It's funny to think about what the Oscars would look like if they happened today. Dolittle, The Invisible Man, and Sonic the Hedgehog might round of the Best Picture Nominees, with additional nominations for Bad Boys For Life and Birds of Prey. Needless to say, the year's movies are just getting kicked off.
With "more anticipated" films postponed into the warmer months and beyond, it's exciting to think of the lineup we will emerge from quarantine to watch. From acclaimed directors like
Christopher Nolan and Denis Villeneuve to exciting new entries in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it's sure to be a great cinematic summer. Here are my five most anticipated film releases of 2020.
5. Black Widow
The long-awaited origin story for Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow kicks off the newest phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A break from the inter-galactic battles of Avengers: Endgame and Avengers: Infinity War, Black Widow looks to offer a more down to earth superhero experience. The two-minute teaser trailer evokes the feeling of a gritty neo-noir crime thriller, harkening to films like The Dark Knight and Captain America: Winter Soldier. In my opinion, while less flashy, these entries in the superhero genre have told the most interesting stories.
The second half of the trailer shows off clips of stunning action sequences, with choreography worthy of the Mission Impossible franchise. If there's one thing that Marvel movies have always delivered, it is great action. Fighting side by side, Scarlett Johansson and rising star Florence Pugh are an Oscar-studded tandem to lead the upcoming film.
4. Death on the Nile
After the mixed reviews of Kenneth Branagh's Murder on the Orient Express, mustached sleuth Hercule Poirot is back for Death on the Nile. Boasting an ensemble of actors to rival the first installment, Death on the Nile stars Branagh, Gal Gadot, and Armie Hammer.
Murder mysteries have always offered a unique cinematic experience. On the page or on the screen, the audience is thrust into the story, combing through clues alongside the detective. Hercule Poirot's sparkling personality and investigative genius create the perfect sleuth, equal parts entertaining and compelling. After the success of Knives Out, hopefully Death on the Nile continues the exciting revival of the whodunnit genre.
3. The French Dispatch
Timothee Chamalet, Sairose Ronan, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, William Dafoe, Christoph Waltz, Benicio Del Toro, Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, and Elisabeth Moss. In a year of ensemble casts, Wes Anderson has managed to assemble the ultimate collection of young stars, acclaimed actors, and Anderson favorites.
For someone who's favorite film is The Grand Budapest Hotel, it's hard not to be excited about this. The French Dispatch boasts the same non-linear timeline, square aspect ratio, and even the same time period as The Grand Budapest Hotel. Robert Yeoman is back as Anderson's favorite cinematographer and is sure to bring the trademark visual style. Likewise, the unmistakable quirks and mannerisms of a Wes Anderson character shine throughout the few minutes of the trailer, promising a film full of laughs.
2. Dune
Arguably the best working director today, Denis Villeneuve's newest film Dune looks amazing. Starring some of my favorite actors Timothee Chamalet and Oscar Isaac, Dune's cast is as stacked as any film on this list. Proving himself to be the master of modern sci-fi with films like Arrival and Blade Runner: 2049, Villeneuve is the perfect choice to adapt Dune to the big screen. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he said "It's a world that takes power in its details." After the meticulous recreation of Blade Runner's Los Angeles, Dune is guaranteed to be at the very least a visual spectacle. The first installment in a two-part series, Dune offers the movie-buffs equivalent to Avengers or Star Wars.
1. Tenet
While The Grand Budapest Hotel is my favorite movie, Christopher Nolan is my favorite director. Nolan has consistently pushed the boundaries of what a blockbuster can be, challenging the audience with the mind-bending narratives of Inception, Interstellar, and Memento.
Just minutes into the trailer for Tenet, we see time playing in reverse and rumors of dangerous technology. Not unlike a murder mystery, cracking the code of a Nolan narrative is an active experience. As the audience, we're constantly challenged by non-linear narratives and shocking twists. I'm happy to see that Youtube is already full of fan theories and trailer breakdowns, trying to get to the bottom of Tenet months before its release.
One of my favorite theories is that Tenet takes place in the same universe as Inception. With time manipulation and international espionage seemingly taking front-seat in Tenet, it doesn't seem unlikely. I can't help but get excited at the possiblity of a Leonardo Dicaprio cameo, or (fingers crossed) some closure to Inception's iconic ending.
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