#tobeb

2018 has been on to a rocky start to say the least, but don’t let what’s going on distract you from the sheer awesomeness that is about to unleash in the forthcoming months. This year features some of the old, but some of the new, such as aliens, super spies, and a little country that goes by the name of Wakanda. Let’s get into it, the 10 movies I’m most hype for the big 18. 

10. Venom

Fact: Movies based around super-villains don’t usually have the best track record, but consider me optimistic because this one has the great Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock The plot is still under wraps, but I’m definitely looking forward to see what Sony has up their sleeves, because anything beats Topher Grace. (Sorry, Topher.) Co-starring Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed, Venom drops October 15.

9. Aquaman

Justice League was a gorgeous mess, but the one thing that kept me captivated was Jason Momoa’s charismatic and swaggering portrayal of the half man/half Atlantean Arthur Curry. Centered around the prince’s rise from shunned outsider to would-be king of Atlantis, Curry must match wits with Mera (Amber Heard) in order to face off against Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) and Ocean Master (Patrick Wilson) all while realizing his true destiny. Directed by James Wan, Aquaman drops December 21.

8. Mission Impossible 6

This one is a bit of a wild card, considering all of the dope sequels that clearly overshadow this somewhat standard Tom Cruise adventure, but for anyone who hasn’t watched Ghost Protocol and Rouge Nation, please treat yourself to some of the finest action films released this decade, and with new additions like Angela Bassett and Henry Cavill climbing on board for action, consider this a no-brainer. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie. In theatres July 27. 

7. Annihilation

When a biologist’s husband goes missing, she (Natalie Portman) must team up with two eager scientists (Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson) and venture into a strange new land where the rules of nature do not apply, and danger awaits them at every turn.  Considering this is directed by Alex Garland, the genius behind Ex Machina, I have a right to be hype. Also starring Jennifer Jason Leigh. In theatres February 23. 

6. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 

While America is busy falling in love with Tom Holland’s portrayal of Peter Parker, my attention belongs to another web-slinger: Miles Morales. Created in 2011, the African-American/Puerto Rican preteen swung into the public consciousness and has become an international icon, and now it’s his time to hit the big screen. This animated feature already wowed audiences with it’s amazing trailer, and with a cast featuring Shamiek Moore, Bryan Tyree Henry, and Mahershala Ali, it’s time for nonbelievers to get familiar when Spider-Verse drops December 14. 

5. The Incredibles 2 

In 2004, the best superhero movie ever made took the world by storm with its message about hope, never giving up on your dreams, and staying close to those who matter most to you. No, not Spider-Man 2. It’s been 14 years and Bob, Helen, Dash, Violet, and Jack-Jack are back once again to save the world from evildoers, and try to keep their household in one piece. Incredibles 2 drops June 15. 

4. Ready Player One

Anybody that knows me knows that I love mashups of any kind. Music, movies, you name it, that’s all it takes to get Marco a ticket, so, when news broke that the god Steven Spielberg was adapting the cult novel about a virtual reality that features every cinematic icon you could mention, my nostalgia senses went into overdrive. Where else are you gonna see the DeLorean in a race against  Kaneda's bike from Akira? Ready Player One hits theatres March 30. 

3. Deadpool 2

Ryan Reynolds’ passion project about the foulmouthed assassin with a heart of gold smashed records with its 2016 release, and was a breath of fresh air for longtime X-Men fans like myself. The sequel is jam-packed with old faves (Colossus, Negasonic Teenage Warhead) and new friends/or annoyances, just like Zazie Beetz as Domino, and Josh Brolin as time-traveling fan favorite Cable. Deadpool drops May 18. 

And speaking of Josh Brolin...

2. Avengers: Infinity War 

2018 marks 10 years since the inception of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the battle lines being drawn like no other movie before it. after years of after-credit teases and namedrops, intergalactic warlord Thanos has finally landed on earth,and it will take all of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, from all corners of of the cosmos to defeat him, but it won’t be without loss. The final battle begins May 4.

