The Most Expected Movies of 2016: Something for Everyone
Superheroes At Odds; Wizardry; Disney Re-Makes; Saving The Planet; Oldies Re-Born
Even though 2016’s first quarter of new releases has come and gone, there is much more awaiting movie-goers in what is shaping up to be a full cinematic year of sci-fi, fantasy, drama, and comedy for all ages, plus a strong dose of likely and unlikely superheroes.
Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, and more came for the "X-Men: Apocalypse" London premiere. https://t.co/b8BdJeLXlQ pic.twitter.com/N3gWthBNNB
— Variety (@Variety) May 10, 2016
On The Superhero Front
Hard to believe that our beloved superheroes are fighting among themselves, but they are as they try to figure out what kind of heroes to be. The releases of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Captain America: Civil War in March and May have already hit box office heights.
Add to our well-known heroes an unlikely band of super-villains whom the government has released for a suicide mission against a major foe. If they survive, they win freedom. Details on this one are sketchy, but the August release of Suicide Squad has excited many.
Rounding out this group of flicks will be a return of the Marvel’s X-Men with most of the original cast in tow for the May release of X-Men: Apocalypse. Movie lovers will also be able to enjoy the introduction of a new superhero in Dr. Strange.
Wizardry – Always A Favorite
Our fascination with wizardry did not end with Harry Potter, and three releases will satisfy our craving in 2016.
Alice Through the Looking Glass is not a re-make. Our heroine returns to Wonderland to face new challenges and save old friends in this May 27 release. Johnny Depp and Anne Hathaway will be the big draws.
In addition to Alice, film fans are awaiting the cinematic debut of a group of children with strange superpowers who all reside in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The movie is based on the book by Ransom Riggs, and September’s release may be the first in a series of films as sequels to the book have already been written.
J.K. Rowling is back with the movie version of her book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. This one is set in New York City, 70 years before Harry is born. We’ll know in late September if Rowling fans are still committed.
27 Big Movies You Can't Miss in 2016 https://t.co/DqKRLYPSa7 pic.twitter.com/IKFBbXW6EL
— Movieweb (@movieweb) May 11, 2016
Disney Re-Makes and More For Kids And Former Kids
The Jungle Book brings back man-cub Mowgli, but his adventures are new this time as he faces new enemies. Released in April, this one has parents taking their kids for a nostalgic look back.
The voice of Ellen DeGeneres is back for a sort-of sequel titled Finding Dory. New adventures await the young fish who wants to find her family now, assisted by residents of a Marine Life Institute in California. This will be a must-see for kids in the midst of their summer vacation in June.
The plot may be new, but fans of the original 1984 movie are still looking forward to the new Ghost Busters movie with a July release date. They’ll probably take their own kids now.
And The Video Games
Movies based on popular video games have two offerings this year, including a film based on the world’s number one subscriber based online game, World of Warcraft.
Warcraft finds Azeroth ready for war against fierce invaders who have fled their dying home in search of another to world to colonize. Gamers are waiting for this one, due for release on June 10.
And here’s a Christmas gift for avid gamers with the December 21 release of Assassin’s Creed, which stars Callum Lynch discovering his genetic code and the skills to fight a secret society of powerful Templars.
Love And Family – Drama
We’ll see a fair share of romance and drama this year too.
Me Before You is a bit reminiscent of The Scent of a Woman in theme, but it’s not two guys this time. It is a quirky 30-something millennial who must care for a wealthy wheel-chair bound banker who has lost his joie de vivre after an accident. A simple plot, but a true “feel good” film with a June 10 release date.
Miracles From Heaven will tug at the heartstrings of an audience sharing the struggles of a 10-year-old child with an incurable disease, and her mother’s quest to find a cure. Both family and community are restored through an accident and miracle. Already released, box office receipts are somewhat encouraging.
By No Means A Complete Meal
Over 100 movie releases in 2016 will cater to a wide range of audiences, and those films introduced here are just the appetizers. The full course meal will be introduced and marketed as these films reach the box office.
[Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images]
