2016 is officially here my friends, and it's a great time to be a movie fan.
And to all those comic book geeks out there, this year is paradise.
Not one, not two but EIGHT freaking superhero movies scheduled in this year, awesome.
To all those folks out there who are not into the superhero genre, I am sure some splendid masterclasses are waiting for you out there, so nothing to feel down about.
For me, I am getting Superman, Batman, Spiderman, The Avengers, WonderWomen, Doctor Strange, X-Men, all in the same in year, I'm already breathless.
And to add to that, we have some of our most beloved animation movies in slate. I don't want to spoil too much in this preview, so just go through the list. Feel free to add in any movies I may have missed that you thing should be included in this list.
Honorable Mentions :
10. Deadpool
Merc with the mouth get's his official space in the Superhero Club of the Silver Screen, and I am already sold by the trailers and the awesome viral campaigning. Deadpool is a Rated R character, he is violent, brutal, consistently breaks the fourth wall and he is so funny! He is one of the most powerful X-Men, practically immortal because of his accelerated healing abilities and is a deadly assassin. In one particular comic book story-line, he killed the entire Marvel Universe, that's how powerful he is. This movie is the Origin Story of how Wade Wilson becomes Deadpool, and we have the X-Men Colossus, Negasonic Teenage Warhead and the baddies Ajax and Angel Dust sharing the fun ride of graphic violence. I am pleased with the fact that Fox Studio has gone for a Rated R and not a PG movie. Deadpool is not a superhero, he is an antihero! Deadpool is not for kids, and this is not a movie for kids! I am not sure how this movie is going to pan out, but I sure hope that it does great, because then it opens up the possibility of Marvel and DC to experiment in the Rated R genre, which would give fans like me some more kick ass movies to chew on. Deadpool is awesome, and I am so eager to check out this movie. Deadpool is scheduled to releases in theaters on February 12, 2016.
9. Assassin's Creed
All the Gamer's out there , this is your moment to cherish! One of Ubisoft's most popular gaming franchise - Assassin's Creed is coming to the silver screen. With the past history of movies based on Games being nothing more than terrible, I was a skeptic right at the onset when I heard about this movie. In fact I never bought into the idea of this movie as I am a big fan of the Assassin's Creed games and I didn't want another pathetic experience of something I love. That being said, why I am so invested in this movie now? Well, the answer is Michael Fassbender. The moment Fassbender was aboard, I am sold with the idea of this Assassin's Creed movie with him playing the lead role as Callum Lynch, the descended of a secret Assassin's society who unlocks his genetic memories which allows him to relive the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th century Spain; and after gaining the skills of Master Assassin, he would take on the oppressive Knights Templar in the present day.
Draw the arrow in the bow and let the sword fights begin. Assassin's Creed is scheduled to hit the theater on December 21, 2016
8. Kungfu Panda 3
Po is back....!
And this time he reunites with his Dad and finds himself in a society of panda's where he just doesn't fit in. The trailer is so funny, and I expect the movie to be fun and humorous. This is the third movie in the Kungfu Panda trilogy. Both the first two movies were great and I have high hopes for this one as well. So are you ready for some more kungfu? Kungfu Panda hits the theater very soon - January 29, 2016
7. Finding Dory
It's been 13 years since Pixar's Finding Nemo flashed on the silver screen taking us on an unexpected fun-filled journey. In that film, Marlin, the father of Nemo meets Dory, an optimistic and altruistic regal blue tang fish with short term memory loss, who helps Marlin on his journey to find and bring back his son. Dory was one of my favorite characters in that film. Now it's time for her to get her own movie. Finding Dory is the sequel to Finding Nemo and being a Pixar movie, we can expect it to a fun filled experience. Finding Nemo has achieved cult status, it's yet to be seen how well Finding Dory does. Well, I am sure to be there in the movie hall when it releases on June 17, 2016
6. Ice Age - Collision Course
Another of my favorite franchise coming up in this year with it's latest installment. Ice Age - Collision Course is the fifth movie in the Ice Age franchise. I just loved the previous four movies. This dude in the picture (Scrat) is one of the funniest characters I have seen in movies, and he is not even a part of the main cast; but his actions set's into motion events that throws our heroes Manny, Diego and Sid in the most humorous adventures possible. 2016 is surely going to spoil us movie buffs. Fasten your seat-belts for the Ice Age ride that starts on July 22, 2016
5. X Men - Apocalypse
Apocalypse - in a movie, wow..!!!
