10 Directors Making Film Interesting

Which directors have caught your interest, YG?  Well I'm glad you asked.  I have told you which directors don't even have to show me a trailer (including a director who doesn't even need a plot).  I've even made amendments to that list.  However, this list is all about directors I might just have to add to that list one day.

Director:
Akiva Schaffer

My Favourite Film:
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016)

What To Look Forward To:
I should mention that I'm also up for Jorma joining in on the directing, but Akiva has more films on his IMDb!  I didn't realize Akiva directed The Watch... which gives him one miss in my books.  Otherwise, I'm going to be excited anytime I hear he has a new movie coming out.  I will defend Hot Rod to the death and think Popstar was definitely the step in the right direction to crowd pleasing film making that still feels unique.

Director:
Anthony Russo & Joe Russo

My Favourite Film:
Captain America: Civil War (2016)

What To Look Forward To:
Down since Arrested Development days and solidified fan since Community and Happy Endings!  I'm going to be honest, I was surprised to see they actually directed You, Me and Dupree.  I didn't hate that movie but it's not my favourite anything.  That's crazy since it means I love their televised comedy and think they thrive with cinematic action thrillers.  There was a lot of pressure on Civil War due to my love of Winter Soldier, and the Russos delivered.  That doesn't make me any more confident that they'll kill their Avenger movies but I am anxiously anticipating them.

Director:
Ava DuVernay

My Favourite Film:
Selma (2014)

What To Look Forward To:
I hear tell that Ava is the first black woman to direct a film with a $100 Million budget.  That is truly exciting.  I did feel some way about her not taking on the upcoming Black Panther movie.  However, I'm happy she had the forsight to not get caught up in a Edgar Wright or David Ayer situation with one of these comic book movies.  Instead she'll be directing something she can put her all into and I'm excited to see what happens with that.

Director:
Christopher Miller & Phil Lord

My Favourite Film:
21 Jump Street (2012)

What To Look Forward To:
I've been down with these two since Clone High!  They have so much goodwill I choose to ignore the time Phil got heated about Jay Z's travel plans.  I thoroughly enjoyed 22 Jump Street and their animated films are way better than they deserve to be.  Chris and Phil have proved they don't phone anything in.  If it's a cartoon about giant food, Lego, or a franchise about an 80s show, they go all in!  So I can't wait to see what happens when they get their hands on everyone's favourite Star Wars' scoundrel's spin-off!

Director:
Denis Villeneuve

My Favourite Film:
Prisoners (2013)

What To Look Forward To:
Hooray for accidental Canadian content!  I have seen three D.V. movies so far and, while I have a hard time getting my head around Enemy, it's clear Mr. Villeneuve knows how to draw you in with his movies.  I love dissecting his work.  Every movie gives you something to talk about on the way home from the theatre and I'm looking forward to his Blade Runner film.  Jared Leto and all!

Director:
Jordan Vogt-Roberts

My Favourite Film:
The Kings of Summer (2013)

What To Look Forward To:
Kings of Summer was my favourite movie the year it came out and it's also the reason I haven't finished the follow up to Better Than Me.  There is just something about that movie that is so up my alley that it played out exactly like a book I was writing.  Still I'd rather it exist than not.  I am not a Kong fan but the cast and Jordan's involvement have made Kong: Skull Island a must see for me.

Director:
Justin Lin

My Favourite Film:
Fast Five (2011)

What To Look Forward To:
I can't tell you how much disdain I had for this series that I've seen every entry but Tokyo Drift before Justin Lin got involved.  I just couldn't get on board with the acting.  However, when I saw The Rock face off against Vin Diesel (on screen mind you...)  I realized I'd always wanted to see that match up before I just didn't know till I saw it.  I have talked about my feelings of the sixth entry and seventh in podcast form.  I also dug Star Trek Beyond.  While I'm not blind to the short comings of Justin's film making, I can't deny the amount of fun and energy on display in his films and that's never a bad thing!

Director:
Rick Famuyiwa

My Favourite Film:
Dope (2015)

What To Look Forward To:
This one was rough because I love The Wood and really like Brown Sugar.  However, there was the energy of a new director found in Dope.  You would have thought this was just a home run out the gate if IMDb didn't exist or you didn't grow up in a black household.  Also loved that The Wood and Dope are in a shared universe.  Which brings us to Rick taking on directing duties for The Flash!  While I'm more than happy about who is directing Black Panther, this choice feels more progressive.  It doesn't feel like DC said "oh jeeze, we need a black director for the black character!"  I respect that choice.

Director:
Ryan Coogler

My Favourite Film:
Creed (2015)

What To Look Forward To:
Yes Fruitvale Station almost made me cry and that is nothing to turn your nose up at.  I feel like I can't be objective with that movie since I was so emotionally affected.  I think it's a great movie but I'm too close to it.  Creed, however, isn't even a part of a franchise I hold in high esteem.  It was just a movie with a great trailer and director/actor combo.  That's right I've never seen a Rocky film.  I just wanted to see this movie AND BOY DID IT DELIVER!  Ryan's next project is Black Panther.  That's dope!  I'm hoping that Marvel got him because they trust that he can adapt to a preexisting franchise while still being true to himself like he did with Creed.

Director:
Taika Waititi

My Favourite Film:
What We Do In the Shadows (2014)

What To Look Forward To:
I have thoroughly enjoyed every single Taika Waititi film I've seen but What We Do hit my funny bone in just the right way!  I loved his new film this year Hunt for the Wilder People, but, that was more of a warm and fuzzy feeling.  In terms of getting me to laugh, What We Do is it!  I say all that to say this: I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT THOR FILM!  I do not like the Thor films.  I think Chris is great as the character, but neither of his solo outings have made the best use of him.  Based on the low bar and the amazing director, I think it's safe to say I'm looking forward to Ragnarok!

-YG