Movies adapted from video games are almost universally terrible and only occasionally actually make money, yet one of the more promising video games just begging to be adapted is Ubisoft's insanely popular Assassin's Creed series. Still, it takes more than a great idea to make a great video game movie, so who's attached? Well, they landed an unexpectedly artistic director in Justin Kurzel (The Snowtown Murders), while Michael Fassbender will play Desmond Miles and also produce the movie. So far, so awesome, right? Little else is known about the project, but it's already overflowing with more talent than most complete video game movies. Given how easily the cinematic aesthetic of the games should be transferable to the film medium, and as long as the right budget is in place with a firm supporting cast, Assassin's Creed could finally break the curse of awful video game movies. Considering Ubisoft have reportedly (and thankfully) been given massive creative control over the property, don't expect it to deviate too much from the tried and tested formula and style of the games. Predicted Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64%
12. Goosebumps (Aug 7)
We all remember Goosebumps, the classic children's horror novel series written by the one and only, R.L. Stine. There was also a goofy yet hugely entertaining TV show, but finally, next year, a live-action, high-budget movie is due for release, with Jack Black playing Stine, who has to face down the very monsters he created when a neighbour accidentally allows them to be released from the safety of his books. Sure, the concept is a little silly, but news flash: it's Goosebumps. Black will be sure to give the movie the manic energy it needs, even if director Rob Letterman (Monsters vs. Aliens, Gulliver's Travels) is pretty hit and miss. That said, Mike White (School of Rock) is writing the script, so hopefully that will give Letterman more than enough to work with. Amy Ryan also appears in a supporting role, and Stine himself is said to be making a cameo of some sort. Predicted Rotten Tomatoes Score: 49%
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