The reboot of the XMen Franchise has been going great guns with XMen -First Class and XMen - Days Of Future Past both turning out to be fantastic. I still remember sitting through the Days Of Future Past end credits to find out the blue skinny dude telekinetically building the pyramids with the Egyptians bowing down chanting his name - En Sabah Nur; and the camera slowly turned towards his face and in the background was the Four Horsemen Of Apocalypse. Man..I had goosebumps! Apocalypse is the first and the most powerful mutant on Earth, he is immortal and the primary antagonist of X-Men. Apocalypse has the Four Horsemen (each symbolically representing Death, Famine, Pestilence and War respectively) to do his bidding. Each of the Four Horsemen are powerful mutants genetically altered and mentally conditioned to server him. In this movie, it looks like Psylocke, Storm, Archangel and Magneto would be the Four Horsemen. All the popular mutants of the original X-Men trilogy like Jean Grey, Cyclops, Nighcrawler comes back in this movie as thier younger self with the addition of Jubilee making her debut in the movies; who with their mentor Professor X and Mystic team up to oppose this immensely powerful mutant and his followers. I love this new X-Men reboot and I still can't believe I will get to see Apocalypse in the silver screen! Can't wait for May 27, 2016
4. Doctor Strange
Ladies and Gentleman, if you don't know who Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange is - then let me introduce you to Marvel's Sorcerer Supreme. Stephen Strange was an egoistic but brilliant neurosurgeon till he met with and accident that left his hands irreparably damaged and his career as a surgeon over. Distraught by this, Stephen Strange journeyed to the Himalaya's to find a cure where he was given sanctuary by a hermit called the Ancient One who at that time was the earth's Sorcerer Supreme. He taught the doctor the mystical arts and passed on the mantle of the Sorcerer Supreme at the time of his death to Stephen. Armed with the Cloak of Leviathan, The Eye Of Agamotto and the Book Of Vishanti; Stephen Strange returned to Greenwitch village and sets up his residence Sanctum Sanctorum donning the iconic red cloak as Doctor Strange.
Doctor Strange is probably among the most powerful Marvel Superheros. His power includes astral projection, telepathy, hypnotism, powerful magical spells; he can alter time, journey to other dimensions, manipulate the ambient mystical energy of the universe. In reality, there is no limit to his powers. Also, he is a major player in the Marvel's Infinity Gauntlet story-line which the current Marvel Movie franchise is following. It is speculated that the possibility of another Infinity Gem showing up in this movie is very high, specially the time gem as Doctor Strange has time manipulating power. Irrespective of that, Marvel's first foray in to the world of magic and mysticism surely has us fan's going crazy in anticipation. And then to top that, who else but Benedict Cumberbatch playing the titular role of Doctor Strange. He fits perfectly, he looks just like Doctor Strange and he is a brilliant actor - cudos to Kevin Feige for bringing him on board for this film. It's time for some psychedelic magic on the silver screen. I am a huge Doctor Strange fan, I am a huge Benedict Cumberbatch fan - and I can't wait for November 4, 2016 to come!
