The Movie Scene
Recent Releases and Future Previews
By Tom Muller
2023 has been an exceptional year for movies, rejuvenated by The Barbenheimer Trend with box office successes like “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” drawing audiences back to theaters. Despite the Screen Actors Guild Strike delaying several holiday films, including the anticipated “Dune: Part 2”, the year’s lineup remains strong. October featured a surge of horror movies, while November promised a full slate of epic releases. The year is set to conclude with notable films like Michael Mann’s “Ferrari”, adding to the list of potential Oscar contenders and we provide a glimpse into the upcoming 2024 releases.
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“NAPOLEON” (Nov. 22)
Ridley Scott's “Napoleon” portrays the ruthless rise of the military commander to emperor, focusing on his tumultuous relationship with Josephine, played by Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby.
“DREAM SCENARIO” (Dec. 8)
Nicolas Cage stars in this high-concept comedy about a man who becomes a global celebrity after appearing in people's dreams.
“LEAVE THE WORLD BEHIND” (Dec. 8)
Julia Roberts, Ethan Hawke, and others star in this apocalyptic drama about two clashing couples.
“THE ZONE OF INTEREST” (Dec. 15)
A Holocaust denial drama, “The Zone Of Interest,” showcases the life of the Auschwitz commandant (Christian Friedel) striving for an ideal life beside the camp. It won the Grand Prix at Cannes Film Festival.
“WONKA” (Dec. 15)
Timothée Chalamet plays a young Willy Wonka in this origin story, deviating from Gene Wilder’s iconic portrayal.
“AQUAMAN AND THE LOST KINGDOM” (Dec. 22)
In this sequel, Jason Mamoa's Aquaman must save Atlantis and the oceanic world. Despite “The Marvels” underperforming, expectations are high for this superhero flick.
“FREUD’S LAST SESSION” (Dec. 22)
Anthony Hopkins and Matthew Goode depict a fictional meeting between Freud and C.S. Lewis, debating God's existence and personal issues.
“MIGRATION” (Dec. 23)
This animated film follows a family of ducks flying to Jamaica for vacation, featuring voices like Awkwafina and Danny DeVito.
“THE BOYS IN THE BOAT” (Dec. 25)
George Clooney directs this fact-based story of the 1936 Olympics-bound University of Washington rowing team, showcasing their struggle during the Depression era.
“THE COLOR PURPLE” (Dec. 25)
A musical adaptation of Alice Walker's novel, this film musical stars Fantasia Barrino as Celie, struggling against prejudice and abuse in early 1900s South.
“FERRARI” (Dec. 25)
Starring Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, “Ferrari” follows Enzo Ferrari's high-stakes gamble on a critical race to save his business, directed by Michael Mann.
Below, we’ve rounded up a number of films that are expected to make waves at the start of 2024:
“BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE” (Feb. 14, 2024)
Kingsley Ben-Adir stars as Bob Marley in “Bob Marley: One Love.” This Valentine’s Day biopic, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, highlights Marley's career and challenges, including surviving an assassination attempt.
“THE FALL GUY” (Mar. 1, 2024)
In this action-comedy inspired by the 1980s series, Ryan Gosling plays Colt Seavers, a stuntman aiding his ex, Jody Moreno (Blunt), to find a missing actor.
“DUNE: PART 2” (Mar. 15, 2024)
The sequel to the sci-fi hit, “Dune: Part II” stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, and Javier Bardem. Paul Atreides (Chalamet) allies with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen for revenge and faces a universe-altering choice.
“MISSION IMPOSSIBLE — DEAD RECKONING PART 2” (Jun. 28, 2024)
In the eighth film of the series, Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in "Mission Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part 2." Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, this action-packed sequel, featuring Rebecca Ferguson and Simon Pegg, promises thrilling missions and breathtaking stunts.