Madison’s Anticipated Films:

IF: Directed by John Krasinski, IF is about a girl finding out she can see the imaginary friends of children. In the movie, she adventures to connect old and forgotten IFs with their kids. The movie features several popular actors and actresses, such as Ryan Reynolds (Cal), Emily Blunt (La Licorne), Awkwafina (Octocat), Steve Carell (Blue), Blake Lively (Octopuss), Matt Damon (Sunny), and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Blossom).¹ What’s special about the film is that it’s director, John Krasinski, also wrote and starred in the film! This isn’t super high on my summer list, but it will be a cute movie to see.

Inside Out 2: This movie, a highly anticipated sequel, is about Riley, the human, and how her mind is suddenly undergoing renovations. These changes are to make room for new emotions, like Anxiety!² The movie features returning actors Amy Poehler (Joy), Phyllis Smith (Sadness), Lewis Black (Anger), Tony Hale (Fear), Liza Lapira (Disgust), and new actress Maya Hawke (Anxiety). The other new emotions are voiced by Ayo Edebiri (Envy), Adele Exarchopoulos (Ennui), and Paul Walter Hauser (Embarrassment).³ I’m super excited for this film, especially since Inside Out was so easy to connect with and had an amazing plot!

Moana 2: “Moana journeys to the far seas of Oceania after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors.” The movie features Dwayne Johnson (Maui) and Auli’i Cravalho (Moana).⁴ Though there isn’t much information about the film due to its release being later in the year, the trailer teaser produced by Disney is enough to make anyone excited for the film.

Despicable Me 4: Gru and Lucy welcome Gru Jr. to their family, and the little baby is insistent on tormenting his father. Their happy life is abruptly interrupted when criminal Maxime Le Mal escapes from prison, and plans to get his revenge against Gru. The movie features returning cast Steve Carell (Gru), Kristen Wiig (Lucy), Miranda Crosgove (Margo), and Dana Gaier (Edith).⁵ Will Ferrell is the voice of Maxime Le Mal, and Madison Polan is set to replace the voice of Agnes. We will also see music, once again, by amazing singer Pharrrell Williams.

Wicked: A woman named Elphaba makes friends with Glinda. While Elphaba is talked about for her green skin, Glinda works hard for greater popularity. After meeting the Wizard of Oz, their friendship starts to falter as their lives move off into different paths. The movie stars Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard of Oz), Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero Tigelaar), Ethan Slater (Boq), and Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible).⁶ This one’s a very anticipated movie, but unfortunately you’ll have to wait ‘til November to see this film.

Logan’s Anticipated Films:

The Garfield Movie: Bringing the beloved cartoon character to life is The Garfield Movie, and it’s coming out in just a few days! To be more specific, it’s release date is May 24. The film sees Garfield (voiced by Chris Pratt) meet up with his father Vic (voiced by Samuel L Jackson), and the two find themselves involved in a high-stakes heist.⁷ I love the casting and the premise seems super fun. I look forward to finding out what the high-stakes heist in question is.

Deadpool & Wolverine: Marvel’s coming out with an interesting crossover this summer, and I’m really looking forward to watching it. It features Deadpool and Wolverine being sent on a mission by the Time Variance Authority, the mysterious organization in the hit Disney+ Series, Loki.⁸ While some of Marvel’s recent movies have been - to be frank - not so good, I’m hoping this will be the start of Marvel making epic movies again. It’s coming out July 26.

A Quiet Place Day One: The third installment in the fan-favorite horror series, Day One will be a spinoff rather than a sequel. Taking place before the first film, it features Lupita Nyong’o as a woman named Sam who must face the bloodthirsty aliens in New York City as society crumbles around her.⁹ As a massive fan of A Quiet Place, I look forward to watching Day One and I hope it can meet the bar set by the first two movies. A minor worry I have is that it isn’t directed by John Krasinski. Hopefully Michael Sarnoski does a great job! The film comes out June 28.

Twisters: When it was released in 1996, Twister was one of the most successful films of its time. Now, it’s getting a sequel. There’s not much information about the film’s plot, but we do know that Daisy-Edgar Jones, who you might recognized from Where the Crawdads Sing, will be starring in it along with Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos.¹⁰ I love a good disaster movie, so I’ll be eagerly waiting for July 16 when the film comes out, and in the meantime, be watching the original.

Joker Folie à Deux: 2019’s Joker film was wildly successful, and this Summer, a sequel is coming out. However, it’ll be a bit different. It’s a musical! It’s definitely an interesting choice, but I’m looking forward to seeing how it’ll play out. Joaquin Phoenix will reprise his role as the titular character and Lady Gaga will play Harley Quinn.¹¹ Not much is known about the film as it's coming out later in the year, October 4, but I’m nonetheless excited for its release.