The official artwork for Last Night in Soho suggests an atmospheric affair
List compiled by Eddie on 15/01/2021
There’s a few too many 2020 films in this list that sadly never saw the light of day last year but here’s hoping 2021 allows us all too partake in some cinematic content that is planned to come our way.
After an once in a lifetime year in 2020, 2021 looks set to deliver a raft of highly anticipated films and whenever a year has films from Steven Spielberg, Paul Thomas Anderson, Edgar Wright and Denis Villeneuve planned you know things can only be good for cinemagoers.
2021 also marks the return of the blockbuster (fingers crossed) with some huge releases from the Marvel, James Bond and Matrix universe’s all planned to keep us entertained and hopefully thrilled by what we are seeing from some of the most beloved properties in the movie world.
While the way in which we can watch movies this year will be entirely different, with numerous noteworthy films becoming available to stream or watch at the cinema simultaneously, here’s hoping we all have a choice in how we see our desired products with many of the years biggest releases surely worthy of the big screen treatment safety permitting?
See you at the movies.
Happy reading and happy watching!
Disclaimer – Plot summaries from IMDB.
10. West Side Story
West Side Story could be one of the years biggest hits
Directed By: Steven Spielberg (Jaws) Starring: Ansel Elgort, Rita Moreno, Corey Stoll
An adaptation of the 1957 musical, West Side Story explores forbidden love and the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.
Originally penciled in for a key end of year box office and awards run in 2020, West Side Story fell victim to a 12 month postponement due to our friend Covid-19 but enthusiasm remains high for Steven Spielberg’s first musical and re-imagining of the well-loved tale. At the very least, his West Side Story should be a visually sumptuous and highly enjoyable epic that will be deserving of the big screen experience.
Release Date: December TBC
9. Reminiscence
Hugh Jackman, Lisa Joy and Rebecca Ferguson lead the intriguing sounding Reminiscence
Directed By: Lisa Joy (feature debut) Starring: Rebecca Ferguson, Thandie Newton, Hugh Jackman
A scientist discovers a way to relive your past and uses the technology to search for his long lost love.
Being heavily involved in HBO’s sci-fi series Westworld has no doubt helped producer/writer turned director Lisa Joy prepare for her feature debut. Featuring a great cast, there’s not a lot of concrete info about this film as I write but there’s every chance that this could be one of the best original offerings to come out of Hollywood this year.
Release Date: April TBC
8. The Matrix 4
The iconic duo of Trinity and Neo are back in The Matrix 4
Directed By: Lana Wachowski (The Matrix) Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jonathan Groff, Jessica Henwick
Plot is currently unknown.
Primed for a key holiday release at the end of the year, The Matrix 4 should be one of the most notable blockbusters of the year. With the return of Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss and one of the original trilogy’s directors in the form of the newly minted Lana Wachowski, we may not have needed The Matrix 4 but count me excited for what’s to come with a spectacle driven sci-fi extravaganza very likely.
Release Date: December TBC
7. Last Night in Soho
Last Night in Soho sees Edgar Wright go period with a sci-fi infused horror
Directed By: Edgar Wright (Baby Driver) Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomasin McKenzie, Matt Smith
A young girl, passionate about fashion design, is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters her idol, a dazzling wannabe singer. But 1960s London is not what it seems, and time seems to fall apart with shady consequences.
Our last dosage of Edgar Wright goodness came all the way back in 2017 with his huge hit Baby Driver so we are well past due for some more bouts of inventive creativity from the beloved British director. Delving into his beloved genre of horror while mixing in some sci-fi to boot, Wright appears to be having a lot of fun with his newest outing and I’m sure many fans can’t wait to see what he has in store for them.
Release Date: TBC
6. Three Thousand Years of Longing
Australian directing icon George Miller has recruited Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba for his latest outing
Directed By: George Miller (Mad Max: Fury Road) Starring: Idris Elba, Tilda Swinton
Plot is currently unknown.
If you were to ask anyone what Three Thousand Years of Longing is about, all they could say is its been said to be an epic fantasy romance from the mind of Mad Max creator himself George Miller. A supposed long time passion project for the Australian director, his first film since his epic opus of carnage Fury Road promises to be a project worth keeping a very close eye on with MGM acquiring the rights to the film with a planned end of year release.
Release Date: TBC
5. Soggy Bottom
Bradley Cooper gets into the swing of things with the 70’s set Soggy Bottom
Directed By: Paul Thomas Anderson (There Will Be Blood) Starring: Bradley Cooper, Joseph Cross, Benny Safdie
Set in 1970s San Fernando Valley, the film follows a high school student, who is also a successful child actor.
