Welcome back to the blog readers. 2023 was a crazy year for film, and I am so glad that we got to share this journey together. From the best of the best like John Wick: Chapter 4 and Oppenheimer, to the worst like The Pope's Exorcist and Meg 2: The Trench, I think we had a hell of a lot of fun last year. But now that 2023 is over and 2024 has begun, let us take a look forward at the films that I am looking forward to the most in this upcoming year. And a note before we begin, this list is in no particular order.
Argylle
Here's the thing. Matthew Vaughn's Kingsman films have really surprised me to become some of the best action films of the 2000s century so far. Although I liked The Secret Service (2015) more than The Golden Circle (2017), and The King's Man (2021) is a fun little prequel, I do want to return to this universe. But knowing that Vaughn wants to begin a new universe, I could not think of a better one to begin than this.
Argylle is directed by Matthew Vaughn from a screenplay by Jason Fuchs. The film is to star Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, John Cena, Samuel L. Jackson, Sofia Boutella, Rob Delaney, and Richard E. Grant. In the film, a spy novelist gets drawn into the world of espionage when the plots of her books become close to the activities of a crime syndicate. She winds up getting recruited by an undercover spy and sent on a mission where nothing, or no one, is as it seems.
There is nothing I love more than an action spy film, and being the director is Matthew Vaughn, we can expect his off-brand of comedy as well. This is shaping up to be the perfect storm of factors, and I can truly expect to see this film being one of my biggest surprises of 2024. And then once this universe merges with the Kingsman universe and Vaughn's third proposed universe, the madness and chaos will be off the chains and I will be seated for all of it, don't you worry. Argylle will release in theaters on February 2, and on Apple TV+ on a later date.
The Fall Guy
There is nothing I love more right now than David Leitch. His films, like Matthew Vaughn's, have been some of the best action films of this century. Just look at them. He was an uncredited co-director of John Wick (2014) in addition to directing Atomic Blonde (2017) (which I was honestly not the biggest fan of, but I am open to a rewatch), Deadpool 2 (2018), Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw (or simply just Hobbs and Shaw) (2019), and Bullet Train (2022). When I heard of this film, I knew I just had to be there.
The Fall Guy is directed by David Leitch from a screenplay by Drew Pearce. The film stars Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Winston Duke, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Stephanie Hsu, Teresa Palmer, and Lee Majors. In the film, when the star of an action film goes missing, the film's past his prime stuntman, who is also the star's former lover, volunteers to investigate the disappearance and find the missing actor.
This has the makings of another classic from David Leitch, and if this film is good, you can absolutely expect to hear David Leitch's name among the best action directors of all time. I am in love with (almost) everyone involved, and this could be the film event of the summer outside of a film I will be talking about a little later. The Fall Guy will release in theaters on May 3.
A Quiet Place: Day One
Since the inception of this blog, I think you guys have been inside my head a little bit. You most likely know by now that I have a real love/hate relationship with horror films. Some are great, some are bad, and some are Halloween Ends (2022) and The Pope's Exorcist (2023). I have never said that about the A Quiet Place series. A Quiet Place (2018) and A Quiet Place Part II (2021) rank up there as some of my favorite horror films ever made. A prequel film based on the events of the day of the alien invasion is just what I needed before the third film.
A Quiet Place: Day One is directed by Michael Sarnoski from a screenplay by him and a story by him and John Krasinski, and based off character by Bryan Woods and Scott Beck. The film stars Lupita Nyong'o, Joseph Quinn, Alex Wolff, Djimon Hounsou, and Denis O'Hare. No plot information has been released as of yet, but it is expected to follow the events of the day of the alien invasion.
John Krasinski has really carved out his own stamp from his acclaimed role on The Office (2005-13), and this film was exactly how he could do it. He has cemented himself now as a powerful storyteller, and one that I think will be around for a while. He does have a lighter film coming out in 2024 called IF (2024), and the trailer got me. Back to this film, A Quiet Place: Day One will release in theaters on June 28.
Dune: Part Two
Let's try this again, shall we? I know this film was on my list for most anticipated films of 2023, but destiny (and greedy studio heads) had other plans. This film was one of the many casualties of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes that happened from May to November of 2023, forcing WB to delay this film until 2024. Knowing how I feel about Timothée Chalamet, you know I was extremely pissed about this. I loved Dune (2021) and have been extremely excited about this film.
