we inch a step closer to witnessing the brutal splendor of the Battle of Fives Armies in The Hobbit: There and Back Again (2014). And just made the Jedi theory will apply here and chapter two will be the best movie of the trilogy.

The Last Days on Mars (2013)

A group of astronaut explorers succumb one by one to a mysterious and terrifying

force while collecting specimens on Mars. Director: Ruairi Robinson Stars: Liev Schreiber, Elias Koteas, Romola Garai, Olivia Williams The indie sci-fi genre is having a banner year thanks to Europa Report (2013) and this offering from Ruairi Robinson, a former storyboard artist/title sequence designer who we think will be attached to a big studio project in the near future. Fans have pointed out its smart science, impressive smaller-budget special effects, and overall lean direction as reasons the film is worthy of your attention.

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

A week in the life of a young singer as he navigates the Greenwich Village folk scene of 1961. Directors: Ethan Coen | Joel Coen Stars: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, John Goodman, Garrett Hedlund Seems like the Coen Bros. might have another mellow, acoustic cultural phenomenon on their hands with their portrait of Greenwich Village circa 1961. We're anticipating multiple Oscar nominations (and a win for its Screenplay?) and a career boost for the talented Oscar Issac that will surpass the one Michael Stuhlbarg received after A Serious Man (2009).

Out of the Furnace (2013)

When Rodney Baze mysteriously disappears and law enforcement doesn't follow through

fast enough, his older brother, Russell, takes matters into his own hands to find justice. Director: Scott Cooper Stars: Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Zoe Saldana, Woody Harrelson It's a good time to be Scott Cooper. The Crazy Heart (2009) filmmaker seems to have a career in front of him that'll enable him to write and direct his own projects at his own speed, and attract top-tier actors whose choices always range from blockbusters to artier fare. Such a seemingly dark thriller as Furnace will always attract media/online attention, though we're curious to see how this one translates in terms of box-office performance.

Sabotage (2014)

Members of an elite DEA task force find themselves being taken down one by one after

they rob a drug cartel safe house. Director: David Ayer Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard, Olivia Williams David Ayer usually directs from his own screenplays, but here he's a hired gun for a fledgling movie studio looking to score a hit with an action-heavy spin on the classic Agatha Christie story. The premise seamlessly fits with the ensemble formula that has served Arnold Schwarzenegger well in his return to movies.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Steve Rogers struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and battles a new

threat from old history: the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier. Directors: Anthony Russo | Joe Russo Stars: Chris Evans, Frank Grillo, Sebastian Stan, Scarlett Johansson If we can agree that Captain America: The First Avenger (2011) lacked humor - an element that has made the other Avengers movies fun to watch - then perhaps that was the impetus to hire Joe and Anthony Russo, best known for their work on "Arrested Development" and "Community", to co-direct the sequel, which picks up where the original left off, with Steve Rogers getting his bearings after being transported from WWII to the present day. Also being transported through time is Rogers's close friend, Bucky Barnes, whose surprise existence doesn't necessarily make for a happy reunion ... though it should help make for a more compelling and complex villain scenario.

Muppets Most Wanted (2014)

While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European

jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick. Director: James Bobin Stars: Tom Hiddleston, Salma Hayek, Stanley Tucci, Christoph Waltz Look for the joy generated by the recent Muppet movie's success to increase worldwide

Grace of Monaco (2014)

The story of former Hollywood star Grace Kelly's crisis of marriage and identity,

during a political dispute between Monaco's Prince Rainier III and France's Charles De Gaulle, and a looming French invasion of Monaco in the early 1960s. Director: Olivier Dahan Stars: Nicole Kidman, Tim Roth, André Penvern, Frank Langella Respectful of Grace Kelly's memory is the decision to focus this story on an episodic moment in her life as Princess of Monaco. Better that than a larger-scale biography - no one could match such real-world elegance - so La Vie en Rose (2007) director Olivier Dahan has our respect and interest. And, to go back in time, if Tom Cruise can have a box-office comeback, Nicole Kidman can engineer the same feat.