3. Captain America : Civil War
Not many of you maybe familiar with the Marvel Graphic Novel - Civil War. It is one of the best Marvel stories out there and a classic in it's own right. The movie has drawn inspiration from the graphic novel but is not totally based on that story because the Civil War novel has every Marvel character in it and as we know, Marvel doesn't have the rights to many of their comic book characters to do a movie with, for example - The Fantastic Four and X-Men. Even then, the plot regarding the Superhero Registration Act (Sokovia Accords here) will play out in this movie pitting Iron Man and Captain America against each other while the rest of the MCU has to pick a side. Crossbones is making a comeback (we saw Brock Rumlow in Captain America - Winter Soldier where he is the commander of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s counter-terrorism S.T.R.I.K.E. team), we have the Winter Soldier Bucky Barns, the fan favorite Black Panther making his cinematic debut and of course - Spiderman coming back to the MCU!!! The trailer was simply awesome, and the ending where Captain America and Bucky teams up to kick Iron Man's ass just blew me away. This movie will kick start the Marvel Phase Three. I am so excited for this movie. Come May 6, 2016 you better choose which side you are on!
2. The Jungle Book
I grew up in my childhood watching The Jungle Book on TV. And now Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera and Sher Khan is about to make a grand entrance in the silver screen this year. If you have not seen the trailer, be sure to watch it after reading this blog as you are missing out big time. The trailer looks absolutely fantastic; it's hard to imagine the movie is live-animation shot in LA, USA. It's time for us to relive the good old childhood days with this movie. The Jungle Book will hit the theaters on April 15, 2016
1. Batman v Superman - Dawn Of Justice
And the most awaited movie of 2016 is none other than Batman V Superman - Dawn Of Justice.
The two most popular superhero in the same movie, along with Wonder Women and Lex Luthor....these are childhood fantasies becoming reality. I never though that in my lifetime I would get to watch a movie where Batman is fighting Superman....unbelievable! I belong to those group of people who loved the Man Of Steel movie. The destruction of Metropolis shown in that movie was totally in line with what really would have happened if two beings with god like powers collided, as did Superman and General Zod. This movie seems to be addressing the fallout of that battle and thrown into the mix is Batman is his most bad-ass self, going after the Kryptonian to dish out his own brand of justice. The first trailer was without a doubt the best trailer of 2015 and one of the best trailer I have ever seen. Ben Affleck looks great as this angry and hardcore Batman. The fight scenes are looking epic and that dialogue of Batman telling Superman:
" Tell me do you bleed?"....!!!!
I guess it is no secret that this is DC setting up the Justice League with Diana (Wonder Women) making her cinematic debut and the expected cameos of Cyborg, Aquaman and Flash. Doomsday is the big bad in this movie. In case if you are not familiar, he is the famed villain who bashed Superman to death in the 'Death Of Superman' story line (of course Superman came back alive later). The Amazonian demi-god and the daughter of Zeus - Diana or Wonder Women is definitely the most powerful and popular female comic book character ever created and to have Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman together in a movie is insane. The problem of these god-like superheroes and Justice League to be adapted to the silver screen is giving them viable and super powerful villains to better. With DC totally committed to the Justice League, and with Dawn Of Justice setting the premise, we fans are expecting an epic experience. I still can't believe that I am going to see Batman and Superman go at each other's throat. 2016 is a year I am never going to forget!!! What a great time to be a movie fan, what a great time to be a comic book fan!
Batman V Superman - Dawn Of Justice releases on March 25, 2016
Once again - save the dates :
And to all those comic book geeks out there, this year is paradise.
Not one, not two but EIGHT freaking superhero movies scheduled in this year, awesome.
To all those folks out there who are not into the superhero genre, I am sure some splendid masterclasses are waiting for you out there, so nothing to feel down about.
For me, I am getting Superman, Batman, Spiderman, The Avengers, WonderWomen, Doctor Strange, X-Men, all in the same in year, I'm already breathless.
And to add to that, we have some of our most beloved animation movies in slate. I don't want to spoil too much in this preview, so just go through the list. Feel free to add in any movies I may have missed that you thing should be included in this list.
