The Skinny: 30 Films of 2016

All of these are on my list except two! Clearly, my taste is impeccable. 😉

Alright, everyone, prepare yourselves for my most obnoxiously long post of 2016! Well, so far, anyway. Guess there’s not a lot to compare it to yet, huh? Anywho, as is my custom for the start of a new year, I’ve been perusing the interwebz for what movies I intend to look out for over the course of the next 11 and 3/4 months. Frankly, there’s a whole lot coming out this year. I can’t believe this list is 30-strong. Heck, it could probably be 35 or 40-strong, but I restrained myself. Ready for a geeky movie overload? I know I am!

#1: The Forest (Jan. 8)

Synopsis: “An unexplained horror occurs in a Japanese forest.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: You guys already know that I’m a sucker for horror movies, but a horror movie about an actual forest in Japan where people frequently commit suicide PLUS it stars Natalie Dormer? I mean, it could still be terrible, but…sold. And it’s out today! Wahoo! 😀

#2: The Boy (Jan. 22)

Synopsis: “An American nanny is shocked that her new English family’s boy is actually a life-sized doll. After violating a list of strict rules, disturbing events make her believe that the doll is really alive.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Yep. Another scary movie. God I’m predictable. Haha. But The Boy is a pretty interesting concept, so I’m very curious to see how it all plays out. Plus, creepy dolls. Can you ever really go wrong with creepy dolls? Oh wait–Annabelle. Well, let’s hope for better.

#3: Kung Fu Panda 3 (Jan. 29)

Synopsis: “Continuing his ‘legendary adventures of awesomeness’, Po must face two hugely epic, but different threats: one supernatural and the other a little closer to his home.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Not gonna lie, I’m pretty fond of sweet Po the panda. I think DreamWorks has produced a fun couple of Kung Fu Panda films, and this one looks pretty darn cute, too. I’m a little sad that Rebel Wilson and Mads Mikkelsen opted out, but I’m still onboard and optimistic.

#4: Hail, Caesar! (Feb. 5)

Synopsis: “A Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio’s stars in line.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Honestly, of all the films I’m excited about this year, this one is quite possibly in my top five. It just looks so good. And so star-studded, too! I’ll admit, the Coen Brothers have let me down in the past, but I this film seems like a blast.

#5: Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (Feb. 5)

Synopsis: “Jane Austen’s classic tale of the tangled relationships between lovers from different social classes in 19th century England is faced with a new challenge — an army of undead zombies.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: So I’m curious about this one, but not exactly optimistic. See, I’ve read some of this book, and it’s clearly not meant to be taken seriously. It’s exactly what you might think it’s supposed to be–the classic Pride and Prejudice story with zombies (and ninjas) thrown in. Silly, hilarious stuff. But this trailer is very serious. Which could make it terrible. I’m really, really hoping not…but we’ll see.

#6: Deadpool (Feb. 12)

Synopsis: “A former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers and adopts the alter ego Deadpool.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Okay, is it bad that I am crazy excited about this movie? It could very well be my most anticipated movie of the year. I have a feeling it’s going to be ridiculous but awesome. And also extremely violent and inappropriate…but yeah. Awesome. Speaking of violent and inappropriate, the above trailer is a Red Band one, so careful where you watch it.

#7: Zoolander 2 (Feb. 12)

Synopsis: “Derek and Hansel are modelling again when an opposing company attempts to take them out from the business.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: This has the potential to be really, really terrible. But I really, really hope it’s not. Because I’m very fond of the first Zoolander, and I’d hate to see a sequel muck it all up. I do think the trailer is kinda funny though, so I’m cautiously optimistic. And if all else fails, the movie includes Benedict Cumberbatch, so that’s always good.

