There is no doubt in my mind that 2016 has been a fantastic year for film. Independent film studio A24 pleased critics with a limited, theatrical release of the best horror and thriller films of the year (The Witch and Green Room) and then further treated many (including myself) with the strange yet amazingly original dramedy, Swiss Army Man. For fans and critics alike, Deadpool and Captain America: Civil War were excellent additions to the superhero trend that has taken over cinema over the past few years. And, the long awaited sequel to Finding Nemo finally arrived, which was a pleasant and satisfying sequel to a fantastic movie. However, we have just entered the eighth month of the year, which leaves roughly four months to change the opinions of moviegoers on whether or not 2016 can be considered a good year in cinema. If you were also one of the people unlucky enough to catch Suicide Squad this weekend, you might have felt the sheer panic I felt in that 2016 could still become an ugly year in cinema if more movies like the DCEU's latest travesty premiere. However, I am here to highlight the movies that I most anticipate this year that still have yet to premiere and have potential to wow audiences and critics alike before 2017 arrives.
1. Comedy: Sausage Party
Release Date: August 12th
Why this movie excites me: It's a rare occasion when an animated film is a rated R comedy, so when I first heard about Sausage Party, a rush of excitement flowed through me. This excitement was met with even more excitement when I found out that one of the few comedians I enjoy, Seth Rogen, was attached to the project not only as a voice actor, but also as screenwriter and producer. So far this year, Seth Rogen has done great things as a producer, managing to help produce my latest television craze Preacher as well as produce and star in a sequel to Neighbors that managed to break the trend of terrible comedy sequels. Hopes are most definitely high for this not-so family friendly animated movie.
2. Superhero: Doctor Strange
Release Date: November 4th
3. Sci-Fi: Rogue One
Release Date: December 16th
was a successful movie in my books; managing to make a Star Wars sequel that, while definitely contained flaws, still managed to excite and please fans old and new. This Star Wars anthology film has exciting Stormtrooper designs, interesting setting choices, and another applaudable cast, which, once again, features the one and only Mads Mikkelsen. The director to this project, Gareth Edwards, has also done other franchises justice with his films, which include the 2014 remake of Godzilla.
4. Thriller/Horror: Don't Breathe
Release Date: August 26th
Why this movie excites me: In my opinion, 2016 is one of the greatest years in the horror and thriller genre. We have had two fantastic additions to the thriller genre, one great slow-burn horror, and even more good, but not great horror and thriller movies. However, Don't Breathe has a fun and unique premise of three teenagers robbing an old blind man's home, when suddenly they find themselves locked in the house from which they wish to escape, their only obstacle being the old man himself. The director/writer of this movie, Fede Alvarez, was also the man who gave us the satisfyingly gory remake of classic horror The Evil Dead, sweetening the release of this movie that much more.
5. Drama: A Monster Calls
Release Date: October 21st
These are only five of the movies we still have to look forward to before 2016 is over. What movies do you most look forward to in 2016? Make sure to leave a comment and share this article with your most anticipated upcoming film, and why you are excited for it!
