Movies for the Holidays 2025: Zootopia 2, Eternity, Knives Out 3, Timothee Chalamet, and a Neil Diamond Tribute Duo
Posted on November 24, 2025 at 8:44 am
Copyright 2025 Disney
The holiday season always brings great movies, some destined for Oscar recognition, some for generations to enjoy together, some to make you laugh, and some to make you cry. There are sequels, big-budget extravaganzas, and even a few promising little indies. The ones I am most looking forward to include:
Zootopia 2 (November 26) Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman) are now partners tracking down a mysterious reptile who arrives in Zootopia. And the sloth is back, too!
Eternity (November 26) If the legendary wit Noel Coward did a remake of Albert Brooks’ after-life fantasy “Defending Your Life,” it might look like this, with Elizabeth Olson as an elderly woman who arrives in heaven to find both of her husbands waiting for her: the one she married when they were young who was killed in the Korean War (Callum Turner), and the man she was later married to for more than 60 years (Miles Teller).
Hamnet (November 26) Jessie Buckley gives one of the most thrilling performances of the year as a woman married to an aspiring playwright named William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal). Based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell, which itself was based on the true story of the death of Shakespeare’s young son.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (November 26) The third in the murder mystery series featuring master detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is another all-star treat, this time set in a church in upstate New York, with Josh O’Conner, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, and Thomas Hayden Church.
Merrily We Roll Along (December 5) First it was a legendary flop by powerhouse duo George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. They were known for comedy but they experimented with a serious play told in reverse order, taking a trio of characters from middle age back to their early 20s. Then Stephen Sondheim decided to make it into a musical, where it flopped so badly there is a whole documentary about it, called “The Best Worst Thing That Ever Could Have Happened.” Then it was remounted on Broadway with Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez, and Krystal Joy Brown, where it finally was a huge hit and won Tonys for the two male actors. This is a film of that play.
Jay Kelly George Clooney stars as the title character, a huge movie star en route to a festival in Italy where he will receive a lifetime achievement award. He is accompanied by his manager (Adam Sandler) and publicist (Laura Dern) and tries to reconcile with his older daughter (Riley Keogh) and connect to his younger daughter (Grace Edwards), who would rather travel with her friends. This film, from writer/director Noah Baumbach, is one of my favorite of the year.
Dust Bunny (December 5) An eight-year-old girl asks her hitman neighbor for help in killing the monster under her bed that she thinks ate her family. Rogerbert.com’s Brian Tellerico calls it “playfully twisted.” Note: it is about a child but it is not for children: Rated R.
Merv Zooey Deschanel and Charlie Cox play a separated couple who still share love — and custody — of their dog, Merv. When the dog’s vet tells them their pet is depressed because they are not together, they join forces to take him on a vacation.
Ella McCay (December 12) This is one I’m especially looking forward to because it is from James L. Brooks, the writer/director of “Terms of Endearment” and “Broadcast News.” Emma Mackey plays a young politician who unexpectedly becomes governor of New York. the cast includes Albert Brooks, Julie Kavner, Woody Harrelson, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Goodbye, June (December 12) Adult siblings who do not get along gather to be with their dying mother. Kate Winslet directed, based on a screenplay by her son. She also stars along with Toni Collette, Johnny Flynn, Andrea Riseborough, Timothy Spall, Helen Mirren, Stephen Merchant, and “Ted Lasso’s” Jeremy Swift.
Avatar: Fire and Ash (December 19) Writer/director James Cameron gives us another chapter in the saga of Pandora, again starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Stephen Lang, with Oona Chaplin as the new villain.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (December 19) The residents of Bikini Bottom are back, this time with Mark Hamill providing the voice for the Flying Dutchman, who needs the world’s most innocent soul to break his curse. Who could that be?
Anaconda (December 25) Paul Rudd and Jack Black play bros who decide to remake their favorite movie, the cheesy 1997 film Anaconda. When their fake snake fails, of course they decide to get a real one. What could go wrong?
Marty Supreme (December 25) Timothée Chalamet (with a mustache) and Gwyneth Paltrow (as a movie star) appear in a film about a ping pong champion. Viewers at a recent surprise screening loved it. From the AP’s Jack Coyle: “A madcap ode to strivers. A great New York movie.”
Song Sung Blue (December 25) A documentary about a real life Neil Diamond tribute duo inspired this feature film starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.
