Stay entertained in 2014

After 2013 put out so much great music, movies and TV, it’s fair to say that 2014 has a tough act to follow. But looking ahead, there is so much to be excited for, with so much variety. Here’s a bit of a sneak peak of the entertainment-goodness that will happen this year.

 

Music

Music can be released at any given time, which we saw recently with the unannounced release of Beyonce’s self-titled album that took fans by surprise. But, here are just a couple of scheduled releases you might look forward to.

 

Feb. 25

The Fray: “Helios”

To kick off the year right, The Fray’s anxiously awaited fourth studio album will be released on Feb. 25. The album features 11 new songs, all written by lead singer Isaac Slade. There have already been two singles released, “Love Don’t Die” and “Hurricane.” Both songs show that the band once again is sticking to its indie-pop roots, which is what the fans love about it so much.

 

March 18

 Foster the People: “Supermodel”

This will be the second studio album from the alternative rock band. Its first single off the album, “Coming of Age,” showcases the same unique sound on display in the popular song “Pumped Up Kicks,” one of the most-played songs in 2011. The group’s debut album was released in 2011 and was positively received by critics and fans alike.

 

 

Movies

So many movies are coming out this year, movie lovers everywhere can rejoice. The day so many “Divergent,” “Transformers” and “Captain America” fans have waited for has nearly arrived. Here’s a note about the big-name movies we should expect.

 

March 21

“Divergent”

The first movie in the trilogy based on Veronica Roth’s books stars Shailene Woodley as “Tris” and Theo James as “Four,” who live in a world sorted by factions based on characteristics such as honesty, selflessness, bravery and intelligence. When Tris doesn’t feel she fits in any of the factions, she’s endangering the structure of her world and finds herself and others like her in danger. The movie is sure to attract fans of the novels and sci-fi fans, and appearances by Kate Winslet and Zoe Kravitz are added incentive to go see it.

 

April 4

“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”

If you loved the first “Captain America,” there’s no reason not to be stoked for this edition. The first look at the film will happen during the awesome commercials set for Super Bowl Sunday. Even if you’re not into football, seeing the face of Captain America himself, or maybe you know him as Chris Evans, is reason enough to watch.

May 2

“The Amazing Spider-Man 2”

Superhero fanatics can’t wait for this one. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone return to the big screen again, as Peter Parker battles more villains and continues to be adorable. Jamie Foxx will be the movie’s villain, “Electro,” and is sure to make the film a little more interesting.

June 13

“22 Jump Street”

Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill return as undercover cops. After attending high school twice, in this sequel the two friends will head to college. Dave Franco and Ice Cube will also return, so this follow-up is sure to please fans of the 2012 remake, and probably the 1987 original film as well.

June 27

“Transformers 4: Age of Extinction”

“Transformers” returns, this time without main character Shia LaBeouf. But, don’t write it off just yet: This year’s film stars Mark Wahlberg, who plays a mechanic who makes a shocking discovery which brings Autobots and Decepticons. For fans of the first three movies in the franchise, it sounds like this sequel is just up your alley, and it’s sure to be action-packed for the thriller lovers.

August 15

“The Giver”

Book lovers are bound to be looking forward to this movie, based off the very popular novel by Lois Lowry that takes place in a seemingly perfect community, until one boy is chosen to learn from an old man about the true pain and pleasure of the real world. The film starts Meryl Streep and Taylor Swift, sure to attract a wide variety of viewers. Mark your calendars, because I have a feeling this is going to be a good one.

November 21

“The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1”

Of course, this is going to be one of 2014’s biggest hits. With “Catching Fire” doing so well in the box office at the end of last year, and the massive fan base owing to the success of the Hunger Games trilogy by author Suzanne Collins, fans will anxiously await the first movie (of two parts) of the last book of the trilogy. After nearly a two-year wait between the first and second movies, the third installment coming so soon will be a refreshing treat for Hunger Games fanatics.

Television

So many shows to choose from; so little space. Here’s a couple that you really can’t miss.

 

April 6

Game of Thrones

The epic HBO TV show is back, at last, for its fourth season. Will we finally get to see the demise of evil King Joffrey? The fans certainly hope so. The show has become massively popular, and is based off of the books by George R.R. Martin. The Season 4 trailer is already on YouTube, and shows that this season is sure to be an intense one.

April 15

“Fargo”

This new 10-episode limited series is loosely based on the popular Coen brothers classic movie, even though the Coens weren’t involved in production of this show. Don’t let that stop you, because the series stars Billy Bob Thornton, Kate Walsh, Colin Hanks and others. It’s sure to please fans of the original movie and should make an interesting addition to the Spring TV lineup.

 

May 5

24: Live Another Day

The new 12-episode reboot of the Kiefer Sutherland series takes place in London. This will be a limited-event television series, and is set several years following the events of Season 8. This season, Jack will find himself on the run, and fans of the series will be delighted to reunite with the franchise characters.