Walk of Shame (2014)

A reporter's dream of becoming a news anchor is compromised after a one-night stand

leaves her stranded in downtown L.A. without a phone, car, ID or money - and only 8 hours to make it to the most important job interview of her life. Director: Steven Brill Stars: Elizabeth Banks, Tig Notaro, James Marsden, Gillian Jacobs Elizabeth Banks lands her first starring role in what should be a huge year for one of our favorite actresses; she of course will reappear as the uniquely styled Effie Trinket in next month's The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013). And while we like the sound of this premise, we can't help but wonder what it would have been like if a woman had been allowed to write the screenplay - and/or direct the project outright. The industry keeps talking about the Bridesmaids effect, but here the decision-makers went with the guy who directed a couple Adam Sandler movies.

Need for Speed (2014)

Fresh from prison, a street racer who was framed by a wealthy business associate

joins a cross country race with revenge in mind. His ex-partner, learning of the plan, places a massive bounty on his head as the race begins. Director: Scott Waugh Stars: Aaron Paul, Chillie Mo, Dominic Cooper, Dakota Johnson The movie-release calendar this winter feels a bit like summer with all the Legos, vampires, and Robocops vying for your patronage. Add this video-game adaptation and potential franchise-starter into the mix, with its enviable cast led by Aaron Paul, who will be available for more starring roles now that "Breaking Bad" is coming to an end.

Sin City A Dame to Kill For (2014)

The town's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with some of its more reviled inhabitants. Directors: Frank Miller | Robert Rodriguez Stars: Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke, Rosario Dawson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt The sobering thing about Sin City 2 is to realize that pretty much every cast member's career has hit the skids. So let's hope the sequel is worth the staggering delay and that better roles are on the horizon for Clive Owen, et al. I'd push for special screenings of both films back-to-back.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)

Using his most ingenious invention, the WABAC machine, Mr. Peabody and his adopted boy Sherman hurtle back in time to experience world-changing events first-hand and interact with some of the greatest characters of all time. They find themselves in a race to repair history and save the future. Director: Rob Minkoff Stars: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Stephen Colbert, Allison Janney Director Rob Minkoff (The Lion King (1994)) returns to animation to guide the dog hero of our childhood and his boy companion to the big screen. Fingers crossed for faithful animation.

300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

The Greek general Themistocles battles an invading army of Persians under the mortal-turned-god, Xerxes. Director: Noam Murro Stars: Sullivan Stapleton, Rodrigo Santoro, Eva Green, Jack O'Connell What might Sin City: A Dame to Kill For (2014) look and feel like if it were directed by someone other than Robert Rodriguez? That's one way we're looking at this prequel, which finds Noam Murro in the director's chair and Zack Snyder in producer mode. Though the leads actors are mostly unknown in the States (aside from Eva Green, obviously), let's remember that neither Gerard Butler nor Zack Snyder were household names when King Leonidas starred in the visual tour de force that was 300 (2006).

Winter's Tale (2014)

A burglar falls for an heiress as she dies in his arms. When he learns that he has the gift of reincarnation, he sets out to save her. Director: Akiva Goldsman Stars: Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Russell Crowe, Will Smith It's easy to see why novelist Mark Helprin's New York City fantasy would appeal to screenwriter Akiva Goldsman for his directorial debut, but we have so many questions about this movie's box-office chances. Colin Farrell: we love him as an actor and would love to drink with him as a friend, but audiences don't seem interested in him as a leading man. And the fantasy genre hasn't served many studios that well, unless they're working with an already established franchise. Meanwhile, it's interesting to see Will Smith in a supporting role.

Endless Love (2014)

The story of a privileged girl and a charismatic boy whose instant desire sparks a

love affair made only more reckless by parents trying to keep them apart. Director: Shana Feste Stars: Gabriella Wilde, Alex Pettyfer, Bruce Greenwood, Robert Patrick We crave an obsessive-love thriller now and then and hope the script by "Gossip Girl" vet Joshua Safran overflows with bad behavior from Alex Pettyfer, who just might have found a starring role worthy of his Hollywood reputation. Shana Feste (Country Strong (2010)) directs.