Back to work, back to school, back to sweaters, raking leaves, Halloween, and Thanksgiving!
And it’s time to go back to one of the best times of the year for movies. Here’s what I’m looking forward to this fall, including two highly anticipated sequels arriving for Thanksgiving. (As usual, release dates may change.)
SEPTEMBER
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (September 12) We met the Crawley family and their servants in 1912. Now it is the 1930s, they are mourning the loss of the Dowager Countess, and, as always, there will be challenges, complications, and romance.
Tin Soldier (September 12) Oscar winners Robert De Niro and Jamie Foxx play a cult leader and the former soldier who challenges him.
Spinal Tap II: The End Continues (September 12) By now, it may be going to 12. Our favorite mini-Stonehenge metal trio is reuniting, and real-life music superstars are as excited as we are, with on-screen appearances by Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Lars Ulrich, Questlove, and Garth Brooks. And, we hope, a new drummer.
A Big, Beautiful Journey (September 19) Kogonada made a deeply moving film about two people walking around talking about architecture and another deeply moving film about a family in the future whose beloved robot nanny breaks. This is what is certain to be a deeply moving film about strangers played by Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie who go on a fantasy journey together as they visit their pasts.
Him (September 19) Jordan Peele produced this film about a promising high school athlete whose dream comes true when he has a chance to be at a training camp run by his idol. It does not go well.
London Calling (September 19) After fleeing the UK from a job gone wrong, a down on his luck hitman (Josh Duhamel) is forced to train the completely inept son of his crime boss (Rick Hoffman) to kill people.
Eleanor the Great (September 26) Scarlett Johansson’s first project as a director stars June Squibb as the title character who moves to New York City for the first time in her 90s, after the death of her best friend.
One Battle After Another (September 26) Writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson is always very private when it comes to telling us what to expect from his upcoming films. So we don’t know much beyond the impressive cast: Leonardo di Caprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, Alana Haim, and Chase Infiniti.
OCTOBER
The Smashing Machine (October 3) Dwayne Johnson plays MMA fighter Mark Kerr, co-starring Emily Blunt.
Tron: Ares (October 10) Jeff Bridges, star of the 1982 original, returns in a new chapter that promises to be set more in the analog world, with a computer program weaponized to interact with reality. The cast includes Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Cameron Monaghan, Evan Peters, Gillian Anderson, Jodie-Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Hasan Minhaj. I saw the new racer and heard the soundtrack from Nine Inch Nails at Comic-Con and both were very cool.
Roofman (October 10) The improbable but true story of Jeffrey Manchester, a former U.S. Army Reserve officer who turned to robbing businesses, particularly McDonald’s restaurants, by drilling through their roofs. After escaping prison, he hid in a Toys “R” Us for six months, living undetected while planning his next moves. Manchester is played by Channing Tatum, co-starring with Kirsten Dunst.
Kiss of the Spider Woman (October 10) Word is that this may be Jennifer Lopez’s Oscar moment. She plays the title character, as remembered by a prisoner, who tells the story of his favorite movie to his cellmate (Diego Luna). “Chicago’s” Bill Condon directs.
After the Hunt (October 10) Julia Roberts plays a professor dealing with conflicting allegations made by the people she is closest to, played by Andrew Garfield and Ayo Edebiri, directed by “Challengers” and “Call Me By Your Name’s” Luca Guadagnino.
Blue Moon (October 17) Lorenz Hart was one of the greatest lyricists of all time and his collaborations with Richard Rodgers, including “My Funny Valentine,” “Mountain Greenery,” and the song that gives this Richard Linklater film its title are a permanent part of the American Songbook. This film takes place as the show Rodgers wrote without him, “Oklahoma,” is opening. Hart was under 5 feet, and there is some movie trickery to make star Ethan Hawke look short and balding.
Stiller and Meara: Nothing is Lost (October 17) I grew up watching “The Ed Sullivan Show” with my family, and my favorite (until the Beatles arrived!) was the comedians. I loved the real-life couple of Stiller and Meara, now better known for their acting work, Jerry Stiller in “Seinfeld” and Anne Meara in movies like “The Daytrippers” and “Awakenings.” This loving documentary is made by their actor/writer/director son Ben Stiller.
