Films To Keep An Eye Out For In 2019

A Year For Blockbusters And Endings? A Flash Forward Into 2019

"For last year's words belong to last year's language...And next year's words await another voice."

Hello everyone and welcome back to The Rabbitte Perspective once again for the year of 2019! 😃👌 I hope everyone had a a lovely Christmas break and a wonderful New Year! As is the norm on this Blog, since this is the fist Post that I'll be presenting to everyone in the new year, what better way to comeback and write to you all then to look onward in the many months that lay before us and pick-out particular films that are certainly going to capture the eye of keen cinephiles and general audiences alike. In quickly gazing the plethora of films that are set be released this year, it can't go unnoticed really how many big blockbuster features there are going to be! I know I personally didn't review a lot of films in 2018, due to my efforts being concentrated on different tasks and responsibilities. Yet, I'm determined this year to do more; not only reviewing more films but also opening an Instagram Account for The Rabbitte Perspective that'll feature unique content and potentially doing YouTube videos...Nevertheless, without further babbling, let us go through the many anticipated films of 2019!

Stan & Ollie - Jon S. Baird (11th January)

First film on the list comes Jon S. Baird's Stan & Ollie, a biographical comedy-drama which centres its story around the famous comedy duo of Laurel and Hardy and how the both of them face an uncertain future as their own golden era of making films remain to be diminished. Having being introduced to the said comedians and their work at an early age, and noticing how both Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly are donning the central performances of this film, it'll be an interesting watch for myself not only for my own personal connection with the context, but how the film goes about dramatically addressing this infamous partnership.

Glass - M. Night Shyamalan (18th January)

I think it's rather justifiable that M. Night Shyamalan is somewhat of a marmite film director; whereas other audiences may like his interesting plethora of films, there are those who are vividly unmoved by his disparaging features. As arguable as it is that Shyamalan upholds a rather diverging filmography, it's equally plausible to state that his best work had come in his film of Split; a psychological horror thriller that follows an estranged man possessing 23 different personalities. It was a cinematic experience that proved to be one of Shyamalan's best works and one of the more underrated films of 2016. The very fact that it's having its own sequel, whilst connecting to Unbreakable, one of Shyamalan's preceding works, my curiosity is certainly peaked...

Mary Queen of Scots - Josie Rourke (18th January)

Already touted as an awards front-runner, the clear emphasis of Josie Rourke's film of Mary Queen of Scots is the enactment and chemistry between Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, who both respectively play Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I. For all it's delving into the political side of the context, with Mary returning to Scotland to claim her throne whilst contending with Elizabeth I who holds sovereignty of both Scotland and England, audiences will naturally be interested in the actorial performances of Ronan and Robbie, and rightly so. Both actors have respectively gone on to enact in projects that have been rather beneficial for their ability and Rourke's film will rather establish their recognition...  

Vice - Adam McKay (25th January)

In similar fashion to the previously discussed feature, much of the attention of Adam McKay's new film will more than likely centre of Christian Bale's transformation as Dick Cheney; a former vice-president of the United States. As much as I don't necessarily know everything about the person in which Bale is enacting, what's rather fortuitous is how McKay is directing the film; a visionary who is known for his work on The Big Short a biographical drama that tackles a rather complex issue of contemporary history and simplifies it with the use of slick editing and fourth-wall breaking comedy techniques. It's rather expected that McKay will follow the same approach with this film, since many people won't necessarily know who Dick Cheney is, but will be all knowing once the feature concludes... 

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part - Mike Mitchell (8th February)

With not a lot of animation films being released over this new year, will Mike Mitchell's The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part take the animated spotlight for itself? That remains to be seen since the of the full-length Lego films, starting from the first Lego Movie to The Lego Batman Movie, have enough charm to render this sequel to be moot. While I'm sure the films originality of taking the loving characters somewhere different will provide a new sense of charm, forever rekindling audiences love for an adaptable franchise, it's also pertinent to suggest that The Second Part could be seen as a rather awkward ending point for those responsible making-up this franchise. Once this story ends, where should Lego go next I wonder?... 

