Ahh, the year of 2020 has come to an end and everyone is wondering what 2021 will bring. Well one thing is for sure, this new year will come packed with movies that will have us on the edge of our seats. Movies have always been an escape outlet for many. A space that takes you to a different dimension, a different world. These new movies are no different from the rest. In fact, some of them will have us reminiscing on the old days.
Coming 2 America
A sequel to the 1988 film, Coming to America, Coming 2 America will take us through the journey of newly crowned King Akeem (Eddie Murphey) and his partner in crime Semmi (Arsenio Hall) as they embark on a trip back to Queens, New York in search for his long lost son. This film is set in the country of Zamunda and Queens, New York in modern day. The hilarious dynamic duo that is Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall will be a joy to see as they double up in action to play numerous characters in this sequel. With performances from stars such as Shair Headley, Wesley Snipes, Teyana Taylor, and Leslie Jones, we are sure to be in for a treat. Catch this movie on Amazon Prime, available on March 5th, 2021.
Ghosbusters: Afterlife
Now it’s only right that I keep the sequel saga going. Ghostbusters: Afterlife is a modern day continuation of the story of the first two Ghostbusters released in 1984 and 1990. The 2016 remake movie will not have any part of this new film. Afterlife follows two teenagers and their single mom as they move to Summerville, Oklahoma to live on a farm passed down from their grandfather. As things begin to turn strange in their new hometown, they discover that their grandfather was one of the Ghostbusters from the “Manhattan Crossrip of 1984”. Their duty now is to put together their grandfather’s old tools and save their town. Original actors from the first films, Sigourney Weaver, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Ernie Hudson will make their appearances. The film is directed by Jason Reitman, the son of Ivan Reitman, the director of the first two movies. Sony Pictures looks to release the film in theaters on March 5th, 2021.
Space Jam: A New Legacy
As if I haven’t already filled your hearts with warm old memories, here I am again. Space Jam 2: A New Legacy is the sequel of the 1996 film Space Jam. Basketball champion LeBron James and his son Dom get trapped inside of a digital space by a rogue AI. In order to get home they must lead Bugs Bunny and his crew to a court victory over the AI’s digitized champions. This live action animated sports comedy is directed by Malcom D. Lee and features other star basketball players such as Don Cheadle, Sonequa Martin- Green, and Cedric Joe. Lebron James put on his producing hat for this film, alongside Ryan Coogler a co writer for the film. A New Legacy will be released in theatres and on HBO Max on July 16th, 2021.
Cruella
Do you remember the mean, bitter woman that stole the 15 Dalmatian dogs in One Hundred and One Dalmations. Cruella De Ville was her name. Have you ever wondered how she became so bitter? You aren’t the only one, and now we have a movie to put our minds to rest. Cruella takes us through the early life of teenaged Estella, as her desires to become a fashion designer takes her to limits she can’t return from. Cruella is played by Emma Stone with appearances from Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hausser, and Mark Strong in supporting roles. The film is set in 1970’s London, although Disney’s animated film version of One Hundred and One Dalmatians was released in 1961. Cruella will debut on Disney + on May 26th, 2021.
Black Widow
Black Widow is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics and set after Captain America: Civil War. Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) played by Scarlett Johansson is forced to confront a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past. She must deal with the consequences from her past mistakes and broken relationships, in order to move forward in life. Natasha Romanoff was first introduced in the movie, Iron Man 2 and was the only female member of the Avengers at the time. This film will be the first movie in phase 4 and will take place before the events of Avengers: Endgame. Black Widow is produced by Marvel Studios and plans to be released on May 7th, 2021.
Candyman
We started with a sequel, so it’s only right that we end with one. Candyman is a direct sequel to the 1922 Candyman film and is the fourth film in the Candyman film series. The series is based on the short story “The Forbidden” written by Clive Barker. In this film, a visual artist named Anthony McCoy (played by Yahya Abdul- Mateen II) embarks on a journey to explore the history behind the terrorizing ghost stories of Candyman. In starting this journey, he opens up a world of the complex past that leaves him and others worse off than they were before. The film is directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, and Nia DaCosta. Universal Pictures has announced a release date for Candyman to hit theaters on August 27th, 2021.
The Future of Movies
With the new turn in our world, there are uncertainties about the cinematic world. Questions on if movie theaters will survive or if more movie releases will delay. Nonetheless, we should rest assured knowing that the world of film will find ways to continue to connect with us as they have for more many years now.