#8: The Witch (Feb. 26)

Synopsis: “A family in 1630s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Again, another horror here, but this one looks kinda different from the others I’ve listed so far. Kinda…weird. But I’m hoping for a good kinda weird. Like The Babadook weird. This one seems to have gotten some good Sundance feedback, so I’m crossing my fingers! I’m also crossing my fingers that it’s not a super limited release…

#9: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (March 25)

Synopsis: “Fearing the actions of Superman left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante Batman takes on Metropolis’ most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat Doomsday quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Of all the films on this list, Dawn of Justice is, perhaps, the film I am the most skeptical about. As many of you are well aware, I did not care for Man of Steel, and all the same people are involved here, sooo…yeah. My biggest fear is that they will mess up my #1 superhero, Batman. Also, is it just me or is Jesse Eisenberg’s Lex Luthor not at all what Lex Luthor is supposed to be? He seems almost Joker-esque, and I don’t like it. The one ray of hope for this? Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman looks positively badass. Will that be enough to redeem it? Time will tell.

#10: The Jungle Book (April 15)

Synopsis: “An orphan boy is raised in the jungle with the help of a pack of wolves, a bear, and a black panther.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: I’ll admit that when I first heard about this, I initially didn’t care one way or about it. The Jungle Book has never been my favorite Disney movie. But now that we’ve gotten a look at the teaser trailer, I’m kinda jazzed about it! Plus, have you seen that cast? Pretty stacked. The big winner there is Bill Murray as Baloo. Hearing him sing “The Bare Necessities” will make the movie a win no matter what.

#11: Captain America: Civil War (May 6)

Synopsis: “Political interference in the Avenger’s activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: With the potential to be one of the best/most devastating films of the year, Captain America: Civil War looks all kinds of good. I feel like I’ve talked about this with a lot of people, and we’re all on pins and needles about it. The big question: who’s gonna die? Because I strongly suspect someone’s about to bow out. I hope I’m wrong…

#12: Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (May 20)

Synopsis: A mystery!

Why I’m Interested: Maybe it’s silly to get excited about this sequel because there’s a good chance it’s not going to be very good, but I can’t help it–I’m still gonna see it. I liked Neighbors a lot more than I expected to, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. This delightfully goofy still gives hope.

#13: X-Men: Apocalypse (May 27)

Synopsis: “With the emergence of the world’s first mutant, Apocalypse, the X-Men must unite to defeat his extinction level plan.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: More superhero films! After the awesomeness of Days of Future Past, I am very eager to see what happens with the X-Men next. There are so many great characters in this one! I’m thrilled to see the likes of Nightcrawler, Storm, Cyclops, and Angel returning to the X-Men franchise, not to mention newbies like Psylocke, Jubilee, and, of course, big baddie Apocalypse. Guys, this one looks pretty epic.

#14: Alice Through the Looking Glass (May 27)

Synopsis: “Alice returns to the whimsical world of Wonderland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Since my reaction to the first live-action Alice in Wonderland film was pretty lukewarm, I’m a little surprised to find myself sucked in all over again. I guess fool me twice and it’ll be shame on me, but I’m willing to risk it because I think this looks kind of fun. And, per usual when Tim Burton is involved, the visuals look pretty fantastic. I’ll give the matinee a go. Why not?

#15: The Conjuring 2: Enfield Poltergeist (June 10)

Synopsis: A mystery!

Why I’m Interested: Not a lot out there about this one yet, but I really liked the first Conjuring, so I’m very much hoping this one doesn’t get screwed up. If all else fails, at least we’ll get to see the fabulous Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as the ghostbusting Warrens.

#16: Now You See Me 2 (June 10)

Synopsis: “One year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public’s adulation with their Robin Hood-style magic spectacles, The Four Horsemen resurface for a comeback performance in hopes of exposing the unethical practices of a tech magnate. The man behind their vanishing act is none other than Walter Mabry, a tech prodigy who threatens the Horsemen into pulling off their most impossible heist yet. Their only hope is to perform one last unprecedented stunt to clear their names and reveal the mastermind behind it all.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Wow. Lotta synopsis for such a short trailer so far, huh? I know Now You See Me kinda tends to divide people–half thinking it’s fun, half thinking it’s lame–but I’m of the opinion that it’s fun, and I’m kind of psyched for this sequel. That might be more than a little bit because of Daniel Radcliffe’s involvement, but also because I think the magic tricks look very cool.

