Science fiction seems to make a big return in 2013, with numerous big-budget films seeing a 2013 release. In this post, I’ll be shedding some light on some of them, starting with “After Earth”.
“After Earth”
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Release: June 2013
Judging from the trailer, Will Smith is reunited with his son Jaden on the big screen, after “The Pursuit of Happiness”. Set in a dystopian future, they crash-land on an Earth that has evolved into something very efficient in killing humans. Looks good, but the director is M. Night Shyamalamadingdong, so I tend to keep my reservations about this movie. Could be great, could be awful. There seems no way in between.
“Oblivion”
Starring: Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Release: April 2013
Tom Cruise is on a planet earth which resembles the “Wall-E” interpretation of a post-apocalyptic society. While everyone is safe in space, he is back on earth repairing drones that ought to take the last bit of resources from the planet. Morgan Freeman seems to have a pretty important role, which is always good. In the trailer, he is explaining things to Tom Cruise, so expect some freckles to magically pop-up on Morgan’s face.
“Star Trek: Into Darkness”
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Simon Pegg, Anton Yelchin, Chris Pine
Director: JJ Abrams
Release: June 2013
A direct sequel to the 2009 reboot of the Star Trek franchise, once again directed by JJ Abrams. Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, BBC-miniseries) seems to be the main antagonist, which will probably be a very convincing role. Every other major character seems to make a return. ‘Trekkies’ seem to think this has nothing to do with Star Trek anymore, since a lot of the footage shown takes place on earth, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing. It might not be a ‘pure’ Star Trek movie, but it will make for a very entertaining, action-packed Sci-fi film.
“Elysium”
Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley
Director: Neill Blomkamp
Release: August 2013
The second feature film by director Neill Blomkamp (District 9) is highly promising. Even though the teaser trailer tells practically nothing about the movie itself, but the IMDb pages offers some more info on the actors involved. Sharlto Copley makes a return, but it is highly unlikely this will be set in the same universe as District 9. Matt Damon is the main protagonist, who seeks to bring equality to a world run by the rich. Not much is known, but this is one to look out for.
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This is it as for trailers concerned. There are some interesting films due to release in the second half of 2013 which have not yet seen the release of a teaser/trailer, such as a new Riddick film, a new Jurassic Park and more. 2013 is going to be an interesting year for lovers of science fiction.