Most Anticipated Films of 2013

Monsters University

2013 looks to be the year of the sequel, and to add to the list this July we have the eagerly anticipated prequel to Monsters, Inc. (2001), in the form of Monsters University. It has taken 12 years to finally grace our screens but Mike and Sully are back! This film will take us back to their prepubescent days at the University of Fear, where the Monsters learn their scare techniques. It will be fantastic to hear the voice talents of John Goodman as the lovable Sully, Billy Crystal as the hilarious Mike and Steve Buscemi as sneaky Randall, together again but in a new and very different setting.

The promos promise all the hilarity and charm of the first, and putting Monsters, Inc. 3D in cinemas before releasing the second film is a stroke of genius, attracting a new and younger fan base to the original classic. But with these characters having been loved for over a decade by many, this new instalment will have to please the older audience too! - Claire Chetwynd

Man of Steel

With The Dark Knight Risen and Marvel entering Phase Two, Warner Brothers have decided to bring back their other big gun after the relative disappointment of Bryan Singer’s Superman Returns in 2006. The involvement of Christopher Nolan as producer has fanboys' attention, as has that of Batman scribe David Goyer. However, it's ultimately down to Watchmen director Zack Snyder to breathe new life into the most super of all heroes.

Looking at the two trailers released so far, it appears as though we may have a brilliant new Superman for the 21st century. Henry Cavill (Immortals) is the man entrusted in breathing new life into Kal-El and, as with Batman Begins, the filmmakers have surrounded their leading man with a superb ensemble: Russell Crowe steps into Marlon Brando's shoes as Jor-El; seasoned actors Kevin Costner and Diane Lane portray the Kents; Amy Adams is new Lois Lane; and Laurence Fishburne the new Perry White. Cavill's Superman will take on General Zod with Michael Shannon filling the villain's shoes. It's an eclectic mix of both filmmakers and actors, one which promises the kind of euphoric response that accompanied the return of The Dark Knight back in 2005. Hopefully, come July, we will all believe a man can fly again. - Scott Davis

Anchorman 2

When Ron Burgundy first burst onto ours screens in 2004, Anchorman was heralded as one of the comedies of the year. Its relatively small worldwide gross of $90m was hardly earth-shattering, but if ever there was a film that defined new-life-on-DVD, this would be it. Creators Will Ferrell and Adam McKay created a ridiculously addictive comedy that has never lost its cool or its class. The only thing keeping a sequel from the big screen was an apparent lack of interest from Paramount. Thankfully, they have since seen sense and we now have a Christmas 2013 release to look forward to.

To date, we know little other than to expect most of the original cast to return and that both Ferrell and McKay will again be running the show. Rumours also suggest that Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids) looks set to appear plus there is the promise of many star cameos (Messrs Stiller and Vaughn, etc. and maybe even John C. Reilly and Mark Wahlberg). Omens are good that the screenplay will be up to scratch too, with producer Judd Apatow having recently claimed that when Ferrell and McKay read the script at a party last year, he and his guests were in hysterics throughout. Great Odin’s Raven, we cannot wait… - Scott Davis

Gravity

Alfonso Cuarón's science-fiction drama has been a long time coming. Originally scheduled for release in November last year, it is now due to arrive in cinemas in October 2013. It aroused curiosity for several reasons, not least of which was the secrecy surrounding the project, and which still exists today long after principal photography wrapped - not a single publicity shot, poster or trailer has yet emerged. Its bold premise (from a script by Cuarón and his son Jonás) also raised eyebrows: an astronaut is stranded in space after their shuttle (or space station, depending on who you believe) is destroyed. With only two onscreen characters for the entire story, it was evident this was not going to be your typical Michael Bay explode-athon. A dramatic two-hander about being adrift in the emptiness of space promises to be risk-taking if nothing else. Just about every big name actress was touted, offered or tested for the lead role: Angelina Jolie was originally cast before dropping out, then Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman were in the running for a while, before Sandra Bullock landed the part. In the supporting role, Robert Downey Jr. was attached for a long spell before George Clooney signed up. Bullock has stated that director Cuarón insisted on no make-up being applied to the actors, which, together with the decision to go 3D, suggests a serious attempt at total immersion. The PG-13 rating in the US for "intense perilous sequences" and "some disturbing images" only heightens our anticipation. - Gavin Midgley

The Great Gatsby

Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of The Great Gatsby hits the silver screen in May. Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in the 1920s, this is a classic tale of lust, obsession, money, power and mystery. Toby Maguire will be taking on the role of Nick Carraway, a writer who finds himself in the midst of Jay Gatsby's philanthropist lifestyle, whilst Leonardo DiCaprio will be playing Gatsby himself. Is there anyone better to play the role of a rich playboy with a dark and manic side?! Suffice to say his performance alone will be something to see this year, but we also have the likes of Isla Fisher and Carey Mulligan, here playing the object of Gatsby's infatuation. The trailer tells us that The Great Gatsby is going to be full of excitement, intrigue and drama, whilst bringing the roaring twenties to life in Baz Luhrmann's beautiful trade mark style. - Claire Chetwynd