Alita: Battle Angel - Robert Rodriguez (14th February)

It's funny how Déjà vu works sometimes, especially considering that Robert Rodriguez's Alita: Battle Angel is an action manga-adaptation was supposed to be released last year. Initially pushed back to 20th July and then December and how set to be released in February of 2019, it's fair to say that Rodriguez's film hasn't taken lightly to 20th Century Fox's handling's with Disney and their occupancy specific X-Men characters. Yet, for all its faced, it'll be interesting to fathom whether Alita can use its apparent motion-capture visual style to warrant further films of similar ilk. I mean, it's not uncommon for cinema to blend live-action with something that's either drawn or computer-generated...

Captain Marvel - Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck (8th March)

As is the norm with contemporary film-making these days, it's expected that we'll receive a box-office hitting superhero film in someway shape or form and the first of many to come out of 2019 is Marvel Studios' Captain Marvel a film for MCU enthusiasts who are intrigued as to how Brie Larson's character connects to the disparaging events of Avengers: Infinity War; even though Boden and Fleck's film is set within the 1990's. As understandable as it is that many cinema-goers are quite fatigued by the events that have already taken place, it'll be intersting non-the-less to see where Captain Marvel ranks in tangent with the other MCU features since the said franchise is moving into a new era of story-telling that is left in suspicion and curiousness...

Us - Jordan Peele (15th March)

From his success in making Get Out and receiving not only plaudits from critics and audiences alike, but recognition at the major film awards (particularly at the 90th Academy Awards), it was only natural for Jordan Peele to continue his efforts as a visionary film-maker and exhibit Us; another horror films which sets to imbue similar aspects from the preceding Peele film. Like it's predecessor, one can't help but wonder whether Peele will opt to employ similar themes in this next film; seamlessly weaving dark satirical context with trenchant social commentary. 

Dumbo - Tim Burton (29th March)

Like the superhero films of this cinematic generation, what's become more apparent in recent years is the exhibition live-action adaptations of old and memorable Disney animated tales. As arguable as it is to suggest that these strain of features don't necessarily add anything new to familiar contexts, it's their natural re-imagination of these stories that audiences inherently gleam to and the first of many to come out this year that does look as if it's telling a story of its own, is Tim Burton's Dumbo. Out of all the Disney animations to come into fruition, it feels necessary for Dumbo to re-imagined since it gets rather over-looked by some of the more 'recognisable' Disney animations of The Lion King or Aladdin (which is ironic considering those two examples are also getting the same treatment). With Burton at the helm, I'm more inclined to see this Disney re-working than some others...

Hellboy - Neil Marshall (12th April)

It's perceivable really to fathom that Hollywood is no stranger in delving into franchise reboots considering the 'audience demand' and the profit these studios can recoup from the box-office. As enjoyable as Neil Marshall's take on a new Hellboy may be, with David Harbour taking the role as the bountiful and sarcastic demon for hire, it's equally hard to get your head around the notion as to why this is such a thing in the first-place? Even if audiences who wanted another craving of the character, doesn't it seem only fair if Hellboy just remained where it belong?... 

Avengers: Endgame - Anthony & Joe Russo (26th April)

Arguably to be many audiences most anticipated film of 2019, cinephiles and fans of the MCU will undoubtedly be enthused by the Russo Brothers' Avengers: Endgame and how the said film proceeds from its preceding feature. Will the likes of Iron-Man and Captain America save everyone who's been wiped away? Or, will Thanos have his way? From my own perspective, it's looking like some kind of time-travel will be involved in some way, considering Captain Marvel's inclusion to the fray. Yet, the query still remains as I stated when discussing Captain Marvel, where does the MCU go now after all this build-up? Will we see new heroes and possibly another threat? Perhaps Secret Wars?...

