10 Movies We’re Looking Forward To: August 2012

Jeremy Renner stars in The Bourne Legacy

We're more than halfway through 2012, and many of the year's biggest releases have already arrived; but that doesn't mean things have slowed down at the multiplex. In fact, August offers up an exciting and eclectic mix of films, and our list of highly-anticipated movies this month is even longer than the one we did last month, which was dominated by big superhero releases. In August, Jeremy Renner takes command in a new Bourne movie, while an Arnold Schwarzenegger sci-fi/action film gets remade with Colin Farrell in the lead. Add to that an Expendables sequel that offers up a killer cast (including Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Jason Statham, Chuck Norris, Dolph Lundgren and Jean-Claude Van Damme), and we're in for one hell of a month at the movies. With that in mind, here's our list of the 10 movies we're looking forward to seeing in August 2012. Colin Farrell in Total Recall

In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred with Sharon Stone in the blockbuster action film Total Recall . The movie focused on a man who seeks to import false memories into his mind and inadvertently realizes that the life he's living is a complete lie. Now, the film has been remade with Colin Farrell starring alongside Jessica Biel and Kate Beckinsale. From what we can tell, the remakes hews closer to the original source material than its predecessor and features a more serious tone. Additionally, as Rob Keyes' report from the set notes, the special effects and the technology look to be far more impressive in this version. It's been twenty-two years since the original arrived, so many youngsters might not be familiar with it and that gives the remake a fighting chance. To take a look at what's in store for the film, make sure you check out its latest trailer. Jeremy Renner in The Bourne Legacy

After three Bourne films starring Matt Damon in the title role, Jeremy Renner takes over the reins of the franchise in The Bourne Legacy. Although his character- Aaron Cross- doesn't know Jason Bourne, the two characters are very similar. They were both involved in a secret government project that the CIA is eager to hide from the public at large. Damon has served as the face of the franchise, so it will be interesting to see if Renner will live up to expectations and prolong the series. If he succeeds, and a fifth film is made, it's possible that Damon will join Renner in that new chapter. If you're interested to see Renner try to pull off the main role, check out the film's trailer for a preview of the action.

Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis star in The Campaign

Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis offer viewers a respite from politics as usual with their new comedy, The Campaign. The film focuses on a Congressional race that pits an arrogant incumbent (Ferrell) against a naive political newcomer (Galifianakis). Jay Roach, who previously directed the outrageous Austin Powers films and the television movies Recount and Game Change, could be the perfect person to helm a comedy that mixes outrageous gags with a political story. Ferrell and Galifianakis both have solid comedic credentials but it's difficult to create a political comedy that appeals to a broad audience. Will this movie live up to its potential or will it just serve as another disappointing comedy with a solid cast like The Watch did last month? We'll have to wait to find out. Click here to see the trailer to see if this political film is worthy of your vote. Sylvester Stallone and his Castmates in The Expendables 2

Sylvester Stallone and his Castmates in The Expendables 2

In 2010, Sylvester Stallone starred with Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, and other tough guy actors in the throwback actioner The Expendables. This year, the team is back in The Expendables 2, which promises to feature more intense action and more stars. With Chuck Norris, Liam Hemsworth, and Jean-Claude Van Damme on board, the movie could be an even bigger hit than its predecessor. At the film's Comic-Con panel, Stallone noted that this sequel surpasses the original in every way - a sentiment that star Terry Crews previously noted. Truthfully? It's hard not to get excited based on the trailer alone. Norm in Paranorman

The stop-motion animated film Paranorman tells the story of a young boy who can speak to the dead and is forced to save his town from a threatening curse. At the film's Comic-Con panel, writer Chris Butler noted that the feature is a "zombie movie for kids." Even though the film does feature a few scary elements, the directors said during their discussion that the PG film is suitable for kids over seven or eight years old. The movie's voice cast includes talented youngsters like Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Kodi Smit-McPhee. And with the dearth of quality family films this summer, Paranorman could end up being a surprise hit. You can check out the trailer here. Joseph Gordon-Levitt in Premium Rush

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who last month played a major supporting role in The Dark Knight Rises (TDKR), returns to theaters in the new thriller Premium Rush. He plays a bike courier who is given a mysterious message that he has to transport across the city. Man of Steel Actor Michael Shannon co-stars as a crooked cop who is trying to prevent that message from being delivered. The trailer promises plenty of action and thrills on bicycles, and Gordon-Levitt has proven adept at choosing quality roles (i.e., 50/50, Inception and TDKR). The concept, however, may not seem that exciting for some viewers, so the movie will likely have to prove itself early on in order to make a splash at the box office. One of its greatest assets, however, is director/screenwriter David Koepp. Koepp is responsible for writing Mission: Impossible (19966), and B-movie thrillers like Stir of Echoes (1999), and Secret Window (2004), so this film could further cement his reputation in Hollywood... The Apparition Poster

