By Tracey Peyton, MA
The year 2017 was an interesting year for movies and for scandal. Surprises like Get Out and Split, to flops like Blade Runner 2049, and jumbo hits like Wonder Woman and IT.
As of this writing, the Harvey Weinstein scandal is opening the door to other directors and actors like Brett Ratner and Kevin Spacey being the subject of many additional allegations. All I really want to know is what is going to happen to the Weinstein project, The Six Billion Dollar Man starring Mark Wahlberg, which was slated to come out in December? I really wanted to see that.
The year 2018 promises to be better without that Memorial Day to Labor Day slump and hopefully less scandal. While trying to develop a small list of movies to see in 2018, I find it a daunting task after reviewing six of my industry sources.
I cross referenced lists to see which movies were on the majority of lists to come up with most of these mentioned below. Asking me to rank them would be next to impossible. There are movies in 2018 that we all should see; however, since they will most likely be included in Oscar balloting, I am not including those—i.e. Molly’s Game directed by Aaron Sorkin.
You must have something Star Wars on the list; its first origin story, Solo: A Star Wars Story. This movie is directed by Ron Howard and stars Alden Ehrenreich in the title role. Supporting cast includes Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton, Emilia Clarke and Donald Glover. Release date: May 25.
There are at least six movies coming out in the Marvel and DC Universes in 2018. I picked two: Deadpool 2 and Avengers: Infinity Wars, with release dates of June 1 and May 4 respectively. Ryan Reynolds surprised everyone by grossing $363 million in ticket sales in the first installment of the obscure cult favorite, with an R-rating as well.
Avengers: Infinity Wars may have some big surprises in store as most of the Marvel characters contracts end with this film, as they face off against Thanos, a legendary comic book villain. Most critics are saying if you like Captain America: Civil War, then this is a fateful ending with a cherry on top.
I promise The Incredibles 2 will be one of the best sequels we had to wait on. It will do better at the box office than many of its animated sister sequels in their sophomoric efforts. It has been 13 years since the original installment with Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl. Experts are saying that this one will rival another Pixar sequel, Toy Story 2. Release date: June 15.
The science fiction dystopian novel Ready Player One, written by Ernest Cline, starts March 30. Visually, it is stunning. And why wouldn’t it be with Steven Spielberg at the helm? Virtual reality gamers must find an Easter egg within this world to obtain the fortune of the deceased creator. Tye Sheridan, who made such a splash in his debut film, 2012’s Mud with Matthew McConaughey, plays the protagonist Wade Watts. Mr. Sheridan is one to definitely keep watching.
The Irishman, starring Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa and Robert DeNiro as Frank Sheeran, is a biography about the possibility of a mob hitman’s involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa.
Just the fact that the movie is directed by Martin Scorsese and also stars Joe Pesci, with the screenplay written by Oscar winner Steve Zaillian, means it’ll be good. Zaillian has penned the screenplays for Schindler’s List, American Gangster, Gangs of New York and Searching for Bobby Fisher among others. This has Oscar written all over it. Release date: TBD.
There are many movies that are reboots: The Jungle Book, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Robin Hood, Overboard, Death Wish, and A Star is Born. Death Wish will star Bruce Willis in the Charles Bronson role; and Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper will reprise the Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson roles. Both movies are due out in March of 2018.
For sci-fi and horror fans, the final installment of the Halloween franchise, entitled Halloween, stars Jamie Lee Curtis taking on Michael Myers for one final time. The Predator, a sequel to the 1987 film Predator, is directed by Shane Black, best known for his writing of the Lethal Weapon, Lethal Weapon 2, Iron Man 3 and The Last Boy Scout, comes out in August 2018.
Another franchise film to watch for in the summer of 2018 is Mission Impossible 6. Look for some outlandish stunts by Tom Cruise. If these stunts are any better than the ones he trained over a year for in number 5, this one promises to be a fun ride.
As the article comes to a close, I realize that I did not mention Oceans Eight and Mary Poppins Returns. The release dates are June 8 and Christmas Day, respectively. Oceans Eight has the sister of Danny Ocean running a heist at the Met Gala. Lots of cameos with Matt Damon reprising his role as Linus promises to be just plain fun. Mary Poppins Returns stars Colin Firth, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Emily Blunt in the title role. Don’t be surprised if you see Dick Van Dyke in this one too. That makes my heart melt.
As 2018 nears, I would hope that the year offers us bigger blockbusters and fewer scandals. Since the movies are so subjective, I know that each of you will be able to find your niche and support those that may be near and dear.
There is nothing better than viewing a movie in the atmosphere of a movie theatre with digital sound and projection….and yes, buttered popcorn. I hope to see you at the movies real soon!
Must See Movies in 2018