1. Black Panther

Chadwick Boseman’s smooth-as-silk portrayal of the Wakandan politician/vigilante was one of the ubiquitous highlights of Captain America: Civil War. Everyone walked out of that theatre saying the same thing: “Yeah that was cool but...When is HIS movie coming out?” Happy to say that the wait is almost over. Boseman finally takes center stage as he attempts to juggle diplomatic drama with international threats that may try to destroy his only home. With Ryan Coogler (Creed) behind the lens and the best ensemble cast in Marvel history (yeah I said it), prepare for pure unfiltered Black Excellence when Black Panther hits February 16. 

There you have it boys and girls. The flicks that I cannot wait to see this year. If I missed anything or you have your own list you wanna add, do that in the comments. SHARE, comment, follow, tell your friends. Tell your friends’ friends. 

Before I start this review, let the record show that this might be the most baller move in all of entertainment history. During the Super Bowl (FLY EAGLES FLY), you saw many amazing trailers for upcoming films. They ranged from goofy (Skyscraper) to conflicting (Solo: A Star Wars Story), but there was one that left everyone stunned: The Cloverfield Paradox. The third installment of the monster movie anthology, formally known as The God Particle, was rumored to premiere sometime this year, but nobody expected this: Netflix not only announced the movie’s existence with a Super Bowl trailer but said that you can watch it as soon as the game ends. Talk about some cajones of pure brass. The Cloverfield marketing team is known for its outlandish stunts, but that’s only half of the equation. What audiences want to know is…Is the movie good?

The year is 2028 and the world as we know it is smack-dab in the middle of an energy crisis. In order to save it, every country pulls from their resources to test the Shepard particle accelerator aboard the Cloverfield Station so that we, as a civilization, can have unlimited energy for the rest of our days. The good news is, that it works. The bad news is that it sends our crew into a parallel dimension and from there on out it is a ruthless fight for survival. As for how it connects to Cloverfield and 10 Cloverfield Lane, well you’ll just have to see for yourself. Paradox takes from the traditional haunted-house-in-space trope and adds that J,J. Abrams flair to keep you wondering how it all comes together. Gugu Mbatha-Raw takes center stage as Ava Hamilton. She’s not Ripley in the slightest. Her performance is all the while enthralling and heartbreaking. The crew is made up of plenty of familiar faces, like David Oyelewo, Chris O’Dowd, Zhang Ziyi, Elizabeth Debecki, and Daniel Bruhl, just to name a few. Everyone is fantastic, but it’s Chris O’Dowd who steals the show with his traditional dry humor. Elizabeth Debecki is also a joy to watch, even though I can’t tell you much about this character, just take my word for it, she’s dope.

In short, The Cloverfield Paradox is a tense horror-thriller that falls into the old generic space ploys, while also offering new ideas on the future of this franchise. Doesn’t matter how paper thin the plot can get sometimes, it’s really the chemistry of the cast and the AMAZING special effects that drive this film home. Enjoy it for what it is, have fun, scream, laugh cry, and then you can let your theories run wild later.

Ten days into 2018 and it is already an unintelligible mess. We’ve already seen Logan Paul vs Japan, Donald Trump vs mental stability, and the rise of our Lord and savior Oprah Winfrey. But, on the upswing, we are in full-fledged awards season, a time we look back at 2017′s greatest accomplishments. Last year, we saw the rise of amazing young actors, veterans at their absolute best, and a comedic genius making one of the most iconic films of the decade. So, without further ado, let’s get into the movies I liked the most. 

10. Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Alright, let’s get it out of the way early. When Rian Johnson got a hold of the beloved franchise, fans went into a frenzy...for all of the wrong reasons. Episode VIII featured the adventures of scavenger-turned prodigy Rey (Daisy Ridley) and her journey to complete her Jedi training with the legendary Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in order to defeat Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and restore balance to the force. Pretty simple story, right? Wrong. Johnson’s vision is the boldest entry into the Star Wars universe to date. The out-of-character moments and offbeat humor may be strange to purists, but as a fan who goes to the movies for entertainment, I was completely enthralled. Adam Driver and Mark Hamill’s performances are the film’s highlights, not to mention that it has one of the most spellbinding and awe-inspiring visual moments that I have seen in decades.  