Honorable Mentions :
- Suicide Squad (The DC super villains team up and the return of Joker)
- Hail Caesar! (The Coen Brother's next movie)
- Alice Through the Looking Glass (Sequel to Alice In Wonderland starring Johnny Depp)
- Independence Day - Resurgence (Sequel to the 1996 movie - Independence Day)
- The BFG (Steven Spielberg's next movie)
- Knight Of Cups (starring Christian Bale & Cate Blanchett)
- Snowden (Biography of Edward Snowden directed by Oliver Stone)
- The Conjuring 2 (Sequel to the 2013 movie - The Conjuring)
- Star Trek Beyond (The sequel to the 2013 movie - Star Trek Into Darkness)
- Bourne 5 (Jason Bourne back in action)
- Gambit (Another X-Men anti-hero and fan favorite getting his solo movie)
- Inferno (Based on Dan Brown's Inferno starring Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon)
- Star Wars - Rogue One (sequel to the 2015 smash hit Star Wars- The Force Awakens)
10. Deadpool
Merc with the mouth get's his official space in the Superhero Club of the Silver Screen, and I am already sold by the trailers and the awesome viral campaigning. Deadpool is a Rated R character, he is violent, brutal, consistently breaks the fourth wall and he is so funny! He is one of the most powerful X-Men, practically immortal because of his accelerated healing abilities and is a deadly assassin. In one particular comic book story-line, he killed the entire Marvel Universe, that's how powerful he is. This movie is the Origin Story of how Wade Wilson becomes Deadpool, and we have the X-Men Colossus, Negasonic Teenage Warhead and the baddies Ajax and Angel Dust sharing the fun ride of graphic violence. I am pleased with the fact that Fox Studio has gone for a Rated R and not a PG movie. Deadpool is not a superhero, he is an antihero! Deadpool is not for kids, and this is not a movie for kids! I am not sure how this movie is going to pan out, but I sure hope that it does great, because then it opens up the possibility of Marvel and DC to experiment in the Rated R genre, which would give fans like me some more kick ass movies to chew on. Deadpool is awesome, and I am so eager to check out this movie. Deadpool is scheduled to releases in theaters on February 12, 2016.
9. Assassin's Creed
All the Gamer's out there , this is your moment to cherish! One of Ubisoft's most popular gaming franchise - Assassin's Creed is coming to the silver screen. With the past history of movies based on Games being nothing more than terrible, I was a skeptic right at the onset when I heard about this movie. In fact I never bought into the idea of this movie as I am a big fan of the Assassin's Creed games and I didn't want another pathetic experience of something I love. That being said, why I am so invested in this movie now? Well, the answer is Michael Fassbender. The moment Fassbender was aboard, I am sold with the idea of this Assassin's Creed movie with him playing the lead role as Callum Lynch, the descended of a secret Assassin's society who unlocks his genetic memories which allows him to relive the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th century Spain; and after gaining the skills of Master Assassin, he would take on the oppressive Knights Templar in the present day.
Draw the arrow in the bow and let the sword fights begin. Assassin's Creed is scheduled to hit the theater on December 21, 2016
8. Kungfu Panda 3
And this time he reunites with his Dad and finds himself in a society of panda's where he just doesn't fit in. The trailer is so funny, and I expect the movie to be fun and humorous. This is the third movie in the Kungfu Panda trilogy. Both the first two movies were great and I have high hopes for this one as well. So are you ready for some more kungfu? Kungfu Panda hits the theater very soon - January 29, 2016
7. Finding Dory
It's been 13 years since Pixar's Finding Nemo flashed on the silver screen taking us on an unexpected fun-filled journey. In that film, Marlin, the father of Nemo meets Dory, an optimistic and altruistic regal blue tang fish with short term memory loss, who helps Marlin on his journey to find and bring back his son. Dory was one of my favorite characters in that film. Now it's time for her to get her own movie. Finding Dory is the sequel to Finding Nemo and being a Pixar movie, we can expect it to a fun filled experience. Finding Nemo has achieved cult status, it's yet to be seen how well Finding Dory does. Well, I am sure to be there in the movie hall when it releases on June 17, 2016
6. Ice Age - Collision Course
Another of my favorite franchise coming up in this year with it's latest installment. Ice Age - Collision Course is the fifth movie in the Ice Age franchise. I just loved the previous four movies. This dude in the picture (Scrat) is one of the funniest characters I have seen in movies, and he is not even a part of the main cast; but his actions set's into motion events that throws our heroes Manny, Diego and Sid in the most humorous adventures possible. 2016 is surely going to spoil us movie buffs. Fasten your seat-belts for the Ice Age ride that starts on July 22, 2016
5. X Men - Apocalypse
Apocalypse - in a movie, wow..!!!