#17: Finding Dory (June 17)

Synopsis: “The friendly-but-forgetful blue tang fish reunites with her loved ones, and everyone learns a few things about the true meaning of family along the way.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Sweet, silly, forgetful Dory is back! And Marlin and Nemo, of course. And apparently…Idris Elba? And Diane Keaton? And Ty Burrell? Well, the cast certainly measures up. We’ll see how the film as whole does. It’s gonna be pretty hard to match the greatness of Finding Nemo, but, hey, Pixar struck gold a few times with the Toy Story films, so I believe.

#18: Independence Date: Resurgence (June 24)

Synopsis: “Two decades after the first Independence Day invasion, Earth is faced with a new extra-Solar threat. But will mankind’s new space defenses be enough?” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Though I’m pretty disappointed that Will Smith isn’t returning for this and I fully accept the fact that it could be terrible, I nonetheless got pretty excited when I first saw this trailer. Will it be a retread of the previous movie? Very likely. Do I care? Meh. Not really. Earth vs. aliens, round two–bring it on!

#19: Ghostbusters (July 15)

Synopsis: A mystery!

Why I’m Interested: Aside from the cast–which I am crazy excited about–we have a lot to learn about this Ghostbusters reboot. Nonetheless, I am optimistic. Maybe blindly so, but I can’t help it. All of the above funny ladies plus Paul Feig plus the approval of the original Ghostbusters? Surely that will equal a good movie. Oooh also Chris Hemsworth as the secretary. Mustn’t forget that.

#20: Star Trek Beyond (July 22)

Synopsis: A mystery!

Why I’m Interested: Another film that’s largely a mystery so far, Star Trek Beyond is one I’m excited about but somewhat cautiously so. I really want the franchise to continue to be as awesome as it has been since J.J. Abrams took over, but since Abrams jumped ship (for a very worthy cause, of course), I’m slightly worried that the quality might go down a notch. However, with all the usual suspects returning plus Idris Elba as the baddie, I think it still has the potential to be amazing.

#21: Suicide Squad (Aug. 5)

Synopsis: “A secret government agency recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: While Dawn of Justice has me worried, I’m significantly more optimistic about Suicide Squad. It could be overcrowded and silly, yes, but guys…Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. That casting has me supremely excited–particularly because she owns that trailer. Plus, I just love Harley Quinn in general. And Jared Leto’s Joker also has me pretty curious. DC has some great villains. Personally, I think a movie jam-packed with them could be pretty great.

#22: Lights Out (Sept. 9)

AHHHH A WHOLE MOVIE OF THIS?!?!

Synopsis: “A woman is haunted by a creature that only appears when the lights go out. A feature adaptation of the 2013 short film, ‘Lights Out’ by David Sandberg.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: So this has the potential to be kinda bad…but I’m still pretty intrigued. It’s based on the brilliant horror short Lights Out (which you can watch here), which is quite possibly my favorite short ever, so it’s going to have a lot to live up to. Nonetheless, I’m pretty eager to see somebody try. Fingers crossed!

#23: Gambit (Oct. 7)

Synopsis: A mystery!

Why I’m Interested: Another mostly mystery film here, but here are the basics: Channing Tatum is Gambit, Lea Seydoux is Bella Donna Boudreaux, and…well, that’s pretty much it, huh? But as the coolest Cajun X-Man around, I think Gambit could have a great movie, and Tatum seems up for the challenge.

#24: Doctor Strange (Nov. 4)

Thanks again, EW. What would I do without you?

Synopsis: “After his career is destroyed, a brilliant but arrogant surgeon gets a new lease on life when a sorcerer takes him under his wing and trains him to defend the world against evil.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: My boy Benny has broken into Marvel! I’ve been watching his star rise since Sherlock, and I’m thrilled to see him attached to something that’s sure to be a big moneymaker because, well, Marvel. Haha. Frankly, I know next to nothing about Doctor Strange, and I think that’s part of why I’m so excited about this. After all, I went into Guardians of the Galaxy completely clueless, but when I came out I had a new obsession. Here’s hoping Doctor Strange gets a similar reaction!