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu - Rob Letterman (10th May)

Out of all the films to be mentioned on this list, Rob Letterman's Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is arguably the most intriguingly ambitious features since it takes a rather beloved video-game and anime concept and has turned into a live-action experience; something has always be pondering to think how a Pokémon would work. While the hold idea and look of the trailer feels as if this film should have been made from Pokémon's inception in the 90's, it's truly mind-boggling how a feature like this has come to fruition. As much as Pokémon's staying-power hasn't never really dissipated, it's odd non-the-less that this is a thing. Still, having grown-up playing the games and watching the anime and its subsequent plethora of animated features, I can't help but be bewildered by what Letterman's film could bring and perhaps instigate... 

John Wick 3: Parabellum - Chad Stahelski (17th May)

If I had to choose a film on this list that I'm most excited for, it has to be Chad Stahelski's John Wick 3: Parabellum since it's one of the only few action franchises that has me caring for the central character and the many wondrous gun-fu choreographed stunts he's involved with. Dare I say it? This is perhaps one of Keanu Reeves' best cinematic roles; and that's side-swiping the likes of Neo from The Matrix or Ted...From Bill & Ted. Everything from the world-building of the first two films to the awe-inspiring action scenes are a joy to watch and considering where the last film left of, with John Wick running for his life with everyone hunting him down, I can't wait to see this.

Rocketman - Dexter Fletcher (31st May)

With the arrival of Bohemian Rhapsody last year which happened, it's only inevitable that we'll be greeted with films of similar ilk; biographical drama's of music stars who's lives have been wrapped around success and controversy. Dexter Fletcher's Rocketman will, more than likely, be the same case as it aims to centre around Elton John's early life and rise as a musician. More than anything however, it'll be intersting to see how Taron Egerton headlines the central role since this is a enactment for him that doesn't involve any theatrics with stunt-work or action-fighting like in Kingsman. It's a certainty for him to portray an iconic figure in a way that is not only recognisable, but unique in terms of his own understanding of Elton John; much to the same degree as what Rami Malek did in his portrayal as Freddie Mercury. 

Aladdin - Guy Ritchie (24th May)

The second Disney live-action adaptation of classic animation set to be released in 2019 is Guy Ritchie's Aladdin. As much as it's nervous thinking about how this said film may just repeat scenes and context strains from the beloved 1992 Disney animation, the most awkward aspect to think about is Will Smith's interpretation as Genie; a role that is synonymous for Robin Williams' take on the character. While I'm sure Smith and Ritchie don't want to tread on material that can't be emulated by anyone, there's still this feeling that Smith will somehow pay homage to what Williams did before in the role which is awkward to think about... 

Godzilla: The King of Monsters - Michael Dougherty (31st May)

What's funny in discussing Michael Dougherty's Godzilla: The King of Monsters is how it's simply a sequel to one of the first films I reviewed on The Rabbitte Perspective. It's weird thinking about how long ago that film was yet how I only think it was yesterday since I wanted to start reviewing films since I thought it was a responsibility as a Film Studies student to do so. As much as the preceding film lacked in its attempted to showcase Godzilla itself, it was a film nevertheless that had potential waiting to be exploded onto the silver-screen. Indeed, in looking at the trailers and this poster for this new film, although you kind of get the idea of what to expect, it's looking like it's living-up to the expectation of showcasing monsters on a consistent basis, which is a good thing if anything...

Dark Phoenix - Simon Kinberg (7th June)

Similar to what I mentioned when discussing Alita: Battle Angel, Simon Kinberg's Dark Phoenix was one of the poor 20th Century films that happened to be delayed due to Disney's occupation of the aforesaid film studio. Oddly likening to the events that are taking place in the next Avengers film, it's unfortunately the endgame for both X-Men and 20th Century Fox since it's been recently discussed by Kevin Feige that the likes of Cyclops, Storm, Wolverine and others are looking likely to show-up in the MCU; rather confirming the possibility of Secret Wars WAY down the line. While that's all fine and dandy, it's a bit of a shame that these X-Men/20th Century Fox films will go out with a whimper in Dark Phoenix; a sombre tale focusing on Jean Grey's rising mutant power and linking Bryan Singer's 2000 X-Men.

