These are the 13 films I’m most looking forward to seeing during the second half of 2019:
“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” – July 26
DiCaprio. Pitt. Robbie. Pacino. Tarantino. A movie about movies. Let’s Go!
“Hustlers” – Sept. 13
The latest film from director Lorene Scafaria (“The Meddler”, “Seeking a Friend for the End of the World”) is a true story drama about ex-strip club employees who shake-up Wall Street. Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu star.
“Judy” – Sept. 27
Renee Zellweger plays Judy Garland in this highly-anticipated biopic.
“The Current War” – Oct. 4
If you recognize the title, that’s because it’s one of the former Weinstein Co. releases that got shelved nearly two years ago during that meltdown. Newcomer 101 Studios picked-up the rights to this drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Thomas Edison.
“Joker” – Oct. 4
Joaquin Phoenix could finally win an Oscar for playing one of DC’s most famous characters in director Todd Phillips’ abstract vision.
“The Woman in the Window” – Oct. 4
Amy Adams could also finally win an Oscar (after six previous nominations) in this thriller co-starring Gary Oldman and Julianne Moore.
“Torrance” – Oct. 18
Ben Affleck reunites with “The Accountant” director Gavin O’Connor for this sports drama.
“Lucy in the Sky” – Fall TBA
We’ve seen a lot of space movies over the past several years (Brad Pitt’s “Ad Astra” opens in September). But the pairing of Natalie Portman and Fox Searchlight has worked before (“Black Swan”, “Jackie”), so I’ve got confidence that they’ll do it again.
“Last Christmas” – Nov. 8
Emma Thompson wrote and co-stars in this rom-com with Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding. Paul Feig (“Bridesmaids”, “A Simple Favor”) is back behind the camera.
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” – Nov. 22
Tom Hanks is Fred Rogers in this eagerly anticipated look at the iconic TV figure’s relationship with a magazine writer.
“Frozen II” – Nov. 22
Disney has a lot on the line with the continuing adventures of Anna, Elsa and Olaf.
“Shaun the Sheep Movie 2: Farmageddon” – Dec. 13 (Likely)
Aardman’s sequel to their 2015 Oscar nominated delight sees the farm gang on an out of this world tale.
“Cats” – Dec. 20
Tom Hooper (“The King’s Speech”, “Les Miserables”, “The Danish Girl”) seeks to continue his winning streak with this all-star Broadway musical adaptation.
“Spies in Disguise” – Dec. 25
The future of “Ice Age” and “Ferdinand” animation house Blue Sky Studios is up in the air following 20th Century Fox’s Disney acquisition. If this ends-up being Blue Sky’s final film, I hope this action comedy with Will Smith and Tom Holland is a winner.
Do you agree or disagree with my Second Half of 2019 picks? Let me know on Twitter @LCJReviews.