Even before the potentially game-changing releases of Irishman, 1917, and the return of the beloved series The Crown, 2019 was threatening to lay down a tough marker for the forthcoming year. Blockbusters like Joker exploited powerful and controversial themes to provoke an outpour of emotion whereas others like Transit and A Hidden Life encouraged audiences to temporarily rediscover historical identities. The strength in depth in new films meant that most film buffs observed the Oscars without a clear idea as to who would emerge with cinema’s most coveted prizes. And all this success without even mentioning Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, or Marriage Story!
That said, no one suggested that the film and TV industry was about to go into hibernation and in a world moving ever closer to pay-TV the opportunities for filmmakers and companies like Netflix are immense. Accompanying this shift in visual entertainment is the development of new stars; something particularly craved with Hollywood A-listers like Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, and Anthony Hopkins all well into their 80s. Rising talents Jharrel Jerome and Kristen Froseth both have new releases this year and the former will star alongside Idris Elba in Concrete Cowboys. In fact, even before the turn of the year onlookers were aware of a new Bond spectacle, Hugh Grant acting in his first Guy Ritchie film as well as a Peter Jackson documentary about The Beatles. Plenty to whet the appetite.
Film
Dr. Dolittle
The year began with the long-awaited return of Dr. Dolittle with the starring role adapted to suit the charming Robert Downey Jr. Naturally, comparisons were made with Eddie Murphy’s 1998 take on the infamous animal-communicating doctor. Critics observed that the supporting roles of Michael Sheen and Antonio Banderas brought the best out of the Hollywood star. That combined with enhanced CGI effects catered well to an audience of 21st-century children.
The Gentlemen
Having witnessed the success of Guy Ritchie’s previous gangster films, and sensing the time was right for another, Hugh Grant decided to leave an acting career that has mainly consisted of upper-class bachelor characters for a mobster named Fletcher. So did he pull it off? Well, major critics have lauded both him and The Gentlemen with praise and the New York Times even labeled Hugh Grant’s performance as “flawless”. If you didn’t catch this turf war scramble back in January, with talent like Colin Farrell and Matthew McConaughey also featuring heavily, it’s well worth a watch.
The Many Saints of Newark
It could well be the year for gangster films as The Many Saints of Newark explores the life of young Tony Soprano; a name so associated with casinos that many online casinos like casino.com actually use his surname for their slot machines alongside free spins and other bonuses. Prior to his casino lifestyle, Tony was an observant child and the majority of the film focuses on the year 1967; a year which saw the Newark riots and tension between African-American and Italian-American communities.
No Time To Die
Everyone always knows when it’s a Bond year; the build-up and anticipation is unlike almost all other franchises. With Daniel Craig starring as James Bond for the final time, No Time to Die will feature the usual high-speed car chases, beautiful co-stars, breathtaking stunts and slick one-liners but also James Bond competing alongside a contemporary double O agent after a lengthy period in retirement. This does nothing but up the ante in a film where the villain wears a mask and there’s a secret submarine base!
Top Gun: Maverick
Tom Cruise previously said that Top Gun fans have been incredibly “patient” in their wait for a sequel and come December the wait will be over. Top Gun: Maverick appears to be nostalgia galore with Maverick avoiding all possible desk jobs to keep his wings and live life on the edge. Fans of 1986 original will watch on with glee as “Rooster” the son of “Goose” enters the fray and the pair face a deadly mission with the world’s most advanced aircraft. Cruise has also promised that with the help of the US military and 6K technology the new film boasts some of the most realistic jet fighter action scenes of any film in history. He even flew some of the planes himself.
TV
American Crime Story: Impeachment
Making the headlines even before the start of the year was the latest American Crime Story drama Impeachment. While most who lived through the 1990s will remember the story and Bill Clinton’s infamous words, producers are expecting a similar effect to that of their 2016 success with The People vs OJ Simpson so expect juicy new details amidst a wash of Clinton years nostalgia. So why are they so confident? Well, it might have something to do with the fact that Monica Lewinsky is actually producing the series. So amongst the lies, politics, and deceit viewers can expect the truth to emerge.
Money Heist
Returning for fourth season Money Heist has become one of the most popular Netflix series ever despite using unproven talent along the way. Aired back in April, the fourth season typified that which had preceded it with constant twists, relationship dramas left, right and center and the seemingly endless battle for public opinion. Professor, like in previous seasons, doesn’t disappoint with his methods to outwit the police, more cunning and daring than the last. Does Profesor discover Raquel’s real fate? Does global opinion finally turn against the resistance? Like the previous three seasons expect answers but also questions.
Hunters
Something must have been special about the original script in Hunters to bring Al Pacino back to TV for the first time in 17 years and critics appear to agree. Starring as part of a band of fascist-hunting mobsters, Pacino plays Meyer Offerman; a real-life Holocaust survivor who hunts Nazis with a blood-thirsty “revenge is the best revenge” type of attitude. Attempts to establish a Fourth Reich in the United States post-WWII may be more fantasy than historical fact but the series received plenty of praise for its swagger in bringing a Vietnam War veteran, a former M16 officer turned nun, a black power activist and a street fighter all together alongside vengeful Jewish survivors.
Ratched
Ask most people for their top 10 US films and you’ll find One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest gets a regular mention. Netflix has therefore decided to turn the classic into a series, with the ever-impressive Sarah Paulsen straight off the bat from her role in American Horror Story playing Ratched a sadistic nurse that is purging the mental health system. Sarah is joined by American Horror Story director Ryan Murphy so if one thing is guaranteed, it’s horror.
The Crown
Britain’s most decorated family is about to get quite a scare in season 4 of The Crown. Whilst the series is not new in 2020, Peter Morgan’s royal family biography is about to see Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher, played by Gillian Anderson, enter the fray. If that weren’t already enough, the country is about to enter a dark period dominated by strikes and quite how the royal family fits that kind of society is an uncomfortable topic. The series has been watched by some 750 million people and with the tension rising in season 4 its popularity is unlikely to decline.