Ashley Greene, who plays Alice Cullen in the Twilight series, stars in The Apparition, a new horror film about nightmares becoming a reality. The story focuses on Greene's character and her boyfriend struggling with their worst fears coming true after a college experiment goes wrong. Tom Felton, who previously starred in the Harry Potter series and The Rise of the Planet of the Apes, co-stars as an expert seeking to prevent the fears from destroying all of their lives. The movie's trailer holds promise and Felton's short resume shows that he knows how to choose quality projects. The film's PG-13 rating is surprising, given the subject matter, but the film could prove to be worthwhile if it conjures up the scares and thrills that have so often been missing from the theater this year. Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard in Hit and Run

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard in Hit and Run

In Hit and Run, real-life lovebirds Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell star as a couple on the run after Shepard's criminal past catches up with them. Shepard, who wrote the screenplay, also co-directed the comedy with previous collaborator David Palmer. The film, which promises viewers a blend of action and comed,y features a strong supporting cast. Bradley Cooper (who is barely recognizable) plays Shepard's former accomplice who recently served time in jail and is looking for Shepard to pay him back for the... ahem, 'pain and suffering' he endured behind bars. Additionally, Tom Arnold, Beau Bridges and Kristin Chenoweth play smaller roles in the movie. If Hit and Run sounds intriguing, check out the film's trailers to see if the new comedy is worth running to the theaters to see. Tom Hardy in Lawless

Based on the book The Wettest County in the World, the new movie Lawless features an exciting cast of new and young actors. Guy Pearce, Shia LaBeouf, and Jessica Chastain star in the film alongside Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy, who were last seen together in The Dark Knight Rises. The violent film - which is based on a true story - focuses on three troubled brothers who are involved in the alcohol bootlegging business in the early 1900s. The trailer definitely looks promising and the all-star cast could make this one of the most intriguing movies of the year. Also, Lawless will be John Hillcoat's first feature since The Road (2009), so this movie has some serious talent behind the scenes that could make it one to remember. Natasha Calis in The Possession

In The Possession, Jeffrey Dean Morgan stars as a father whose daughter becomes possessed after a mysterious box comes into the family's hands. Morgan stars in the horror flick alongside Kyra Sedgwick and Madison Davenport. Although the movie hasn't received much publicity, it has potential as a psychological thriller - and with producer Sam Raimi behind the scenes, the movie could be better than expected. Will the film exceed expectations and show horror film fans a story that they've been missing? Decide for yourself by checking out the trailer here. The Expendables 2 Cast

July might have been a huge month at the box office, but August promises to be a big one as well. Two franchises could prove their longevity this month, while one film could show Hollywood if the public's appetite for remakes is still alive and well. With that in mind, here again is our list of the 10 movies we're looking forward to seeing this month.

August 3: Total Recall
August 10: The Bourne Legacy, The Campaign
August 17: The Expendables 2, Paranorman
August 24: Premium Rush, The Apparition, Hit and Run
August 24: Lawless, The Possession

For more on these films and more, follow me on Twitter @johnhanlon.

"Follow us if you want to live."

49 Comments

Post a Comment

Etrigan 9 months ago

I’m a long time reader and I just have to say how much I hate these link-baiting lists. Top ten this, top 20 that. It is just a cheap way to artificially boost page views.

You might actually achieve the opposite effect, because I never click through them. Good UX design means reducing user clicks, not inveigling them into clicking through a slideshow with manipulative headlines.

I don’t expect this to change, but I just wanted to give feedback. These top ten lists are derided in the serious journalism community. I like SR for its good writing. This is just introducing gimmicky writing to boost page views.

There are many movie blogs out there. I chose this for the good writing. When I change blogs, it usually starts with complaining about something annoying, then one day realising I don’t have to put up with it, because there are many blogs out there. Then that’s it- out of my RSS reader, and good-bye.

Reply
- Sawyer 9 months ago
  
  Get off your high horse. These Top-whatever lists are for fun. I have fun reading and discussing them. I’m sure many others here do too.
  
  And ‘serious journalism’…
  PFFFHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAHAHAHA
  HAAA…HAA…HA…HA.
  
  are you kidding me? This is a website where we pretty much talk about movies & tv all day. A LOT of it relating to superheroes and star wars. It’s enjoyable sure. Technically, its journalism, sure. But let’s not get carried away.
  