#25: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Nov. 18)

Synopsis: “The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: I don’t know about you guys, but I am super stoked to return to the world that J.K. Rowling so skillfully created. And she even wrote the screenplay for this! Plus, I’ve barely even seen Eddie Redmayne in anything, but I find him positively adorable and think he’s going to be the perfect little Newt Scamander. I realize this could very easily be something like the Hobbit Trilogy, but let’s all hope for better, shall we?

#26: Moana (Nov. 25)

Aaaand now I’m borrowing from People. Thanks, People!

Synopsis: “A young woman uses her navigational talents to set sail for a fabled island. Joining her on the adventure is her hero, the legendary demi-god Maui.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: I can’t help it, guys–I’m a girl of the ’90s. Getting excited about a Disney princess movie is practically a requirement. Again, not much out about Moana yet, but the island look is pretty cool! Also, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is playing a demi-god. Yep. Feels right.

#27: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Dec. 16)

Synopsis: “Rebels set out on a mission to steal the plans for the Death Star.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: After the epicness of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, how could I not be psyched for the next Star Wars adventure? I think I heard recently according to some poll that this is the most anticipated movie of this year. Which is kinda funny because we know soooo little! But I believe the deal is that it details a pivotal Rebel mission that occurred during some point in the original trilogy. It’s one of several spin-offs that the Star Wars franchise has in store so hang on to your butts! Whoops–wrong franchise…

#28: Passengers (Dec. 23)

No trailer, not stills, no nothin’. So here’s these two beautiful people instead.

Synopsis: “A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in one of its sleep chambers. As a result, a single passenger is awakened 60 years early. Faced with the prospect of growing old and dying alone, he eventually decides to wake up a second passenger.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: I’ll be completely honest: I have nothing to go off of with this one except the fact that the very sci-fi premise sounds nifty and it stars two actors I love, Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt. But, really, I don’t need much more than that. I’m sold.

#29: Assassin’s Creed (Dec. 23)

Aaaand another thank you to Yahoo. Thanks, Yahoo!

Synopsis: “When Callum Lynch explores the memories of his ancestor Aguilar and gains the skills of a Master Assassin, he discovers he is a descendant of the secret Assassins society.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: Ordinarily, I think this would be the kind of movie that I wouldn’t really care about one way or the other. However, because I’ve played a few Assassin’s Creed games (3 and 4, to be precise), I’m a bit curious to see where they’re going with this. Not to mention the fact that I like Michael Fassbender, and he seems like an excellent choice here. Or at least he looks pretty badass in the getup. This could easily be another forgettable, Prince of Persia-esque film adaptation of a popular video game, but then again, who knows?

#30: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiars (Dec. 23)

No trailer or stills yet, but here’s the book cover!

Synopsis: “Teenager Jacob follows clues that take him to a mysterious island, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s School for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores the abandoned bedrooms and hallways, he discovers that its former occupants were far more than peculiar; they possessed incredible powers. And they may still be alive.” –www.imdb.com

Why I’m Interested: This is a book I’ve been meaning to read for a long while. Maybe the upcoming movie is just the motivation I need! Have any of you guys read this book? Frankly, I know nothing. But I DO know that Tim Burton is directing and Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Allison Janney, and Judi Dench are starring, so, you know, take my money now.

Well, that rounds out my list! But I’ve jabbered on enough–what films are you guys looking forward to this year? Any on here? Any not here? Any here that you’re already prepared to despise? I’d be curious to hear what you guys think!

Also, IMPORTANT REMINDER:

Should you wish to participate in my Resolutions series, you still have time! The deadline for that is Sunday (Jan. 10), but, as always, should you need a little extension, just let me know and we’ll see if we can work something out. I have already received some of these write-ups, and I am stoked by the choices. It’s gonna be a good series, y’all. Have an excellent weekend! I’ll see you on Monday when we’ll talk about one of my movie resolutions! 🙂

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