Here is some info on a few interesting upcoming movies and TV series, trailers of which were released recently, many at Comic-Con 2019 in San Diego.
Star Trek: Picard
The much awaited return of Sir Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard.
Set at the end of the 24th century, twenty years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis (2002), the story-line is affected by the destruction of Romulus referenced in the film Star Trek (2009), as well as the death of Data from the aforementioned Nemesis.
Patrick Stewart is also an executive producer of the series. Returning characters include Data and Seven of Nine.
Stewart had said last year — He felt that at that time his role in the franchise "had run its natural course", but in the years since he was humbled by stories of the impact the character (Picard) had on the lives of fans and so was now happy "to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times”.
Coming early 2020 on CBS All Access. On Amazon Prime outside U.S. and Canada. 10 episodes in the first season.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Tom Hanks portrays Mister Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, a timely story of kindness triumphing over cynicism, based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod. After a jaded magazine writer (Emmy winner Matthew Rhys) is assigned a profile of Fred Rogers, he overcomes his skepticism, learning about empathy, kindness, and decency from America’s most beloved neighbor.
Directed by: Marielle Heller
Thanksgiving 2019.
HARRIET
Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, HARRIET tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes. Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.
”I was conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can't say – I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger”.
Directed by Kasi Lemmons
Starring Cynthia Erivo.
World premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2019.
Release date: November 1.
Can’t wait.
The Art of Racing in the Rain
Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, the heart-tugging story is narrated by a witty and philosophical dog named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner). Through his bond with his owner, Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia), an aspiring Formula One race car driver, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition and understands that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate the journey of life.
Release date: Aug 5, 2019
Catherine the Great
The four-part historical drama follows the Russian monarch as she nears the end of her reign in the late 18th century (she died in 1796, ruling as Empress of Russia for over thirty years), with an apparent focus on her romantic relationship with Russian military leader Grigory Potemkin. www.indiewire.com/...
On HBO. Sometime in 2020.
Starring Helen Mirren!
Watchmen
The super-hero series takes place in an alternate contemporary reality in the United States, in which superheroes and masked vigilantes were outlawed due to their violent methods, but some of them gather around to start a revolution while others attempt to stop it.
On HBO — October 2019.
The Lion King
The same story redone with super-realistic graphics. Saw it this weekend. Some of the magic is lost when turning from animation to realistic animals but the technology is impressive.
The all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon.
In theaters now.
Cats
Cats, with bigger stars and better fur (through digital technology).
Starring big name stars such as James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, and introducing Francesca Hayward.
Director: Tom Hooper
Release date — around Christmas Day 2019.
Top Gun: Maverick
33 years later, Top Gun and Tom Cruise are back. Trying to revive the old magic in a more current setting. It just might work.
Release date : June 2020.
Ford v Ferrari
The film follows an eccentric, determined team of American engineers and designers, led by automotive visionary Carroll Shelby and his British driver, Ken Miles, who are dispatched by Henry Ford II and Lee Iacocca with the mission of building the Ford GT40, a new racing car with the potential to finally defeat the perennially dominant Ferrari at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France.
Starring Cast: Matt Damon, Christian Bale
Release date: November 15
Diagnosis: From The New York Times Column
A documentary series based on Dr. Lisa Sanders’ popular column in The New York Times Magazine, Diagnosis follows various patients on their respective journeys toward finding a diagnosis, and potentially a cure, for their mysterious illnesses. By combining the power of global crowdsourcing, social media, and established medical expertise, each case is untangled with illuminating new insights that had previously eluded doctors.
On Netflix August 16
For All Mankind
A fascinating alternate version of space history, where the Russians land on the moon first and the space race never ends.
On Apple TV, fall 2019.
Mission Mangal
This is an interesting looking film from Bollywood — a modern day Apollo 11 movie, based in India with lots of women scientists and project managers, about India’s orbiter mission to Mars in 2013, which is still active. Hope it has English subtitles.
Aug 15, 2019
There are a few others, especially TV series, but these are the ones that peaked my interest.
Check out the Toronto Film Festival site for other films and documentaries that will premiere at the festival Sep 5-15, hoping to get a leg up for the fall and winter season.
Also, looks like we are seeing the continuing trend of the major online streaming companies selecting new and forward looking topics while the big studios stick to revivals and sequels.
What movies and TV series are you following? Which of these movies and TV series are you looking forward to? Which of these films will be hits, which ones will be flops?