With 2018 behind us, now we can focus on 2019’s biggest contenders in film. So far, the year looks promising, but it also seems repetitive serving a whopping 20+ line of sequels. Nonetheless, I have faith that at least some films will meet or exceed my expectations. For this reason, I have created a list consisting of my most anticipated films of 2019.
*Note that this list does not include smaller releases or unannounced projects *
So let's get to it.
Us
Jordan Peele brought us a new style of thrill with Get Out. However, overall, their were some issues I had with the film despite its impressive script. One the other hand, Us stars a top-notch casts including Winston Duke and Lupita Nyong’o. This film follows a family who are stalked and terrorized by a mysterious group of doppelgangers while on vacation. Director Jordan Peele has mentioned that this film is far from what we think it is. It is his first real horror film, and he plans to go all out. Gathering from his style, I expect lots of gore, violence, and twists.
The Lion King
Even if you are not a fan of the Lion King, you are going to see this film. It is a classic and everyone at least wants to see what they’re going to do with it. My fear is this may become a victim of attempting to fix something that was never broken. Also an act of re-producing the franchise, just for marketing purposes. The casts already puts this production on a pedestal which means they will have to try hard to mess this up. Disney has stated that this is not a shot for shot remake, nor a fully live action film. I expect a groundbreaking soundtrack and stunning cinematography.
Joker
The funny part is, I don’t know much about this film. Distributed by Warner Bros and starring Joaquin Phoenix as the psychological master criminal, this is the first film in an upcoming series based on the DC universe. Minimal photos (excluding the one above) were released of his actual face so I’m sure this film is packing a big surprise. The honest truth is no one can touch Jack Nicholson’s and Heath Ledger performances and they do not have to. As a stand-alone film, there is room for growth and foundation. Plus, who does not want to see a whole film based on the Joker?
Aladdin
It seems as if Disney is revisiting their golden vault because here we have another classic remake. Starring Will Smith as the genie, this one is actually a live-action remake. With that being said, we are definitely going to get a different feel from this one, so I’m excited to see where they decide to take the franchise. Recently, they released a few first look photos and I am not impressed. However, as long as the singing is not atrocious, I am looking forward to this one.
Avengers: Endgame
The epic finale to Marvel’s largest superhero battle is here, and it better be all we hoped for. If you were not aware, the end of the franchise is set to be extremely dark. Some of the series biggest stars will die as Thanos continues his master plan to take over the planet. I expect this showdown to be legendary. A gruesome fight for survival with action not fit for the human eye. This film has to be life-changing, and it knows it. Let’s just see if it can handle the pressure.