Six new movies to watch in 2018

by Gloria Zhang, Aquila Asst. Features Editor

1. Paddington

Release date: January 12, 2018

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Sequel Paddington 2 continues to explore the adventures of the marmalade-loving bear as he finally settles in with the Brown family and finds odd jobs to earn money to buy a perfect gift for his Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. When Paddington finally finds the ideal pop-up book, a thief steals the present. He races to find his book before the big birthday celebration.

Paddington 2 will make you want to meet the merry and cheerful red-hatted, blue-coated brown bear.

2. Black Panther

Release date: February 16, 2018

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Marvel’s Black Panther proceeds from the events in Captain America: Civil War, as King T’Challa returns home to Wakanda. However, T’Challa must gear up as his alter ego, Black Panther, and ally with the CIA and the Dora Milaje, a female special forces team in Wakanda, as enemies team up and connive to overthrow his kingdom.

If you crave a new Marvel comic movie representation, Black Panther is worth considering especially as entertainment for over February break.

3. A Wrinkle in Time

Release date: March 9

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

A Wrinkle in Time, based on the 1962 Madeleine L’Engle classic of the same name, explores the interdimensional journeys of three children, Meg, her brother Charles Wallace and her friend Calvin in finding her scientist father. They battle universal evil with the guidance of three peculiar ladies Mrs. Which, Mrs. Whatsit and Mrs. Who, played by Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kaling respectively.

If you are looking for a little dash of Disney magic in a female-directed visual depiction of the sci-fi classic, this movie is for you.

 

4. Love, Simon

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Release date: March 16, 2018

Love, Simon is a teen dramedy based on the book Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. The film follows Simon, a closeted gay high school student, and his struggles with his identity. He has not told anyone about his sexuality, until he falls for a mysterious, anonymous classmate online.

If your looking for more diversity in mainstream American coming-of-age stories, Love, Simon will be a noteworthy film.

 

5. Incredible 2

Release date: June 15, 2018

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

After 14 years, Pixar and Disney will release Incredibles 2, the sequel to the animated superhero movie The Incredibles. The Parr family struggles to fit into normal lives with Elastigirl, or Helen Parr, battling crime, while Mr. Incredible, or Bob Parr, tending to their children Violet, Dash and Jack-Jack, who possess secret powers. Soon, the family along with their friend Frozone battle a new villain The Underminer.

If you find yourself overcome with nostalgia for the days of coloring outside the lines with fractured crayons, Incredibles 2 will help with revisiting the untroubled childhood.  

 

6. Crazy Rich Asians

Release date: Aug. 17, 2018

Gloria Zhang

Originating from Kevin Kwan’s novel Crazy Rich Asians, this movie follows protagonist Rachel Chu, played by “Fresh Off the Boat” actress Constance Wu, as she accompanies her boyfriend Nick Young to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. Raised in a middle-classed family from Cupertino, California, Rachel is unaware of Nick being in the top ten wealthiest families in Asia until she meets his family. Soon, family drama ensues from differing values of image and prestige.

If you are scouting for a change in Hollywood, this all all-Asian casted film will be a summer highlight.