Toy Story 4 - Josh Cooley (21st June)

As much as I still stand by the fact that Pixar didn't need to make another Toy Story animated feature, considering the three films that are widely known make-up the perfect franchise, I equally can't help but wonder what tale Josh Cooley's Toy Story 4 has in store. With Andy gone into the wind, where do the likes of Woody and Buzz Lightyear go? While John Lasseter hinted at the possibility of a romance, with Woody desperately searching for the missing Bo Peep, I can't help but wonder what other story angles Pixar could go down. Will there be social commentary on the rise of technological toys? Quite possibly....Quite possibly.

Spider-Man: Far From Home - Jon Watts (5th July)

Upon reflection on the past two years, I think it's a fair statement to suggest that the iconography of Spider-Man has been restored to what it was back in the 90's. As much as he's been a hero that has never really left the spotlight, by featuring in Sony's own iteration of the beloved hero, it's fair to say that his status has been renewed due to his involvement with the MCU, how he's featured in a critically acclaimed PS4 video-game and an animation in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse that generally surprised cinephiles and general audiences alike. He's a pertinent figure of Marvel again and with Jon Watts' Spider-Man: Far From Home releasing in 2019, it'll only further his likeability...

The Lion King - Jon Favreau (19th July)

Arguably many audiences most looked-forward Disney live-action of 2019, Jon Favreau's The Lion King will firmly stamp its mark in July and while there are comments rightly noting the films questionable 'live-action' aspect, with the all animal cast being rightly animated through motion-capture, it would be ignorant to disregard this films capability of breaking box-office numbers. Despite the early qualms of the film having an originality issue in relation to its beloved animated counterpart, the demand is clearly there for those who still cherish Simba and the songs that come with it. Expect fireworks... 

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood - Quentin Tarantino (26th July)

It feels like a long time since Quentin Tarantino last directed The Hateful Eight in 2015 and with his new project of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood set to be releasing in July of 2019, it feels oddly right for his presence to show in the cinematic scene once again. As much as Tarantino has directed films that have been set in the modern times, like Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown, it's been a fair while since he's done a film set in accordance with the times unlike Django Unchained and Inglorious Basterds. It'll be intriguing then to see how the infamous film-maker approaches a source that's rather contemporary than recent endeavours...  

The New Mutants - Josh Boone (2nd August)

In being one of the select few films I was personally looking forward to seeing last year before it also got moved back by, yes, 20th Century Fox, Josh Boone now has the ripe opportunity to release The New Mutants; a superhero X-Men spin-off that's central focus was is horrific context of five young mutants discovering their powers and escaping a secret facility. With murmurs of this project being pushed back two times due to Fox admitting it could have been a flop, it's hard to say whether Boone's vision will be projecting into this film since the said director has been meddling with it for quite some time; doing re-shoots for sequences to be more scary. Yet, shouldn't this have been established already in the film-making?

Artemis Fowl - Kenneth Branagh (9th August)

As it always has been with contemporary film-making, it's not uncommon to perceive films that are an adaptation of a book series that many people are aware of. However, in the case of Kenneth Branagh's Artemis Fowl, we're delving into a story that's rather familiar for me; since the books of the same name strike an affectionate familiarity similar to The Unfortunate Event  novels/films. I think one of the biggest gimmick's Branagh's film might have in comparison to a lot of children's books of similar ilk, is its main character and how he plays out to be an anti-hero and not a character who does anything for the sake of good-will...

It: Chapter Two - Andrés Muschietti (6th September)

As is the norm when September/October time comes around, horror films are aplenty and if there's one particualr film to keep an eye out for, it's Andrés Muschietti's sequel to It; a story which see's The Losers' Club trying to destroy the fear-striking Pennywise the Dancing Clown. What's different this time you ask? Well, rather than focusing on the children like before, Chapter Two takes place twenty-seven years later with the likes of Bill, Beverly, Eddie, Mike, Richie and Ben fulfilling their promise in destroying this horrific entity once and for all. 

