As far as the movie world goes, 2018 is starting off with a strong selection of films to help entertain us as we are drawn into various worlds and the lives of characters (many inspired by real stories) from all walks of life. With a great mix of genres on the list, movie fans will all have a reason to hit the theater this month and start the new year off right.
1. "Maze Runner: The Death Cure"
Easily the most anticipated movie of January, "The Death Cure" is the epic finale of Wes Ball's popular trilogy. Adapted from "The Maze Runner" book series written by James Dashner, Thomas (Dylan O'Brien), leads his fellow Gladers and the remaining resistance in order to bring the fight directly to WCKD in order to save one of their own and put an end to the murderous corporation once and for all. Breaking into WCKD's Last City will prove to be their biggest challenge yet, and not everyone will survive.
Release Date: January 26
2. "Insidious: The Last Key"
Horror master James Wan ("Insidious", "The Conjuring" universe) is back with the fourth installment of the "Insidious" saga. Dr. Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye) makes her return as the parapsychologist faces a new haunting and evil entity that has invaded her own family home.
Release Date: January 5
3. "The Commuter"
No, this isn't "Taken" 2.0, but it looks like another exciting thriller starring Liam Neeson as an insurance salesman named Michael who is confronted by a mysterious stranger (Vera Farmiga) that changes his normally uneventful commute forever. Drawn into a deadly puzzle, Michael races against the clock in a life or death criminal conspiracy where no one on board is safe.
Release Date: January 12
4. "12 Strong"
Based on the book "Horse Soldiers" by best-selling author Doug Stanton, and inspired by the true story, "12 Strong" is set in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Led by Captain Mitch Nelson (Chris Hemsworth), a U.S. Special Forces team are the first troops sent to Afghanistan. Their mission involves attempting to convince Northern Alliance General Dostum (Navid Negahban) to work with them to fight against the Taliban and Al Qaeda. A cultural divide, new war tactics, and a ruthless enemy threatens to overwhelm the outnumbered and outgunned allies.
Release Date: January 19
5. "Molly's Game"
From writer and director Aaron Sorkin ("The Social Network", "Moneyball"), "Molly's Game" is based on the true story of Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) who was known to the public as an Olympic-class skier. After being arrested by the FBI, it was revealed that Bloom also ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game for about ten years before being charged with operating an illegal gambling business (which consisted of players from Hollywood, star athletes, business titans and, unbeknownst to Molly, even the Russian mob). Bloom found an ally in Charlie Jaffey (Idris Elba), her criminal defense lawyer who got to know the real Molly Bloom.
Release Date: January 5
6. "Proud Mary"
In this new, action-packed thriller, Taraji P. Henson ("Empire", "Hidden Figures") stars as Mary, the title character who works for an organized crime family in Boston as a hit woman. When a professional hit goes wrong, Mary's life is turned around after coming across a young boy.
Release Date: January 12
7. "The Post"
In Steven Spielberg's new historical drama, "The Post" is based on the true story of the improbable partnership between Meryl Streep's Katharine Graham, who led her family's newspaper, The Washington Post, as the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and Tom Hank's Ben Bradlee, an editor also at The Washington Post. Racing to catch up with The New York Times in order to expose a massive government cover-up that spanned 30 years and four U.S. presidents, Graham and Bradlee had to overcome their differences as they risked everything to bring the truth to light.
Release Date: January 12
8. "Den of Thieves"
Gerard Butler stars in a new crime saga that follows an elite unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and the California's most successful bank robbery crew. Highlighting the intersecting and personally connected lives between the two groups, "Den of Thieves" offers a gritty drama centered around the outlaws' plan to rob the Federal Reserve Bank located in downtown of the City of Angels.
Release Date: January 19
9. "Saturday Church"
Inspired by true events, director and writer Damon Cardasis offers a unique and incredibly important musical experience focusing on 14-year-old Ulysses (Luka Kain) who, while dealing with the death of his father, is struggling with questions about his gender identity. Pressured by the new responsibilities thrust upon him as the "man of the house" and living with his younger brother, mother, and conservative aunt, Ulysses is able to find an escape by creating a world of fantasy filled with dance and music. He eventually discovers a transgender community and is welcomed into a program for LGBTQ youth, known as "Saturday Church." Balancing his double life, Ulysses is inspired to find the courage to be who he truly is while struggling with the possibility of losing his family in the process.
Release Date: January 12
10. "Paddington 2"
Finally, if you're looking for a family movie with fun for all ages, the sequel to one of the most successful family films of all time should do the trick. Paddington (Ben Whishaw) is happily living in London with the Brown family in a community that has welcomed the small bear with open arms. Eventually, Paddington finds himself on an adventurous journey full of thieves, jailbirds and hilarious mischief as he ultimately seeks to show the world that there is good in all of us.
Release Date: January 12
