A GOOD LOOK FORWARD
Postmedia film critic Chris Knight reveals the movies he most wants to see this year.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (May 25): The new Star Wars movies have yet to disappoint, but if I don’t see Han Solo herding Nerfs scruffily in this one I shall be upset. Also, looking forward to Chewbacca as some sort of furry Baby Groot.
Ocean’s 8 (June 8): Steven Soderbergh’s Ocean trilogy was a fun ride, which means hopes are high for this all-female reboot. It also doesn’t seem to have attracted as many trolls as Ghostbusters.
Incredibles 2 (June 15): Fully half of Pixar’s movies are now sequels, which is a shame, but the 2004 movie about a family of superheroes generated such goodwill that this could be one of the better Part 2s.
Sicario 2: Soldado (June 29): Speaking of sequels, this is the first film from Denis Villeneuve to generate one. Granted, Emily Blunt isn’t back for it, and neither is the director, but screenwriter Taylor Sheridan returns, and that alone bodes well.
First Man (Oct. 12): A biopic about Neil Armstrong, starring Ryan Gosling? That’s one small step for a movie, one giant leap in moviemaking. Bohemian Rhapsody (Dec. 25): Despite the fractious departure of director Bryan Singer, this biopic of Queen’s lead vocalist Freddie Mercury (played by Rami Malek) could be great. At the very least, we know the soundtrack will rock.
Mortal Engines (Dec. 14): Based on Philip Reeve’s young-adult steampunk series, this tale of wheeled cities looks like Mad Max meets Snowpiercer. In other words, it’s just crazy enough that it might work.
Avengers: Infinity War (May 4): Truth be told, I’m just looking forward to putting this one behind me so I can be prepared for Untitled Avengers Movie, opening May 3, 2019.
Mary Poppins Returns (Dec. 25): If you’re going to make a sequel to one of the most beloved children’s classics of all time, at least have the decency to wait a half a century or so for those kids to have grandkids. Well played, Disney.
Bumblebee (Dec. 21): Just kidding. I’d rather be stung by them.