I am looking for a word or phrase that means I am happy that something will be happening. Existing phrases along this line already exist in popular writing:
Movie Y is the most anticipated since Movie X.
I am really looking forward to Christmas this year
Look forward to and anticipate are synonyms but nether spells out the mood in which one looks forward to something. Really, what does "most anticipated" actually mean? A load of people expect that a movie will be made? Great, but it doesn't mean they want to watch it.
I respect that these phrases have built up a convention for meaning positive things,
I'd just like something more explicit.
Edit: I did notice this question hit the wall before posting. I'd like to think I've been more objective but point out issues and I'll try to fix.
Best Answer
The first word that comes to mind for me as a native American English speaker is "eager." Oxford dictionaries defines eager as follows:
In the example you provided I might say, "I am eager for the release of Movie X."
A few other (informal) possibilities I might use colloquially are: "jazzed," "thrilled," "itching," or "dying."
I am jazzed for the release of Videogame X next month.
I am thrilled about Christmas this year.
I am itching for my wife to get home from work.
I am dying to get out of this office and go fishing.
But the most common choice I would make to express anticipation for something is "looking forward to."
I am looking forward to a cold beer when I get home.