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 March!
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.
This month was different than some of the previous ones, as it seemed there was more variety amongst the writers than in the past. Because of that, no film received many points. March looks like quite the mixed bag, with a lot of films that could go either way. Maybe our least decisive grouping of titles thus far, but still nonetheless, these are the five that came out on top:
5. Olympus Has Fallen - 5 Points
March 22 - U.S. Wide Release
This film grabs the bottom spot on this list, and stars Gerard Butler as an ex secret service member trapped inside the White House in the wake of a terrorist attack. Using his inside knowledge, he works with national security to rescue the President from his kidnappers. This could be a decent popcorn thriller. If nothing else, it's nice to see Butler get back to a bit more action.
4. The Place Beyond the Pines - 6 Points
March 29 - Limited Release
March 22 - Wide Release
March 1 - Limited Release
March 15 - Limited Release
March 29 - Limited Release
Film #2 between Ryan Gosling and director Derek Cianfrance ("Blue Valentine"). "Blue Valentine" was one of the more depressing movies of 2010, but there's no denying the emotion it conveyed. Here, Gosling plays a motorcycle stunt man who turns to robbing banks to provide for his family. Something of a mash-up between "Blue Valentine" and "Drive".3. Spring Breakers - 8 Points
March 22 - Wide Release
This is the most enigmatic film on this list. The general concept seems pretty uninspiring here, but there are a lot of attractive females in the cast, and James Franco is playing a role that, if nothing else, is intriguing. This might be terrible, but, you can't say you're not at least curious, right?2. Stoker - 9 Points
March 1 - Limited Release
The second limited release featured thus far. This film is directed by Chan-wook Park ("Oldboy"), and stars Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode, and Mia Wasikowska. This looks like it could be a decent thriller, and if Park can replicate the tension of "Oldboy" we may be in for a treat.1. Upside Down - 10 Points
March 15 - Limited Release
This film grabbed the most votes this week, though it might be the most elusive of the bunch. No theater count is listed, but as it lists the 15th as it's official release date, we included it. This looks like an interesting sci-fi concept, starring Jim Sturgess and Kirsten Dunst.
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 April!
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 April!