19

We’ve reached the mid-point of 2019. But that doesn’t mean there are no more exciting movies to look forward to. Regardless whether you’re a movie buff, here are some of the flicks you might want to consider watching (on the big screen).

The Goldfinch

Just by reading the synopsis, I’m tempted to watch it on the silver screen when it starts playing in Malaysian cinemas in October 2019. From the trailer, I found out that this movie is a novel-to-film adaptation. The novel, which clinched the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, is considered a bildungsroman (which I’ve yet to read). Nicole Kidman has a role to play in this 120-minute long drama. Besides, those who have interests in paintings and history would find the movie even more thrilling.

Yesterday

Titled after one of The Beatles’ most well-known songs, Yesterday is set to make every fan of the British band laugh and walk down memory lane, as it tells the story of a struggling musician who wakes up one day only to find himself in an alternate universe where he is the remaining person who has memories of the Liverpool-born group. One thing’s for sure – every generation grew up listening to different kinds of music. So, it would be safe to say that the movie title also serves as a metaphor for the kind of music that the musician favours. Starring in the comedy film is Lily James of Downton Abbey fame, as well as singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, who has appeared in TV series including Home and Away and Game of Thrones. Released for a global audience at Manhattan’s prestigious Tribeca Film Festival (TFF) last month, the film is expected to begin showing on 27 June 2019.

Doraemon: Nobita’s Chronicle of the Moon Exploration

A little over two decades ago, when I was hospitalised for dengue fever for the first time, one of the Doraemon comic books (part of a series) became the source of my laughter. The fact that I’m penning this down means the translated Malay version must have been funny and impactful. Anyway, the latest release is one of the many Doraemon feature films, based on the popular anime and manga series, slated to premiere in July 2019. If you have a certain level of proficiency in Japanese, you might appreciate this film even more.

The Lion King                    

Expected to rival a particular 2019 remake, The Lion King will be roaring in cinemas, in conjunction with the 25^th anniversary of the first showing of the original animated version. Even if you’ve not watched the previous version, be prepared to sing along to several tunes when the latest version hits theatres in July 2019. Helming the direction of this film is Jon Favreau, who has previously worked on the live-action version of The Jungle Book, based on Rudyard Kipling’s collection of stories.

Guests

With a tagline like ‘Don’t let them in’, it’s fairly easy to tell that this film is parked under the horror genre. Distributed by a particular cinema operator in Malaysia, the movie will begin playing from 18 July 2019. Despite its Russian line-up of cast members, the movie is in English.

Rocketman

Fans of Sir Elton John, rejoice! Titled after one of his best songs, Rocketman is set to take you on a journey…through space if you’d like. ???? Did you know that John was born with the name Reginald Kenneth Dwight? Besides, the lyrics to ‘Rocket Man’ were largely inspired by a short story written by Ray Bradbury. Well, you can find out more about the singer-songwriter when the biopic swings your way beginning 25 July 2019.

Ready or Not

Categorised as a mystery/thriller film, Ready or Not is to be released in August 2019. Cast members include Samara Weaving of Home and Away fame, and Adam Brody, whom one might remember from the 2002 series Gilmore Girls.

Cats

If you’re looking for a musical to enjoy during the Christmas season and year-end, then you might want to look into getting tickets for this one. The film version is based on TS Elliott’s collection of poems, popularised by Andrew Lloyd Webber in the form of a stage musical. Joining the cast are names like James Corden, often associated with the ‘Carpool Karaoke’ segment in his own talk show; Judi Dench, best known for her portrayal as ‘M’ in the James Bond franchise; as well as Idris Elba, who has taken up major roles including in the crime series The Wire and the 2013 biographical film Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.