The Expendables 3 (2014)

The third installment of the action-adventure franchise that follows the exploits of Barney Ross, Lee Christmas, and their associates. Director: Patrick Hughes Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Antonio Banderas

Vampire Academy (2014)

Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, half human/vampire, guardians of the Moroi, peaceful, mortal vampires living discretely within our world. Her legacy is to protect the Moroi from bloodthirsty, immortal Vampires, the Strigoi. This is her story. Director: Mark Waters Stars: Zoey Deutch, Lucy Fry, Danila Kozlovsky, Sarah Hyland Mark Waters hasn't had the best luck since Mean Girls (2004), but the director's underrated take on The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) proved he can handle the fantasy genre. Here, he partners with his brother, Heathers (1988) screenwriter Daniel Waters, to mount the first installment of a hopeful franchise based on Richelle Mead's 6-volume series of best-selling novels that sound a bit like Twilight meets X-Men. A potential advantage this contender has over its competition: two of the six books have been turned into graphic novels thus far.

About Last Night (2014)

New love for two couples as they journey from the bar to the bedroom and are eventually put to the test in the real world. Director: Steve Pink Stars: Kevin Hart, Joy Bryant, Regina Hall, Bryan Callen Scrappy director Steve Pink is aboard this contemporary version of the 1986 romantic comedy, and I'm guessing the update with have a lot to say about trying to build a relationship in an era where privacy is hard to come by. Bachelorette (2012) director/writer Leslye Headland handled the adaptation, so the scenarios and dialogue could get filthy -- perhaps an open field for Kevin Hart to let loose like he does on stage.

RoboCop (2014)

In 2028 Detroit, when Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) - a loving husband, father and good cop - is critically injured in the line of duty, the multinational conglomerate OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer. Director: José Padilha Stars: Joel Kinnaman, Douglas Urbanski, Abbie Cornish, Gary Oldman For his English-language debut, Elite Squad (2007) director Jose Padilha has the dubious honor of handling this long-in-development remake that had trouble holding onto its stars before filming began. Even with this enviable cast, in the post-Total Recall (2012), post-Dredd (2012) era, the studio and most everyone involved with this project must be a bit nervous.

The Monuments Men (2014)

An unlikely World War II platoon are tasked to rescue art masterpieces from Nazi thieves and return them to their owners. Director: George Clooney Stars: George Clooney, Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Bill Murray George Clooney's latest directorial effort has been called "this year's Argo" for its true-life political thrills and ensemble cast, and we also think it will play like a realer-world Avengers -- just replace superheroes with Oscar winners,

nominees, etc. Savvy/ingenious casting should guarantee solid box-office performance on both sides of the Atlantic despite being pushed onto the 2014 calendar from its initial awards berth.

The Lego Movie (2014)

An ordinary LEGO minifigure, mistakenly thought to be the extraordinary MasterBuilder, is recruited to join a quest to stop an evil LEGO tyrant from gluing the universe together. Directors: Phil Lord | Chris Miller Stars: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Morgan Freeman Perhaps one lesson learned from Battleship (2012): audiences don't want classic

board games turned into overly serious action-adventure tales. So we were relieved when Warner Bros. announced the project as an animated movie to be co-directed by the guys from Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009).

That Awkward Moment (2014)

Three best friends find themselves where we've all been - at that confusing moment in every dating relationship when you have to decide "So...where is this going?" Director: Tom Gormican Stars: Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, Imogen Poots That awkward moment when Zac Efron realizes he doesn't have as much heat as his co-

stars here. And I don't know many people who'd like to see any of these guys become domesticated.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)

Aliens invade Earth and inadvertently spawn a quartet of mutated reptile warriors, the Ninja Turtles, who rise up against them to defend the world. Director: Jonathan Liebesman Stars: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, William Fichtner, Noel Fisher Director Jonathan Liebesman has his detractors after following up Battle Los Angeles (2011) with Wrath of the Titans (2012), and the fanboy tax levied on this remake is two-fold: Michael Bay is producing it. Part of us died when William Fichtner was announced as The Shredder, and we're rather amazed that, as of late summer 2013, there hasn't been a peek at even the roughest production art/character designs.

