What I'm Excited For in 2019
I bet you thought I was done writing after the powerhouse 2018 Movie Roundup in January! But you were wrong! I’m here to gush about movies even more!
Like I did in 2016, then 2017, and even 2018, I’m going to talk about the movies I’m looking forward to seeing in 2019 while I predict how I’ll feel about them once I’ve actually seen them! It should be noted that I’ve already seen Glass, word to episode 80 of Spoiled Rotten, Alita: Battle Angel, and What Men Want for the year!
FIlm:
The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part (February 8)
What I’m Expecting:
I know Lord & Miller aren’t back to direct this but I still feel like this movie could be good. The world created in the first one is ripe for fun new gags if not more great storytelling.
What Will Probably Happen:
It’ll be half as good as the first movie. Which is still ok considering how much effort and care was put into the first one.
FIlm:
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (February 22)
What I’m Expecting:
I’ve gotta be honest. I haven’t liked any of the trailers. It’s a bit scary how lowkey this roll out all feels considering how great the first two movies are. So I’m not expecting greatness here. But I’ve seen the first two movies. I’m kinda locked in at this point. I gotta trust that the magic is still there.
What Will Probably Happen:
These are kids movies with great visuals and surprisingly easy to root for characters so I can’t imagine I’ll hate this or even be underwhelmed. I’ll probably think it’s ok!
FIlm:
Captain Marvel (March 8)
What I’m Expecting:
I’m an MCU stan who liked Brie Larson back when she was on United States of Tara. I’ve also been waiting for a female led Marvel movie. So yeah. I’m expecting to love this movie. It’s gotta a lot of mystery around it, which I kind of like. I feel like (especially since i’ve avoided any tv spot or special look) that there will be a lot for me to discover in the actual movie theatre.
What Will Probably Happen:
I’ll have to defend this movie on a future episode of Spoiled Rotten because people will expect perfection from this movie while excepting mediocrity from most male led super hero films.
FIlm:
Us (March 22)
What I’m Expecting:
I loved Get Out! I was scared going to the theatre, I was scared watching the trailers before the movie came on in the theatres, but I ended up loving Get Out. My worry here is that Us won’t have the same second layer that Get Out had. I’m not saying there won’t be a deeper meaning, I’m just saying I’ll be really scared and won’t have that safety net of Get Out’s subject matter. I guess I’m saying I expect to be silent all film and have an experience closer to Hereditary than Get Out. Great score to the trailer THO!
What Will Probably Happen:
I won’t be able to sleep after I see the movie but I’ll be obsessed with reading about the making of the movie and I’ll potentially want to go again.
FIlm:
Shazam! (April 5)
What I’m Expecting:
Finally a DCEU film where it looks like the hero is having fun that’s not called Aquaman (respect to Wonder Woman though)! I definitely wanted Alan Ritchson or Channing Tatum to play Shazam but this trailer has made it clear that there was no other choice for this movie. I’m really looking forward to the super hero version of Big! This feels like the perfect mix for a good time at the movies.
What Will Probably Happen:
I don’t really have an emotional investment in this character so I’ll just be able to have fun and go along for the ride.
FIlm:
Avengers: Endgame (April 26)
What I’m Expecting:
In case you haven’t heard I’m an MCU STAN! i’ve seen all the films multiple times and I’m ready for this conclusion. Not ready for the potential deaths, but ready to put a capper on all of this. I am expecting a lot considering how high my hopes were for Black Panther and Infinity War and how well those movies went last year.
What Will Probably Happen:
I trust the Russos. Failure is not an option.
FIlm:
Long Shot (May 3)
What I’m Expecting:
This should be fun. A romantic comedy where a potential president gets with someone they used to babysit? Imagine the conflict and the funny moments that could come from that conflict. Pluse, I don’t think I’ve seen a movie with O’Shea Jackson Jr. In it that I didn’t like. And I like Seth Rogen and the rest of the supporting cast.
What Will Probably Happen:
It’ll be as good to me as Neighbours. Not entirely memorable, but fun while it lasts.
FIlm:
Pokémon Detective Pikachu (May 10)
What I’m Expecting:
I’ll tell you this right now. I wasn’t expecting to have this movie on my list before the trailer dropped. It feels like it could have elements of Roger Rabbit. I’m all for that. It should also be pointed out that I like most Ryan Reynold’s movies. Also why aren’t more people talking about how cool it is that this movie got the likes of Ken Wanatanabe???
What Will Probably Happen:
Much like Shazam, there’s nothing on the line here. No nostalgia/love for this property so the fact that I like the trailer makes me think I’ll like the movie.
FIlm:
Aladdin (May 24)
What I’m Expecting:
Oh boy. I mean I have to see this right? It’s a top tier Disney movie and they’re adding Will Smith to the mix? A perfect alternative to Robin Williams. He doesn’t need to do impressions, he’s just got the star power to not feel like a step down. But the promotional material thus far has been lacking, word to that weird ass moving genie. Oh well at least we’ll get a Will Smith movie rap out of this RIGHT???
What Will Probably Happen:
I can’t imagine loving this. I haven’t really cared for any of the Disney live action remakes but I don’t hate Guy Richie and I love Aladdin so I’ll be there opening night.
FIlm:
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (May 17)
What I’m Expecting:
Third time’s a charm right? I mean these movies know what they are and don’t try to complicate things. You’re either in or you’re not. It’ll be a bunch of fun fight scenes and cool lighting.
What Will Probably Happen:
I’ll need to see this in theatres. I think that adds to the spectacle and appeal. Otherwise, no pressure.
