As 2016 crashed and fell with disasters, many claimed it was a horrible year. It has now come to an end, inciting delight, anxiety, and excitement. Nonetheless, to look for the silver lining, the phenomenal list of movies to come in the new year is something to look forward to. First up are some superhero films. The story of Wonder Woman, who first appeared in last year’s Batman v. Superman, is told, accompanied with a thrilling soundtrack; the film follows Wonder Woman as she leaves her all-female island and unearths her potential in World War I. Sophomore Gillian Simpson said “I am so excited for Wonder Woman. I think she is such an awesome character and can’t wait for the film to come out.”
Next is Justice League, where a confederation of superheroes including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Aquaman, and Cyborg consolidate against the malicious Steppenwolf. Sophomore Ciara Reilly commented that she “expects the movie to be amazing”. Concerning movies based on comics, brings up Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, originating from its sci-fi graphic novel. Featuring Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man 2) and Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad), it tells the story of a time traveller and his partner, and their investigation of a galactic empire.
Another movie guaranteed to cause a frenzy is the recreation of Disney’s beloved Beauty and the Beast, starring Harry Potter’s Emma Watson. The mansion’s décor comes to life with a star-studded cast featuring Ian McKellan (The Hobbit), Emma Thompson, Ewan McGregor, and Stanley Tucci. You can check out the film’s trailers and sneak peek of Emma Watson singing on YouTube. Veronica Gikas comments that she “watched the cartoon all the time as a kid,” and “it’s now cool to watch the movie in a real-life version”. In regards to remakes is the reboot of The Mummyfranchise, replacing Brendan Fraser with Tom Cruise and the likes of Russell Crowe, in which an ancient princess is awoken, bringing with her the malice she portrayed during her reign.
Continuing the Star Wars series is Episode VIII titled The Last Jedi, following last year’s The Force Awakens, presenting the next chapter of Rey, Poe, and Finn’s journey. Speaking of sequels brings up Volume 2 of Guardians of the Galaxy, starring the largely successful and liked Chris Pratt, which follows his eccentric team’s adventures as they discover Peter Quill’s (Pratt) parentage. Sophomore Tim Galamaga says “I really liked the first Guardians of the Galaxy a lot; I thought it was a different take on the typical superhero film because it was in space and they weren’t really your typical superheroes. I also was drawn to it because of the older soundtrack which I liked a lot; I’m excited for the new one.”
On the more mature side of the coming year’s entertainment is Hidden Figures, which discloses the true story of the black women who did the behind-the-scenes mathematics for NASA’s first successful missions. Lastly, but certainly not least, to end on a light-hearted note, is the remake of Baywatch, with Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, and Priyanka Chopra, among others. The reboot is a modern spin of the 90’s show, guaranteed to at least be entertaining if not Oscar-worthy. To conclude, there are great expectations for the new year’s films, so check out their trailers and enjoy.