Frozen (2013)

Fearless optimist Anna teams up with Kristoff in an epic journey, encountering Everest-like conditions, and a hilarious snowman named Olaf in a race to find Anna's sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter. Directors: Chris Buck | Jennifer Lee Stars: Kristen Bell, Josh Gad, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff Jennifer Lee, co-writer of the deserved hit Wreck-It Ralph (2012), was placed in the co-director's chair alongside Chris Buck (Surf's Up (2007)) for Disney's adaptation of this Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, which has been met with stellar reviews as its wide release date nears. No doubt the studio will be eyeing opening weekend after Delivery Man (2013)'s recent, surprisingly weak performance.

Gori Tere Pyaar Mein (2013)

Sriram Venkat is the most shallow guy on earth who doesn't value relationships, family, friends, life or the country. Not necessarily in that order. Because he couldn't care less about the order. This makes him the clear 'black' sheep of the family.

Director: Punit Malhotra Stars: Imran Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Nizhalgal Ravi, Anupam Kher Director Punit Malhotra reunites with star Imran Khan for his follow-up to I Hate Luv Storys (2010). Increasing the movie's profile is the presence of Khan's co-star, Kareena Kapoor. But the big winner here is producer Karan Johar, who just signed a major distribution deal with Reliance Entertainment, which begins with the release of this movie.

The Hunger Games Catching Fire (2013)

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

Director: Francis Lawrence Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Philip Seymour Hoffman The Hunger Games was the most satisfying franchise-starter in some time; a true measure of its success were the positive reactions from people who had yet to read the novels before seeing the movie. We love that the sequel was filmed in Hawaii, an ideal setting for the beautiful harshness of the Quarter Quell. Cast and crew wise, we're less concerned about any choices made by director Francis Lawrence and more worried about Sam Claflin as the knot-tying/Katniss-wooing Finnick Odair, because he displayed an innate talent for making time stand still in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011) and Snow White and the Huntsman (2012).

Tammy (2014)

After losing her job and learning that her husband has been unfaithful, a woman hits the road with her profane, hard-drinking grandmother. Melissa McCarthy's passion project is also a major relationship tester; her husband, Ben Falcone, makes his directorial debut on the road movie. Director: Ben Falcone Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Dan Aykroyd, Mark Duplass

Fast & Furious 7 (2015)

After Dominic Toretto and his crew help take down Owen Shaw, his brother Ian Shaw wants revenge. Director: James Wan Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham We wish the world's most popular movie franchise would take some risks; at this point, don't you think Vin Diesel could direct a successful standalone movie that takes place entirely inside Dominic Toretto's mind? Instead, we get Jason Statham stepping into the villain role, and a new director in horror-genre innovator James Wan.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Survivors of the simian plague trigger an all-out war between humanity and Caesar's growing forces.

Director: Matt Reeves Stars: Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis, Kodi Smit-McPhee What to love: Mo-cappin' Andy Serkis playing off an even better cast the preceding film. What to question: Matt Reeves being swapped into the director's chair over Rupert Wyatt. What to wish: James Franco goodbye.

Jupiter Ascending (2014)

In a universe where humans are near the bottom of the evolutionary ladder, a young destitute human woman is targeted for assassination by the Queen of the Universe because her very existence threatens to end the Queen's reign. Directors: Andy Wachowski | Lana Wachowski Stars: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne We love Warner Bros.' commitment to Andy and Lana Wachowski; it's been a decade since they've made a profitable movie, and yet the studio doesn't flinch at releasing their bonkers sci-fi ideas (we imagine WB doesn't have a major financial stake here). It's a risk for Channing Tatum, who fortunately has 22 Jump Street (2014) coming out beforehand.