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Good Fortune (October 17) How has it taken so long for someone to cast Keanu Reeves as an angel come to earth to guide a human? Aniz Ansari wrote and directed a film that is a throwback to mid-century classics like “Here Comes Mr. Jordan” (remade by Warren Beatty as “Heaven Can Wait”) and “A Guy Named Joe” (remade by Steven Spielberg as “Always’). Ansari stars as well, along with Sandra Oh, Seth Rogen, and Keke Palmer.
A House of Dynamite (October 24) Kathryn Bigelow is one of the all-time greats when it comes to action thrillers. This one stars Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson in a tense drama about an attack on the US. The cast also includes Gabriel Basso, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Moses Ingram, Jonah Hauer-King, Greta Lee, and Jason Clarke, and the screenplay is by NBC news chief Noah Oppenheim.
Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere (October 24) This musical biopic has “The Bear’s” Jeremy Allen White as Bruce Springsteen in 1982, making his sixth studio album, Nebraska, “Studio” is not exactly the right term as it was recorded without his band in Springsteen’s own bedroom.
Regretting You (October 24) Based on the best-seller by Colleen Hoover, this is the story of a mother and daughter following the death of the father of the family. Alison Williams, Mckenna Grace, and Dave Franco star.
Nouvelle Vague (October 31) Another Richard Linklater film, and also based on a true story, this is about the filming of a very influential French movie that was a part of the New Wave (translation of Nouvelle Vague), a movement to make films that were more natural, with a gritty documentary feeling. Zoey Deutch plays Jean Seaberg, the American actress who starred in the film as an expat, with Guillaume Marbeck playing 26-year-old director Jean-Luc Goddard.
Copyright 2025 Netflix
NOVEMBER
Frankenstein (November, date not set) Yet another re-telling of the story of the doctor who wanted to create life, but this one is a passion project for Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro, who has a thing for monsters. Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, Charles Dance, Christoph Waltz,.and Oscar Isaac star.
I Wish You All the Best (November 7) A non-binary teen thrown out of the house by their parents moves in with their sister and finds a new world of acceptance and friendship.
Begonia (November 7) Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos have had a very fruitful artistic partnership, including “The Favourite,” “Poor Things,” and “Kind of Kindness.” In their latest, Stone plays a powerful CEO kidnapped by conspiracy theorists who believe she is an alien.
Peter Hujar’s Day (November 7) Ben Wishaw plays Peter Hujar, a photographer in New York in the 1970s and 80s. His black and white images were original, striking, and influential. He was known for being both brilliant and difficult when he died of AIDS in 1987. In this film, Rebecca Hall plays writer Linda Rosenkrantz, who interviewed Hujar about how he spent his day. Anything writer/director Ira Sachs does will be unexpected and thoughtful.
Train Dreams (November 7) The team behind “Sing Sing,” Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar, adapted Denis Johnson’s novella, Train Dreams, the story of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a logger and railroad worker who leads a life of unexpected depth and beauty in the rapidly-changing America of the early 20th Century.
Now You See Me, Now You Don’t (November 14) The magicians of the Four Horsemen are back with more tricks up their sleeves. Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco return along with Morgan Freeman, plus some new faces: Dominic Sessa of “The Holdovers” Justice Smith of “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” and Ariana Greenblatt of “Barbie.”
Eternity (November 14) You die, you go to heaven, and you have the chance to live the rest of eternity with the person you married. But what if the first person you married died and has been waiting in heaven for you all this time and the second person you married also thinks he’ll be spending all of eternity with you? Elizabeth Olson, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner star.
Jay Kelly (November 14) You want to make a movie about a huge movie star who is aging and thinking back on whether his life has had meaning. So why not cast a real-life huge movie star? That’s what co-screenwriter of “Barbie” Noah Baumbach has done with George Clooney as an actor named Jay Kelly, with co-stars Adam Sandler and Laura Dern.
Murder at the Embassy (November 14) When a private detective is called to investigate a suspicious murder inside Cairo’s seemingly impenetrable British Embassy, she discovers a second crime has been committed that could ignite a global war. Everyone within the walls of the embassy is a suspect, but the ultimate evil force is lurking right around the corner. Mischa Barton returns as Miranda Green in the follow up to the highly successful film “Invitation to Murder.”
Copyright 2025 Lionsgate
Wicked: For Good (November 26) One of the most highly anticipated films of the year is part 2 of the origin story of the two witches of “The Wizard of Oz.” We’ll learn more about the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Woodman, as well, plus some great songs.
