HAPPY NEW YEAR FOLLOWERS!!! I really hope that the first hours of 2022 have treated you kindly. There is a lot of excitement in the air as we head into the new year. And for cinephiles like myself, There is a lot to be excited about. So many amazing films are coming our way in the new year and if last year was any indication, the going-to-the-movies experience could see an even bigger boost. There is a lot to go over so let’s start by going over some of the big storylines heading into this new year at the movies.
With the theater industry showing real signs of life in 2021, this year looks to continue the momentum with a plethora of blockbuster films that are ready to entice fans to come back to the cinemas now more than ever. Covid-19 is still a factor especially with a new variant rising up. But optimism will be key in ensuring that the industry continues to progress to normalcy moving forward.
We’ve had our share of DC versus marvel battles over the years. But this is one of the few years that may be different from the others. Though it is true that Marvel has enjoyed a high level of consistency over the past decade, this year DC may finally be at the same level of consistency for the first time in a long time. The release of The Batman, The Flash, Black Adam, and Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom will be among some of the year’s most anticipated films from DC. Marvel however isn't slacking off. Three of the theatrical films will debut with all three featuring members of their Infinity Saga roster including Doctor Strange, Thor, Scarlet Witch, and also feature an emotional return to Wakanda. If you're a fan of comic book movies, this could be a year of unrivaled riches.
It’s no secret that controversy can cripple productions. Some are large some are small. But this one, in particular, could have a very dramatic effect on upcoming Warner Bros. productions. The ongoing legal war between Johnny Depp and Amber heard has put a dark aura of skepticism onto films in particular. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore will not only have to contend with the baggage of recasting Johnny Depp’s role as Grindelwald, now played by Mads Mikkelsen, but it will also have to deal with the potential fall out of having author JK Rowling’s name attached to the production giving her controversial comments this past year against the transgender community. On the other hand, Amber Heard’s involvement in the upcoming Aquaman sequel could have viewers skeptical about endorsing the project thanks to her part in her domestic abuse scandal. It remains to be seen how this will affect these films but one thing is for sure, retribution from all of this could be detrimental to box office revenue and staying power.
The holiday movie season is an important time for cinemas. Aside from the summer movie season, this is one of the best times to release a tentpole film that can ring in the audience during Thanksgiving and Christmas weekends. Two movies however have the unfortunate reality of opening up on the same day. Those films of course are James Wan’s Aquaman sequel and the long-delayed and long hyped up Avatar sequel from Director James Cameron. Both of these films are high-profile blockbusters that are sure to bring in crowds. But having them both come out on December 16 is not an ideal position neither one wants to be in. It will be interesting to see if both of these films stick to their guns and release on the same day or if one will bite the bullet and move up earlier or out of the 2022 lineup entirely. Definitely, a soap opera level drama to pay attention to as the 2022 film slate progresses.
#1
I Am Vengeance
Before he was the caped crusader, before he was one of the key members of the Justice League, he was a masked vigilante still dealing with the fresh scars of his childhood. Director Matt Reeves takes us back to the early days of Bruce Wayne in his formative years as the world's greatest detective. Robert Pattinson leads a strong cast of chracters including Zoe Kravitz, Colin Firth, Andy Serkis, Jefferry Wright and Paul Dano in the first standalone Batman feature since The Dark Knight Rises. Witness the origin of the Dark Knight when The Batman arrives in theaters on March 4th.
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#2
Panda-Monium
Growing up is a pain. It can bring so many changes both emotionally and physically. But for one middle schooler, the changes she's experiencing are, to quote a famous boy band from the 2000s, larger than life. Pixar Animation Studios invites you into the world of Meilin who is a typical middle school student who is completely normal...until she get overly emotional and turns into a giant red panda. Heart and hilarity are sure to take form when Turning Red poofs into theaters on March 11th.
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#3
Mad, Mad World
Doctor Steven Strange has already tangled with the multiverse thanks to his escapades with Peter Parker. Despite him stopping what could have been a cataclysmic event, his next entanglement with the multitude of realities could be greater than he ever imagined. Marvel kicks off the 2022 summer movie season with Steven Strange reaching out to old allies and clashing with those not seen in some time. Benedict Cumberbatch teams with Elizabeth Olsen fresh off her character's transition into the Scarlet Witch in Wandavision, for an adventure that could shatter the very fabric of reality. Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejifor, Benedict Wong, and newcomer Xochiti Gomez as America Chavez roundout the cast with Spider-Man trilogy helmer Sam Raimi in the director's chair for a multiversial clash for the ages. Madness will ensue when Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness hits theaters on May 6th
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#4
To Infinity
You know the toy. Now meet the man who inspired his creation. A young test pilot is about to get the opportunity of a lifetime to travel beyond what is possible when it comes to interstellar travel. What happens after that will shape him into the hero he was always meant to be. Chris Evans takes on the role as the Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear in the definitive origin story of one of the galaxies' greatest protectors. Go beyond infinity when Lightyear rockets into theaters on June 17th.
