Logan Sork Film Reviews
Most Anticipated Films of (maybe) 2021
Much like the rest of the world, the film industry was rocked as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. One by one the year’s big releases began to move from their theatrical release dates; either to new dates in the future or being sent to streaming services. While it is still uncertain when the theatrical experience will return, I am still very much looking forward to certain projects. Here is hoping we won’t have to wait much longer to experience these excellent looking films.
There will be some carry overs from last year since, despite their delays, I am still very much looking forward to seeing them on the big screen. As for the new films, there are plenty of stories both big and small that look to be very good based on what we've seen. While not every one here will be great, hopefully we will get more good releases than bat ones.
With out further ado, here are my most anticipated films of 2021.
There will be some carry overs from last year since, despite their delays, I am still very much looking forward to seeing them on the big screen. As for the new films, there are plenty of stories both big and small that look to be very good based on what we've seen. While not every one here will be great, hopefully we will get more good releases than bat ones.
With out further ado, here are my most anticipated films of 2021.
Judas and the Black Messiah
Fred Hampton is arguably one of the most important figures when it comes to the fight for civil rights in 1960s America. Judas and the Black Messiah looks to explore that importance and the eventual conspiracy to eliminate him from the political game that was going on at the time. Daniel Kalyuua is one of the best actors working today and is backed up by some equally talented costars in Lakeith Stanfield and Jesse Plemons. With a cast like this, this is looking to be a film led by powerful performances.
Raya and the Last Dragon
When a large company like Disney relies more and more on acquired intellectual properties and making sequel after sequel; It’s always nice to see them produce an original story. With Raya and the Last Dragon, Walt Disney Animation looks to explore a story based on South-east Asian culture and aesthetics. We can expect to see the same from this animation studio with a colorful, beautifully animated, crowd pleaser with a good message at its core. Hey, as the old saying goes - if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Godzilla vs. Kong
Two of cinema’s most iconic monsters will clash once again in this gigantic blockbuster. While people have been divided on these recent monster films - I personally love them. They are big, dumb, fun entertainment and this upcoming film looks to be the biggest of them all. The titans Godzilla and Kong are some of the most iconic characters in film history. Seeing them on the big screen alone is worth the price of admission.
Zack Snyder's Justice League
Despite enjoying parts of the 2017 theatrical release; Justice League felt like a shadow of what director Zack Snyder intended it to be before he was removed from production. Four years later, after online campaigning, footage leaking and more people demanding to see the unaltered film, we are finally getting our wish. While the film will almost surely be divisive, it’s good to see an artist like Zack Snyder get the justice he deserves.
Mortal Kombat
It’s not the first time this iconic video game franchise has come to the big screen. The 1995 Mortal Kombat was dumb fun and its sequel, Mortal Kombat Annihilation, is one of the worst films ever made. “Mortal Kombat” is one of my personal favorite video game franchises. With interesting mythology, awesome characters and lots of brutally over-the-top violence, it’s everything you could ask for in a fighting game. Here’s hoping that this adaptation succeeds in bringing these elements to the big screen.
In the Heights
While I am not the biggest fan of the hip-hop/rap style musicals that are gaining popularity these days; I am looking forward to In the Heights. The trailer showcased some great songs, dazzling visuals, and a surprisingly deep message that this film has to offer. These elements will hopefully make it stand out in a crowd that has recently begun to reemerge in the world of film.
Old
It’s always interesting to see what idea writer-director M. Night Shyamalan has come up with. The man responsible for such masterpieces like The Sixth Sense and Unbreakable has also been behind some of the most laughably bad movies ever made. Regardless of which end of that spectrum Old falls under – there is no doubt that it will be unique and intriguing.
The Green Knight
Films based on Arthurian legends have not historically been all that great; one need only look at the recent King Arthur: Legend of the Sword for evidence. The Green Knight, however, looks to take a new approach to the ancient story of Sir Gawain while still retaining its traditional elements. The film looks disturbing, visually stunning and features a sure to be great performance from Dev Patel. Hopefully, this Arthurian tale will avoid the pitfalls of other recent adaptations.
The Suicide Squad
From all the recent DC films to be released in the past few years, Suicide Squad is definitely near the bottom of the stack. Its chaotic editing and paper-thin story left much to be desired from the team of supervillains. With The Suicide Squad, writer-director James Gunn looks to make this sequel stand above its predecessor. The first looks have been promising and there seems to be more emphasis on story and characters over pop-songs and tattoos this time around. Here’s hoping the second times the charm for this group of dastardly rogues.
Dune
Out of all the films that were delayed due to the pandemic, this was the one I was most disappointed to see move. Director Denis Villeneuve looks to be crafting something spectacular with this adaptation of the iconic Frank Herbert novel. With gorgeous visuals, a stellar cast and an immersive world to pull inspiration from Dune will hopefully be nothing short of a masterpiece.
Last Night in Soho
Director Edgar Wright has, in my opinion, yet to release a bad film. He’s arguably one of the best filmmakers working today, with a strong emphasis on off-beat comedy and frenetic action sequences. With Last Night in Soho, Wright seems to be making a transition to the psychological thriller genre. While I am worried that this could be a potential misstep for him, it’s always nice to see filmmakers do stuff outside their comfort zone. Plus, having a cast featuring the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy and Matt Smith definitely helps.
The Last Duel
Despite being one of my favorite filmmakers, Ridley Scott’s track record has been wildly uneven to say the least. While he’s crafted cinematic classics like Alien and Blade Runner; he’s also had his fair share of duds with films like Robin Hood and The Counselor. Here is hoping its more the former than latter has he directs the likes of Adam Driver, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in this medieval tale.
Nightmare Alley
A Guillermo Del Toro film is always a joy to watch. With his strong emphasis on gothic horror and fantasy elements, he’s arguably one of the most interesting filmmakers working today. His newest film is a retelling of the 1940’s film of the same name, so it won’t exactly be an original idea from the ground up. I’m sure he’ll more than make up for this with strong visuals and the incredible cast he has assembled.
The Matrix 4
The Matrix is arguably one of the most iconic films of all time. While it’s previous sequels fell short of expectations – I am very much looking forward to this upcoming installment. Hopefully, director Lana Wachowski has learned from her previous mistakes and will improve upon them rather than repeat them. The return of the original cast members as well as fun new additions will hopefully make for a satisfying franchise reboot.
There you have it. The projects that I am most looking forward to this coming year. Hopefully this year will be more kind to the cinematic viewing experience and we will be allowed to view these films on the biggest screens possible. Even if that is not possible, there are sure to be some great films coming this year, both big and small.
What releases are you looking forward to the most this coming year? Sound off in the comments below and let me know your most anticipated releases of 2021.
What releases are you looking forward to the most this coming year? Sound off in the comments below and let me know your most anticipated releases of 2021.