A new year brings reasons for contemplation, resolutions, optimism…and a whole new lineup of films. In the spirit of that optimism, here are a handful of upcoming releases that look intriguing; I hope they all provide a happy diversion. (Note that all dates are tentative and entirely subject to change, depending on the whims of the movie studios and the universe as a whole.)
“Argylle”
A spy thriller involving an introverted novelist, a tabby cat and Catherine O'Hara? Sign me up. Matthew Vaughn (“Kingsman: The Secret Service”) directs; Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Bryan Cranston and Samuel L. Jackson star. (February 2)
“Dune: Part 2”
One of several major films pushed back to 2024 due to writers' and actors' strikes last summer and fall, this sequel – sequel the first 2021 opus well received — reunites Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya in the second half of Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's sci-fi classic. (1st of March)
“Civil war”
In a contentious election year, this one might hit a bit close to home: Alex Garland's latest follows a team of journalists as they attempt to cover a rapidly escalating civil war. Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, Cailee Spaeny (“Priscilla“) and Nick Offerman (as President of the United States) is the star. (April 26)
“Challengers”
If you had “tennis romantic triangle” on your 2024 Movie Bingo card, congratulations! Luca Guadagnino (“Call Me By Your Name”) directs this story of three young tennis players – played by Zendaya, Josh O'Connor and Mike Faist – and their rivalries on and off the court. (April 26)
“My Ex-Friend's Wedding”
I would have highlighted this one for its title alone, but its premise – four childhood friends plot to stop their former friend's wedding after receiving a drunk call from him the day before the wedding – seems pretty amusing. Kay Cannon (“Pitch Perfect”) directs from a screenplay co-written by novelist Taylor Jenkins Reid; Amanda Seyfried and Ariana DeBose headline the cast. (May 10)
“IF”
In a mini “The Office” reunion, John Krasinski and Steve Carell co-star in this sweet family comedy about imaginary friends, written and directed by Krasinski and also starring Ryan Reynolds, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Louis Gossett Jr. (May 17)
“Furiosa: a Mad Max saga”
Apocalyptic film franchises never die; they simply continue to spawn origin stories. This one looks at the beginnings of the warrior Furiosa, played here by Anya Taylor-Joy; George Miller, who directed the very first “Mad Max” film in 1979, is at the helm. (May 24)
“Inside Out 2”
“Upside down,” the enchanting 2015 Pixar film that took place inside the brain of an 11-year-old girl, ended with an intriguing allusion to her next stage: adolescence. It's taken a few years, but this sequel is finally here, with Amy Poehler reprising her role as the voice of Joy. (June 14)
“Twisters”
Lee Isaac Chung, who directed the lovely 2020 film “Minari“, makes her big-budget feature film debut with this adventure drama, intended to be a “new chapter” of the 1996 disaster film “Twister.” The cast includes Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell and Kiernan Shipka of ” Mad Men” (who, if you want to feel old, is now in his twenties). (July 19)
“Beetlejuice 2”
In the increasingly crowded category of sequels to films released ages ago, here we have what looks like a joyful reunion of the 1988 horror-comedy “Beetlejuice,” directed once again by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara. (September 6)
“Joker: Folie à Deux”
I wasn't a huge fan of the first “Joker” movie, but this one looks potentially interesting because a) it's a bold move to give it a French subtitle (it means, roughly, “a madness shared”), b) Lady Gaga stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix, as Harley Quinn, and c) apparently, it's a musical. Really? Okay, I'm there. (October 4)
“Gladiator 2”
In the works for over 20 years, this sequel to Novels Not on Vacation is (like the 2000 original) directed by Ridley Scott – and if your 2024 Movie Bingo card featured “Denzel Washington in a toga”, you're in luck! Joining him will be Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi and Djimon Hounsou, reprising their roles from the original. (November 22)
“Bad Guy: Part I”
The hit Broadway musical is coming to the big screen – well, the first half of the musical, anyway – directed by Jon M. Chu, whose credits include “Rich and crazy Asians” And “In the heights.” Cynthia Erivo plays the green-skinned witch Elphaba, Ariana Grande plays Glinda the Good, and Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh and Bowen Yang also star. (November 27)
“Nosferatu”
Hello, horror fans, this version of FW Murnau's 1922 “Nosferatu” (itself inspired by Bram Stoker's “Dracula”) might be delicious. Robert Eggers (“The Man in the North,” “The Witch”) directs Willem Dafoe as vampire hunter; Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Emma Corrin co-star. (December 25th)
“Hedda”
This one sounds intriguing: the ever-wonderful Tessa Thompson, who proved between the drama “Who passed” and her comedic turn in the Marvel “Thor” films that there's nothing she can't do, will star in Nia DaCosta's reimagining of the Ibsen play “Hedda Gabler,” as a housewife bringing ruin to all her loved ones. evening of a party. (to be determined 2024)