Zootopia 2 (November 26) Everyone’s favorite police bunny is back with her slightly reformed partner in this sequel to the Oscar-winning delight.
Hamnet (November 27) Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, and Jessie Buckley star and Chloe Zhau directs a story imagining William Shakespeare’s wife after the death of her young son, as her husband processes it by writing a play called “Hamlet.” It is based on the acclaimed novel by Maggie O’Farrell.
Happy 2025! Here’s What’s Coming to Our Screens This Year
Posted on January 1, 2025 at 2:31 pm
Happy New Year! Here are some of the films I’m looking forward to in 2025. As usual, we’re getting a lot of remakes, reboots, sequels, and superheroes. We have movies coming out about Frankenstein and about the bride of Frankenstein. And as usual, the best part of looking ahead is knowing that this time next year some filmmakers I’ve never heard of who will surprise and delight us. {Release dates and other information may change.)
JANUARY
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl(Netflix, Jan. 3) Aardman films are always a delight and the dim, cheese-loving inventor Wallace and his devoted (though sometimes exasperated) Gromit are my favorites. This one features warring robot garden gnomes and the return of Feathers McGraw.
Back in Action (Netflix, January 17) The primary interest in this action comedy is the return of two beloved stars, Jamie Foxx, back after the health crisis he describes in his new comedy special, and Cameron Diaz, back after taking a break to be home with her family.
One of Them Days (Theaters, January 17) A wild action comedy starring Keke Palmer and Sza? About roommates whose friendship is tested on a day where the landlord needs the rent, a job interview has to go perfectly, and everything seems to get in the way? And Issa Rae producing? Can’t wait!
Wish You Were Here (Theatrical, January 17) Julia Stiles makes her directorial debut in a film based on the bestselling novel by Renée Carlino, Wish You Were Here. Isabelle Fuhrman, Mena Massoud, Jennifer Grey and Kelsey Grammer star, When the perfect night with a perfect stranger ends suddenly the next morning, Charlotte searches for answers and meaning in her disappointing life until she uncovers a secret that changes everything.
Alarum (Theatrical and VOD, January 17) Sylvester Stallone, Scott Eastwood, Willa Fitzgerald, and Mike Colter star in a story about a couple, both spies, who go off the grid but are followed by some very dangerous people who feel strongly about getting a missing hard drive.
You’re Cordially Invited (Amazon, January 30) Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell head warring families who’ve mistakenly double-booked the same wedding venue. Written and directed by Nicholas Stoller (“The Five-Year Engagement), and co-starring two of my favorite up-and-coming comedy all-stars, Geraldine Viswanathan and Meredith Hagner.
Love Me (Theaters, January 31) “A postapocalyptic romance in which a buoy and a satellite meet online and fall in love after the end of human civilization.” They had me at buoy and satellite. The cast includes Kristen Stewart and Stephen Yeun.
FEBRUARY
Love Hurts (Theaters, February 7) Oscar-winners Ke Huy Quan and Ariana Debose team up in an action comedy about an apparently mild-mannered suburban realtor whose past as part of a ruthless crime syndicate. Former football player Marshawn Lynch, who was hilarious in “Bottoms,” co-stars.
Captain America: Brave New World (Theaters February 14) It’s a brave new Cap as Anthony Mackie takes over the role of the guy with the vibranium shield. IMDB lists Harrison Ford as “Thaddeus ‘Thunderbolt’ Ross / Red Hulk,” who is also the US President. Sounds great.
Paddington in Peru (Theaters, February 14) “Paddington 2” is still Rotten Tomatoes’ highest rated film. Will this one, with Paddington finally going to visit Aunt Lucy, do even better?
Cleaner (Theatrical, February 21) Activists take 300 hostages at a corporate gala to make a political point, but one of their group betrays them and plans to kill everyone. It happens that the window clear suspended 50 stories outside the building is ex-military and her younger brother is one of the hostages.
Old Guy (Theatrical and VOD, February 21) Christoph Waltz is the title character, a hitman who is forced to train his young replacement (Cooper Hoffman). When they learn they are being betrayed, the unlikely pair turns into a lethal team – with their double-crossing bosses in their sights. Lucy Liu co-stars in this action comedy from the director of “Con Air.”
The Unbreakable Boy (Theatrical, February 21) Zachary Levi and Meghann Fahy play the parents of a boy with autism and brittle bone disease but an unquenchable spirit.