Best Man Down (2012)

A newlywed couple cancels their honeymoon and returns to the snowy Midwest to make the funeral arrangements for their best man, who died unexpectedly after their ceremony. Director:

Ted Koland Stars: Justin Long, Jess Weixler, Tyler Labine, Addison Timlin For people who have lived long enough to see their old friends take dark turns in their lives thanks to alcohol/drug use, Ted Koland's picture might seem like one to skip over, but a fair share of reviews assert that he handles the balance of comedy and drama with an assured hand for a first-time writer/director, and the story provides Justin Long with a rare chance to actually act.

Nebraska (2013)

An aging, booze-addled father makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son in order to claim a million-dollar Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize. Director: Alexander Payne Stars: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb, Bob Odenkirk There's lots of chatter concerning the box-office risk of releasing a black & white film, even though Oscar winners (The Artist (2011)) and indie breakthroughs (Frances Ha (2012)) neutralize the matter. We'd rather focus on Alexander Payne's braver choice to cast Bruce Dern and Will Forte as the father-and-son duo, since Payne had starrier options -- such as the chance to reunite with Jack Nicholson. The word from the Cannes Film Festival indicates this is a quiet, elegant triumph.

The Best Man Holiday (2013)

When college friends reunite after 15 years over the Christmas holidays, they will discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and romances to be ignited. Director: Malcolm D. Lee Stars: Monica Calhoun, Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs We hear a reunion dinner brought about this sequel to the 1999 hit, and the original cast -- most of them swoon-worthy -- is being wooed to reprise their roles. We love you, Sanaa Lathan!

Charlie Countryman (2013)

While traveling abroad, a guy falls for a Romanian beauty whose unreachable heart has its origins in her violent, charismatic ex. Director: Fredrik Bond Stars:

Shia LaBeouf, Evan Rachel Wood, Mads Mikkelsen, Til Schweiger Way less newsworthy than the LSD trips Shia LaBeouf took to flesh out this character is the fact that he left this project, was replaced by Zac Efron, and ultimately returned to the leading role. Fredrik Bond wasn't the original helmer, either; Arthur Newman (2012)'s Dante Ariola once had this lined up as his directorial debut

Labor Day (2013)

Depressed single mom Adele and her son Henry offer a wounded, fearsome man a ride. As police search town for the escaped convict, the mother and son gradually learn his true story as their options become increasingly limited. Director: Jason Reitman Stars: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith, Clark Gregg From what we hear, Jason Reitman's fifth film feels more like his first time in the

director's chair, as his adaptation of Joyce Maynard's novel has earned the dreaded comparisons to your standard Lifetime Original Movie. Is this why Paramount ultimately decided to give the film an Oscar-qualifying release at the end of the year and a wide release in the cold of winter?

I, Frankenstein (2014)

Frankenstein's creature finds himself caught in an all-out, centuries old war between two immortal clans. Director: Stuart Beattie Stars: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto, Virginie Le Brun This sounds like classic Universal horror meets the Underworld franchise for a

reason: the source material is a graphic novel created by Kevin Grevioux, who co- wrote the story that introduced us to the vampire warrior, Selene. Aaron Eckhart plays Dr. Frankenstein's creation, who has survived into modern times due to a genetic anomaly, but I am more excited by the notion of Bill Nighy playing a demon- army leader.

The Nut Job (2014)

Surly, a curmudgeon, independent squirrel is banished from his park and forced to survive in the city. Lucky for him, he stumbles on the one thing that may be able to save his life, and the rest of park community, as they gear up for winter - Maury's

Nut Store. Director: Peter Lepeniotis Stars: Will Arnett, Katherine Heigl, Brendan Fraser, Liam Neeson It's cool that a lot of experienced animators are getting directing jobs now that every major studio is trying its hand at the genre. It's a little embarrassing when you have to handle a character and storyline that reeks of Scra

Devil's Due (2014)

After a mysterious, lost night on their honeymoon, a newlywed couple finds themselves dealing with an earlier-than-planned pregnancy. While recording everything for posterity, the husband begins to notice odd behavior in his wife that

they initially write off to nerves, but, as the months pass, it becomes evident that the dark changes to her body and mind have a much more sinister origin. Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin | Tyler Gillett Stars: Allison Miller, Zach Gilford, Steffie Grote, Robert Belushi The found-footage horror genre flicks its forked tongue at Rosemary's Baby (2014) with this apparent tribute.

