Jacob’s Top Ten Anticipated Summer Movies of 2021

After the hectic year that was 2020, we never thought that we would ever be going to the movies again. Yet, as of late, movie theaters (and businesses) have slowly, yet surely been in the process of reopening for the public anxious to go out and have a good time. Though it may still be a while before we reach normalcy, there are still some more movies to look forward to in the months to follow. As we get closer to the summer months, the choices of movies are still limited. Yet here are the movies I am most looking forward to as we reach the start of May all the way through August.

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#10.) Luca

The newest film in Pixar’s slate, Luca tells the story of two friends; one of them happens to be a sea creature disguising himself as a human to fit into society. While it may look more cartoonish when compared to Pixar’s previous films, Luca may still have some of that charm and heart the studio is known for. Plus, it’s Pixar! What’s not to get excited about? Though Luca will sadly skip theaters in favor of Disney+, I will be glad to check it out as soon as it releases!

#09.) Old

Besides its Super Bowl spot that dropped, not much is known about Old, other than the fact that it is directed by M. Night Shyamalan and sees a family dealing with rapid aging while on a beach. Though Shyamalan’s name may be enough to turn some moviegoers away with his middling track record, the intrigue comes from how vague everything is. Being that this is also an M. Night Shyamalan film, twists and turns are to be expected. Let’s hope that Old is not another letdown and more in line with The Sixth Sense and Split.

#08.) Cruella

As of late, the most despicable villains in pop culture history have been getting films in the form of sympathetic backstories, with Maleficent and Joker being prime examples. Cruella seems to be taking that route and it shows, though it promises to be sleek and stylish. Emma Stone may not be Glenn Close when it comes to a live-action portrayal of one of the most iconic Disney villains, yet she seems to be deliciously wicked in the role. Even if it may just be another “sympathize-with-the-villain” story, Cruella still looks fun.

#07.) Army of the Dead

After finishing his cut of Justice League, which released to overwhelming praise on HBO Max, Zack Snyder goes back to the battlefields of yet another zombie apocalypse with Army of the Dead, a semi-sequel to his 2004 remake of Dawn of the Dead. Set to release on Netflix, Army of the Dead deals with a group of mercenaries set to pull off a heist in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. Judging by its first trailer, Army of the Dead promises plenty of action and terror for zombie and Snyder fans alike.

#06.) Black Widow

After a year of delays, I was worried that Black Widow would never see the light of day. Now, a release is set, and I could not be more relieved. Tis’ a shame to see it being released in theaters simultaneously with Disney+, yet I am so glad that Natasha Romanoff’s story will finally be shown to the world. It has been a long time coming, but I am sure that it will be worth it in the end.

#05.) In the Heights

A lot of you know Lin-Manuel Miranda as the creator and star of the smash hit musical, Hamilton. Yet a decade before that musical gained waves, he created another musical titled In the Heights, set in the heights of the Dominican Republic. I had heard name of this musical, but knew nothing about what it was truly about. After seeing the trailer however, I was completely blown away. The musical genre is a dying breed, yet Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu looks to be bringing the genre back with energy and passion. If Cats killed the movie musical, then In the Heights could no doubt resurrect it.

#04.) Zola

Remember that long Twitter thread that made the rounds back in October of 2015? Well, it has been made into a movie, starring Taylour Paige as the titular character and A24’s go-to girl Riley Keough as the wild stripper she meets along the way. A thread this insane could only be portrayed as such. I did not know what to expect after watching the trailer for Zola, but after the crazy content I have seen, I cannot help but find myself intrigued by its trip. Here is to hoping that Zola delivers.

#03.) Free Guy

Like most of the movies being released this year, none was more missed than Free Guy, starring Ryan Reynolds as an NPC character who suddenly realizes he is living in a video game and has to save his world from getting shut down. Combining bonkers action with Reynolds’ brand of comedy, Free Guy looks to be the most fun for all in need of an escape from the humdrum of reality.

#02.) The Suicide Squad

2016’s Suicide Squad may not have been the hit that audiences were hoping for (though I will admittedly and unashamedly say that I liked it okay.), yet it looks like things will change with The Suicide Squad, a lighter, brighter, more ultraviolent, and darkly comic tale of a ragtag team of criminals who are forced to team up yet again. Of course, some of the original characters have returned, including Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, while new characters like John Cena’s Peacemaker, Idris Elba’s Bloodsport, and a humanoid shark with the voice of Sylvester Stallone, named King Shark, have joined the fray. Also, with James Gunn of Guardians of the Galaxy stepping on board as director, The Suicide Squad should be a good time!

#01.) Space Jam: A New Legacy

Alright, 90s kids and babies! Come on and slam, and welcome to the jam yet again, because this sequel to the nostalgia trip that was Space Jam has been a long time coming! Though it may star LeBron James instead of Michael Jordan, and the Looney Tunes have an updated look that may not sit well with most, just the sequel itself looks insane, with some people comparing it to Wreck-it Ralph and Ready Player One with the amount of cameos from Warner Bros. lot such as Pennywise from It, The Mask, and the War Boys from Mad Max to name a few. Even if it may not be good (and let’s be honest, the original was not either), my excitement is really high! A New Legacy may actually be one of those movies I will be willing to check out in a theater just for that sweet bit of nostalgia!