FIlm:
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (May 31)
What I’m Expecting:
I got suckered in by the first Godzilla from this franchise. Great trailer, bore of a film. My hope is that the trailers are telling the truth and we can focus on the monsters and see some fun fights. I really liked Kong: Skull Island. I get that it’s a different director, cast, and time period but if this movie is supposed to lead to this Godzilla facing off against that Kong I want to believe they’ll get on the same level in terms of the audience actually being thrilled and having fun.
What Will Probably Happen:
The movie won’t be as fun as I want because I never end up liking Godzilla films but there will be a cool set up for Godzilla vs King Kong that makes it all worthwhile.
FIlm:
Rocketman (May 31)
What I’m Expecting:
I am a movie about musicians fan. I happen to be a big fan of this musician in particular. However! This is not a straight up biopic. Apparently this will be closer to Across the Universe. But it looks like there will be scenes where songs are actually performed (floating and all). So I can’t tell if this will be too artsy or just the right amount for me.
What Will Probably Happen:
I’ll like the music at the very least.
FIlm:
Men in Black: International (June 14)
What I’m Expecting:
I think it’s weird to tag “international” on a movie about people who deal with intergalactic issues… but at least the Valkyrie and Thor are back together. Shame about the Liam Neeson of it all. Oh well, one bad apple can’t spoil the bunch. I’m also happy F Gary. Gray is at the helm. He deserves more looks like this. I know that I’ll be tired of it by the time the movie is out but I really love the hammer gag. It’s so good I forgot it was directly referencing Thor’s hammer.
What Will Probably Happen:
This could very well be as disappointing as Men In Black II. But Tessa and Chris have too much charisma for me to completely hate this movie.
FIlm:
Child’s Play (June 21)
What I’m Expecting:
Maybe my appreciation of Aubrey Plaza and Brian Tyree Henry will get me through this. I don’t think I’ll be too scared, I just don’t know how they’ll make this concept work. I’m interested to find out though.
What Will Probably Happen:
I might wait till this is out on VOD depending on the reviews for this. I know I know. This is a list about what I’m excited for but I can’t deny I’m intrigued.
FIlm:
Toy Story 4 (June 21)
What I’m Expecting:
I honestly thought we were done after number 3. Toy Story has a special place in my heart so I can’t completely turn my back on this. Especially after I was wrong about Incredibles 2 and Wreck-It Ralph 2 last year. They’ve also played a trump card in the form of having Key & Peele in this.
What Will Probably Happen:
As I said, I was wrong about Pixar’s capacity to revisit worlds that, ostensibly, had been fully explored already. I am open to this being more than just a cash grab.
FIlm:
Spider-Man: Far From Home (July 5)
What I’m Expecting:
I’m here for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. He’s only getting better with each film! I was actually more excited for this trailer than the Endgame trailer if you can believe that. I was really into the world that Homecoming set up and I cant’ wait to see what happens when the cast heads to Europe!
What Will Probably Happen:
I can’t see not loving this movie. MCU is getting Spider-Man right!
FIlm:
The Lion King (July 19)
What I’m Expecting:
Much like Aladdin, I’m not able to completely ignore this movie despite not really liking the promotion or the other live action remakes. BUT! This isn’t live action. It’s just photorealistic. Plus it’s got a great cast! With Donald Glover front and center as Simba!
What Will Probably Happen:
Of all the “live action” remakes, this one has the best potential for me to love it.
FIlm:
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (July 26)
What I’m Expecting:
It’s Tarantino. I haven’t seen a movie by him I didn’t like. I’m sorry if that’s not cool or the right answer. I like his dialogue and overall aesthetic. I get that he’s just borrowing from other filmmakers but I’m a hip hop baby, I’m down to see how people flip samples in cool ways. Sue me!
What Will Probably Happen:
Bruh. I’m even willing to look past Lena Dunham and no black stars in the cast because it’s Tarantino plus Margot, Leo, and Brad!
FIlm:
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (August 2)
What I’m Expecting:
I’ve been on board with The Fast & Furious franchise ever since The Rock joined so it only make sense that I’d be on board with his spin-off with Jason Statham (who killed on the plane in the last movie) and Idris Elba! I’m expecting cartoonish fun and the trailer has me thinking that’s exactly what I’ll get.
What Will Probably Happen:
I’ll get exactly what I expect.
FIlm:
It: Chapter Two (September 6)
What I’m Expecting:
I liked, but didn’t love the first chapter so I need to see the next chapter based on the cast.
What Will Probably Happen:
I don’t remember liking the adult stuff in the tv movie but maybe it’ll be extra scary here. Possibly too scary? Either way I bet it won’t be as enjoyable as the first chapter.
FIlm:
Gemini Man (October 4)
What I’m Expecting:
The movie synopsis reads like Looper but with Will Smith. I liked Looper, and I love Will Smith so I have to see this through.
What Will Probably Happen:
I don’t think I like Ang Lee’s non Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon movies and it seems like it could be one of those Will Smith with the charisma turned down to zero movies. Will have to wait for the first trailer
FIlm:
Joker (October 4)
What I’m Expecting:
I wasn’t looking forward to this until I saw this make up test. I am a big fan of Joker, but mostly because of how he interacts with other extraordinary people. Regardless, watching Joaquin put his stamp on this character will be fun enough.
What Will Probably Happen:
This is directed by Todd Philips who surprised me with War Dogs. If he keeps that same energy here, this could be pretty good.
FIlm:
Star Wars: Episode IX (December 20)
What I’m Expecting:
I’m a fan of the new Star Wars movies. Even though I don’t think JJ knows how to close his mystery box properly, I still enjoy his films so I’m up for seeing him get another swing at a Star Wars film.
What Will Probably Happen:
I am not that excited for this movie but it could end up being something really special.
-YG