Presented in descending order from least to most eager for are:
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (April 12)
The reason this flick is not as exciting lies in how Godzilla and King Kong are no longer enemies. After everything that Godzilla Minus One (movie review can be read here) has shown about the mighty kaiju, to make him a hero in this Monsterverse feels like the wrong move. I’ll see this film anyway, and sadly, with a lot of toys being released spoiling all the new creature introductions, it’s tough to be truly excited about this next chapter.
In this latest instalment of the Mad Max saga, the story takes a step back through time to show how Anya Taylor-Joy will become the Furiosa we know from previous films. Charlize Theron played the older version, and to watch her star and deal with a biker gang led by Warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) more than enough to see what either can do as they’ve never clashed in the MCU.
Well, technically the X-Men existed in its own universe. There’s also talk about her being in a future and proper Marvel Entertainment helmed film.
Just when I thought there isn’t any more story to tell, what’s planned has me curious. It’s expected that the apes will start fighting amongst themselves. Although not much is known about the plot, there’s a few details that’s known. With Caesar gone, I like to know who leads the apes. Also, will the surviving humans get involved?
With Eli Roth directing this adaptation of the popular video game “Borderlands,” I’m definitely intriqued on what he can do with it since there really isn’t too much story. When considering the cast includes Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Bobby Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Greenblatt and Édgar Ramírez, there’s plenty of excitement going for it.
This science fiction action comedy will be focussed on Lilith (Blanchett) who’s come home, and finds herself in a war where her daughter gets caught in the crossfire. As for what role Black has to play, to see him as a wise ass robot has my seal of approval.
After all the teases, trials and tribulations to get this work made (including Disney gaining all the Fox properties), this motion picture has a lot going against it at first, but I’m sure after all the fast talking and arguments for keeping this film’s rating what it is–and Hugh Jackman returning as Wolverine–is enough for any Deadpool fan to say yes, I’m there to support this movie!
Whether Michael Keaton has still got it depends on how much has changed since the 1987 film that introduced this ghost with the most to the world! Tim Burton believes he can do it.
After seeing this actor testing the waters by appearing in the lamented movie, The Flash, as Batman, people loved him anyways! And whent he was the only star who shined bright, I believe he can take on the task of returning as another iconic hero (or is that zero?) 37 years later!
Frozen Empire
(March 29)
Although a comic book is coming to help transition between the last film, Afterlife, to Frozen Empire, what’s important is that fans will get to see the sequel they’ve been wanting in the first place–the return of Venkman, Stantz, and Zeddemore in key roles. My thoughts about the last film can be read here.
And when considering the original team isn’t as spry as before, the fact they should have more screen time in this take is significant!
With Robert Eggers directing and Bill Skarsgård playing the lead, there’s plenty to be excited for. Although much of this film will depend on how well Lily Rose-Depp can play the damsel in distress, I have hope. There’s a lot of weight hinging on her performance since she’s only had a handful of features that viewers know her for, like Planetarium (2016).
Beyond the Spider-Verse
(not yet dated)
The fact this movie got pushed into 2024 than released earlier is a touch strange. It was ready, but it seems that avoiding competing against other tent pole films was probably the reason. To finally see how this work will conclude, a trilogy has enough fans eager, and that cliffhanger is quite the doozy!
In an alternate universe, Mile’s Uncle Aaron is alive, and his father is dead. Also, crime goes unchecked and Prowler is the antithesis to everything this hero is! As there’s no way home, it’s up to Spider Gwen and the team she assembles to find and rescue him!
The Christopher Reeve Story
This documentary about the life and career of Christopher Reeve is important. It’s because of him and this movie that the birth of comic book cinema happened! And what this work is expected to contribute is a careful look at everything that led to this actor getting the role and also what he did afterwards!
Through never-before-seen home movies and personal archives that showed how we can all be heroes for more than one day feels like essential viewing. After his tragic accident that left him a quadriplegic, he never gave up on being a hero to all. Just what he did afterwards is amazing, and to have that story be finally told is my number one must see for the year!