Hollywood Year In Review
2013 has been a great year in film.
Numerous horror films saw amazing returns due to a low budget and high box office success. Gravity set the standard for the future of 3D technology in films.
The highly-acclaimed animated film Frozen is said to be the best Disney musical since Beauty and the Beast – the soundtrack is at number one on the Billboard music charts, the fourth time ever for an animated movie.
On To The Next
There were many sequels released that beat out their predecessor at the box office, such as Jennifer Lawrence’s return in the Hunger Games: Catching Fire, while others – like this year’s second installment of The Hobbit – were unable to beat out its franchise’s Part I.
Superhero films was a huge hit: Iron Man 3 was the highest grossing film of the year, and Thor: The Dark World was an international sensation.
So what is in store for 2014?
We asked around and here are what some members of the HB Team are most looking forward to:
1. Hunger Games: Mockingjay
"I just finished the book and it was AWESOME!"
--Michelle, Account Manager
"Reading this book series has been my vacation’s dirty little secret for the last year, and I am looking forward to seeing the final chapters on screen!"
--Stacy, CEO
Photo Credit: Lionsgate
2. The Giver
"I’m looking forward to seeing this film adaptation of the classic book, especially since it stars some big names: Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Katie Holmes, and True Blood’s Alexander Skarsgard. I’m also curious to see how Taylor Swift – who has had another monumental year in music in 2013 – performs as Rosemary. Is she the next music/film double threat?"
--Evelyn, Marketing
Photo Credit: The Weinstein Company
3. How To Train Your Dragon 2
"The movie trailer is fantastic and I am so excited to see Toothless on screen again! The cutest dragon!"
--Angela, Chinese Marketing
Photo Credit: Dreamworks
4. Devil's Knot
"Although based on the huge tragedy that struck Memphis several years ago, I’m highly looking forward to seeing this story brought back to life on the big screen with the talented Colin Firth. I remember watching the HBO documentary series, Paradise Lost and thinking, 'Wow, this is why we make films.' They literally have the ability to grab someone’s attention, inspire them to take action and save lives. With this adaption, I’m excited for the story of the West Memphis Three to be heard again by a whole new audience."
--Shannon, Brand Agent
Photo Credit: RLJE Films
5. Captain America: The Winter Soldier
"Superhero movies, especially sequels, have been doing amazingly well at the box office. With good reason -- I'm really excited for this one!"
--Thao, Director
Photo Credit: Marvel Studios
6. Annie
"A contemporary remake of a classic is always a top box office hit, especially when released around the holidays. Some great talent, including Jay-Z and Cameron Diaz, is also associated with the remake, as well."
--Diana, Director
"The 2014 adaptation is sure to be an all-around hit. With Cameron Diaz stepping into the role of orphan-hater Miss Hannigan and Jamie Foxx as Benjamin Stacks, a modern day Daddy Warbucks, this film will definitely be a hit with this year’s movie goers."
--Mackenzie, Brand Agent
Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures
7. Maleficent
"Sleeping Beauty is my favorite Disney movie of all time. I dressed up as Aurora for 3 consecutive years! I love the casting choice of Angelina Jolie. She carries herself so elegantly with just a hint of mystery and mischief that I think she’ll play the notorious role of Maleficent perfectly!"
--Shannon, Brand Agent
"Always obsessed with the dark fairy tale. I am looking forward to seeing how Angelina Jolie will play the dark role."
--Angela, Chinese Marketing
Photo Credit: Disney
8. The Raid 2
"A sequel to one of the better martial arts films to come out in recent years."
--Jason, Media & Inventory
Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Classics
9. The Lego Movie
"Just hearing the title could be enough for an automatic pass, but once I found out the film will be voiced by major A-listers like Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Jonah Hill, and Channing Tatum, I have no doubt that The Lego Movie just might be one of 2014’s top funny films!"
--Mackenzie, Brand Agent
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
10. Dumb And Dumber To
"It's going to be the best comedy of 2014!"
--Danny, Video Editor
"A classic! And I’m so glad they’re bringing back Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels."
--Evelyn, Marketing
Photo Credit: Universal
11. Horrible Bosses 2
"We’ve all had our own horrible boss, and this 2nd take is sure to bring the comedic escapades a step further than the original."
--Stacy, CEO
"There are some great sequels coming out this year, but to be honest: 2014, I'm gonna let you finish, but can we fast forward to 2015 for the Point Break remake and Jurassic World? In my best Kanye voice."
--Diana, Director
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
More From Hollywood Branded
Be sure to check out our blog for routine Hollywood updates and entertainment marketing tips and opportunities!
Are you interested in learning how to successfully partner celebrities to your brand - without spending a million? Watch this short webinar to learn Hollywood insider tricks to create and kick start an entertainment marketing campaign that is the perfect extension for your social media program.