Uppercut (Theatrical and on demand, February 28) Ving Rhames plays a boxing coach, with Luise Großmann as the woman he trains, who becomes the manager of an up-and-coming fighter (Jordan E. Cooper).
MARCH
The Electric State (Netflix, March 14) “Stranger Things'” and “Enola Holmes” Millie Bobby Brown plays the sister of a missing man who gets help from a robot. The stacked cast includes Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, and Stanley Tucci.
MARCH
Snow White (Theaters, March 21) No one can convince me that Disney needs to make live-action versions of its classic animated films, but “West Side Story’s” Rachel Ziegler and Gal Gadot as the evil step-mother plus, I predict, a less passive heroine, will probably make this worth a look.
Mickey 17 (Theaters, March 17) Robert Pattinson plays an “expendable” who is rebooted every time he is no longer useful, from “Parasite” director Bong Joon Ho.
APRIL
The Accountant 2 (Theaters, April 25) I’m a fan of the 2016 original, with Ben Affleck as an accountant on the autism spectrum who has some very special skills. I’m not sure anyone was waiting for a sequel, but the original writer and director are returning so I’m sure they have something special in mind.
MAY
Thunderbolts (Theatrical, May 2) It’s tempting to call this Temu Avengers or the B-team of second-tier Marvel characters. many we’ve seen as villains, with Florence Pugh is back as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes and David Harbour as Red Guardian. This film adds Wyatt Russell as John Walker, Olga Kurylenko as Taskmaster and Hannah John-Kamen as Ghost.
Lilo & Stitch (Theatrical, May 23) Another live-action remake from Disney, this time about the impish alien befriended by a spirited Hawaiian girl. The cast includes Billy Magnussen, Zach Galifianakis and Courtney B. Vance.
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (Theatrical, May 23) We’ve been waiting for this one since 2022 and I’m guessing Tom Cruise is going to deliver the best stunts of the year. “Ted Lasso’s” Hannah Waddington joins returning Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg and Vanessa Kirby.
JUNE
Ballerina (Theatrical, June 6) From the JWCU (John Wick Cinematic Universe) comes Ana de Armas as a ballet dancer turned assassin. I predict some very graceful and deadly pirouettes and tour jetes.
Elio (Theatrical. June 13) Pixar’s latest is about a boy who is mistaken by aliens for Earth’s leader. Voice talent includes Zoe Saldaña, Jameela Jamil, and Brad Garrett.
How to Train Your Dragon (Theatrical, June 13) ANOTHER live-action remake of a beloved animated film, this one from Universal. The writer and co-director of the original, Dean DeBlois is the writer/director and Gerard Butler returns as Stoick.
F1 (Theatrical, June 27) Brad Pitt and “Banshees of Inisherin” star Kerry Condon star in a film about Formula One racing.
JULY
(Theatrical, July 4) We don’t have a title or a teaser trailer, but what we do know is intriguing! Kendrick Lamar is producing and writers/directorsTrey Parker and Matt Stone (“South Park”) say this film is about a young Black man interning as a slave re-enactor at a living history museum who discovers that his white girlfriend’s ancestors once enslaved his ancestors.
Superman (Theatrical, July 11) The man from Krypton is back, this time played by David Corenswet, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, the always-great Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Krypto the super-dog, and, maybe, the Fortress of Solitude. James Gunn writes and directs.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Theatrical, July 25)
I hope they’ve finally given the F4 the movie they deserve. It does have a great cast: Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Ralph Ineson as Galactus and Julia Garner as Silver Surfer.
AUGUST
The Bad Guys 2 (Theatrical, August 1)
Can the bad guys make it as good guys? That becomes especially challenging when they run into the Bad Girls, voiced by Maria Baklava, Natasha Lyonne, and Danielle Brooks.
The Naked Gun (Theatrical, August 1) This reboot of the Leslie Nielsen comedies, from “The Lonely Island’s” Akiva Schaffer, stars Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, and Paul Walter Hauser, with an appearance by Busta Rhymes.
The Naked Gun copyright 2025 Paramout
The Battle of Baktan Cross (Theatrical, August 8) The details are kept secret, but we do know this film is coming from P.T. Anderson and stars three Oscar winners; Sean Penn, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Benecio del Toro, along with Teyana Taylor and Regina Hall.
Freakier Friday (Theatrical, August 8) Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan are back and swapping bodies again. Mark Harmon and Chad Michael Murray return with newcomers Julia Butters and “The Good Place’s” Manny Jacinto.
