“Men in Black: International” — June 14
I’m personally amazed the sequel to “Thor: Ragnarok” was filmed so quickly, but I’m glad the directors went in a different, fresh direction. Now a buddy cop movie starring Chris Hemsworth and Tess Thompson, there’s only a few certainties.
There will be aliens.
There will be suits.
The “International” tagline implies some uncharted territory.
I hope this film exceeds expectations, because the MiB series has really gone downhill ever since Tommy Lee Jones was swallowed by a bug in the original’s climax.
My Verdict: Will we see Thor’s hammer?
“Shaft” — June 14
“Shaft” is the sequel to 2000’s “Shaft,” which is the sequel to 1971s “Shaft.” With better naming conventions, I can only imagine a world where we instead have a “Shaft 3.” Regardless, after John Shaft Jr.’s best friend mysteriously dies, he teams up both with his father (Samuel L. Jackson) and the original John Shaft to get to the bottom of the case.
With the extraordinary, creative tagline, “More Shaft than you can handle,” the film is sure to be a cinematic masterpiece.
My Verdict: You know you’re only watching this for Samuel L. Jackson.
“Toy Story 4” — June 21
To be honest, I’m surprised we’re only at 4. “Toy Story” has become such an iconic franchise that we’re now at the point where a talking spork is the new lead. Who knows what the future holds — maybe chopsticks or a colander for “Toy Story 5?” After the thoughtfully-named “Forky” escapes his new home, Woody of course leaves to go find him and bring him back.
What follows is sure to be another whimsical adventure, full of beautiful animation and your favorite toys from past movies.
My Verdict: Keep an eye out for Key and Peele, along with Keanu Reeves. Disney may just have a crossover planned with John Wick if we’re lucky.
“Child’s Play” — June 21
I’ve never been a fan of Chucky. Maybe it’s the overalls or even the sweater. I understand the doll’s murderous intentions, but why does he always default to a kitchen knife? Why not any other kitchen appliance? It seems he will once again take a similar approach in this month’s reboot, but at least Mark Hamill is still providing the iconic voice.
Hopefully, this winds up being more than an uninspired rehash.
My Verdict: Should be worthy of at least a chuckle or two.
“Anna” — June 21
The trailers initially gave a very positive first impression. A world-renowned assassin wreaking havoc, with a supporting cast of Helen Mirren, Luke Evans and Cillian Murphy — what’s not to love? A few days ago, however, I noticed director Luc Besson also helmed “Lucy.” It doesn’t take more than 10% of my brain to now be doubtful.
My Verdict: After unlocking 100% of her brain due to drugs, Scarlett Johansson somehow travels back in time and then turns into a USB stick at the end of “Lucy.”
“Annabelle Comes Home” — June 26
I didn’t think it was possible for an inanimate doll to have so much screen time. Even more mindblowing is the film’s 2017 predecessor, “Annabelle: Creation,” which grossed more than $300 million at the box office.
Clearly there’s a large market for children’s toys, so my advice to aspiring filmmakers is as follows. Find a toy from your childhood, pretend it’s possessed and weasel your way into the “Conjuring” universe. Then sit back and watch the money roll in.
My Verdict: If you enjoyed the other two Annabelle films, give it a watch. But it’s literally just a doll, right?
“Yesterday” — June 28
After musician Jack Malik wakes up one morning and realizes he lives in a universe where The Beatles never existed, he takes the only appropriate course of action. Quickly rising to fame after stealing the now-forgotten songs for his own benefit, things do not go as planned.
It’s an interesting and unique “what-if” scenario, bolstered by Ed Sheeran quite literally playing himself. Maybe this is the breakout role Ed needs, so people can finally stop associating him as that guy who sang “Shape of You.”
My Verdict: Do people even care about a new Beatles song in 2019?
Max Rothenberg can be reached at [email protected]