  You’re acting like this its New-York-Times.com and they’re making lists about the Top 10 Most Fun Terrorist Attacks In The Past Decade.
  
  Reply
  - Etrigan 9 months ago
    
    You are clearly the kind of annelid these lists are designed to please. That’s why intelligent people don’t like them. I don’t expect a person of your simple-minded taste to understand or appreciate that movies are an art form, and that intelligent critique of same is a form of intellectual journalism.
    
    Yes, that’s the kind of thing I like to read. Clearly you prefer ‘Kim Kardashian’s 10 best bikini photos’. Screen Rant has to decide what sort of audience it wants- your kind or mine.
    
    Reply
    - polokem 9 months ago
      
      Please, just leave then…
      
      Find a site that is suitable for your intelligence level.
      
      Looks like this one is for “simple-minded” people only.
      
      Reply
    - Paul Young 9 months ago
      
      @Etrigan – I actually responded kindly to your original post before I came across this one. I can tell you one thing – I won’t let you call our other readers worms (yeah, other people know what annelids are) and then insult their intelligence.
      
      No one is making you come here (long time reader or not) so please feel free to find your movie news elsewhere if how we conduct our site bothers you THAT much.
      
      There’s room at Screen Rant for readers interested in ALL types of material – the kind you enjoy and the kind others enjoy.
      
      Thanks,
      Paul Young – Moderator
      
      Reply
      - Robert Palmar 9 months ago
        
        Rather than making him sound intelligent, the use of
        the obscure term annelid in the manner he did only
        revealed he tried too hard to sound intelligent.
        
        Reply
    - StrongStyleFiction 9 months ago
      
      Damien Sandow is that you?
      
      Reply
      - StrongStyleFiction 9 months ago
        
        That was meant for Etrigan.
        
        Reply
    - Sawyer 9 months ago
      
      HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
      
      Oh my god, this Etrigan guy…. You are so full of it. It is ironic how in fact, you are the pretentious little ‘annelid’. Yes, little kiddo, we know what annelid means.
      
      And it’s funny how you chose to ignore any of the points I brought up. Read your response again. Paraphrased, it simply meant “You’re stupid, I’m smart. lalalalalalalalala I’m not listening.”
      
      You are not intelligent. Just the fact that you do not see the irony in your own words shows your lack thereof it. Calling yourself intelligent, doesn’t make you it. It is what your words mean that matters. And what you say is self-contradictory. You claim to visit this website for intellectual journalism. You are on a website that talks about Movies and TV Shows all day long. It was meant for people to talk about Movies and TV Shows all day long. Little boy, how do you not see how foolish your words sound. I mean, there really isn’t much to say here to you besides…
      
      Get the f*** out of here before you embarrass yourself any further.
      
      Reply
    - Sawyer 9 months ago
      
      Furthermore, if all it takes is a Top 10 list put put a dent on your alleged intelligence. Then my man, it may be time to open your eyes and realize that you may be suffering from a severe deficit of it.
      
      And…
      
      PFFFHAHAHAHAHAHA
      
      oh god, I just can’t hold it in. Here’s a petty pretentious little dirtbag, who’s whining about Top 10 lists. Oh god, is our world going to the sh***er or what?
      
      Reply
    - GiGi 9 months ago
      
      Isn’t it usually said that people of high intelligence do not stoop to low-brow tactics such as name-calling? Well done, Your Majesty.
      
      Reply
      - GiGi 9 months ago
        
        Meant for Etrigan
        
        Reply
- Robert Palmar 9 months ago
  
  The slide show approach implemented here at Screen Rant
  is not the typical forced loading of entire new pages for
  the express purpose of displaying more advertising.
  
  What I call the slide show above is handsomely displayed and
  they way it is implemented with movement only at the top
  of the page is easier to view than would otherwise be a
  very long page to scroll down and not look as good.
  
  If indeed this generates more page views, something I was
  unaware of, then that sounds like good site management.
  The slide show is used on a minority of articles and when
  it is it facilitates and enhances the overall presentation.
  
  Reply
- Paul Young 9 months ago
  
  @Etrigan – If you don’t like them then why would you click on them? In a way, I understand what you are saying but in my opinion you are looking at it wrong. There is no such thing as “serious journalism” in the movie/TV industry – it’s usually just info being pushed by PR reps to movie bloggers to help boost interest in their client/film/product. Rarely does anyone in this industry do any investigative journalism or serious journalism related to films. If they do, then the stories are by and large ignored for quick fluff pieces – example, Howard Stern’s dog dying, Kristen Stewart and Rob Pat fighting over custody of a dog (really?).
  