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SEPTEMBER
Downton Abbey 3 (Theatrical, September 12) Come on, you didn’t think we’d miss the wedding of Tom Branson (Allen Leech) and Lucy Smith (Tuppence Middleton)!
The Bride (Theatrical, September 26) Maggie Gyllenhaal, who made a spectacular directing debut with “The Lost Daughter,” gives us a Frankenstein story set in 1930s Chicago. Her brother Jake is in the cast along with Christian Bale as the monster and Jessie Buckley as the murdered woman re-animated to be his bride. {No release information yet for the new Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac, with Jacob Elordi starring as the Monster, plus Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz and Felix Kammerer]
OCTOBER
Michael (Theatrical, October 3) Michael Jackson is portrayed by his nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in a film from Antoine Fuqua. Co-stars include Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Miles Teller and Colman Domingo.
Regretting You (Theatrical, October 24) Based on another novel by “It Ends With Us” author Colleen Hoover, this has Allison Williams and McKenna Grace as a mother and daughter with a strained relationship. Dave Franco co-stars in a story of love, loss, secrets, and regret.
NOVEMBER
Begonia (Theatrical, November 7) Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone (“Kinds of Kindness,” “Poor Things”) reunite for a story about the kidnapping of a CEO.
Now You See Me 3 (Theatrical, November 14) Jesse Eisenberg, Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher and Lizzy Caplan are back as the endlessly clever magicians who also pull heists.
Wicked: For Good (Theatrical, November 21) I’m guessing people are already booking tickets for the sequel to one of 2024’s most beloved films. I predict the box office returns will defy gravity.
Zootopia 2 (Theatrical, November 26) The Oscar-winning original was a fresh, funny, and heartwarming surprise, so this one is high on my list. Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman are joined by the very busy Ke Huy Quan.
The Running Man (Theatrical, November 27) Did I think we needed a remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger film about the wrongly accused cop who has to compete in a deadly game? Not really, until I heard who’s involved: Director Edgar Wright and star Glenn Powell.
DECEMBER
Avatar: Fire and Ash (Theatrical, December 19) We don’t know much about it, but we know it will look beautiful and sell a lot of tickets.
The Spongebob Movie: Search for SquarePants (Theatrical, December 19) More from the denizens of Bikini Bottom.
Fall Movies Are Coming! Beetlejuice 2, Transformers, Clooney and Pitt, Wild (Animated) Robot, and Much More
Posted on September 1, 2024 at 10:00 am
Copyright 2024 Sony Pictures
Happy fall! Some of what we’re looking forward to in September, October, and November, with sequels, a prequel, some based on books, some on true stories, and some are the prestige productions we will be seeing at the Oscars. The teams from two beloved classics are reuniting. In 1988, Tim Burton gave us “Beetlejuice,” and now Michael Keaton, Wynona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara join him for “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” with Jenna Ortega playing the daughter of Ryder’s character, Lydia. And Robin Wright and Tom Hanks, who starred in Robert Zemeckis’ Oscar-winning “Forrest Gump,” co-star again in a different story with Zemeckis directing. The trailer gives us a glimpse of some of the movie magic we’ll be seeing in a multi-generational family story called “Home,” showing their characters in their 20s.
We’re also getting a sequel to the DC Comics story of the Joker, played by Joaquin Phoenix, and a prequel with the origin story of the Transformers, and a look at a different kind of origin story, the very first episode of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975.
Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel about an abusive reform school, Nickel Boys, comes to the screen with Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Jimmie Fails from “The Last Black Man in San Francisco.” And two family action comedies for Christmas!
Plus two of the most anticipated films of the year, releasing for Thanksgiving — part one of “Wicked” and “Gladiator 2.” Here’s a glimpse at what’s ahead.
September
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Michael Keaton, Wynona Ryder, and Tim Burton are back in another story of the ghost with the most. “Wednesday’s” Jenna Ortega joins the cast as the daughter of Ryder’s character.
His Three Daughters Elizabeth Olson, Natasha Lyonne, and Carrie Coon are three sisters who are very different but have to find a way to work together to care for their dying father.
I’ll Be Right There Wanda (Edie Falco) takes care of everyone. Who takes care of her?
My Old Ass Would your young self want to meet your older self? Would she listen? What would your older self want to tell your younger self? Aubrey Plaza gets a chance to find out when her younger self conjures her up.