Perhaps returning to the tone of films he created with the likes of Boogie Nights and Inherent Vice, Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest period affair known currently as Soggy Bottom is hopefully another memorable epic from the esteemed director. Featuring a cast of mostly unknowns with a key turn from Bradley Cooper, you get a feeling that Soggy Bottom will be a sun bleached outing to remember.
Release Date: TBC
4. Babylon
Oscar winning director Damien Chazelle’s latest outing appears to be another winner
Directed By: Damien Chazelle (First Man) Starring: Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, Tobey Maguire
Plot unknown. Rumored to be set in period Hollywood.
Yet to make a false step behind the camera so far, Oscar winning director Damien Chazelle returns to the big screen for the first time since his criminally underrated First Man with Hollywood period piece Babylon. So far recruiting the services of Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Tobey Maguire, Babylon will likely be a star studded affair that should be a key awards player during the latter stages of 2021.
Release Date: December TBC
3. The Northman
Viking epic The Northman has one of the years most intriguing acting ensembles
Directed By: Robert Eggers (The Witch) Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicole Kidman, Alexander Skarsgård
Viking revenge saga set in Iceland at the turn of the 10th century.
Only two films into his exciting career, The Witch and The Lighthouse director Robert Eggers ramps things up to the next level with his much-hyped Viking epic The Northman. Not a lot is known about the specifics of the plot but no doubt there will be horror elements to this revenge infused tale that should be at the very least a visually arresting outing that has the potential to be Eggers biggest film yet.
Release Date: TBC
2. Killers of the Flower Moon
Age shall not weary Martin Scorsese who is seen here scouting locations for his latest event picture
Directed By: Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas) Starring: Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio
Members of the Osage tribe in the United States are murdered under mysterious circumstances in the 1920s sparking a major F.B.I. investigation involving J. Edgar Hoover.
A $200 million dollar epic from Martin Scorsese based around an incredible true life F.B.I investigation into the murders of multiple Osage tribe members, Killers of the Flower Moon was saved from the potential scrap heap by streaming giant Apple and I’m sure we will all be very happy they stepped in when we see the final product. Teaming up Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio once more, this thriller should be one of the years prestige event films.
Release Date: TBC
1. Dune
When it comes to big screen spectacle in 2021, Dune should be king amongst cinematic eye candy
Directed By: Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) Starring: Rebecca Ferguson, Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac
Feature adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel, about the son of a noble family entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy.
Victim to multiple delays, many fans have been eagerly awaiting Dune’s release, especially after witnessing the epic first trailer for Denis Villeneuve’s latest blockbuster event. One of the films that will be released both in theatres and on streaming due to Warner Brothers industry changing deal with HBO, Dune is undoubtedly a film that should be watched on the biggest screen available and hopefully the first of a series of films that Villeneuve can explore in the Dune universe.
Release Date: October 1st
Best of the Rest –
11. The Last Duel
Some unflattering set photos of some of The Last Duel’s A-list cast members
Directed by: Ridley Scott (The Martian) Starring: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Adam Driver
King Charles VI declares that Knight Jean de Carrouges settle his dispute with his squire by challenging him to a duel.
12. BIOS
Directed by: Miguel Sapochnik (Repo Men) Starring: Tom Hanks, Caleb Landry Jones
On a post-apocalyptic earth, a robot, built to protect the life of his creator’s beloved dog, learns about life, love, friendship and what it means to be human.
13. The Power of the Dog
Directed by: Jane Campion (The Piano) Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Kristen Dunst, Jesse Plemons
A pair of brothers who own a large ranch in Montana are pitted against each other when one of them gets married.
14. Untitled Elvis Film
Directed by: Baz Luhrmann (Australia) Starring: Tom Hanks, Austin Butler
A biopic of Elvis and his tumultuous relationship with his controversial manager.
15. Cherry
Directed by: Anthony Russo & Joe Russo (Avengers: Infinity War) Starring: Tom Holland, Jack Reynor
An Army medic suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder becomes a serial bank robber after an addiction to drugs puts him in debt.
Tom Cruise prepares himself to deliver a serve to some crew members
16. Top Gun: Maverick
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy) Starring: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller
After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete Mitchell is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him.
17. No Time to Die
Directed by: Cary Joji Fukunaga (Beasts of No Nation) Starring: Daniel Craig, Ana de Armas
James Bond has left active service. His peace is short-lived when Felix Leiter, an old friend from the CIA, turns up asking for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.
18. The Last Planet
Directed by: Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life) Starring: Matthias Schoenaerts, Mark Rylance
A retelling of several episodes in the life of the Christ.
