10 movies I can’t wait to see in 2019

2019. A new year full of promises of new opportunities and new things to look forward to. Perusing a list of movies set for release in the next twelve months reveals exciting new entries in beloved franchises, as well as intriguing films not based on previously existing properties. Here are the 10 movies of 2019 that have excited me most. (Not every movie has a trailer out yet.)

How to Train your Dragon: The Hidden World (Feb. 22)

The third installment in the delightful “Dragon” saga sees Hiccup and friends fight to protect a previously undiscovered dragon kingdom. Meanwhile, Toothless the dragon gets a girlfriend. I love this series, so I’m not missing this one.

Captive State (Mar. 29)

After a decade of occupation by space aliens, some residents of a Chicago neighborhood try to drive the invaders off, while others collaborate to keep the peace. I’m a sucker for sci-fi alien invasion flicks, and this one features John Goodman and Vera Farmiga. I’m sold.

Shazam! (Apr. 5)

This story about a kid who gains the power to transform into a superhero looks to be a fun, funny treat of a movie. I love me some Zachary Levi, and “Aquaman” got me stoked for the future of D.C. Comics in film.

Avengers: Endgame (Apr. 26)

If you’ve seen “Infinity War,” you know why I can’t wait for this one!

John Wick: Chapter 3 (May 17)

What started as a fairly straightforward revenge tale has expanded into a multi-chapter story set in a fascinating underworld crime kingdom. At its core is Keanu Reeves whooping booty as the deadly John Wick. Seeing Wick beat down another crew of baddies while digging deeper into this world? I’m there, dude.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (May 31)

Godzilla. Mothra. Rodan. Ghidora. Oh my goodness. This kaiju throwdown looks like “Destroy All Monsters” done with modern filmmaking techniques. I’m so excited for this movie. As Ken Watanabe said in the last Godzilla flick, “Let them fight.”

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (Aug. 2)

I don’t really care for the “Fast & Furious” movies. They stretch the limits of bad screenwriting and scientific plausibility to the point where all I can do is roll my eyes. But a buddy movie starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Statham? I can’t pass that up.

Zombieland 2 (Oct. 11)

This long-awaited sequel reunites the main cast in a story that sees them settle in the U.S. Midwest and locking horns with evolved zombies. The first movie is a hilarious horror classic, so I can’t wait to see what they do with this one.

Knives Out (Nov. 29)

Director Rian Johnson has made some very interesting cinema. Even if you don’t like “The Last Jedi,” the guy still made “Looper” and “Brick,” two of the more memorable films I’ve seen recently. Add in a top-notch cast that includes Chris Evans, Daniel Craig and Toni Collette, and I have high hopes for this murder mystery.

Star Wars: Episode IX (Dec. 20)

It’s “Star Wars.” Usually, that would be enough. But this installment also arrives in the wake of “The Last Jedi,” a film that caused a serious rift in the “Star Wars” fandom. What will J.J. Abrams and the other filmmakers do to correct the franchise’s course? The curiosity is killing me, so I HAVE to see this movie!