Little Women
I remember seeing the 1994 adaptation a couple times growing up, but I somehow don’t remember much of what the story is actually about. Fine with me, though, that means I get to go in this fresh. I gotta say, I’m kinda surprised how vivid Greta Gerwig’s voice manages to come through, despite the setting and time period being unlike anything she’s done before. It looks fun, funny, the cast is rock solid. This is definitely something I’m looking forward to come holiday season.
Little Women opens in theaters on December 25th.
Parasite
Bong Joon-ho is without a doubt one of my favorite filmmakers, so I’m always eager to whatever he does next. I was especially excited to find out his new film, Parasite, will be a return to South Korea. The trailer is engaging, surprisingly funny, and brings a distinct sense of menace, all without giving away any crucial details. It’s a very good trailer, not that I needed one to be pumped for this.
Parasite will hit theaters on October 11th.
Last Christmas
I like Paul Feig, I like Henry Golding, I like Emilia Clarke, I like rom-coms, and the fact that Emma Thompson is one of the writers is just the cherry on top. This looks really good, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s gonna have a great soundtrack. Hell, “Last Christmas” is probably my favorite George Michael song, and my favorite Christmas related song, so I’m sure this movie will work its wonders on me pretty effortlessly. Even if the trailer gives one too many hints on the big twist, which I won’t say if you haven’t caught it.
Last Christmas will be released in theaters on November 8th.
Dolemite Is My Name
I’m so here for Eddie Murphy starring in a Rudy Ray Moore biopic. This looks like so much fun. It’s been a while since I’ve been excited for a Murphy movie, but this material suits him and his style perfectly. If you haven’t seen Dolemite, consider checking it. It’s a delightful entry in the canon of Blaxploitation films, and it’s not something you’ll forget anytime soon. I suppose if I have one minor concern, it’s the fact that a story that is heavily about the black experience is told by white writers and directors. I don’t know how much that will affect the final product, but I do like the writers, Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, who wrote Ed Wood, The People vs. Larry Flynt, and Big Eyes. Aside from that one minor thing, I am very excited to check this out.
Dolemite Is My Name does not have a confirmed release date, but will hit Netflix and select theaters sometime this fall.
A Hidden Life
So, despite the fact that I’m not necessarily the biggest Terrence Malick aficionado out there, I did like his last few films. At least, far more than most, it would seem. I think he’s experimenting with the form in big, bold, beautiful ways, and there’s just something inherently mesmerizing about his style. Having said that, with this being the most “normal” movie he’s made in a while, it looks fantastic, and complete with a story that suits his style and common themes. It looks beautiful and it looks emotional and it looks grand, there’s no way I’m not seeing this one.
A Hidden Life will open in theaters on December 13th.
The Death Of Dick Long
I know I’m gonna love this. I love stories about incompetent criminals, and small town shenanigans. It certainly doesn’t hurt that this is directed by one of the guys behind Swiss Army Man, which I really enjoyed, and you can see some of his gonzo energy here. Plus, I mean…how can you not love a movie with the title “The Death Of Dick Long?” It’s glorious. I can’t wait.
The Death Of Dick Long will hit theaters on September 27th.
The Kill Team
Probably one of the few examples of a documentary filmmaker adapting one of his own works into a narrative feature. I haven’t seen the 2013 doc, The Kill Team, but I heard it was very good. The director of that, Dan Krauss, is writing and directing this, and it looks appropriately intense. I dig the hell out of Alexander Skarsgård, and the central conflict here is an interesting one. I hope the filmmakers are able to do it justice.
The Kill Team does not have a confirmed release date yet, but will open in theaters this fall.
Portrait Of A Lady On Fire
I heard some really good stuff about this from its festival run, and wow, if this trailer is any indication, that praise is well earned. This is a damn good trailer, and it hooked me in pretty fast. The composition is stunning, the story is intriguing. I’m absolutely sold on it, and no wonder, since this is from Céline Sciamma, the director of the wonderful Girlhood from a few years back. That’s a film worth looking up if you haven’t seen it, a great coming of age film, and very different from the vibes I’m getting with this. I can’t wait to see what Sciamma has in store here.
Portrait Of A Lady On Fire will be released in select theaters on December 6th
Thoughts on any of the trailers? Feel free to discuss in the comments!