Wolfs In “Pulp Fiction” there is a character called Wolfe, played by Harvey Keitel, who gets called in to fix dire and messy situations that seem un-fixable. In “Wolfs,” “Oceans 11” stars George Clooney and Brad Pitt play rival versions of that character who are forced to work together.
The 4:30 Movie Kevin Smith’s semi-autobiographical story is a nostalgic comedy about a group of teenagers in the 1980s.
Subservience An android housekeeper/nanny develops some dangerous ideas.
Omni Loop Mary Louise Parker and Ayo Edebiri star in a time loop story.
Also of note in September: The Neo-noir “Killer Heat,” the origin story/prequel “Transformers One,” an acerbic Ian McKellen as “The Critic,” “Continue” with writer-director-star Nadine Crocker based on her own life and mental health challenges, “Hounds of War” stars Frank Grillo in the story of mercenaries on a suicide mission, and festival favorite “A Different Man” with Sebastian Stan as a man with a disfiguring disease who has an operation to become handsome
October
Joker: Folie à Deux Lady Gaga joins Joaquin Phoenix in this sequel to the latest version of Batman’s most famous villain.
Saturday Night We’ve been staying up late to watch “Saturday Night Live” for half a century now, and characters, catch phrases, and stars from the show, still produced by Lorne Michaels and still live, are enmeshed in our culture. Jason Reitman wrote and produced the story of the very first episode.
We Live in Time Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield star in a romance from A24 that seems to have a mystical element.
Goodrich Michael Keaton plays the title character, who has to ask his estranged adult daughter (Mila Kunis) to help him take care of the children he had with his second wife.
Piece by Piece Music polymath Pharrell Williams tells his story — with LEGOs.
Also of note in October: “House of Spoils” a spooky story about a chef, “Nickel Boys” based on Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, Tom Hardy returns in “Venom: The Last Dance,” “Brothers,” with Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage as twins on the run, “Things Will Be Different, a sci-fi thriller, and Saoirse Ronin in “The Outrun,” based on Amy Liptrot’s bestselling memoir
November
Conclave A powerhouse cast brings us inside one of the most secret places on earth — the selection of a new pope.
Here Robert Zemeckis reunites with his “Forrest Gump” stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright in this multi-generational family saga.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever A remake of the beloved film based on the book about a riotous production features Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, and Lauren Graham.
Red One Santa is missing! And there’s only one person who can rescue him, Dwayne Johnson, of course, with some help from Chris Evans.
Spellbound A princess has to save the day when her parents are enchanted.
Wicked What were Glinda and the Wicked Witch of the West like as teenagers? Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo play the young witches in a movie based on the beloved Broadway musical, inspired by The Wizard of Oz. (Part 1 of 2)
Gladiator II Back to the arena! This time with Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington.
Summer Movies 2024! Inside Out 2, Furiosa, Stars, Comic Books, Sequels and Surprising Indies
Posted on May 17, 2024 at 5:15 pm
Big stars, big budgets, big crashes and explosions, and big sequels! Summer movies 2024 are going to make audiences very happy. And, as always, what I look forward to most is the ones we don’t even know about yet, the ones that will surprise us, the stars we don’t know about yet.
Here are some I am especially looking forward to (note: release dates may shift):
Sequels, Prequels, and Remakes!
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (May 24)
As its title makes clear, this is part of George Miller’s post-apocalyptic “Mad Max” series that began with 1979’s “Mad Max.” In 2015, “Mad Max: Fury Road” starred Charlize Theron as Furiosa, who rescued a group of captive women from a warlord. This chapter gives us Anya Taylor-Joy as the young Furiosa, so we can see how she became such a warrior.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (June 7)
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back for another action-comedy about the popular buddy cops. Expect quips combined with chases and shoot-outs.
A Quiet Place: Day One (June 28)
Writer/director John Kraskinski has scared us twice with his films about a post-apocalyptic time when blind creatures with extremely sensitive hearing are killing humans. In between covering your eyes and stifling your screams, did you ever wonder how this who thing began? Here’s your answer.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (July 3)
Get ready for Chapter 4 in the saga of the irrepressible cop from Detroit who shakes things up in LA. Eddie Murphy has owned that role since the 1984 original, and we’re looking forward to seeing him reunited with his friends played by Judge Reinhold and John Ashton and Bronson Pinchot as Serge. We’re also looking forward to the always-great Taylour Paige as Foley’s daughter. And as the bad guy: Kevin Bacon!
