August 2011: Top 5 Most Anticipated Releases

Hard to believe we're two thirds of the way through the year, not to mention into the last month of summer already! Thankfully, to comfort you after hearing that rather unpleasant reminder, I can let you know that August is promising to be a month packed to the brim with sleeper hits, or to be more specific, releases you likely have heard about rather than seen but that just may surprise you. In fact, I'd go so far as to warrant that we might see some of 2011's best entertainment over the next thirty one days, and given all that's come before, that in itself is quite a statement...
5. TORCHWOOD: MIRACLE DAY- The series has gotten off to a mixed start, with the opening two instalments being predictable and the latter outright brilliant, but if we can get more of the seamless action, drama and comedy we did in Dead of Night then Season Four may soon be able to match Children of Earth, which would be quite a feat indeed!
4. DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION- A revolution in video gaming? Maybe- the original Deus Ex was met to critical acclaim eleven years back, a stunning RPG shooter with near limitless replay value, so there's a good chance its prequel Human Revolution can set some big standards when it hits stores. Keep an eye on this one.
3. SUPER 8- If there was ever going to be a sleeper hit, this would have to be it. Set in 1960s America, this intriguing film follows four kids shooting a homemade sci-fi flick, only to witness a freight train carrying cargo from Area 51 crash nearby, drawing them into a world of danger beyond their wildest dreams. Think it all sounds a bit low-key? It also happens to be directed by none other than Steven Spielberg, and going on his track record that could mean big things for it!
2. DOCTOR WHO- Those of you reading this who know me well as a dedicated fan of this sublime, fourty eight-year spanning science fiction TV show may wonder why its return with Episode 8, Let's Kill Hitler, isn't at the top of the list. Fair question. The simple answer would be that I don't like to place any show top in more than one month (Who placed first in April), but just to say that would be to discredit what's come top here. That said, I am really looking forward to the programme coming back, particularly with more on River Song, the death of the Doctor and the Silence confirmed to be revealed!
1. RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES- However, it's got to be Rise which tops this list. The trailers for this one have been nothing short of stunning, showcasing the staggeringly realistic CGI, the emotive plot and the great A List of actors coming along for the ride in this exciting prequel/reboot. Best film of 2011? If director Rupert Wyatt plays his cards right, it just may be...