The Roaring ’20s are back along with a myriad of movies set to release in the new decade, some superb and some sub-par. This month, the Skywalker Saga finally came to a close with the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Now, fans can look forward to much-anticipated sequels from franchises like Top Gun, Suicide Squad, and Marvel’s Avengers.
However, every year brings hits and misses from directors whose vision never comes to fruition or fails to resonate with audiences (Yes, we’re looking at you Sonic). Without further ado, here are 5 action movies we’re looking forward to, and 5 we’re not.
Excited: Top Gun: Maverick
After 34 years since the release of 1986’s Top Gun, the sequel is finally here with Tom Cruise’s “Maverick” in the cockpit again. The second trailer, released this past week shows Maverick invited to a Naval Academy as an instructor for the next generation of fighter pilots. Tight turns, fast-flying, and simulated dog fights are at the forefront with Cruise and his co-stars flying F-14 Tomcats.
In fact, Cruise requested his co-stars become comfortable with flying the planes seen in the movie to evoke genuine reactions and instill fear and excitement in them. It goes without saying Top Gun has a special place in fans’ hearts, especially those who grew up in the ’80s seeing it in theaters. A classic, the sequel is building up to be one of the most intense action movies of the year.
Not Looking Forward To: My Spy
Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista is at the forefront of another action flick despite the financial and box-office failure that was Stuber. This tale follows a hard-boiled CIA operative whose cover is blown when a tech-savvy girl discovers surveillance cameras in her house. At the mercy of a 9-year-old girl, Bautista teaches her to become a spy.
It’s a family fun movie, similar to that of Vin Diesels 2005 The Pacifier. Dave Bautista’s career has been relatively successful since his partnership with Marvel and the release of Guardians of the Galaxy. However, his solo movies haven’t been as successful compared to international hits like Guardians of the Galaxy. On top of that, Bautista’s movies (like Jason Statham’s) tend to follow formulaic plots revolving around his physical prowess and intimidating demeanor.
Excited: Wonder Woman 1984
The next entry brings Kristen Wig as Cheetah and The Mandalorian and Game of Thrones star Pedro Pascal as antagonist Max Lord. Inspired by a 1980’s aesthetic, similar to Season 3 of Netflix’s Stranger Things, Diana is in a whole new world with technology everywhere considering her 1920’s introduction to the outside world.
Not Looking Forward To: Ghostbusters: AfterLife
A cult classic of the ’80s, Ghostbusters became a staple of Bill Murray and Dan Akyoyods’ career with some of the most memorable quotes from the decade. With a catchy soundtrack, lovable ghosts, and slime, this movie was bound to be either remade or continued. However, 2016’s Ghostbusters proved that not all movies need a sequel, mocking the tropes and conventions of the much-loved spooky family fun film.
However, hope has temporarily been restored with the casting of Paul Rudd from Ant-Man and Stranger Thing’s Finn Wolfhard. Furthermore, original cast members Sigourney Weaver and Bill Murray are slated to return for this remake. But despite the return of fan favorites, this remake stands small compared to other films set to release in 2020 when considering the 2016 remake.
Excited: Black Widow
Finally, the Black Widow solo film is here after years of development and questions regarding its status. Since the release of Avengers in 2012, solo spin-offs became the go-to in between movies to keep fans satisfied and box-office numbers steady. Black Widow is next in line with Hellboy and Stranger Things star David Harbor and The Mummy’s Rachel Weisz co-starring alongside Johannson.
The film focuses on the making of the S.H.I.E.L.D assassin from her roots in Russia while introducing some family members. With some quirky humor from Harbor’s performance as Red Star (essentially the Russian version of Captain America) and some sibling rivalry from Johannson and Florence Hugh, Black Widow is gearing up to be the Marvel movie of the year.
Not Looking Forward To: Monster Hunter
The cinematic visionary behind the horror/sci-fi Resident Evil series is back for another video game adaption. Paul W.S Anderson’s Monster Hunter is scheduled to release in September 2020 with his wife, Mila Jovovich leading the cast alongside Ron Perlman and T.I. Despite the horror elements Halloween fans thrive on and the Matrix-inspired combat scenes, Anderson’s previous work has failed to establish a name for itself at the box office.
That’s not to say Anderson is a bad director, movie adaptions of video games are a hit or miss. The fact that Anderson continues to do this proves his perseverance despite the critic’s negative reviews and box-office numbers. Bravo Paul, bravo.
Excited: No Time To Die
This is it, the final installment of Daniel Craig’s James Bond series after 13 years of playing the daring double-0 agent. With stars like Rami Malek and returning villain Christoph Waltz as Blofeld, this conclusion is going all-in on going out with a bang.
However, No Time to Die not likely to be the last of Bond as Lashana Lynch’s character, Nomi, has fans predicting she’ll become the next 007 seen in future movies.
Not Looking Forward To: Sonic the Hedgehog
Just like how not all movies need sequels, not all video games need to transition to the big screen. After some displeasure from fans with the release of Sonic’s look for the big screen, the development team completely remodeled SEGA’s iconic character. The new version looks just like if not exactly the one seen in the numerous installments of the beloved franchise.
But even with stars like Jim Carey and James Madison, the film doesn’t stand tall when compared to other ones lined up, let alone animated films. This is a great example of a video game adaption that looks good on paper but loses its luster when realized.
Excited: Birds of Prey
She’s back. The villainous but lovable Harley Quinn returns after the mixed reviewed Suicide Squad. Despite critic’s comments, fans fell in love with the character of Harley Quinn, creating a fan base that would dominate the Halloween costume choice of 2016.
The sequel follows an all-female cast as they take on the crime-lord of Gotham, Black Mask, played by Ewan McGregor. The trailer was just a tease as it looks like this will be a roller coaster of a ride from start to finish. Not Oscar-worthy but a dose of fun for DC fans and movie-goers alike puts this as one of the best to come.
Not Looking Forward To: Venom 2
Now hear us out. Since its release, Venom has garnered a cult following with fans loving its unconventional and surreal approach to the comic book adaption. Others received it poorly, hoping to never see the likes of Tom Hardy as the anti-hero alien again.
Even with Woody Harrelson lined up to play the evil Carnage (and not to mention his colorful wig), Venom 2 is likely to have movie-goes skeptical about giving it another try. The anti-hero trope may have worked and won the hearts of some, but the controversy surrounding the film altogether makes it a hit or miss for 2020.
