January Movies can often be overshadowed by the buzzing films who await their prize-winning envelopes at the Oscars or Golden Globes. However, that isn’t to say the films released in the first month of year are to be missed completely. January often supplies theatres with popcorn explosions of sequels, horror, reboots and lighthearted comedies that help you start the new year in good cheer. We’ve narrowed down the seven most buzz-worthy films for you this coming month.
Glass
17 January 2019
Glass is the all-new comic-book thriller with a star-studded cast of leads such as Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson and James McAvoy, who are reprising their roles from past films Unbreakable and Split to conclude the trilogy. Following the conclusion of Split, the film follows Willis’ character as he tried to pursue McAvoy’s superhuman figure of the Beast. The film’s plot is harder to grasp than most, but with all three actors known to deliver complex portrayals in the thriller genre, we can’t wait.
Second Act
24 January 2019
We know what you’re thinking, how many times can Jennifer Lopez star as a brilliant working-class girl just down on her luck? Well, an infinite amount of times because despite the clichéd plots, Lopez still manages to deliver heartwarming performances. Second Act follows Value Shop assistant manager Maya Vargas (Lopez) as she manages to fool her way into a senior position on Madison Avenue, proving street smarts are just as valuable as book smarts.
Green Book
31 January 2019
Green Book tells the story of world-class African American pianist Don Shirley, as he embarks on his concert tour in the American Deep South in 1962. In need of a driver and security, Shirley hires American-Italian bouncer Tony Lip. The film follows the two through their differences and eventual bond. Green Book has been nominated for 5 Golden Globe awards for the the 76th annual ceremony, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, but is not without controversy as many have criticised the film for not being accurate and falling into the done-to-death white savior trope.
Mary Poppins Returns
31 January 2019
Those who are afraid that reboots tarnish the legacy of the original, have no fear, Mary Poppins Returns has been receiving rave reviews! This time all-grown up Michael Banks (Lin-Manuel Miranda) is still living in his parent’s house and with his three children. Michael must find the valuable shares that his father left him years ago, in order to convince the bank not to repossess his home. Much to his and the children’s surprise they receive a visit from his beloved childhood nanny Mary Poppins, who assures him she has returned to save the day.
Suspiria
31 January 2019
Following with the reboot trend is Suspiria, but this time rather than following the bewitched dance school in Italy, the story takes place in 1970s Berlin where an American dancer is set to replace the lead dancer of Helena Markos Dance Co – a woman who has had a nervous breakdown after accusing the school of dabbling in witchcraft. The original 1977 film was hailed a masterpiece in the horror genre and remains a cult classic to this day.
Creed II
31 January 2019
Defying the wishes of trainer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone), Adonis Johnson (Michael B. Jordan) accepts the challenge to box the son of the man, who fought his father in the boxing ring nearly forty years prior, lost him his life. Training for the fight of his life, Adonis becomes obsessed with avenging his father’s death and Balboa too must confront his past with the match that lost him his dearest friend.
The Front Runner
31 January 2019
Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman), former senator from Colorado, stood a real chance of being the President of the United States in his 1987 Presidential run, with his charisma, intelligence and idealism inspiring an influx of young voters and making him the front-runner for the Democratic nomination. But that all came crashing down after allegations of extramarital affairs came to light. The Front Runner is being hailed as Jackman’s greatest performance.