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#5
A New Domain
We were warned about the consequences. We thought we were in control. We thought we could contain the beast we brought back to life. Now, we must grapple with the result of our hubris. What can only be seen as a true changing of the gaurd in terms of planetary dominance, the animals that have returned after extinction are now loose upon this land with no security, no fences, no boundaries. Dinosaurs and man are now truly thrown into the same field. What will the world become? Colin Trevorrow returns as director in the next chapter of the Jurassic World series. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return as Owen and Claire along with the legacy trio of Sam Niell, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum in what could be seen as the most game changing installment in the dino led franchise. It's a whole new world out there to explore when Jurassic World Dominion stomps into theaters on June 10th
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#6
Double The Thunder
After aiding his Avenger's bretheren in defeating Thanos, Thor is at a point in his life where he has no clear path. His next adventure will see him teaming with the Gaurdians of the Galaxy and potentially reunite him with old friends and flames. Including his former love Jane Foster. Taika Watiti returns as director (and as fan favorite Korg) in the next chapter of the Thor series that sees the God of Thunder going toe to toe with new foes including the fearsome god buthcher Gorr played by Christian Bale. Tessa Thompson suits back up as Valkyrie with Chris Pratt, Pom Klementieff, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel and Dave Bautista returning as Starlord, Mantis, Nebula, Groot and Drax along with Natalie Portman as Jane Foster. A lot of ruckus is sure to ensue when Thor Love and Thunder comes to theaters this July.
#7
The Man in Black
For thousands of years, he was seen as a product of servitude. Until the wizard granted him the power of the Gods. Now emboldened with the power of Shazam, the being known as Adam now had the chance to enact his own brand of justice...no holds barred. Dwayne Johnson steps into the role of one of the most fearsome and powerful figures in DC. In a role that he has been after since the start of his career, the power dynamic of the DC universe is about to be dramatically changed. Witness the wrath of the man in black when Black Adam decends into theaters on July 29th.
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#8
Across Da Verse
Miles Morales is coming into his own as Spider-Man. All while trying to keep up with his grades and keep his identity a secret from his parents. But his skills may be needed for a mission not of this universe..or his anyway. Sony Pictures Animation gets ready to deliver the sequal to one of the most critically acclaimed animation shaocases of the 2010s in a Spider-Man adventure that this time will thrust Miles into a multitude of Spider-Man universes. Oh, and did i forget tomention it's only part of the story?! Get ready to swing across the verse when Spider-Man Across The Spiderverse Part 1 swings into theaters on October 7th.
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#9
For Our King
It's been almost a year and a half since the world lost Chadwick Boseman. The world has never been the same sense and a hole that has been left by him still feels ever present. That being said, Marvel Studios is still determined to honor the legacy of the fallen member of their family in the latest installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that will return us to the world of Wakanda. Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke and newcomer Dominique Thorne as RiRi Williams come together in the second installment of the Black Panther film series that will explore the world that Chadwick Boseman help bring to life in the 2018 phenomenon. Emotions will be high in this latest MCU endeavor when Black Panther Wakanda Forever arrives in theaters on November 11.
#10
Return to Pandora
Back in 2009, James Cameron brought moviegoers to the world to Pandora and introduced them to the indigenous population of alien beings known as the Na’vi. The film went on to be one of the highest grossing movies of all time only to be topped of Avengers Endgame in 2019. After years of setbacks, delays and plenty of ambition hype building, The time may finally have come to return to Pandora and continue the story set in this vast and beautiful world. There is still so much uncertainty in the air but one can only hope that this will be the year we experience Avatar 2 set to arrive in theaters on December 16th of this year.
There is a lot in store for us all at the movies this year and I couldn't be more excited. I cannot wait to dive into these films with you all and continue to show the power of cinema is alive and well. I'll see you next time guys. Welcome to 2022
