2015 - the year to get excited?

So, firstly, it's been a long time since I have written a film blog post. This can be equated with a lack of time and a lack of inspiration film wise. But now it's time to get excited and time to go to the cinema again, hopefully.
In terms of blockbusters to get excited about this year, I give you five words: 'Mad Max' and 'Jurassic World'. Both nostalgic, both non-superhero and both look like their true potential has actually been realised; here's hoping!

The Jurassic Park series is, by far, my favourite blockbuster franchise and I would argue the case that 'Jurassic Park' is most definitely the best blockbuster ever made - but that is for another blog post on another day. The next instalment sees the park open to the public, with high-tech viewing bubbles and genetically-engineered dinosaurs, but will it live up to the hype?

'Mad Max' is an intriguing world and one that perhaps doesn't need reimagining in this day and age, and yet it looks so good now that it has been! Tom Hardy is a force to be reckoned with, doing no wrong in terms of his role choices, so this will certainly be interesting. The vision, the cast, the costume and the style all look impressive, but will the story hold up?

However, there are less mainstream films on the horizon that are also getting me extremely excited. Here are my top 5 anticipations of 2015 at the moment.

1. The Lobster - Yorgos Lanthimos (2015)

One of my favourite contemporary directors, this is exciting! However, the casting of Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz does make me feel nervous about this one, hopefully Lanthimos is not going too mainstream. But, despite all those doubts, there is the amazing news that Lea Seydoux is also starring in it and the plot features people turning into animals if they don't find a mate in 45 days, so, I think we are safe!

2. Youth - Paolo Sorrentino (2015)

Again, an extremely mainstream Hollywood cast (also including Rachel Weisz!), but I am going to stay optimistic; Shia LaBeouf in Lars Von Trier's 'Nymphomaniac' being an impressive example of Hollywood gone Arthouse and doing it well.

3. Carol - Todd Haynes (2015)

'Velvet Goldmine' is probably one of the most underrated films of all time, a film which I watched over and over again as a teenager, and would, admittedly, probably cringe at if I watched now (I might have to re-watch and see if it has stood the test of time). 'Far from Heaven', not so much underrated, but still an undervalued film in the grand scheme of the film world. Recent audiences are probably more familiar with Haynes' work through the relatively recent mini-series for HBO: 'Mildred Pierce', featuring the stunning Kate Winslet. 'Carol' sees him utilising another stunning Cate, and I'm sure it will be a stunning piece of filmmaking.

4. Love - Gaspar Noe (2015)

One of the most unpredictable and off-the-wall directors of recent years, 'Love' will be explicit, but it will certainly be one hell of an experience. If you have seen either of Noe's more famous previous feature films (Irreversible and Enter the Void) then you know what you will be letting yourself in for with this one. Remember, films should be an experience, but watch Noe films with caution!

5. Arabian Nights - Miguel Gomes (2015)

Unfortunately, there is very little information on this one at the moment, and sadly no film poster yet, but it is still hugely exciting; Gomes is another of my favourite directors, with his last feature 'Tabu' reaching my top spot for best film of 2012. Using well-known folk tales as a basis, which links nicely to 'Tabu', this film sounds very interesting and any Gomes film is going to be a real treat.