Ride Along (2014)

Fast-talking security guard Ben joins his cop brother-in-law James on a 24-hour patrol of Atlanta in order to prove himself worthy of marrying Angela, James' sister. Director: Tim Story Stars: Ice Cube, Kevin Hart, Tika Sumpter, John Leguizamo Tim Story will probably never make another superhero film, but he's a crowd-pleasing

comedy director with the can't-miss pairing of Ice Cube and Kevin Hart - the latter of whom has two handfuls of movie projects in the works. (In fact, we bet Ice Cube could get his much-desired fourth Friday project off the ground with Hart attached.) We feel like the Hart's character description was changed a couple times before cameras got rolling, too.

Jack Ryan Shadow Recruit (2014)

Jack Ryan, as a young covert CIA analyst, uncovers a Russian plot to crash the U.S. economy with a terrorist attack. Director: Kenneth Branagh Stars: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley, Kenneth Branagh Ma'dea taking over as Alex Cross wasn't the best idea, but when you position the new Captain Kirk as the new Jack Ryan, suddenly most everyone feels that the Tom Clancy character is in good hands -- especially knowing that Kenneth Branagh, who successfully wove together several genres in Thor (2011), is behind the camera here. And unlike A Good Day to Die Hard (2013), part of this film were actually shot in Russia.

One Chance (2013)

The true story of Paul Potts, a shy, bullied shop assistant by day and an amateur opera singer by night who became a phenomenon after being chosen for -- and

ultimately winning -- "Britain's Got Talent". Director: David Frankel Stars: James Corden, Alexandra Roach, Julie Walters, Colm Meaney The Devil Wears Prada (2006) director David Frankel continues his professional declawing with this filmed version of Paul Potts's orchestrated true story.

The Legend of Hercules (2014)

The origin story of the the mythical Greek hero. Betrayed by his stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a forbidden love, Hercules must

use his formidable powers to fight his way back to his rightful kingdom. Director: Renny Harlin Stars: Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Adkins, Roxanne McKee Despite being the first Hercules movie out of the gate this year, we don't think an Olympus Has Fallen-like scenario will play out for Kellan Lutz and company, but in myriad ways he'll always be our favorite Cullen.

Interior. Leather Bar. (2013)

Filmmakers James Franco and Travis Mathews re-imagine the lost 40 minutes from "Cruising" as a starting point to a broader exploration of sexual and creative freedom. Directors: James Franco | Travis Mathews Stars: Val Lauren, Christian Patrick, James Franco, Travis Mathews Over the past year, the film world was fixated on both James Franco and Blue Is the

Warmest Color's myriad controversies, so we're a bit surprised there is little discussion about this tribute to/artistic departure point from William Friedkin's Cruising, which Franco co-directed with Travis Mathews. John Cameron Mitchell and Gus Van Sant are always good for a pull-quote when there's a new queer film on the scene, but we were hoping for a bit more of a breakthrough here.

Open Grave (2013)

A man wakes up in the wilderness, in a pit full of dead bodies, with no memory and must determine if the murderer is one of the strangers who rescued him, or if he

himself is the killer. Director: Gonzalo López-Gallego Stars: Sharlto Copley, Joseph Morgan, Thomas Kretschmann, Erin Richards Where do you go after an opening scene that features Sharlto Copley coming to in a pit full of dead bodies? Apparently the new project from Apollo 18 director Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego has trouble keeping up the intensity after introducing itself, but Copley's work will keep genre fans engaged. The same goes for Josie Ho who plays a mute woman who can only communicate through written Chinese.

The Best Offer (2013)

A master auctioneer becomes obsessed with an extremely reclusive heiress who collects fine art. Director: Giuseppe Tornatore Stars: Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess, Sylvia Hoeks, Donald Sutherland Giuseppe Tornatore might forever be referred to as "the director of Cinema Paradiso" in the U.S. because few of his films since then have made traction with American

audiences. His latest offers an intriguing premise, introduces the beautiful Sylvia Hoeks to us, and pairs up Geoffrey Rush and Jim Sturgess. All of this is quite appealing even if the advanced word isn't favorable. Still, I'd be entertained by watching Geoffrey Rush look for his misplaced keys in the real world - any chance to see him work is worthwhile.

