By Anna Husted EBS FILM CRITIC
May:
Parabellum means “prepare for war” in Latin and is also the
name of a type of pistol. Both seem appropriate for “John Wick: Chapter 3 –
Parabellum,” a series already defined by
some pretty serious violence and gore. Here’s hoping no puppies die.
The most exciting thing about “Aladdin” is director Guy
Ritchie (“Snatch” and “Sherlock Holmes”), yet few critics have been talking
about that as they are too distracted by Will Smith’s blue-ness (he plays
Genie). “Aladdin” is one of my favorite Disney classics and looks more
promising than the tear-jerker “The Lion King.”
Octavia Spencer as a psychopathic kid-friendly neighbor? Yes
please, “Ma!”
I’ve been waiting for Beanie Feldstein’s next role since her
hilarious debut in “Lady Bird.” Here she comes in Olivia Wilde’s directorial
debut “Booksmart,” which looks a lot like “Superbad” meets “Mean Girls.”
“Rocketman” joins the ever-increasing demand for musician
biopics. Taron Egerton (“Eddie the Eagle”) plays Elton John in this movie,
which reveals the trials of John’s breakthrough years. Will it be nominated for
as many awards as “Bohemian Rhapsody?” Not likely, but Egerton’s voice carries
this intriguing story of fame and fantasy.
June:
“Late Night” is written by and stars Mindy Kaling, who plays
Molly, the lone female writer on Katherine Newbury’s (Emma Thompson) struggling
late night show.
Jim Jarmusch gave us stunning vampires in “Only Lovers Left
Alive,” and now delivers comedic zombies in “The Dead Don’t Die.” Another
horror film I can’t wait to see is the “Child’s Play” remake starring Mark
Hamill and Aubrey Plaza. And if talking dolls strike your fancy, don’t miss
“Toy Story 4” featuring new cast members Patricia Arquette and Keanu Reeves. My
only concern about a fourth installment is whether it will hold up to the
near-perfect trilogy, or will Disney’s greed trump Pixar’s historical
creativity?
July:
“Spider-Man: Far From Home” continues the second generation
Marvel Cinematic Universe. I feel like I’m stuck in a never-ending vortex of
comic book films, but I still can’t look away.
I will always support comedies, a genre fairly disrespected
by critics, but a film like “Stuber” makes it easy. Kumail Nanjiani and Dave
Bautista play an Uber driver and detective, respectively, who drive through the
night chasin’ bad guys and bustin’ skulls.
Quentin Tarantino: Racist or Revisionist? Let’s see what
happens when he puts Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt together (finally) in “Once
Upon a Time in Hollywood.”
Watch these films locally! Check out lonepeakcinema.com for
local listings.
Anna Husted has a master’s
in film studies from New York University. In Big Sky she can be found hiking a
mountain or at the movies at Lone Peak Cinema. When not gazing at the silver
screen or watching her new favorite TV show, she’s reading, fishing or
roughhousing with her cat, Indiana Jones.
