Starting now, I’ll be previewing notable movies to be released within the next 30 days at the beginning of each month. I’ve always found it to be a bit of a hassle to keep track of movies that I’d like to see and when they actually get released, so hopefully this will be a helpful tool for everyone going forward. My “intrigue” rating is on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being a hard pass and 10 being a must-see.
Escape Room – January 4th
Intrigue: 5
Based on the trailer, this looks like the young adult version of Saw. I was a fan of the first couple of the movies in that franchise so this could be mildly interesting. Tyler Labine (Tucker & Dale vs Evil) and Logan Miller (Love, Simon) are the only cast members I recognize, but the others have a chance to make a name for themselves.
Replicas – January 11th
Intrigue: 6
John Wick meets Pet Sematary. I’ve always loved Keanu so I’ll be sure to catch based this on that factor alone, but I think there’s some potential here too. The concept is intriguing, Alice Eve and Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) are usually capable cast members, and it looks competently shot if the trailer is any indicator. Plus I’m sure Keanu will be doing Keanu things.
The Upside – January 11th
Intrigue: 6
This is a remake of the 2011 French film The Intouchables, which happens to be one of the most remarkably tender movies I’ve seen in the last few years. It’s the story of a wealthy man who is paralyzed from the neck down and the unlikely relationship he forms with his new personal assistant (who is fresh out of incarceration). Cranston seems very well-suited for this role but I’m not sure how I feel about Kevin Hart. Hopefully he’ll surprise me and he’s almost always amusing to some degree, anyway. It’s also directed by Neil Burger (Limitless and The Illusionist) so that helps.
Glass – January 18th
Intrigue: 9.5
Mr. Glass finally returns in this ultimate M. Night Shyamalan crossover. I didn’t love Split but James McAvoy’s performance was terrific and I think he’ll mesh well teaming up with Samuel L.’s notorious villain. Willis is starting to show his age but I’m very interested to see if he can breathe life back into David Dunn’s character. The narrative itself appears a little plain but that’s okay and Sarah Paulson (Deadwood) should add some additional clout. One of my most anticipated movies of the entire year.
Serenity – January 25th
Intrigue: 6
So uh…yeah. McConnaughey (who actually just plays Rustin Cohle in every role these days – which is great) and Hathaway headline this bizarre beach thriller with Diane Lane, Jason Clarke, and Djimon Hounsou filling out the supporting cast. Written and directed by Steven Knight (Locke), it follows MM’s character as he receives a call for help from his ex-wife with a few twists and turns along the way. Probably not all that alluring as far the story goes, but I’m always down for anything MM and have always felt AH is a little underrated so I’ll certainly be seeing this at point.
The Kid Who Would Be King – January 25th
Intrigue: 5
A modern reimagining of King Arthur/Excalibur/Knights of the Round Table. Visuals in the trailer look solid and Patrick Stewart as Merlin should be plenty of fun. Also really looking forward to seeing Andy Serkis’ son in the lead role. This could potentially be a diamond in the rough as far as early-year movies go.