OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH 2019!

Happy New Year! In lieu of a Top Ten list from 2018 I’ve decided to look to the future and pick what I feel are the ten most anticipated film projects of 2019.  Now that the champagne bottles are empty and the confetti has been swept into the dustpan, let’s jump into the waters of cinema for the year of the pig:

“Us” (3/15)  

After Jordan Peele brought us one of the best thrillers of the decade with 2017’s “Get Out,” the director has returned to successfully creep us out with the trailer to “Us,” which looks to lean more into the horror side of things.

“Shazam!” (4/5)

As DC continues to try and right the ship after the disastrous “Justice League” (2017), they seem to be headed in the right direction with “Shazam.” The mess that is “Aquaman” may be making boat loads of money, but this “Big” meets “Superman” story of the original Captain Marvel should capture the joy of being a superhero more than any other DC/WB comic book, save for the excellent “Wonder Woman.” Should be fun.

 

“Avengers: Endgame” (4/26)

This is a no brainer, at least in the box office realm. After sending children away in shock with the death of so many heroes in last years “Avengers: Infinity War,” Marvel returns to close the book on this epic two-parter, and supposedly several of the hero’s we have been watching on the big screen for ten years.

“Toy Story 4” (6/21)

Putting a third sequel to an animated franchise usually isn’t my bag, but damn if every subsequent entry in this franchise isn’t full of charm and most importantly, heart.  Woody and Buzz Lightyear return for a road trip alongside old and new friends revealing how big the world can be for a toy.

“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” (8/9)

Director Quentin Tarantino. Kurt Russell, Leonardo DiCaprio. Brad Pitt. Margot Robbie. Al Pacino. The Charles Manson murders.  Shall I continue?

“It: Chapter Two” (9/6)

“It” was not only one of the best studio horror films in years, it was also one of the best Stephen King adaptations and made boatloads of money (it is one of the most successful horror films of all time). There is a full story left to tell where the kids from the first half of the novel are grown adults. You’ll float too in anticipation.

“Frozen 2” (11/22)

Much to my chagrin, the world’s most overplayed and overrated song (“Let It Go”) will probably return in some capacity in this long-awaited follow-up to Disney’s 2013 smash hit. I can’t dispute the effect it had on young audiences. Will the sequel leave audiences cold or melt their snowman hearts all over again? I have 10 months to write enough chilly puns to fill Mr. Freeze’s ice box.  

“Star Wars: Episode IX” (12/20)

It has been a strange couple of years for “Star Wars,” with audiences split over “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” (I loved it) and “Solo,” the latter failing miserably at the box office. I predict a return to form with this final entry in the “Skywalker saga.” Director JJ Abrams will throw as much fan service at the wall as he can to make the fans happy. One final look at Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian (returning to the series for the first time since 1983) and Carrie Fisher (in unused footage from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens”) will be difficult to resist. If Disney is smart they will release a brilliant trailer to wash the bad taste of the last two years out of audiences mouths ASAP.  

“The Irishman” (TBA)

Martin Scorsese was given the keys to the Netflix kingdom to make the film he wanted, with all the budget he desired. He used his sway to put together a pseudo ”Goodfellas” reunion, casting  Joe Pesci and Robert De Niro and teaming them up with Al Pacino. The story revolves around a mob hitman recalling his possible involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa. Fans of Scorsese have waited years for him to return to his bread and butter of mobster movies. Hopefully it delivers.

“Lucy in the Sky” (TBA)

This one is a bit of a dark horse pick, but the storyline and cast intrigue me; Natalie Portman plays a female astronaut who, upon returning to Earth from a life-changing mission in space, begins to slowly unravel and lose touch with reality. Jon Hamm plays the estranged love interest who tips the scales towards derangement. Inspired by astronaut Lisa Nowak’s bizarre 2007 true story.  

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