Dune: Part Two is directed by Denis Villeneuve from a screenplay by him and Jon Spaihts. The film sees Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem reprise their roles from the first film, joined by Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, and Tim Blake Nelson. In the film, Paul Atreides continues his journey to take revenge on those who destroyed his family. Now united with the Fremen of Arrakis, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can predict.
This franchise is revving up to be an incredible one, as the characters and setting have gripped many people, including myself, who wasn't even alive when the books were written or when David Lynch's adaptation came out in 1984. Nonetheless, I am so glad this film is finally coming, and I cannot wait to finally sink my teeth into this one. Dune: Part Two releases in theaters on March 1.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
The MonsterVerse has captured my imagination on more than one occasion. Can you believe it has nearly been ten years since the release of Godzilla (2014)? Neither can I. I still remember that first trailer with Bryan Cranston that was fucking awesome. Ten years later, even though this franchise has become kind of a popcorn-stuffer in the summer, I do not care because the films have life and souls. This film is one I cannot wait for.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is directed by Adam Wingard from a screenplay by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett, and Jeremy Slater and a story by Rossio, Wingard, and Barrett, based on Godzilla by Toho Co., LTD. The film stars Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen, and Rachel House. While no official plot synopsis has been released, this has been from Legendary:
This latest entry follows up the explosive showdown of Godzilla vs. Kong with an all-new cinematic adventure, pitting the mighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence - and our own. The epic new film will delve further into the histories of these Titans, their origins and the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.
Big disclaimer: this is the first time I have ever used that quote feature. With that being said, I have a newfound respect for Godzilla after the release of Godzilla Minus One (2023) last year, with that being ranked second on my best films list. Obviously this film is leagues different from Godzilla Minus One, but this film has a different understanding and love for the characters. I cannot wait to stuff popcorn on this one. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire releases in theaters on March 29.
Deadpool & Wolverine
Deadpool is quite possibly the greatest thing that Marvel has ever created. The Merc With a Mouth has transcended the page and become one of the most beloved and most imitated Marvel characters. The Ryan Reynolds-led Deadpool films have the same heart as the other media he has appeared in, and it is evidently clear that not only does he love the character, he was born to play it. I cannot wait for this third installment.
The untitled Deadpool 2 sequel, also known as Deadpool 3 (update, now is called Deadpool & Wolverine), is directed by Shawn Levy from a screenplay by him, Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Resse, Paul Wernick, and Zeb Wells, based on Deadpool by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Morena Baccarin, Brianna Hildebrand, Jennifer Garner, Leslie Uggams, Karan Soni, Stefan Kapičić, Shioli Kutsuna, Rob Delaney, Emma Corrin, and Matthew Mcfadyen. No plot information has been released yet, although speculation includes a multiversal story.
I love these Deadpool films, and I cannot wait to see how this character will be incorporated within the Marvel Cinematic Universe This will be the first R-rated film in the MCU, and will feature the return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. All of this, along with the fact that this will be the only theater-going experience MCU fans will have in 2024, this will absolutely be an event, and this is my most anticipated film of the year. The untitled Deadpool 2 sequel releases in theaters on July 26.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Here is something I have never gotten a chance to talk about on this blog yet: my love for the most recent Planet of the Apes films. The trilogy that consists of Rise of (2011), Dawn of (2014), and War for (2017) the Planet of the Apes has been one of my favorites, with War for being my favorite film of 2017. Once I heard that this film was being made, I was completely giddy with excitement.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is directed by Wes Ball from a screenplay by Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, and Patrick Aison, based on characters by Jaffa and Silver, and the premise is suggested by Planet of the Apes by Pierre Boulle. The film stars Owen Teague, Freya Allen, Kevin Durand, Travis Jeffrey, Ludia Peckham, Neil Sandilands, Peter Macon, and William H. Macy. In the film, which takes place nearly 300 years after War for the Planet of the Apes, a young chimp known as Noa embarks on a journey with a feral young woman named Mae to determine the future for apes and humans alike after the leader of his clan perverts the teachings of Caesar to enslave other clans.
This is probably ranked third of my most anticipated films of this year, if that ranking did exist somewhere. All I need is to see Planet of the Apes in the title and it is on like Donkey Kong for me. I cannot wait to sink my teeth into this one wither, as everything involved is shaping up to deliver an amazing experience for a fan of the series like myself. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes releases in theaters on May 10.
