CINEMA chains were severely impacted by the pandemic, with many closing during the height of the movement control orders of the past year. But with vaccines being given out and health protocols established (fewer people in theaters), moviegoing is on the comeback.
Anecdotal trips to the cinema in recent weeks show that people are hungry for the movies, and the big studios are ready to provide.
Wrath of Man – May 6
Jason Statham is on the warpath in this action-heavy thriller directed by Guy Ritchie. It’s a well-worn premise, violent criminals messing with someone they shouldn’t, setting him off on a blood-soaked quest for vengeance. Set in Los Angeles, the movie appears to miss the trademark humour Ritchie brings to his London-set pictures. The cast is strong and the action intense, and who doesn’t like seeing Statham kick ass.
Nobody – May 13
Bob Odenkirk is on the warpath in this action-heavy thriller directed by Ilya Naishuller. It’s a well-worn premise, violent criminals messing with someone they shouldn’t, setting him off…
Okay, maybe it’s not the freshest premise, but reviews from the US favourably compare this movie with 'John Wick' – the gold standard for modern American action films. However, unlike these other two, 'Nobody’s' star Odenkirk is an unlikely action hero, never having done something like this before. This is an average man who becomes a badass, which in itself is not too common.
Army of the Dead – May 21
Yes, this is a Netflix film that will not appear in any cinemas (at least in Malaysia), but based on this trailer it will offer action on a scale that would have fit on the big screen. Sure, it’s a technicality, and plenty of people will probably watch this on their phone, even though it will probably be awesome on the biggest screen.
Directed by Zack Snyder – of the Snyder Cut fame – this is a casino heist movie that happens to take place in a zombie infested Las Vegas. A team of ex-special ops led by a hulking yet mournful Dave Bautista go in with dreams of cold, hard cash but will have to fight their way out, guns blazing.
Fast & Furious 9 – June 24
Originally scheduled to come out early last year, 'F&F 9' was one of the first movies to be affected by the onset of the pandemic to the consternation of the franchise’s diehard fans. The series started more than 20 years ago, and who would have known that a team of underground racers – who stole DVD players on the side – would morph into the automotive Avengers.
The soap opera twists of these movies – the dead coming back to life! Amnesia! Never-mentioned before siblings coming out of nowhere! – are surely part of the appeal. Oh and it looks like they’re finally going to space in this one.
Black Widow – July 9
Speaking of Avengers and pandemic-related delays, Black Widow will be the first Marvel movie in theaters since 2019’s 'Spider-Man: Far From Home'. And with the rabid popularity of the Marvel shows on Disney Plus, there still appears to be a hunger for these movies that Disney is all too happy to satisfy.
That being said, fans have been clamouring for a Black Widow movie for years, and considering what happened to the character in 'Avengers: Endgame'… is this too little, too late?
What am I saying? This movie will rake in the cash. – The Vibes, April 22, 2021
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