There are times when I enjoy the previews of movies more than I enjoy the movies themselves. But when it came to action, 2015 was a banner year on the big screen. Looking at the previews, 2016 is shaping up to be another bombastic annum. Here are a few of the titles I’m looking forward to in the coming months.
Deadpool – February
The irreverent anti-hero made his first big screen appearance in X-Men Origins: Wolverine back in 2009, but that character wasn’t very true to the history developed in the comics. Here, Ryan Reynolds reprises the role, but the origin story has been completely reworked. He’s still as un-PC as ever, though, which is why this film will be rated R. Definitely not for kids.
The Divergent Series: Allegiant – March
The third book in the Divergent series is also being split into two parts, just like every other teen adventure series storyline of the last few years. This story takes place outside the walls of Chicago in a human wasteland and battles will abound. The final chapter, Ascendant, will be released in June of 2017.
Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice – March
Okay, let me be clear on two things. I’m more of a Marvel comics fan than a DC aficionado and I’m not particularly fond of Ben Affleck, who is the heir apparent to the role of Batman. I do, however, like Henry Cavill as Superman and Jesse Eisenberg as the uber-annoying Lex Luthor is inspired casting. So this one jumped to front and center on my radar. We also get our first peek at Wonder Woman.
The Jungle Book – April
Who doesn’t love the animated Disney version of the Rudyard Kipling tale of the young man cub, lost in the jungle and raised by wild animals? Well, the Disney imagineers have been let loose yet again and concocted a ‘live action’ version. And with voice talent like Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Scarlett Johansson and Christopher Walken, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this story will be a fun ride.
Captain America: Civil War – May
Superhero will battle superhero in this latest installment of the Captain America franchise. Chris Evans returns as the star spangled hero and even Robert Downey Jr. gets in on the act as Iron Man. Look also for the return of The Falcon, Bucky Barnes, Ant Man, Vision, Scarlet Witch, War Machine and Hawkeye and we’re about to be introduced to even more Marvel heroes to boot.
The Angry Birds Movie – May
The birds battle the pigs in this big screen adventure based on the popular video games. Jason Sudeikis, Danny McBride and Bill Hader head up the voice cast.
Alice Through the Looking Glass – May
Tim Burton has left the director’s chair for this sequel to Alice in Wonderland, but the bulk of the original cast is back, including Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, Helena Bonham-Carter as the Red Queen and Alan Rickman in his final screen appearance as the voice of Absolem, the Caterpillar.
X-Men: Apocalypse – May
The First Class cast is back with this story of a vengeful mutant who was once worshipped as a God and who now returns to Earth to cleanse it of humanity and repopulate it solely with mutantkind. Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron from Star Wars: The Force Awakens) plays Apocalypse.
Star Trek Beyond – July
The Enterprise crew find themselves marooned on a planet where the aliens are all trying to kill them. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Zoe Saldana, John Cho and Anton Yelchin all return and Idris Elba joins the cast. J.J. Abrams produced the film and Justin Lim (who helmed several films in the Fast & Furious franchise) directs.
Doctor Strange – November
Another Marvel hero gets the big screen treatment, this time played by the magnificent Benedict Cumberbatch. Doctor Strange, the Master of the Mystic Arts, has a penchant for battling demons from the netherworld. Chiwetel Ojiofor, Rachel McAdams, Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton also star.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – December
This is the highly anticipated first film in a touted anthology of single saga films based on the Star Wars mythology. Here, a diverse group of rebels band together to steal the plans of the Death Star from the newly formed Galactic Empire (set between episodes three and four).
And there you have the films I’m most looking forward to seeing in 2016. Release dates are subject to change, of course, but as always, I’ll be sure to update you with my reviews of these and other blockbuster hits over the coming year! Dim the lights, pass the popcorn and I’ll see you at the movies!
