~ tis gonna be one hell of a year ~
Black Panther
Numero uno on my list (or maybe because it’s releasing in like a month idk) is the latest instalment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Black Panther has probably the most stunning and talented cast in all of film history (made no less radiant by the absolutely incredible costume design). In fact, all of the visuals for this movie are going to make it a true cinematic experience. From what we’ve seen thus far the visual effects and set design are amazing, and should perfectly fit the epic grandeur that this film will bring to the MCU. The importance of an all-black main cast is not to be overlooked in this racially tumultuous time, and hopefully the great success of this film will send a big message to Hollywood that these films work. Aside from that, though, it’s going to be a great superhero movie in its own right, a story never really explored in the cinematic universe, yet one so crucial to the entire Marvel world. Also, have you seen Michael Jordan in that trailer? Sign me up.
Avengers; Infinity War
Speaking of the MCU, we have perhaps one of the most highly anticipated films of the timeline releasing on May 4th. Infinity War will be a sort of amalgamation of all the movies thus far – and although not the official end of Stage Three, it will certainly be an ending of sorts. It has been confirmed – and would only make sense – for some (if not many) of the old favourites to either leave the story, or (shudder) be killed off. With these deaths, or optimistically, leaves of absence, we should see a new era of Marvel heroes come to rise. New characters will step up in the place of old, presenting a whole new array of challenges for future films. I am incredibly excited to see how it sets up, not only Avengers 4, but also the rest of the rumoured 20+ upcoming Marvel movies. But one thing’s for sure – with 67 heroes and characters making an appearance, there’s certainly going to be some casualties. With so many heroes, I have slight concerns about the movie being a little overcrowded – with so many different storylines, it seems inevitable that some must take a back seat – but if anyone can pull it off it’s Feige, Russo’s x2, and the team. And if all else fails, I wouldn’t even be mad about watching a four hour cut.
Ready Player One
After just having finished the novel by Ernest Cline, Ready Player One has quickly become one of my must-see films in 2018. Its premise is something that will translate so beautifully onscreen (especially under the hand of Spielberg). A story honestly tailor made for the epic-ness of cinema – set in a world where literally anything is possible. It’s also 80’s nostalgia central, which is all the rage right now (see: the success of Stranger Things, Call Me Your Name, Heathers, literally anything made in the last three years). Above all it’s just an incredibly entertaining and epic story, and the cast looks pretty sweet (I mean, aside from TJ Miller, but he’s irrelevant, his character doesn’t even have a name so whatever). There’s simply no limit to what can be portrayed visually here, and Cline himself wrote the script – so whatever happens we’re in good hands.
Lady Bird
Okay, so, hear me out. I know this is technically a 2017 release, but it doesn’t come out in Australia for another month because we’re a deprived, isolated country so IT COUNTS. Look, this one needs no explanation. Lady Bird is going to be so awesome – I’ve heard only good things. It seems to be a very real and personal story, a nice change from most on this list. Don’t get me wrong – I adore the next Marvel movies as much (actually, a lot more) than the next gal, but they are so often larger than life, and a more human story is refreshing in the current Hollywood landscape. Everyone involved is enough to make me go see this film – let alone all of them at once. Saorise Ronan, Greta Gerwig, Timothée Chalamet, Lucas Hedges, Laurie Metcalf – there’s so many good people attached to this project. Plus if the wildly funny and adorable trailer (that I’ve watched about 50 times) is anything to go by, this one’s going to be great.
A Wrinkle In Time
Another product of black excellence this year is A Wrinkle In Time, Ava DuVernay’s adaptation of the Madeline L’Engle’s classic novel. I don’t know how many of you have read this book, but it is a beautiful, whimsical tale, and there is no one better suited to portray it than all of these wonderful humans. Seriously, there are so many brilliant people in and behind this movie, and I am super keen to see Winfrey, Kaling and Witherspoon in the main roles. The sisters are such unique, ethereal characters and it will be interesting to see how they play out. The premise is awesome – it’s actually quite a grounded story with a lovely message..that happens to take place through the various dimensions of space and time. It’s truly an epic setting, and if the film looks as stunning as the trailer does, DuVernay is going to pull it off.
Ocean’s 8
A comprehensive list of things that I love:
- All female remakes of old classics
- Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling and Katie Holmes
- Diverse movies
- Diverse female movies
- Heist movies
- Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling and Katie Holmes
- Stunning fashion and beautiful clothes
- Celebrity cameos
- Badass ladies kicking ass
- Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling and Katie Holmes
- Situational comedy
- James Bond-y, weapon-y, action-y movies
- James Bond-y, weapon-y, action-y movies but with girls
A comprehensive list of things that this movie contains:
- All female remakes of old classics
- Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling, Katie Holmes
- Diverse movies
- Diverse female movies
- Heist movies
- Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling, Katie Holmes
- Stunning fashion and beautiful clothes
- Celebrity cameos
- Badass ladies kicking ass
- Sandra Bullock, Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Mindy Kaling, Katie Holmes
- Situational comedy
- James Bond-y, weapon-y, action-y movies
- James Bond-y, weapon-y, action-y movies but with girls
Thanks for coming to my TED talk.
Love, Simon
Full disclosure: I have not yet read this book, but I hear only the cutest of things. Love, Simon is going to be the most stereotypical, adorable teen rom-com of the summer – except it’s gay. LGBT+ stories – and coming out stories in particular – are such good and important representation. They show LGBT+ youth that the feelings they experience (closeted or nay) and how they deal with and come to terms with their identity is valid and normal. And that’s something we should all be supporting in the media. In the face of concerning and distressing anti-LGBT+ actions, films like these are a little light in the dark – some heartwarming encouragement that we are, in fact, making progress. I’m also a really big fan of both Nick Robinson and Keiynan Lonsdale – so I’m excited to see their performance and chemistry in the main roles. Aside from this stuff though, it’s just going to be a super cute love story – and who isn’t down for that?
Honourable Mentions
Fantastic Beasts; The Crime of Grindelward
The Incredibles 2
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Deadpool 2
Let me know which films (or shows, which I might do a seperate post on) you are keen to catch in 2018!
