Jacob’s Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2018

May is around the corner, which – in Hollywood terms – means that summer is about to start. As always, there are movies to look forward to, whether they are potential blockbusters, trips of nostalgia, or an Indie flick destined to become a critical darling (and a possible awards contender), I am here once again to give you a more in-depth look at my top 10 most anticipated films scheduled to release in the summer of 2018! As always, on with the countdown!

#10. ‘Incredibles 2’

What is a ‘Most Anticipated Summer Movies’ list without a Pixar film? Whatever the beloved animation studio dishes out, there is no doubt that I will be there in line; money in my hand in exchange for a ticket. It has been a tradition to see a Pixar feature upon release, and I will continue it with ‘Incredibles 2’! The long-awaited sequel takes place immediately after the first film, and supposedly places Elastigirl (Voice of Holly Hunter) at the center as the lead with her husband, Mr. Incredible (Voice of Craig T. Nelson) as supporting role  (Making it the fourth Pixar follow-up to make a supporting character the protagonist). The trailers delivered on humor, gorgeous animation, and action that you would come to expect, not just from a Pixar film, but as a sequel to an animated classic.

 

#09. ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’

To be honest, I hated ‘Jurassic World’. Its goal was to immerse audiences back into a theme park with realistic dinosaurs, but the result was just a giant commercial for more merchandise. It did not help that the effects of the dinosaurs felt shoehorned in, or the performances were unimpressive, or the comedy felt out-of-place. It seemed the only saving graces were Chris Pratt as Owen Grady, and the climax at the end featuring the mother herself, the tyrannosaurus rex. At least, with the new trailers for this sequel, ‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ looks amazing and epic. Add to the fact that Colin Trevorrow bowed out of the director’s seat and the return of Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm, and we could have a potential popcorn flick.

 

#08. ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp’

At long last, it feels good to know that ‘Ant-Man’, Marvel Studios’ most underrated film, is finally getting a sequel. Whether it deserved one or not is besides the point. After ‘Avengers: Infinity War’, it seems to be a breath of fresh air to get something that looks so lighthearted as ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp’. Not only do the trailers promise as much comedy as its predecessor, but a tonal shift of scope and scale. In this sequel, the stakes seem higher, while the main characters get smaller.

 

#07. ‘Teen Titans Go! To the Movies’

 

I know anticipating a movie based on ‘Teen Titans Go!’ is not something anyone would do, but after seeing the trailers for this upcoming movie based on the Cartoon Network series, as well as knowing its affliction for breaking the fourth wall and having fun with its premise. I see that it has potential to be one of the most clever animated movies of the year.

 

#06. ‘Under the Silver Lake’

After the success of ‘It Follows’ – one of my favorite horror films – writer/director David Robert Mitchell returns with another retro-aspect film, but this time, it is a comedy-mystery involving a romance and a missing neighbor (Think ‘Paper Towns’, but for adult audiences). The film stars Andrew Garfield and Riley Keough and is scheduled to be released June 22. I definitely hope to be there when it hits.

 

#05. ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’

With only a month to go before Memorial Day hits, I could not look forward to a day when I finally get to see a Han Solo origin story. Keep in mind that his story was scrapped from ‘Episode III’, leaving many to wonder how the galaxy’s beloved smuggler came to be. Thankfully, another entry in the ‘Star Wars’ franchise will answer that question. I expect the same prequel formula, but I hope to have fun while doing so. Let’s hope the choice to hire Ron Howard as replacement director has paid off. Only time will tell.

 

#04. ‘Slender Man’

While the horrifying figure known as Slender Man was barely seen in its first (and possibly only) trailer, it only adds to the mystery and suspense as we are treated to a story involving disappearances. Last year, we had a creepy clown played by Bill Skarsgård terrorizing a group of schoolchildren. Maybe this year will be the year of Slender Man? I know I might be exaggerating a bit, but I am really looking forward to this film; especially being fascinated with the original CreepyPasta!

 

#03. ‘Deadpool 2’

The Merc with a Mouth, as he is known, is back for seconds! Turns out, so am I! If anyone wanted to know how I felt about the first ‘Deadpool’, I thought it was alright. I never really read any of the comics he appeared in, and only saw glimpses of the character. Thought he would be fun to hold a movie on his own. I do like the character and what he is all about, but in terms of story, ‘Deadpool’ was a convoluted mess. I hate to knock on it, but it is the truth. Hopefully, I will enjoy the antics of ‘Deadpool 2′ more than its predecessor. As you should know, I love self-deprecating humor, and it looks to deliver. I just hope it has the ’21 Jump Street’ effect where a self-aware sequel is better than its first entry.

 

#02. ‘Christopher Robin’

How cute would it be to see Pooh and his friends in live-action? Apparently, according to its first trailer, ‘Christopher Robin’ looks adorable. So far, it manages to capture what makes ‘Winnie the Pooh’ such a beloved character. Not only is Jim Cummings returning to voice Pooh, but he does have a childlike naivety to him. As for Pooh’s friends, I am a little worried about the change of voice actors (Chris O’Dowd as Tigger, for example). I do not think there will be any problem however, because its plot seems whimsical.

 

#01. ‘The Happytime Murders’

‘The Happytime Murders’ took the number 01 spot on my most anticipated movies of 2018, and it does not seem to be changing soon. I have been looking forward to this movie since its time in Development Hell, but this summer, it looks like it will finally come to fruition. Now it is time to wait for its first trailer to premiere. I assure you that I will watch it the day it premieres!

 

Honorable Mentions:

‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’

I never expected ‘Sicario’ to get a sequel. I guess, the film was successful enough to warrant one. Even if it seems unnecessary, I loved ‘Sicario’ enough to come back for another round. Even if Emily Blunt does not make an appearance, I would probably be happy to see another excellent Benicio Del Toro performance.

 

‘Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation’

After ‘Hotel Transylvania 2’, you would expect me to be tired of Sony dishing out ‘Hotel Transylvania’ sequels by now. I beg to differ. With each new entry, I look forward to see what Dracula (Voice of Adam Sandler) and his gang of merry monsters are up to next. The boat setting may be simple, but it pays leeway for more potential jokes.

 

‘Eighth Grade’

A lot of people say that there is no originality in Hollywood anymore. Tell that to comedian Bo Burnham, who makes his directorial debut here. Yeah, I get it. It is another school-related movie about finding yourself, but in reality, it is always a breath of fresh air to get something that is not another sequel, remake, reboot, comic book or video game adaptation. I will be sure to try to see this soon.

 

‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’

Let’s be honest, ‘Mamma Mia!’ did not need a sequel. I guess, if it answers the question to who Sophie’s real father is. The trailers seem to deliver on whether that mystery will be solved; unless they pull a fast one and we have to wait for a third entry. I admit that it looks more lighthearted than most films coming out.

 

‘The Meg’

Upon first impression, adapting a 1997 science-fiction book about a giant prehistoric shark seems to be made-for-TV fodder. Upon seeing the trailer however, I am on board (no pun intended) for this Jason Statham action vehicle (Something I thought I would never say).