9. Wonder Woman

To say that DC Films hasn’t had that much luck in the past is an understatement. Batman V. Superman and Suicide Squad took themselves way too seriously. All seemed lost until Patty Jenkins and Gal Gadot teamed up to create one of the most moving, genuine, and charming superhero movies of its time. This film not only serves as a testament to the power of Diana Prince and the legacy she stands on, but pushes the genre forward in brave and unexpected directions. 

8. The Disaster Artist

How does a movie about “the worst movie ever made” transform itself into one of the most feel good movie experiences I’ve ever had? At its core, it’s a simple story about two friends who go through incredible highs and lows to make their mark on Hollywood, no matter how that mark is critically or financially received.  This isn’t a movie about The Room. This is a movie about dreamers. Absolutely hilarious and will punch you in the gut in the same scene without thinking twice. 

7. I, Tonya

This quasi-biopic about one of the most infamous figures of the 90's moves at a breakneck speed and doesn’t pull over. Margot Robbie and Sebastian Stan are here at their absolute best. Allison Janney is nightmarishly brilliant as the WORST mother ever. It's merciless, uncompromising, and heartbreaking. Trust me: You have NEVER seen a biopic like this.

6. The Big Sick 

Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon tapped into their own personal history in order to create one of the most emotional romantic comedies of the year. Think of it as Annie Hall meets 50/50. Nanjiani’s comedic timing is pitch-perfect, but the real standouts are Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as the parents with a heart of gold. Keep the tissues close for this one. 

5. Logan 

Comic book films in 2017 ranged from goofy (Thor: Ragnarok) to mediocre (Justice League,) but it was the one that kicked off the summer season that left us stunned. James Mangold paid tribute to the westerns of old while giving Patrick Stewart and Hugh Jackman the goodbye they deserved in this ultraviolent, touching, and poignant portrayal of The Wolverine. 

4. Lady Bird

There are certain performances that you watch that leave you speechless. They feel so real that you swear that you know someone like them. For me, that performance was Saoirse Ronan as Christine McPherson AKA Lady Bird. It’s the rare coming of age teen comedy where the feisty impulsive actions by our hero have consequences.The tumultuous relationship between Christine and her mother (Laurie Metcalf) is so real that it makes it uncomfortable to watch at times. Greta Gerwig knocks it out the park on her first try, and I can’t wait to see where she goes next.

3. War for the Planet of the Apes 

When Fox rebooted the iconic Planet of the Apes saga for the new generation, none of us could have been prepared for what was about to come. Andy Serkis’ role as Caesar has left audiences captivated for three films as we followed his evolution from domestic housepet to simian revolutionary. The performances in this film are so engrossing that you forget you’re watching a man in motion capture suit. Combined with Woody Harrelson’s charisma and Matt Reeves’ focused direction, War for the Planet of the Apes is a masterpiece that cannot be overstated. 

2. Baby Driver

Have you accepted Edgar Wright as your personal lord and savior? If not, it’s about time to change that. The best action musical you’ve ever seen lives up to all of the hype. Ansel Elgort fills the screen with old school swagger while supporting players like Jamie Foxx, Lily James, and Jon Hamm keep the action going, all to the beat of a soundtrack that you’ll be singing for years to come. An unbelievable work of pop art that feels like a breath of fresh air. 

1. Get Out

Certain movies feel bigger than just, movies, you know? Some movies feel like like moments in time. You can pinpoint the exact moment when you felt that a shift is coming. I felt it last year with Moonlight and I felt it again last February when I witnessed Jordan Peele’s tour-de-force horror blockbuster. Get Out has exceeded regular moviemaking. Phrases like “The Sunken Place” and memes like the #GetOutChallenge proved that Peele’s blend of social satire mixed with psychological horror tropes left viewers with an experience that has yet to be rivaled in its field. I can’t wait to see what’s next. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Oh, no, it’s another black guy with an entertainment blog.” You’ve seen them all, you’ve done them all, so, you might be asking yourself, “Why am I following you?” To quote Janet Jackson (by way of Eddie Murphy,) “What have you done for me lately?” 

To be fair, last year, I tried to do this but it flopped for two reasons.

1. I tried to put on a fake name (What the hell was that about?) 

2. I didn’t keep up with it. 

But it’s a new year, and with the entire entertainment industry going into COMPLETE oblivion, it seems only right that I, Jamarco Shaw, will serve as your tour guide through the madness that is Hollywood.