Here are 10 movies, TV series, books and comics I’m looking forward to in 2015:
“Marvel’s Agent Carter” (TV show, Jan. 6, pictured) – While I’m not a huge fan of the Marvel movie franchise, I have found some things to like about the sort-of-Joss-Whedon-produced “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” This eight-episode ABC prequel has my interest because I’m a sucker for shows set in various decades before I was born – in this case, the 1940s, when the titular agent navigates sexism and supervillains.
“Veronica Mars: Mr. Kiss and Tell” (Book, Jan. 20) – Buzz about a whole series of Kickstarter-funded “Veronica Mars” films was hot and heavy … right up until the first film came out. Then Rob Thomas seemed to turn his attention to “Play It Again, Dick” and “iZombie.” But at least “Veronica” continues as a book series, which got off to a strong start with “The Thousand Dollar Tan Line” last year. Thomas and Jennifer Graham return as the co-authors of this second entry.
“Millennium” (Comic, Jan. 21) – A film would have been the best way to continue the story of Frank Black, who sees murders in his mind’s eye and also works against the goals of the mysterious Millennium Group. But it’s now clear that “Millennium” (nor “The X-Files,” for that matter) won’t continue on the screen. As such, this five-issue IDW comic series, continuing from Frank’s guest turn in “The X-Files” Season 10 Issue 17, is better than nothing.
“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (TV show, March 31) – Back when “The Office” was limping to its finish, I felt it could’ve been enhanced with more storylines for scene-stealers Mindy Kaling and Ellie Kemper. Kaling now helms TV’s best sitcom, “The Mindy Project,” and Kemper seems perfectly cast in this Netflix series as a naïve 30-something entering the real world after spending her whole life in a cult.
“Tomorrowland” (Movie, May 22) – Co-written by “Lost’s” Damon Lindelof and Entertainment Weekly’s obsessive “Lost” analyst Jeff Jensen, “Tomorrowland” has some of that “What’s it all about?” sci-vibe that M. Night Shyamalan – and, arguably, “Lost” — used to do so well. This approach has mostly been abandoned in an age when previews give away everything. Plus, it’ll be nice to see “Life Unexpected’s” Britt Robertson jump to leading lady status on the big screen.
“Jurassic World” (Movie, June 12) – Even if it’s merely “Jurassic Park” on steroids, it’ll be a fun thrill ride. I’m holding out hope it’ll be a little deeper than that, perhaps with a commentary on the weaponization of dinosaurs. Chris Pratt should slide effortlessly into the role of the hero bemused by the reckless toying with nature going on around him. And the film’s release is a perfect excuse for a string of “Jurassic Park” flashback posts on my blog.
“Ted 2” (Movie, June 26) – I still found the joke of a talking teddy bear amusing by the end of the first film, so I’m game to see what writer-director-voice-actor Seth MacFarlane has in store for the sequel.
“Terminator Genisys” (Movie, July 1) – As with “Jurassic World,” I’m holding out hope. It could be just a stupid shoot-’em-up between the good guys (an older Arnold robot and new actors playing Sarah and Kyle) and various liquid metal T-1000s. Or it could have something fresh to say about time travel and fate. At any rate, it’s an excuse for a string of “Terminator” flashback posts on my blog.
“Fargo” Season 2 (TV show, Fall) – Technically, this isn’t a new series, but it kind of is, as FX’s second “Fargo” miniseries will feature the general tone (cold, snow, Northern accents and a string of grisly murders) of the first season, but a new time and place – 1979 in Sioux Falls, S.D. And it’ll be nice to see Kirsten Dunst in a major role after a long absence.
“Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens” (Movie, Dec. 18) – While I don’t like that there are now two “Star Wars” timelines (Legends and Disney), it should be interesting to see director J.J. Abrams’ take on the state of the galaxy and the main characters three decades after the events of “Return of the Jedi.” From the teaser trailer, it looks like the battle between Rebellion and Empire is still going in some form. I’m also curious to know how much of George Lucas’ story treatment was used by Abrams and co-screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan. If the answer is “all of it,” I might become more receptive to this alternate take on the GFFA.
What movies, TV series, books and comics are you looking forward to in the year ahead?