FILM / Captain Canada's Movie Rodeo / January 2020 / Gabriel Ricard
Image © Orion Pictures
It’s a little strange to me that I have never, to the best of my knowledge, really discussed my most anticipated movies of the coming year. There’s a fair amount of bitching here at Captain Canada’s Movie Rodeo. I try to offset that by mostly sharing positive reviews of whatever I’ve seen from the summer of 2012 to the present. Still, sometimes, it’s fun to see if your creativity and ongoing cynicism can make a hilarious baby.
However, straightforward positivity is rare around here. I have to ruin most things by being a gloomy Gus. It doesn’t seem to bother anyone. Generally speaking, it doesn’t really bother me.
But here we are, at the dawn of a gritty reboot of the Roaring ’20s. We’re bringing back gin and hot jazz.
At any rate, rather than the usual 5 movie review, I’m going to instead focus on my personal picks for the most anticipated movies of 2020.
Bill and Ted Face the Music
Directed By: Dean Parisot
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, William Sadler
Release Date: August 21st
I’m developing an inherent, possibly knee-jerk reaction to nostalgia. I don’t even really know how I feel about it. However, at least a handful of things seem to be invulnerable to what may be yet another exhausting, unwanted layer of cynicism. A third chapter in the enduringly weird lives of William S. Preston, Esq. and Theodore “Ted” Logan is one example. I’ve been wanting to catch up with these beautiful idiots since childhood, when Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey was part of that rotation of VHS tapes I would watch at least once a week.
Expectations for a middle-aged Bill and Ted? It’s hard to imagine that I’m not going to enjoy the proceedings, which follow the two in the appointed quest to create a song that will ultimately save the universe. Directed by Dean Parisot, who has done stuff like Galaxy Quest? I think it’s going to be a movie that will be impossible not to like.
Dune
Directed By: Denis Villeneuve
Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac
Release Date: December 18th
The contrast of expectations between Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of Frank Herbert’s legendary 1965 novel and Bill & Ted Face the Music is impressive. At least, it is to me. With Dune, which is being helmed by one of the most interesting visionaries working in live-action features, the stakes strike me as high. I’m hoping the movie is successful enough to justify big budget spectaculars that aren’t based on a comic book. Film is large enough for all of these movies, but the people with the money want something more tangible to prove certain approaches to grandeur are just as valid as others. The success or failure of Dune will unquestionably play a part in how those decisions are made.
Beyond that? I’m just excited that someone else is taking an ambitious crack at one of the most expansive, bizarre science fiction epics of all time. David Lynch famously tried his best over thirty years ago, but didn’t quite bring Herbert’s sprawling masterwork to suitable life. If anyone can, and it’s a big if, look to the man who added something quite extraordinary to the Blade Runner universe with 2049.
Candyman
Directed By: Nia DaCosta
Starring: Tony Todd, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris
Release Date: June 12th
What initially sounded like a remake has somehow transformed into a direct sequel to one of the 1990s best horror movies. Released in 1992, Candyman established Tony Todd as one of horror’s most imposing, distinctive leading men. The years have been kind to Todd, who will no doubt add something older, perhaps even darker, to a character he hasn’t played in over 20 years.
However, Todd is not the only compelling element to this film, directed by the Nia DaCosta. Hers is one of those names you will want to stick in your head, because you’re going to be hearing from her a lot. She is young director who has established herself nicely as a powerhouse with 2019s Little Woods.
Combine this with Jordan Peele’s contributions to the project as a producer and co-writer. Candyman could be another argument for the value of horror remakes in the vein of last year’s Suspiria.
Wonder Woman 1984
Directed By: Patty Jenkins
Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig
Release Date: June 5th
God only knows what DC and Warner Bros are actually doing with their cinematic universe these days. If we keep getting Wonder Woman epics on par with the entertainment value and unique style of the 2017 film, I guess it doesn’t really matter.
The 1980s setting obviously leaves room to pit some dark ideas against Diana Prince’s heroic ideals. I expect a director and writer of Jenkins’ caliber to create a compelling narrative around that. That will also have to include an evolution in the relationship between Prince and Steve Trevor (Chris Pine, who I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed more than I have here). Sequels and franchises seem to have shorter shelf lives than they used to, at least as far as I’m concerned, but a continuation of this story makes sense here.
On top of all of that, I think Kristen Wiig is going to burn the house down as The Cheetah. There’s a villain role that might end up being compared favorably to the best examples of the type.
Godzilla vs. Kong
Directed By: Adam Wingard
Starring: Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall
Release Date: November 20th
This is another 2020 release where the stakes seem to be different for me than for many other fans of Godzilla and/or King Kong (I’m a little indifferent to Kong). A lot of people are hoping the movie does well enough to justify a continued cinematic universe of monsters. That would be fun, but it also just seems way too fucking stressful to think that far ahead. I’d just as soon as anticipate and appreciate things one movie at a time. That’s just me though. I get the dream of new movies featuring characters like Mothra. I’d watch the hell out of that.
Admittedly, Adam Wingard as director doesn’t inspire the greatest confidence in me. This is the same director behind the relentlessly dreadful Death Note in 2017. On the other hand, Wingard has also directed some very good horror movies, including You’re Next and The Guest. We shall see.
I’m obviously rooting for Godzilla. I also just hope the movie is fun. I’m not asking for a lot here.
Gabriel Ricard writes, edits, and occasionally acts. His books Love and Quarters and Bondage Night are available through Moran Press, in addition to A Ludicrous Split (Alien Buddha Press) and Clouds of Hungry Dogs (Kleft Jaw Press). He is also a writer, performer, and producer with Belligerent Prom Queen Productions. He lives on a horrible place called Long Island.
