With the LDOC approaching, finals looming and the vast expanse of summer ahead, a student may be left to wondering what they can do to take a break from studying or fill those endless summer days. Well, 2019 is a year that’s packed full of big movie premieres, so here are a few of what look to be the highlights.
Pokémon: Detective Pikachu - May 10
Even for someone who has limited Pokémon knowledge, the prospect of watching a cute, fuzzy animated creature like Pikachu run around solving crimes onscreen is appealing. This movie is notable as the first Pokémon movie not to receive a G rating-- it was given PG for action/peril, crude humor, and “thematic elements.”
Aladdin - May 24
The live-action remake of the Disney classic Aladdin will come out this spring, as well. Starring Will Smith as Genie, Mena Massoud as Aladdin and Naomi Scott as Jasmine, this movie has been much-anticipated. However, the remake has been met with some backlash due to casting of a non-Middle Eastern lead actress to play Jasmine and several other allegations of whitewashing.
Men In Black: International - June 14
The newest installation in the Men In Black series, MIB: International will follow two agents in the UK branch of MIB. These two agents are played by Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, whom I’ve seen co-star together previously in Thor: Ragnarok. I thoroughly enjoyed their on-screen chemistry, so this movie is definitely on my list to watch.
Toy Story 4 - June 21
Nearly 10 years after the release of Toy Story 3, the next installment in the Toy Story franchise will follow the toys in their new home with Bonnie, the little girl who Andy gave them to at the end of the last movie.
Spider-Man: Far From Home - July 5
We may be venturing into summer in this spring movie preview list, but I couldn’t leave the next Spider-Man movie off my list. Given certain events that took place in Avengers: Infinity War, let’s just say that the fact that Far From Home exists gives me hope for the plotline of Avengers: Endgame. At the risk of disclosing spoilers, I’ll leave it at that.
The Lion King - July 19
The second Disney revamp this summer, The Lion King will feature top-notch animation to bring the story to life.
Finally, an honorable mention: shooting wrapped on Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker in Feb. and will premiere on Dec. 20, 2019. This movie will somehow once again feature the late Carrie Fisher using footage from previous Star Wars movies. With all these notable movies coming out in 2019, it will surely be easy to find something to watch to waste away the hot spring and summer afternoons.
By Olivia Slack, Features Editor