By Margaret Hedderman

By now, it’s probably well known that this former film major who once went to the movies once a week, hasn’t been in over two years. That said, I still get excited about upcoming movies and swear that I’ll see them. We all I know I won’t… except there may be one film in this collection I would drive 4 hours to the closest IMAX to see in 3D. I’ll let you guess.

Keira Knightley and Aaron Johnson in Anna Karenina.

Anna Karenina – Nov. 9

Keira Knightley continues her quest for an Oscar with Tom Stoppard’s adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s classic tragedy about a Russian socialite who pursues love outside her socially accepted marriage. There have been many attempts to bring Anna Karenina to the screen – including a 1935 version with the great Greta Garbo. This newest attempt is directed by Pride & Prejudice‘s Joe Wright and brings Matthew MacFadyen, Jude Law, and Aaron Johnson to the project. Wright, who also directed Atonement, will, if anything, offer a visually stunning rendition of Anna Karenina.

The Odd Life of Timothy Green – Aug. 15

There’s something… odd… about Disney’s new family flick. Maybe because it’s based on a story by Frank Zappa’s son, Ahmet. A couple recently informed they can’t have children, place all their wishes in a box and bury it in the garden. That night, their dream child appears, covered in mud, from the Earth. The Odd Life of Timothy Green definitely has that feeling: a movie you don’t want to see, but when you do, you’ll be glad. Hopefully I’m right!

Bilbo undertaking an unexpected journey.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Dec. 14

At last! After years of woes, J.R.R. Tolkien’s predecesor to The Lord of the Rings is finally coming to the screen. First there were talks of issues with the rights. Then, Peter Jackson wasn’t slated to direct. Then he was. Then he wasn’t. Guillermo del Toro was on board for a while with Jackson as producer. But then news broke that Jackson would be directing The Hobbit, Ian McKellen was returning as Gandalf, and all was good in the world. The script brings both Jackson and Fran Walsh to the adaptation. We’ll also see Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm and Hugo Weaving return. Martin Freeman will take the roll as Bilbo Baggins.