  List posts are a big part of most blogs and even bigger sites like MTV, IGN, Huffington Post use them frequently. it’s isn’t about pageviews but rather driving traffic to the site. Sort of like Happy Hour – people come for the cheap drinks but stay and/or return for a good meal later.
  
  We appreciate your feedback though and you’re welcome to share it with us at any time.
  
  Thanks,
  Paul Young – Moderator
  
  Reply
- Vic Holtreman 9 months ago
  
  Etrigan,
  
  Oh, I’m sorry – is there some rule that you must read EVERY post we publish? We can’t please everyone… feel free to skip over posts that don’t appeal to you, and let others read what they like.
  
  Vic
  
  Reply
John "Kahless" 9 months ago

My top picks for this month, in order:

10. The Apparition
9. The Possession
8. Borne Legacy
7. Lawless
6. Total Recall
5. Expendables 2
4. Refer to number 5
3. Refer to freaking 5
2. You still here?! Frakking number 5
1. Are you serious?! It’s freaking Stallone, Norris, Willis, and the king himself, Swartzenegger!

8)

Reply
- jc 9 months ago
  
  Very good list. My choice is similar.
  
  Reply
- Jeff 9 months ago
  
  I am also looking forward to seeing Arnold back in action. Just wish he would commit to doing Conan the King (or King Conan)! He still looks enough like his old self to pull off an aged barbarian finally gaining a crown, but if he doesn’t do it in the next five to seven years, I’d say too late. Wonder if the thought has even crossed his mind to revisit that character…
  
  Reply
- Paul Young 9 months ago
  
  @Kahless – No Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Hope Springs?
  
  Paul Young – Moderator
  
  Reply
  - John "Kahless" 9 months ago
    
    You know, my mancard got tarnished just for reading that.
    
    Reply
- John Hanlon 9 months ago
  
  Ha. That’s a great list.
  
  I’m really stoked about “The Expendables 2.” Only a few more weeks to wait until it arrives…
  
  Reply
  - John "Kahless" 9 months ago
    
    A lot of people said they don’t want the one-liners, but I loved the 80′s action movies with those one-liners. Arny and Stallone ruled!
    
    Reply
- GiGi 9 months ago
  
  Exactly, John! I have to say that The Expendables 2 was right up there with The Avengers in my book. Right at number ONE!
  
  Reply
Pharaoh 9 months ago

I think I’ll only be seeing the Expendables 2, Lawless, The Bourne Legacy, and the Campaign.

I don’t know why but I’m not excited for Total Recall at all.

Reply
The Avenger 9 months ago

I’m really looking forward to Bourne Legacy (but I just found out that’s being released in September over here )
Some of the other flicks that are being released this months (that have already hit the US) include Abe Lincoln: VH and Ted so I guess I’ll be watching those … um, that’s it I guess…
I’ve never seen Expendables 1 and I know almost nothing about it other than the cast (which is without a doubt impressive) so maybe I’ll rent Expendables 1 sometime this month and go see the new one.

Reply
merdan 9 months ago

the story of -the apparition sounds very creepy just like the trailer. to see the creepiest things that you imagine must be the worst nightmare.

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rco 9 months ago

definitly seeing bourne and lawless

Reply
Robert Palmar 9 months ago

Great rundown, John, and primer on what to be looking for.
Moving to the top of my interest from your list is Lawless.

The Bourne Legacy, The Expendables 2, and Total Recall
were already on my radar. The Apparition now moves into
contention too and the PG-13 might actually be a good
thing as I prefer the classic horror story approach.

Reply
- John Hanlon 9 months ago
  
  Robert,
  
  Thanks for the comment.
  
  “Lawless” really has a stellar cast so I’m excited to see it plus seeing Gary Oldman running around with a machine gun will be pretty awesome.
  
  Reply
  - Robert Palmar 9 months ago
    
    After your rundown John, Lawless is a must see for me.
    I am excited for all the reasons you mentioned and with
    Gary Oldman onboard, a favorite of mine, I’m stoked for it.
    
    Reply
gerry 9 months ago

premium rush and bourne and maybe lawless, but i really hate shia labeuf

Reply
mikey 9 months ago

bourne legacy and thats probably it

Reply
Valisk 9 months ago

God, the Expendables 2 looks so awful. I absolutely hated the first one.

Also, Premium Rush = inFamous prologue?

