I have now seen this already but I’m going to leave it in this spot. My review is up on this very site. Pantera takes a more European heist twist with a greater focus on the dynamic and complicated relationship of Butler and Jackson’s characters. It’s a viable sequel that doesn’t rest on the laurels of the original. As one of my more anticipated of the year, it wasn’t what I was expecting and I think it’s all the better for it.
I only recently became a fan of this franchise but now that I am and watching the trailer for the upcoming third entry, I’m very excited to see what they come up with. Danny Boyle directed. Alex Garland written. Cast includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes. Stellar cast at the direction of the geniuses Boyle and Garland. Horror is no longer the niche, embarrassing genre it was once perceived to be and we are truly in the golden age of horror.
8. Ballerina
“From the World of John Wick.” All I need to hear. Bonus: Ana De Armas kicking ass. Yes. Absolutely.
My interest in the MCU has been waning over the past few years. Between subpar content and an inordinate amount of it I’ve grown tired of trying to keep up. The MCU is a perfect example of more not always being better. I’m curious about Brave New World and Thunderbolts. I’m genuinely excited about The Fantastic Four. It’s a part of comics that has been promised for years now and it’s finally about to debut to the world. Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm. And maybe most exciting, Ralph Ineson as the one and only, Galactus. This promises to be something special. I just hope Feige and the rest of MARVEL can uphold their latest promises.
6. Wolf Man
As I type this, I’m a little over twenty-four hours away from seeing Leigh Whannell’s latest monster movie. He made a modern classic with his interpretation of The Invisible Man and now he’s tackling Wolf Man. I trust his vision and I’m confident this will be another hit. Den of Thieves 2 started the year off right. I hope Wolf Man continues the effort. January doesn’t have to be the land of unwanted cinematic trash.
I know very little about this and I want it to stay that way. I know enough. One of my favorite modern horror directors, Mike Flanagan helms this particular story and for those that have already seen it just know I’m thoroughly jealous. Flanagan hasn’t let me down yet, I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
4. Sinners
Ryan Coogler is a filmmaker I have been keeping my eye on since his debut, Fruitvale Station. He hasn’t disappointed yet. From Fruitvale to Black Panther and Creed, he’s one of the best up and coming creators working today. And now he’s making horror. Starring his favorite leading man in a dual role, Michael B. Jordan in a period piece thriller featuring some very scary elements closing in on him and the people of a small town. The trailer promises lots of well-shot chaos and carnage. Should be a damn good time.
3. Superman
In James Gunn We Trust.
The third entry of the Knives Out series. Daniel Craig returns as the wonderfully colorful and perceptive Benoit Blanc. Rian Johnson returns as writer and director. Alongside Craig is an all-star cast featuring Cailee Spaeny, Jeremy Renner and Josh Brolin among others. I love this franchise and Craig’s character is hilariously fascinating. Knives Out was a love letter to Clue and Glass Onion was every bit as spectacular. I hope for nothing short of an amazing third chapter. If Johnson and Craig want to make twenty of these movies I am in for every single one.
If the idea of the movie star is a dying concept, Tom Cruise is one of the last examples of a true to life superstar and his shining jewel is the M:I franchise. What can I say about these movies that hasn’t already been said ad nauseam? The stunts have no equal. The stories are compelling and the characters are wonderfully engaging. I love this franchise and with the exception of part 2, they have all been fantastic.
That said, when filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie joined in either a writing capacity or as both writer and director is when the franchise truly began to take off. The duo of McQuarrie and Cruise is a powerhouse relationship many aren’t even aware of. They have influenced everything from Top Gun: Maverick, to the M:I movies since Rogue Nation on and are continuing after part 8 of M:I is released. These are event films and I refuse to experience them on anything smaller than an IMAX or Dolby screen. This message will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck, Ethan.
There are many others I’m sure that will end up as highly anticipated but I think this is a solid start. I hope 2025 delivers at the movie theaters. I truly do.
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