Here are my Top 10 most anticipated movies of 2019:
#10: The Kid Who Would Be King (January 25, Fox)
This was on the list for 2018 before it's release date got bumped from September to this year. It kept bouncing on and off the list out of fear it would not be anything good. However, the trailer changed my mind. This looks like an appealing cross between Spy Kids and Percy Jackson, with a medieval focus. If it lives up to the trailers' promise, it could be a different surprise in a year that's full of big-budget remakes and sequels.
#9: Shazam (April 5, Warner Bros.)
DC's next film (following the success of Aquaman) looks like a more low-key, comedic type of superhero. Zachary Levi (Tangled, Chuck) is a perfect choice to capture the teenage spirit of Billy Batson. And, instead of the more dark, brooding and more adult feel of some of DC's movies, this feels more like a kid and tween-friendly, bouncy kind-of superhero flick in the league of Sky High. The trailer was an absolute hoot as well.
#8: Cats (December 20, Universal)
I have a soft spot for musicals, and this adaptation of the classic Andrew Lloyd Weber musical definitely has my interest. With a strong cast including Jennifer Hudson, James Corden, Idris Elba, Rebel Wilson, Judi Dench, Ian McKellen and Taylor Swift, you can already tell that this is destined to be a hit. Christmas is becoming a new launchpad for musicals, and I would not be surprised if this became a sensation along the lines of Greatest Showman or Mary Poppins Returns.
#7: The LEGO Movie 2 (February 7, Warner Bros.)
The LEGO Movie was one of my favorite movies of 2014, and The LEGO Batman Movie might have been even better in 2017. LEGO Ninjago did take a few steps back, but this sequel looks like it has the comedic, heartfelt, and downright creative vibes this franchise was built on. With some genuinely funny moments in the trailer and a different tone than the first film (plus a double voice performance for Chris Pratt), it looks like its' going to be so much fun.
#6: Call of the Wild (December 25, Fox)
The dark horse of the list as there is hardly anything known about it right now. I enjoy Jack London's writing, and this particular adaptation has two big things going for it. One is Chris Sanders making the jump from animation to live-action (he co-directed Lilo and Stitch and the first How to Train Your Dragon). Second is the casting of Harrison Ford in the leading role. This could turn out to be a major Christmas Day success if the marketing is right.
#5: Star Wars: Episode IX (December 20, Disney/Lucasfilm)
The final chapter in the recent trilogy, this one is definitely among the most-anticipated for many. The Last Jedi divided fans, but I found it to be a much-needed change of pace for the franchise. Solo, in the meantime, was a disappointment (for me and commercially). Disney has a lot of pressure on them to get this right. However, the return of J.J. Abrams in the director's chair definitely brings in promise for what could be a very enthralling ending.
#4: How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World (February 22, Universal)
I am so excited to see how this trilogy will end. The first Dragon remains an underrated classic, while the second film was ambitious but not quite as effective. The trailers have been impressive so far, bringing in some impressive visuals and what looks to be an emotional conclusion of sorts to this film series. As long as some controversial concepts aren't explored, I am excited to see how this series ends.
#3: The Lion King (July 19, Disney)
It is the year of remakes and sequels at the Mouse House. Out of all three remakes, this one takes the cake. The Lion King was one of my favorite movies as a child, and the first trailer was absolutely stunning. I am nervous about some things in this movie, and worry it could definitely go awry. However, the strong cast, fantastic visual presentation and the promise of the return of most of the original's songs look to make for one of the most engaging and nostalgic big-screen experiences this year.
#2: Avengers: Endgame (April 26, Disney/Marvel)
Of course, the ending of last year's Infinity War stunned the world. And then, the first trailer for this came out and put everyone on the edge of their seats. One thing the directors and heads at Marvel have promised is that Endgame will be even more surprising, and possibly bringing a sense of finality to the MCU (for now). In that case, let the rumors and guessing games begin, because I'm so hyped to see what happens!
#1: Overcomer (August 23, Sony)
The Kendrick Brothers are back baby! Following one of the best movies and biggest surprises of recent years (War Room, which never even made my anticipated list in 2015), they are preparing to release their next project. With a terrific story idea and the low-budget vibe (much-needed in this blockbuster era), this could definitely be the inspiring, funny and moving film we all need this year. I know it's a risk to put this much faith in a low-budget project, but the Kendricks track record is spot-on. And I'm thrilled to see what they do next.
Now here's a look at other films that missed the list but I'm still looking forward to this year.
Captain Marvel (March 8, Disney/Marvel) - Perhaps the missing piece to a puzzle that might be solved in Endgame? Besides that, anyway, this is Marvel's first female superhero (their Wonder Woman). I'm intrigued and excited about this idea (the 90's vibe is terrific too), as well as the return of fan-favorite Agent Coulson! :)
Wonder Park (March 15, Paramount) - This unique animated flick impressed me with its first trailer. This looks like one of those Nickelodeon films from the early-2000's. Simple, fun, and colorful. The second trailer didn't quite click as well, but I'm fairly confident this could become the original animated hit sorely needed this year.
Dumbo (March 29, Disney) - The first remake for the Mouse House this year is based off a movie I used to borrow from my cousin all the time. While it looks somewhat different from the animated film, there are several promising things here. Tim Burton's direction, the cast (including Michael Keaton and Danny DeVito), and the appealing CGI and practical effects.
Breakthrough (April 12, Fox) - This faith-based, true-story drama looks to be another faith-based hit this year. With Chrissy Metz (This is Us) leading the cast and a terrific first trailer, it brings in a must-see vibe similar to that of true-story films like Miracles from Heaven.
Aladdin (May 24, Disney) - I am cautiously optimistic about the remake of the 1992 Disney classic (I'm not sure about Will Smith as the genie, however). Perhaps the most impressive element here is the combination of Alan Menken, Howard Ashman, and Tim Rice's original tunes, with new songs penned by Pasek and Paul (Greatest Showman, La La Land). The first trailer was nicely-done. :)
The Secret Life of Pets 2 (June 7, Universal) - The first Secret Life of Pets was among the most fun movies of 2016. The marketing for this sequel has essentially been a series of shorts that have gotten the job done. I am all in for more pet shenanigans! :)
Toy Story 4 (June 21, Disney/Pixar) - This is one of a couple of Disney sequels I'm not sure about. That being said, I'm looking forward to seeing these characters again on the big screen!
Wish Dragon (July 26, Sony) - This unique animated project promises to carry a uniquely Asian vibe, with Jackie Chan leading the cast.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (October 18, Sony) - A biopic about Mr. Rogers? Count me in. Mr. Rogers Neighborhood was a PBS favorite for me as a young child. Tom Hanks is an interesting choice, but I'm hoping it will be good.
Frozen 2 (November 22, Disney) - Similar to how I felt about Mary Poppins Returns last year, I'm really not convinced there should be a sequel to Frozen (my favorite movie from 2013), which stands so well on its own. That being said, the return of the cast, directors and the songwriters should at least make for a fun experience. But I'm not expecting greatness.