The reboot of the XMen Franchise has been going great guns with XMen -First Class and XMen - Days Of Future Past both turning out to be fantastic. I still remember sitting through the Days Of Future Past end credits to find out the blue skinny dude telekinetically building the pyramids with the Egyptians bowing down chanting his name - En Sabah Nur; and the camera slowly turned towards his face and in the background was the Four Horsemen Of Apocalypse. Man..I had goosebumps! Apocalypse is the first and the most powerful mutant on Earth, he is immortal and the primary antagonist of X-Men. Apocalypse has the Four Horsemen (each symbolically representing Death, Famine, Pestilence and War respectively) to do his bidding. Each of the Four Horsemen are powerful mutants genetically altered and mentally conditioned to server him. In this movie, it looks like Psylocke, Storm, Archangel and Magneto would be the Four Horsemen. All the popular mutants of the original X-Men trilogy like Jean Grey, Cyclops, Nighcrawler comes back in this movie as thier younger self with the addition of Jubilee making her debut in the movies; who with their mentor Professor X and Mystic team up to oppose this immensely powerful mutant and his followers. I love this new X-Men reboot and I still can't believe I will get to see Apocalypse in the silver screen! Can't wait for May 27, 2016
4. Doctor Strange
Ladies and Gentleman, if you don't know who Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange is - then let me introduce you to Marvel's Sorcerer Supreme. Stephen Strange was an egoistic but brilliant neurosurgeon till he met with and accident that left his hands irreparably damaged and his career as a surgeon over. Distraught by this, Stephen Strange journeyed to the Himalaya's to find a cure where he was given sanctuary by a hermit called the Ancient One who at that time was the earth's Sorcerer Supreme. He taught the doctor the mystical arts and passed on the mantle of the Sorcerer Supreme at the time of his death to Stephen. Armed with the Cloak of Leviathan, The Eye Of Agamotto and the Book Of Vishanti; Stephen Strange returned to Greenwitch village and sets up his residence Sanctum Sanctorum donning the iconic red cloak as Doctor Strange.
Doctor Strange is probably among the most powerful Marvel Superheros. His power includes astral projection, telepathy, hypnotism, powerful magical spells; he can alter time, journey to other dimensions, manipulate the ambient mystical energy of the universe. In reality, there is no limit to his powers. Also, he is a major player in the Marvel's Infinity Gauntlet story-line which the current Marvel Movie franchise is following. It is speculated that the possibility of another Infinity Gem showing up in this movie is very high, specially the time gem as Doctor Strange has time manipulating power. Irrespective of that, Marvel's first foray in to the world of magic and mysticism surely has us fan's going crazy in anticipation. And then to top that, who else but Benedict Cumberbatch playing the titular role of Doctor Strange. He fits perfectly, he looks just like Doctor Strange and he is a brilliant actor - cudos to Kevin Feige for bringing him on board for this film. It's time for some psychedelic magic on the silver screen. I am a huge Doctor Strange fan, I am a huge Benedict Cumberbatch fan - and I can't wait for November 4, 2016 to come!
3. Captain America : Civil War
Not many of you maybe familiar with the Marvel Graphic Novel - Civil War. It is one of the best Marvel stories out there and a classic in it's own right. The movie has drawn inspiration from the graphic novel but is not totally based on that story because the Civil War novel has every Marvel character in it and as we know, Marvel doesn't have the rights to many of their comic book characters to do a movie with, for example - The Fantastic Four and X-Men. Even then, the plot regarding the Superhero Registration Act (Sokovia Accords here) will play out in this movie pitting Iron Man and Captain America against each other while the rest of the MCU has to pick a side. Crossbones is making a comeback (we saw Brock Rumlow in Captain America - Winter Soldier where he is the commander of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s counter-terrorism S.T.R.I.K.E. team), we have the Winter Soldier Bucky Barns, the fan favorite Black Panther making his cinematic debut and of course - Spiderman coming back to the MCU!!! The trailer was simply awesome, and the ending where Captain America and Bucky teams up to kick Iron Man's ass just blew me away. This movie will kick start the Marvel Phase Three. I am so excited for this movie. Come May 6, 2016 you better choose which side you are on!
