The Hunger Games whets appetite for must-watch films of 2012

2012 is going to keep you on your toes and eyes. How? You have the 2012 London Olympics, legislative assembly elections, the 2012 United States presidential elections, rounding it off nicely with the apocalyptic End of the World predictions. But all this real-life drama is set to be countered with enough reel-time drama from Hollywood. From a 2012 screen adaptation of the best-selling novel The Hunger Games (the official trailer was just released) to a millennial ready Snow White and Huntsman, and Christopher Nolan’s soon-to-be-epic Dark Knight Rises, it is a fantastic lineup. Track the trailer and the expected date of release for a busy 2012! The Hunger Games: If a trailer can generate so much buzz, imagine what the movie will be like. The highly anticipated screen adaptation of Suzanne Collins’ young adult sci-fi novel, The Hunger Games is set to hit theatres on 23 March, 2012, but ever since the trailer release today, it seems like fans (and unapologetically, me) can’t wait to queue up at the cinema. Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, the movie is set in the post-apocalyptic future where the Capitol (government working in Central City) selects a boy and a girl from 12 districts who will fight to death on live television. Wide angle shots et al and a tight teaser later, see for yourself what all the fuss is about here. [caption id=“attachment_131863” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Screen grab from the official trailer of The Hunger Games.”]  [/caption] Snow White and the Huntsman: Starring Kristen Stewart as Snow White, Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman and Charlize Theron as the Evil Queen (channelling all that Monster anger here) Snow White gets a 2012 twist in the tale, where the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods actually winds up becoming her protector and mentor and helps Snow White vanquish the Evil queen. Stewart seems at her best playing the waif-like beauty but Theron is said to surprise and hook you with her rapturous voice and stunning beauty. Expected date of release: 1 June 2012. Watch the official trailer here. American Reunion: The original American Pie cast is back and they are well…married, working, housekeeping, breeding, and hence boring! We aren’t saying this, American Reunion is. But just how boring can they get? Get re-acquainted with Stifler, Jim, Michelle, Oz, Heather, Kevin, Vicky, Finch as they get together for their high school reunion. Expected release date: 6 April 2012. But here’s the trailer. Safe House: The camaraderie between Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds seems reminiscent of Training Day, but the plot ensures it will keep you at the edge of your seat when you watch it. Expected to release on 10 February, the movie is about a CIA agent who is asked to look after a fugitive but finds himself on the run when the safe house is attacked. Expect lots of gunfire, shared screen time between Denzel and Ryan, and some superb acting (hoping Book Of Eli is a forgotten nightmare for Denzel). Here’s a preview. Wanderlust: Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd are married, unemployed and looking for alternative living options, and have come a long way from The object of my affection days. The trailer has some priceless one-liners that will leave you guffawing from start to finish. Let’s hope it hasn’t used up all the good lines from the film. Release date is set for 24 February. John Carter: Edgar Rice Burroughs didn’t just write Tarzan books. He wrote some fascinating adventures set in Mars. This  film tells the story of former military captain John Carter who is transported to Mars where he becomes embroiled in a conflict with the inhabitants of the planet. Twelve-foot-tall barbarians and  gladiator-ish costumes — what’s not to like? See the trailer here . The movie opens on 9 March. The Amazing Spider-Man: The elusive geek from Social Network, Andrew Garfield, plays Spider-Man while Hollywood’s current favourite Emma Stone plays Gwen. The film is directed by Marc Webb, who directed the superb indie-chic film 500 Days Of Summer in 2009.  If the promos are anything to go by, then we think Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker will soon fade in memory. Webb weaves the right web of emotion, action, and above all, substance. Release date: 3 July. Here’s a teaser. And here are a few more. The trailers aren’t out yet but the cast, director, and script make them some of the most anticipated films of 2012. • Dark Knight Rises: 20 July • The Odd Life of Timothy Green: 15 August • Star Trek 2: 29 June • Twilight, Breaking Dawn 2: 16 November • Life of Pi: 14 December • Django Unchained: 25 December • The Great Gatsby: 25 December