Spotlight On...
By Peyton Schultze
As one of the most exciting film releases of 2019, Toy Story 4 is sure to be a box office hit when it opens in June.
2019 is going to be a special year for movie fanatics all around the world. With tons of sequels and reboots on the way over the course of this year, this is certainly going to be one of the best years for moviegoers in recent memory. Disney, Warner Bros., Sony, and Universal all have a ton of sure-fire hits on the way, so which films can fans be the most excited for?
10. Men in Black: International
For the first time since 2012, the Men in Black franchise returns to the silver screen with a new lineup of characters. After starring together in 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok, Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth suit up together in the traditional black and white MiB outfits that have been worn by actors such as Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in the past films. Yet this new installment seems to be taking a new route. Instead of occurring in America near MiB’s New York headquarters, the franchise seems to be heading towards an international route in locations such as Paris and London. The newest Men in Black film should be a massive hit and looks to be another intriguing addition to the franchise. June 14th, 2019
9. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
With a cast including stars such as Margot Robbie (pictured), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood figures to be a summer smash.
Little is known thus far about Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, but Tarantino’s ninth feature film figures to captivate audiences around the world this summer. Featuring an all-star cast with actors and actresses such as Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, Al Pacino and Leonardo DiCaprio, the film takes place in Hollywood in the late 1960s around the same time as the infamous Manson murders. Tarantino always loves to stir the pot in his iconic films such as Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction, so expect Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to thrill audiences this summer with lots of action and intrigue, with a slice of classic Tarantino humor and music along the way. July 26th, 2019
8. Frozen 2
After the original blockbuster hit, Frozen, captivated kids in 2013, Disney will be releasing a sequel this winter.
Back in 2013, Disney’s Frozen took the world by storm and dominated the box office. With its delightful music and creative characters, the film inspired a generation of fans (mostly kids) to sing along with tunes such as “Fort the First Time in Forever” and “Let It Go”. This winter, audiences will be excited to see Anna and Elsa of Arendelle once again return to the big screen in the sequel to the original hit. Few details are known about the plot of the film yet, but expect another great product from Walt Disney Animation this winter when Frozen 2 arrives in theaters. And make sure to look out for that goofy snowman, Olaf! November 22nd, 2019
7. Aladdin
It will certainly be difficult to replicate the charm and magic of Disney’s 1992 classic, Aladdin, but the live-action version of the film should be just as awesome to watch as we once again witness the re-telling of Agrabah’s famous street rat. There has not been a ton of footage thus far, but one intriguing factor is that Will Smith will step into the iconic role of the Genie, previously played by the late Robin Williams in the original. Aladdin is sure to be a hit over the summer and another strong addition to Disney’s 2019 lineup. May 24th, 2019
6. Spider-Man: Far From Home
Set for release during the summer following Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home is just another chapter in the thrilling adventures of Peter Parker. This time around, Peter and his school friends travel to Europe on a school trip to visit great sites such as Venice, London and Berlin. Yet, as usual, Peter runs into villains and trouble along the way and must suit up as Spider-Man once again to help save the world from chaos and harm. Based off the footage from the Far From Home trailer, Spider-Man looks like he will be battling foes such as The Elementals, and will have an intriguing and exciting encounter with Mysterio, an infamous villain from the comics played by Jake Gyllenhaal. Spidey should make it a great summer for die-hard Marvel fans as he once again returns to suit up and help save the world from danger. July 5th, 2019
5. The Lion King
Regarded by many as Walt Disney Animation’s best film of all-time, The Lion King was one of the great films of 1994 with four Oscar nominations. However, a re-imagining of that classic hits theaters this year with a live-action remake of Disney’s animated masterpiece. The film will likely have a similar plotline to that of the animated film, following Simba’s journey into adulthood and eventually securing his rightful place as king. However, the unbelievable cast (Donald Glover, John Oliver, Seth Rogen, Beyoncé) should only add to the great tale and make for another great movie from Disney. Traveling back to Pride Rock could not have come at a better time. July 19th, 2019
4. Captain Marvel
Marvel Studios’ first featured release of 2019, Captain Marvel will follow the journey of Carol Danvers as she transforms into an unstoppable heroine. Although there is much debate about what the true plot of the film really is, Captain Marvel is widely expected to be a key player for the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it heads into its “Phase 4”. In addition, the movie is also supposed to take place in the 1990s with key appearances from memorable Marvel characters such as Nick Fury and Agent Coulson as they assist Captain Marvel in her adventures. The film is sure to be another epic film in the greater MCU and will make history as Marvel’s first feature film to star a female superhero in the lead role. March 8th, 2019
3. Toy Story 4
In 2019, Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the toys will return to the screen for their first film since 2010’s heartbreaking Toy Story 3. The film’s plot is still not set in stone, but is widely expected to follow the toys on a road trip where they meet and encounter old friends such as Woody’s former love, Bo Peep. As always, Disney-Pixar looks to captivate audiences around the world with another major hit, and Toy Story 4 is almost a guarantee to be a welcome addition to Pixar’s incredible roster of animated films. Fans will undoubtedly rejoice this summer when they see Woody and Buzz on the silver screen for one final go-around on their latest exciting and emotional adventure. June 21st, 2019
2. Star Wars: Episode IX
The untitled and ninth Skywalker saga film figures to be a powerful conclusion to the iconic film franchise that began back in 1977.
Star Wars: Episode IX figures to be the final episode of the iconic Skywalker saga within the Star Wars film universe. Although almost nothing is known and a title has yet to have even been revealed, Episode IX figures to follow the Resistance once again in the fight against Kylo Ren and the First Order. With so many questions still lingering from the decisive and controversial last film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the newest film is bound to gain a lot of hype as the year continues. Will Rey find out who her parents really are? Will Kylo Ren go towards the Light Side of the Force? Will Finn and Poe help the Resistance finally win? All these questions will be answered this winter with the exciting release of the final installment of the saga. December 20th, 2019
1.Avengers: Endgame
As Tony Stark makes clear in the trailer, “Part of the journey is the end.” And whether this is the end or not for the core Avengers of the MCU, Avengers: Endgame is surely going to be one exciting and shocking curtain call for the Avengers franchise. With so many questions and theories floating around after the events of Avengers: Infinity War, the direct follow-up figures to be a great and long ride (people are saying it could be around three hours) throughout all corners of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. So who will we say goodbye to, and who will be the ones to defeat the mighty and nearly-invincible Thanos? We will soon see when Avengers: Endgame hits theaters around the globe. April 26th, 2019