Twisters (July 19)
If you remember anything about the 1996 film about storm chasers, it’s probably the flying cow. This updated version is expected to factor in climate change as one aspect being studied by the scientists. The cast includes fast-rising star Glen Powell along with Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos, and we expect they will try to get an updated “Dorothy” mechanism inside the twister to provide new data.
Alien: Romulus (August 16)
Both a prequel and a sequel — this one is set between the 1979 original and the first sequel. “Priscilla’s” Cailee Spaeny and Isabela Merced star.
Family Fun
IF (May 17)
IF stands for Imaginary Friend. What happens to these creatures when the children who imagine them outgrow them? Writer/director John Krasinski’s second film this summer looks like a family charmer with the starriest cast of the year, including Ryan Reynolds, Steve Carrell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Maya Rudolph, Jon Stewart, Sam Rockwell, Christopher Meloni, Richard Jenkins, Bobby Moynihan, and everyone’s favorite utility infielder for voice talent, Awkwafina.
Inside Out 2 (June 14)
The first “Inside Out” was one of those most insightful films about growing up and about emotions of any film, for any age. It helped us understand the necessity of embracing sadness, while so many movies seem to suggest that we should strive only to feel happiness. Well, buckle up, because central character Riley is getting older and will have to find a way to integrate some more uncomfortable emotions, including anxiety.
Despicable Me 4 (July 3)
It’s been a long time since Gru was despicable, but, hey, Nick Charles wasn’t really a thin man. Gru is now happily married with a new baby in addition to the three girls he adopted in the first film. But did the new baby inherit his despicability? And what about a new villain, voiced by Will Ferrell?
More family movies this summer: “My Spy 2” with Dave Bautista, “Johnny Puff: Secret Mission” with Johnny Depp as a puffin superhero, and “The Garfield Movie” with Chris Pratt as the lasagna-loving feline.
For Grown-Ups
Hit Man (May 24)
Rocketing-to-stardom Glen Powell (“Top Gun: Maverick,” “Anyone But You”) continues his ascent in this romance from Richard Linklater (“Boyhood,” “Everybody Wants Some!!, also with Powell).
Summer Camp (May 31)
I’m not much of a fan of these “let’s get a bunch of Oscar-winners from the 70s to play some adorable old people” movies. But I’m still hoping this one, about a summer camp reunion, starring Kathy Bates, Diane Keaton, Alfre Woodard, and Eugene Levy, will be as much fun as s’mores around a campfire.
Thelma (June 26)
The delightful June Squibb plays the title character, an older woman who has been scammed and is determined to get revenge.
The Space Cadet (July 4)
Emma Roberts plays a young woman who “embellishes” her resume to get into the astronaut program. Co-stars including the always great Gabrielle Union and the adorable Poppy Liu.
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Murder Company (July 5)
In the midst of the D-Day invasion, a group of US soldiers are given orders to smuggle a member of the French resistance behind enemy lines to assassinate a high-value Nazi target.
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Fly Me to the Moon (July 12)
A romance set in the early days of the space race stars Scarlett Johansson as a marketing specialist hired by NASA to get the American people more excited about rockets. Channing Tatum plays the man in charge of the mission.
Sing Sing (July 12)
Colman Domingo stars in the fact-based story of a group of men in prison who put on a show. Many of the other members of the cast are men who have been in those programs, along with Paul Raci, who won an Oscar for “Coda.”
Deadpool & Wolverine (July 26)
The title says it all. Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool’s two movies have essentially been dis tracks for trashing fellow Marvel superhero Wolverine. And probably only Reynolds could persuade Hugh Jackman to suit up with the adamantine claws again. Expect this one to be outrageous, meta, and a lot of fun.
It Ends With Us (August 9)
Colleen Hoover’s monumental best-seller comes to the screen with Blake Lively as a young florist who falls for a handsome doctor.
Trap (August 9)
There are guaranteed twists in the latest from M. Night Shyamalan, featuring his daughter Saleka as a hugely successful pop star. Josh Hartnett plays a dad thrilled to be bringing his daughter to hear her favorite performer. But…well watch the trailer.
The Union (August 16)
Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry star as a one-time couple who find themselves on the same side when she asks him to help her with a spy mission.
