One big issue Hollywood has been facing in recent years is a lack of originality; remakes, reboots and sequels plaster cinema programmes, and 2019’s upcoming year of film seems all the same. Disney is spewing out not one, not two, but three dry and meaningless live-action remakes (The Lion King, Aladdin & Dumbo). Fortunately though, amidst a sea of the same-old money grabs there can be found some very exciting and promising films to look forward to, and even more fortunately still, I have picked ten of them out which I think will not be ones to be missed. Much uncertainty may lie ahead this year, but what is certain is that some great movies will be coming to a theatre near you.
Mary Queen of Scots
Coming in with her directorial debut after working mostly on stage, Josie Rourke delivers the epic historic tale of Mary Stuart’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Elizabeth I to become Queen of England. Leading the film with the duel might of Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird, Brooklyn) and Margot Robbie (I Tonya, The Wolf of Wall Street), Mary Queen of Scots promises everything from intense drama to huge battle sequences. In cinemas 18th January
Rocketman
After the massive success of the Freddie Mercury biopic ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, the genre continues to shine as Elton John takes centre stage. Taron Egerton is taking on the bold challenge of portraying John, and if he can do anywhere near as good a job as Rami Malek did as Mercury, then we are surely in for an Oscar-winning performance. This one could make or break whether there are more films of the type to come. In cinemas 24th May
Us
Following on from the spectacular debut ‘Get Out’, writer-director Jordan Peele returns with the incredibly chilling ‘Us’. The film follows a family visiting a beach house to spend time with friends, but the trip is quickly disturbed when unwelcome visitors arrive at the house. Peele seems to be taking an even darker turn here, delving deep into the horror genre and promising a film full of shocks and screams. I’d recommend going into this one without watching the trailer for a fully terrifying experience. In cinemas 15th March
Avengers: Endgame
Its finally here; the Deathly Hallows of the Marvel universe. Avengers: Endgame, sees a culmination of twenty films over eleven years come together to present the grand finale. It goes without saying that this is an unmissable film for any comic book fan, and this may also see the end of an era for many fans that have grown up with and subsequently outgrown the genre. With the Russo brothers once again taking on the directorial position, this is sure to be the biggest film of the summer. In cinemas 26th April
The Torture Report
In recent time, America has seen resurgence in the debate over the controversial interrogation methods used by the CIA, most notably within the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and The Torture Report focuses on just this. From the writing power of Scott Z. Burns (The Bourne Ultimatum, Contagion), the film will follow Adam Scott and Jon Hamm as CIA agents partaking in various torture methods, and is sure to be a powerful and emotive drama piece. In cinemas summer 2019
Joker
After the critical failure of ‘Suicide Squad’, Jared Leto’s portrayal of the Joker became infamous among fans of the DC films, and particularly Nolan’s trilogy, which showed that he could not live up to the standard of Heath Ledger in ‘The Dark Knight’. 2019 however, sees Joaquin Phoenix take on the challenge in Joker, which tells the origin story of the psychopathic criminal. The film seems to be approaching the character with a more reserved and dramatic tone than has used done previously, and hopes to bring a spark of excitement back into the beloved villain. In cinemas 4th October
The Irishman
Martin Scorsese is back, and he’s doing what he does best: gang-crime thrillers. Joined with a star-studded cast (as always), including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Harvey Keitel, The Irishman follows Frank Sheeran, a gangster trying to maintain ties to the powerful Bufalino crime family. In what seems to be becoming a more normalised and mainstream approach, this film will be coming straight to Netflix, and we may see many other big names in directing begin to follow suit. On Netflix 2019
Toy Story 4
Alright, alright! I know I was complaining about sequels but, come on, when has a Toy Story film ever let you down? In this (probably) final adventure, Woody and the gang are joined by a new toy called Forky as they embark on a road trip across America. With the entire original cast back once more, this is sure to be one to get the tears flowing and the noses blowing. Toy Story 4 will grant one of those rare and magical moments where the cinema will be filled with people of all ages, and may be one of the last times. In cinemas 21st June
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
In what is set to be his penultimate film before retirement, Quentin Tarantino is once again blessing our screens, this time with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The film follows a TV actor and his stunt double who embark on a mission to make a name in the film industry, set amongst the Charles Manson murders of the late 1960s. With an unbeatable cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt and Kurt Russell, Tarantino is ready to deliver yet another lesson in filmmaking. In cinemas 26th July
Star Wars: Episode IX
Last but certainly not least, 2019 is set to finish with a bang, with the final instalment in the most recent Star Wars trilogy. J.J. Abrams will be returning to the directing spot, and whilst little so far is known about the film, we do know that it will finally reveal the many secrets and questions that have been puzzled over by fans of the series since Episode VII was first released. Lightsabers at the ready, this one’s going to be massive. In cinemas late 2019
Rory Yeates
Image Courtesy of Paramount Pictures