Beyond Outrage (2012)

As the police launch a full-scale crackdown on organized crime, it ignites a national yakuza struggle between the Sanno of the East and Hanabishi of the West. Director: Takeshi Kitano Stars: Toshiyuki Nishida, Tomokazu Miura, Takeshi Kitano, Ryô Kase Takeshi Kitano returned to the world of crime with Outrage a few years ago, and he

was developing this sequel all the while. A surefire pleasure for Kitano's legion of fans in the U.S., and a certain VOD hit for Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures.

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014)

Jessie begins experiencing a number of disturbing and unexplainable things after the death of his neighbor. As he investigates, it isn't long before Jessie finds he's been marked for possession by a malevolent demonic entity, and it's only a matter of

time before he is completely under its control. Since Latino audiences have flocked to the Paranormal Activity movies since we first got a look inside that tract house in San Diego, creator Oren Peli and Paramount are setting a trend by spinning off the franchise with a cast of young Latino performers. At first glimpse, we think the story is more interesting than anything that ever happened to Katie and Kristi, though we know their videotaped history is an inescapable influence. Christopher Landon (son of Michael) directs.

X-Men: Days Of Future Past

Great though 2011's X-Men: First Class was, it's exciting to have Bryan Singer back in the chair for Days Of Future Past, an adaptation of the 1981 comic book run which aims to tie the two timelines in the X-Men cinematic universe. To this end, we'll have both James McAvoy and Patrick Stewart playing Professor X in two separate epochs, and Michael Fassbender and Ian McKellen playing Magneto. Having a fight for mutant survival play out across two points in time could prove too much for some directors, but Singer's The Usual Suspects is evidence that he can handle complex storylines with ease. Among the expected cast, including Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and a returning Anna Paquin as Rogue, there's also Ellen Page as Kitty Pryde, and the great Peter Dinklage as scientist Bolivar Trask.

If Singer can make another comic book movie as good as X2, we should be in for a real treat. Certainly on the basis of the first trailer, he's heading very much in the right direction

How To Train Your Dragon 2

There are some terrific-looking animated movies that we simply didn't have space to squeeze into this countdown - Mr Peabody & Sherman and Big Hero Six chief amongst them. But our animated movie of choice for 2014 is the eagerly awaiting How To Train Your Dragon 2. The first film was a triumph for DreamWorks Animation, and arguably one of its very best films. And whilst co-director Chris Sanders went off to make The Croods (and is now working on The Croods 2), the other co-director - Dean DeBlois - has been calling the shots on this sequel. In fact, he's also knee deep too in How To Train Your Dragon 3, which is scheduled to land in 2016.

For the purposes of chapter two, five years have moved on, so when we meet Hiccup and his friends again, they're late teenagers. But Hiccup is no ordinary teenager - he's not spending hours locked in his room looking at 'educational' YouTube videos - as he finds himself in the midst of a new conflict between humans and dragons. Oops. We've already had a trailer for How To Train Your Dragon 2, and it went down a treat. Here's hoping the final cut of the film does when we finally get to see it June 2014.

Interstellar

Christopher Nolan's a notoriously secretive filmmaker, and like Brad Bird's Tomorrowland, specific details surrounding Interstellar are difficult to come by. According to some sources, the story's about scientists trying to use wormholes in space to find arable land for a starving planet. Officially, though, all that's been confirmed is that it's about the discovery of a wormhole, and a team of scientists' voyage through it. The cast includes Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Casey Affleck and John Lithgow, and filming has been underway since August in locations including Canada and Iceland. The screenplay, rewritten by Christopher and Jonathan Nolan, is based on the work of theoretical physicist Kip Thorne, so we should be in for something approaching the more cerebral science fiction of, say, 2001: A Space Odyssey.

If Inception's anything to go by, the synopsis and marketing will only give us a vague idea of the final film's true nature.