2012 in Film: Movies Out Now- March

March is over and done with, but here are the movies you should have checked out and should look for in theaters.  As I mentioned in my original list, these are movies I am pumped for, and think make 2012 one of the best years in film. Be sure to check out my January and February lists as well.  So, let's get this party started.

First off the list:

7.0 out of 10 on IMDb

John Carter tells the story of an American Civil Wer vet who finds himself on Mars in a chaotic new world.  The movie is based on the 11-part series, Barsoom. 

This movie is an interesting case for me: I never read the series, and from the previews, you would think it was another Prince of Persia mistake by Dinsey (in fact, the movie has a net loss of $166 million and is considered the biggest box office bomb of all time) yet I'm still intrigued by the film.


The reviews I have read have been spread out across the board, while family and friends' thoughts on the movie have been nothing but good (with the exception of my sister-in-law, but we can just disregard her, right?).  This looks to be Disney's attempt at an action-packed 3D adventure, but unfortunately people are getting caught up on the previews and aren't that interested. 


Two things can come out of me seeing this movie: I thoroughly enjoy the movie and walk out satisfied, or I see a sub par movie and say I have seen the movie with the largest deficit ever.

Next up:

7.7 out of 10 on IMDb

21 Jump Street bring the 80's TV drama that gave Johnny Depp his thrust into stardom back to life in a comedic fashion.  Just like the series, the film follows a pair of police officers, sent undercover to a local high school to bring down a drug ring.  Only instead of the young, handsome Johnny Depp, we are given the young (and now thin!) Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum (and a cameo from much older Johnny Depp).

Words can not describe how much I dislike Channing Tatum.  Yes, ladies, I get it: he's a hunk.  But he hasn't been in anything outside of Coach Carter that I enjoyed (and he wasn't that good in the role, to be honest) up till now plus he helped make GI Joe a ticking timebomb.  HOWEVER, Jonah Hill looks to be the man who, when paired with Tatum, will change my outlook. 

I first saw a preview for the film when seeing The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in theaters, and I loved it.  In its opening weekend, 21 Jump Street brought in $35 million and grabbed the top of the box office.  Also, Jonah Hill is proving himself as an actor lately and showing he isn't just "the funny fat guy from Superbad and Accepted".  He was nominated for the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Moneyball, and is showing he can handle big time roles. 

The movie has received great buzz and its success at the box office has already hooked Sony for a sequel.  Go out and see it before its too late! 

Next up:

7.8 out of 10 on IMDb

The Hunger Games tells the futuristic story of teens battling it out till the death on national TV.  The first film to be made from the Hunger Games trilogy is out and is PHENOMENAL.  In the book and film, we follow Katniss Everdeen who volunteers to take her sister's place in the games.  But regardless if you read the book or not, it is sure to please.

With the film there have been two large complaints, one logical, one irrational.  The main complaint with the film has been the shaky-camera technique used in the film.  In addition to the action scenes, there are parts shot handheld that people say made them feel nauseous.  While I agree, in some scenes it went a little overboard, most times I thought it did the story justice.  The story is set in a world were we offer up 24 teenagers to fight it out to the death.  And with the film following Katniss around, it makes sense that everything is shaky because IT IS NERVE-RACKING!  The shaking should make people feel tense and on the edge of their seat. Yes, it might get annoying but just enjoy the movie and story for what it is until you go out and make your own movie.

The last complaint is the worst: some fans have been upset in the casting selection of the characters.  The characters in question are played by black actors/actresses, however, in the book they are even described as having darker skin.  So, beware of all the racist critics that will complain about the turn of events.

With the way the first movie turned out, I can't wait until the second book, Catching Fire, comes to film.  Until then, I might just have to go pick up the books and start this "reading" thing.

Last, but certainly not least:

8.4 out of 10 on IMDb

The Raid: Redemption is an action packed movie about 20 cops trapped in a 30 story building with tons of bad guys.  Its Die Hard meets Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.  Not interested? Watch the trailer...

In addition to the package of delicious action that has been delivered to us, I'm looking forward to the score of the film, made by Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda.  I grew up listening to them and think it will be great to see what he can do.  In fact, musicians that crossover and compose for film usually work out great (see LCD Soundsystem's James Murphy or Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor).

That's it for this month.  Be sure to check back for the movies coming out in April!  Until then, go out and watch some good movies.