19. Untitled Spider-Man Sequel
Directed by: Jon Watts (Cop Car) Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Alfred Molina
A continuation of Spider-Man Far From Home.
20. C’Mon C’Mon
Arthur Fleck decided to live the quiet life after the events in New York City
Directed by: Mike Mills (Thumbsucker) Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann, Jaboukie Young-White
An artist embarks on a a cross-country trip with his young nephew
What are the films you’re looking forward to most in 2021? Any hidden gems we should be keeping our eyes on? Let me know in the comments below!
Jordan and Eddie (The Movie Guys) 
Of the films on your list, the one I am most excited about is “West Side Story.” Not just because I am an unabashed Steven Spielberg fan, but because the musical it adapts is also my favorite Broadway show. I just hope that this time around the Jets and Sharks are played by actors who look like teens; I love Robert Wise/Jerome Robbins’ 1961 film, but it always bugs me to see actors who look like they’re in their late 20s and early 30s rather than adolescents. (I have the same issue with the 1978 film version of “Grease.”
The casting seems pretty spot on mate! I really like how Spielberg cast a lot of unknowns in key roles.
E
I’m keen to see:
The Matrix 4
Three Thousand Years of Longing — Tilda Swinton, of course
The Northman — the cast alone
Dune — just for the spectacle and Charlotte Rampling ^J^
No Time to Die — was gonna see it with my parents last year
The Last Planet — depends on the trailer
I feel like Northman, Longing and Planet will all suffer delays but here’s hoping!
I can’t wait to see some official footage of Matrix 4, really hope its good.
E
Looks like Anya Taylor-Joy is bound to have some more hits this year!
She’s really set to be one of the next big things! Her performance in the Witch still sticks with me.
E
She shines in whatever she does. I even remember how striking she was in Hozier’s music video to Dinner & Diatribes.
I haven’t seen that music clip but I can’t disagree on any of her work so far, she’s always been a magnetic screen presence.
E
I definitely can’t wait to see Dune!!!!
One that I am planning on catching in Imax, a little sad so many will prob watch at home.
Appears to be one that deserves the cinema.
E
Aah, so many to catch up from last year but another fine list of exciting titles, which might be the biggest surprise? Or maybe not as good as we’d hope?
I think the new Matrix is the film that is hardest to judge at the moment, I can’t quite figure out how or why the series/story is back but here’s hoping it lives up to expectations. I think some be surprised how good the new Top Gun is to, that film looks like a lot of fun!
E
Honestly, I’m surprised a lot of directors having coming out this year like Damien Chazelle, George Miller, and Paul Thomas Anderson. This is gonna be a pretty good year for film.
On this list, I’m really excited to see Last Night in Soho, The Northman, and Dune. As for myself, I’m excited to see The Suicide Squad (due to being a big fan of James Gunn and because I’m a big fan of the run of comics it’s taking inspiration from), The Green Knight, Saint Maud, Zola, and Cherry. Hell, I’m looking forward to any independent horror or sci fi film that falls underneath the radar this year. You’ll never know what hidden gems you’ll find.
I’m really hoping a majority of these films come out, getting nervous with more and more delays.
The Green Knight should be awesome and been hanging for Saint Maud for so long!
E
I’ve come to terms with the facts that I won’t see Saint Maud in theaters, and have settled with watching it on Video on Demand.
Still holding out on seeing Green Knight in theaters, because looks epic and atmospheric.
David Lowery is such an interesting director, this could be one of his biggest treats yet.
E
I want to see Death on the Nile and Ghostbusters Afterlife. I’d see The Northman because there’s a Skarsgard in it, even if it’s not Gustaf.
I think the Northman is going to be a special film!
I hope Nile and Afterlife are good fun, I do fear for Afterlife, I just haven’t been too keen on what I have seen just yet.
Fingers crossed.
E
I go where Chalamet goes. Great post!
I don’t think you’re the only one following the son of Edward Scissorhands journey! A great actor.
E
I thought I would come back here to comment. I’m thrilled Dune has received positive reviews this week. I don’t think it would have affected my enthusiasm for it either way, if it was rated good or bad. Denis Villeneuve is a great director, arguably the best director of the 2010s. That said, it sounds like he has done Dune justice. Hope he gets to complete his epic with part 2. Anyway, I’m jumping the gun, I guess we have to see it first. Bummer, Australian audiences have to wait I believe until December to see it.
Shattered we have to wait an extra length of time to see it mate! It does sound like it does a lot of groundwork for part two so I am already hoping we can get that outing one day. Such a big fan of Denis, his an amazing director.
E