2. The Jungle Book
I grew up in my childhood watching The Jungle Book on TV. And now Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera and Sher Khan is about to make a grand entrance in the silver screen this year. If you have not seen the trailer, be sure to watch it after reading this blog as you are missing out big time. The trailer looks absolutely fantastic; it's hard to imagine the movie is live-animation shot in LA, USA. It's time for us to relive the good old childhood days with this movie. The Jungle Book will hit the theaters on April 15, 2016
1. Batman v Superman - Dawn Of Justice
And the most awaited movie of 2016 is none other than Batman V Superman - Dawn Of Justice.
The two most popular superhero in the same movie, along with Wonder Women and Lex Luthor....these are childhood fantasies becoming reality. I never though that in my lifetime I would get to watch a movie where Batman is fighting Superman....unbelievable! I belong to those group of people who loved the Man Of Steel movie. The destruction of Metropolis shown in that movie was totally in line with what really would have happened if two beings with god like powers collided, as did Superman and General Zod. This movie seems to be addressing the fallout of that battle and thrown into the mix is Batman is his most bad-ass self, going after the Kryptonian to dish out his own brand of justice. The first trailer was without a doubt the best trailer of 2015 and one of the best trailer I have ever seen. Ben Affleck looks great as this angry and hardcore Batman. The fight scenes are looking epic and that dialogue of Batman telling Superman:
" Tell me do you bleed?"....!!!!
I guess it is no secret that this is DC setting up the Justice League with Diana (Wonder Women) making her cinematic debut and the expected cameos of Cyborg, Aquaman and Flash. Doomsday is the big bad in this movie. In case if you are not familiar, he is the famed villain who bashed Superman to death in the 'Death Of Superman' story line (of course Superman came back alive later). The Amazonian demi-god and the daughter of Zeus - Diana or Wonder Women is definitely the most powerful and popular female comic book character ever created and to have Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman together in a movie is insane. The problem of these god-like superheroes and Justice League to be adapted to the silver screen is giving them viable and super powerful villains to better. With DC totally committed to the Justice League, and with Dawn Of Justice setting the premise, we fans are expecting an epic experience. I still can't believe that I am going to see Batman and Superman go at each other's throat. 2016 is a year I am never going to forget!!! What a great time to be a movie fan, what a great time to be a comic book fan!
Batman V Superman - Dawn Of Justice releases on March 25, 2016
Once again - save the dates :
- January 29, 2016 : Kungfu Panda 3
- February 5, 2016 : Hail Caesar!
- February 12, 2016 : Deadpool
- March 4, 2016 : Knight Of Cups
- March 25, 2016 : Batman Vs Superman - Dawn Of Justice
- April 15, 2016 : The Jungle Book
- May 6, 2016 : Captain America - Civil War
- May 13, 2016 : Snowden
- May 27, 2016 : X-Men - Apocalypse
- May 27, 2016 : Alice Through the Looking Glass
- June 10, 2016 : The Conjuring 2
- June 17, 2016 : Finding Dory
- June 24, 2016 : Independence Day - Resurgence
- July 1, 2016 : The BFG
- July 22, 2016 : Ice Age - Collision Course
- July 22, 2016 : Star Trek Beyond
- July 29, 2016 : Bourne 5
- August 5, 2016 : Suicide Squad
- October 7, 2016 : Gambit
- October 14, 2016 : Inferno
- November 4, 2016 : Doctor Strange
- December 16,2016 : Star Wars - Rogue One
- December 21, 2016 : Assassin's Creed