Reply
- Awesome-O 9 months ago
  
  Haha i mentioned inFamous about 1 minute into the trailer when I first saw it.
  
  Reply
Tyler 9 months ago

I’ve seen The Bourne Legacy already and I wasn’t anything too special. Jeremy Renner can hold his own but the story is a bit weak. The action is fun though. It maybe about a half hr too long too.

Reply
KYAK 9 months ago

the campaign and expendables 2 for sure…..maybe lawless. The possession looks good maybe a netflix movie…also screenrant had couple articles a while ago about a horror movie called v/h/s…it goes in movies in october but has an on demand release last day of august…that movie looks way sweeter than the other horror movies im gonna check that out on demand for sure.

Reply
Pitt Man 9 months ago

Premium Rush, and total recall… mos def Expend 2, VAN DAMME!!!!

I’d like to see Van Damme and Jet Li go at it, then Norris drops in and pounds the both. Heeeyah!

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Jeff 9 months ago

Rennet takes us away from the ” let’s watch Matt Damon run around !€£¥”

Reply
Jeff 9 months ago

Rennet takes us away from the ” let’s watch Matt Damon run around !

Reply
Jeff 9 months ago

Still awaiting word of A team 2!!

Reply
Jeff 9 months ago

Still awaiting word of A Team two!

Reply
- Hi-C 9 months ago
  
  Don’t hold your breath!
  
  Reply
Master Extractor 9 months ago

In August I’ll probably see Bourne and Lawless and go see The Dark Knight Rises for a second time.

Reply
- John Hanlon 9 months ago
  
  Good idea.
  
  I’ve already seen “The Dark Knight Rises” once but I don’t think that’s enough. I’ll probably go check it out again in theaters in August and of course, I’ll be checking out the 10 official movies on the list..
  
  Reply
Nick 9 months ago

The original Total Recall wasn’t during my time, so I didn’t see it – is the story worth watching? Because the trailer for the remake totally didn’t impress me – just looked like a typical premise made for an action movie. Some guy, under mysterious circumstances, suddenly gets kickass abilities, and at some point teams up with some hot girl. I really didn’t get more than that from the trailer.

But if the story actually has more to it than that I’d be open to seeing it.

Reply
lebsta 9 months ago

It’s obvious to me that Expendables 2 is the biggest attraction this month and I expect it to outgross the original by some distance.

Whilst the trailer looked fairly impressive , still no need for this Total Recall remake. I do remember the 1990s film which is an action classic. One of those films that has the intelligence , but also the spectacle and violence. Eve now it remains one of those typical Arnie entertaining classic, the ones you can endlessly wtach again and again , when there’s nothing else on. No Arnold, no chance for redux 2012.

Still annoyed and confused by the existence of Bourne Legacy. The franchise is completely personified by Matt Damon’s presence, So why have Alex Cross and still label it under Bourne? Why not just call it ‘The Cross Legacy’ instead? If Damon was inteerested in returning why didn’t the studio just wait and get him back for this 4th installment ? Perhaps it’s dawned on Damon that he just desperately needs another box office
hit.

Yes you have different actors for the Bond franchise but it’s the same character. You wouldn’t watch Liam Neeson as the lead in the 5th Indy film playing a character called John Smith? It just reeks again of Hollywwod’s lack or originality and over reliance on the public to watch endless sequels no matter who’s in the lead role. And they’re probably right as well.

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- Xjester 9 months ago
  
  The book, Bourne Legacy has Alex Cross in it. From the word Legacy you can expect something left behind from Bourne, his Legacy. Does not required him to be in his own Legacy now does it?
  
  I am looking forward to this one.
  
  Reply
62 9 months ago

i don`t think so dude not after this one i don`t think there should be any more bourne films.

Reply
Nouki 3 months ago

My opinion on the matter: I’m a fan of different pretty admirable stories being told in their own versions. I’m open-minded and under no circumstance I get prejudiced. I do prefer to research about the original stuff if I don’t know it. So yah… Besides reading books extensively, I do look into comics as well when necessary and of course telly/internet.
I haven’t seen the previous Bourne films, but truthfully I absolutely enjoyed watching this fourth film… Yah, it felt like some spin off with Aaron Cross stepping up. I would have like Renner to take the lead as Bourne if Damon wasn’t keen to lead anymore because of the Greengrass business and yada,yada,yada. It could have been taken just as in the world of Bond.
Anyway! Not against him reprising his role. Those action scenes were pretty exciting
Perhaps the spin-off will continue and now it will be about Aaron.

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