Venom: The Last Dance
I am an honest person, as I hope you guys already know. The films to come out of the Sony's Spider-Man Universe (SSU) have not always been the best. Morbius (2022) was completely terrible with ridiculous and pointless mid and post-credit scenes. Only Venom (2018) and Venom: let There Be Carnage (2021) have been enjoyable in my eyes. I have no interest in Madame Web or Kraven the Hunter (both 2024), But I cannot wait for this.
The untitled sequel to Venom: Let There Be Carnage, also called Venom 3, is directed by Kelly Marcel from a screenplay by her and a story by her and Tom Hardy. So far, the only cast confirmed for the film are Tom Hardy, Juno Temple, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. No plot information has been released as of the writing of this post.
The deal of the first two Venom films is that they are supposed to be fun. And the chemistry between Eddie Brock and Venom is that of an odd couple, and it is unmatched, even though both roles are played by Hardy. We obviously do not know any plot information as of yet, but I really hope they go balls-to-the-wall crazy and do some things we have never seen. I also want to see who Chiwetel Ejiofor is playing. The untitled sequel to Venom: Let There Be Carnage releases in theaters on October 25th.
Joker: Folie à Deux
Now here is something interesting. I vividly remember seeing Joker (2019) and feeling a little disappointed with it. While I did enjoy Todd Phillips's direction, Lawrence Sher's cinematography, and Joaquin Phoenix's performance, its take on mental health was bold, but ineffective in my opinion. But I am a guy of second chances, and what I have seen from this sequel has me intrigued.
Joker: Folie à Deux is directed by Todd Phillips from a screenplay by him and Scott Silver, based on characters from DC Comics. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Zazie Beetz, Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener, Jacob Lofland, and Harry Lawtey. No plot information has been released as of the writing of this post, but there will be musical elements in the film.
I do expect Joaquin Phoenix to be awesome as ever in this role, because he was in the first film. Lady Gaga as an actor has elevated every project she has been a part of, including A Star is Born (2018). What really intrigues me is the fact that there will be musical elements in the film. Will it be a full-blown musical, will it be for a scene or two, or will it be something entirely different? That is still to be seen. Joker: Folie à Deux releases in theaters on October 4.
Wicked
I want to preface this portion of the post by saying two things. The first thing I want to say is that I have never seen the play Wicked on Broadway. I have heard nothing but good things about the play, but I am not a Broadway kind of guy to be honest. Second thing is, I am a fan of musicals. Some of the ones that have grasped my attention are The Greatest Showman (2017), Hamilton (2020), and Wonka (2023). I wonder what this one will be like.
Wicked is directed by Jon M. Chu from a screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz and a story by Gregory Maguire, based on the play Wicked by Schwartz and Holzman, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Maguire, and characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. The film stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, and Keala Settle. No plot information has been released as of the writing of this post.
I am obviously looking forward to seeing what the director of In The Heights (2021) has in store for one of the most beloved musicals ever. I am also interested in seeing the first part of this story. But to be honest with you, I am really interested in hearing Cynthia Erivo sing "Defying Gravity" at the top of her lungs. Call me crazy, but sometimes I can appreciate the small things. Wicked releases in theaters on November 27.
Smile 2
Remember I said that I had a love/hate relationship with horror films? That shit is so true. However, Smile (2022) was my favorite horror film of 2022, being ranked sixth in my best films list. Smile was such a breath of fresh air and one of the only horror films to ever creep me out. Sosie Bacon killed it in the lead role, and the twist at the end got me hook, line and sinker. I cannot believe how effective it was.
Smile 2 is written and directed by Parker Finn, based on his short film Laura Hasn't Slept (2020). The film stars Naomi Scott, Lukas Gage, Kyle Gallner, and Rosemarie DeWitt. No plot information has been released as of the writing of this post.
Smile is the shining example of the perfect horror film, and I loved every minute of it. I cannot wait to see how Parker Finn expands on his story of grief and loss to find new ways to scare the audience, as stated by him. I also really want an origin film for the giant Smile creature that is the focal point of the film. How it came to be will be a very intriguing story. Smile 2 releases in theaters on October 18.
As you can probably tell, we have a great year ahead of us. Now let us just hope all these films actually come out this year. Thank you all for reading this post, and I will see you for the next one.
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