Joker - Todd Phillips (4th October)

It can't be denied really that the live-action DC comic films, ever since Man Of Steel, have had their high and low moments. As much as people enjoyed seeing Wonder Woman on the silver-screen, there are also others who still share their disdain for Batman V. Superman and Suicide Squad; superhero films that are dubbed to be the worst of the bunch. However, what's interesting in DC's attempts to rival Marvel's cinematic universe, is their interest in making films that are separate from their big franchise. This is all going to start with Todd Phillips' Joker; a film detailing the origins of Batman's greatest villain rather in the same similar vain as The Killing Joke. In being a film that looks rather on its own compared to its DC filmic counterparts, Phillips' looks set to be one of those distinct superhero films...

Sonic the Hedgehog - Jeff Fowler (8th November)

In similar fashion to the way in which Pokémon: Detective Pikachu projects knowingly appreciated video-game and anime creatures into the real-world, so to is Sonic in Jeff Fowler's Sonic the Hedgehog; a live-action video-game adaptation which will see the iconic speedy hedgehog swirl all over the screen. Truth be told, it's difficult to see this film being a critical success due to the nature of it. If anything, it's as if it belongs back in the 90's when ambitious adaptations such as this were being made in hope of studios recouping money from the box-office. Time will tell I suppose... 

Frozen 2 - Jennifer Lee & Christopher Buck (22nd November)

As much as some people will roll their eyes with displeasure over the fact that Disney are reaping in their animated dominance in releasing Frozen 2, Walt Disney Animation Studios themselves deserve their credibility to some degree considering their consistent output of features that each respectively offer something different. Whether it was Wreck-It Ralph which taught younger audiences to be proud of themselves, despite not being the 'best', or Zootropolis which delicately and cleverly addresses ethnic discrimination through the use animals, the aforesaid animation studio has rather evolved from it all knowing fairy-tale formula and has used cutesy stories to elaborate on messages that are expressed better than most throw-away dramas. Although I don't Frozen 2 will do this, it'll be for sure a box-office hitter; like The Lion King live-action.

Star Wars: Episode IX - J.J. Abrams (19th December)

To end the list is quite possibly one of the more anticipated films, J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode IX. I think it's fair to say that ever since the release of The Last Jedi, Star Wars' perception has radically changed. While there are a mass of people that still adore what this said franchise has offered in the past, it can't be denied either that there is a division of opinion; how the stories in these recent films don't necessarily hold-up to a high degree. The rather hectic film schedule of releases has rather hindered Star Wars' prestige and it's a possibility that some of this chaos could seep into the last of this trilogy. I hope I'm wrong about that since I've always loved Star Wars. While The Last Jedi had its problems, some of the contextual decisions that Rian Johnson made were bold and unexpected and as for the spin-off of Rouge One - it's perhaps my favourite alongside Empire Strikes Back. I think what everyone wants from Episode IX is a completion that cinephiles and general audiences can talk about with excitement alongside Darth Vader's true identity or the plethora of lightsaber battles. Fingers crossed and that! 👌

And there you have it, the list of some of the films to keep an eye out for in 2019! As much as I'm sure that I've definitely left some films out on this list, I think the beautiful thing about making a list such as this is that there's always going to be a film that appears out of nowhere and is praised for cinematic quality. It's truly a rewarding experience when you happen to find yourself watching a film that you know nothing about. Anywho, as always everyone thank you for reading my first Blog Post of 2019 and I hope you've all enjoyed the read! While 2018 was disappointing in the fact that I didn't do as much writing as I liked to, I'll definitely try this year to do more! It's just, life gets in the way sometimes and it's hard to keep-up when there's so much going on in the background. Nevertheless, for my next Film Review, I hope to bring you my thoughts on Mary Poppins Returns. I also have a big Film Review series to share as well in the next few weeks! 😁 Once again, thank you for reading this special Blog Post and I hope to see you all next week! Adieu! 😊👋 I hope you all have a great New Year! 

Alexander Rabbitte