As you've already seen with previous installments of this post, these aren't anything overly technical - and in many cases, we're not able to base our opinions on much more than some trailers - but it's a fun way to preview the titles ahead and give you a brief look into what some of us over here, collectively, think is the best ahead.
There's no way in knowing what these films might hold, and we're not trying to say this grouping of films will necessarily be the best of the month, but these are the titles we're most looking forward to as a group.
Hit the jump for the ranking and a few details on the five films that this site sees as the most anticipated for the month of January!
For those of you looking for a detailed description of how the selections were determined, please reference the rules as outlined in our Greatest Films post. It's pretty basic stuff though - we all choose five films, and points are awarded to each; the five highest vote-getting titles are compiled and ranked. Easy enough, but still effective. So without further ado, the films we here at the Slackers Selection Movie Blog are collectively looking forward to most in the coming month:
1. Gangster Quad - 25 Points
January 11 - U.S. Wide Release
Originally set to release last fall, this one was delayed due to the theater shootings in Aurora. Now that it's hitting theaters though, there is a lot to look forward to here. Obviously the ensemble cast is fantastic, with a lot of players in roles that look really good for them. This was the top pick for all writers this week, and the gab between this spot and the next is probably wider than any this month. We'll see if all the pieces here add up to a total film, but on paper, this looks like it should be a fun one.2. The Last Stand - 19 Points
January 18 - Wide Release
Who doesn't love seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger back in action roles? We already saw him in 2012's "The Expendables 2", and I think most of us are already ready for more! This one looks like it'll add a touch of comedy to all of the (we hope) over-the-top action.3. Movie 43 - 12 Points
January 25 - Wide Release
I think more than anything, this one is just intriguing. Noted as sort of a Kentucky Fried Movie of this generation, we're all curious to see how this will work in its multitude of comedy actors. Literally just about anyone you can think of who has ever done comedy (and some that haven't) is in this movie.4. Mama - 11 Points
January 18 - Wide Release
It's hard to not get excited for a horror/suspense/thriller that Guillermo del Toro is a part of. With previous projects like "The Devil's Backbone", "Pan's Labyrinth", and "The Orphanage" already under his belt, it's clear that he's mastered this genre. Plus, who doesn't love Jessica Chastain, who will try her hand at something new with this genre.5. Broken City - 4 Points
January 18 - Wide Release
Not a ton of excitement for this one, but the fact that Russell Crowe headlines creates for a certain level of built-in interest. Mark Wahlberg and Catherine Zeta-Jones also star in this political crime thriller. If nothing else, joining this with the other two wide releases for the weekend of the 18th at least makes for a diverse variety of options available.
So those are the films that we as a group see as the most anticipated for the month. As I stated in the intro, take this for what you will. These aren't necessarily going to be the best films of the month - or even pan out to be the most entertaining films - but as of right now, with the entire month ahead of us, these are the titles that we see as having the potential to provide the most quality/entertainment/enjoyment.
Those are our picks though. Any other titles you'd like to see on this list?
Be sure to check back next month for our top choices for February!
Those are our picks though. Any other titles you'd like to see on this list?
Be sure to check back next month for our top choices for February!