Every single year, without fail, normies say things like “[The current year] is so bad! Bring on [the next year]!” The conventions of time weigh heavily on people. What exactly is the implication when people talk about a year in a certain way? I mean, I can understand wanting a fresh start, but you’ll likely be in the same headspace at the beginning of 2021 as you are when 2020 ends. Tearing a page off of your calendar won’t cancel the sadness or happiness you felt.
Maybe the actual yearly title is the problem. If we thought of years more fluidly, say March 2020 to February 2021, maybe we would say things like “Wow, these past few months have been rough.” Personally, I can’t hold January responsible for the misfortunes that may come in November. I can’t slander the good name of February because I didn’t have a good December. Anyway, typecasting years is like astrology to me. It’s made-up, superstition to think that certain years are cursed. There’s good days and bad days. Time can’t be controlled by the human systems we use. Time doesn’t care about the transition from Dec. 31 to Jan. 1.
Let’s talk about the past. The very recent past has been rough, especially for places like movie theaters. Let’s talk about the present. Even though it’s not simple to go to the movies right now, we live in a streaming world. And in a streaming world, really good movies can be watched in your home. Let’s talk about the future. Below, I’ve listed the five movies I’m most excited for that are still coming out in the near future. If you aren’t on the streaming grind yet, you should hop on right about now.
“The Trial of the Chicago 7”
Where: Netflix
When: Right now (Translation: Oct. 16, which is today)
Why you should be excited: Aaron Sorkin wrote “The Social Network,” “The West Wing” and “A Few Good Men.” If you like those things, you’ll probably like this as well. Sorkin has a very distinct style of writing dialogue that is engaging and fun to follow. This is also a very timely film, sure to give some folks religion on the relationship between protestors and police officers.
“Mank”
Where: Netflix
When: Jay Z and Jeff Bridges celebrate getting older (Dec. 4)
Why you should be excited: This is the story of Herman Mankiewicz and the writing of “Citizen Kane,” often considered the greatest film of all-time. Herman Mank is from Wilkes-Barre, so there is some local intrigue going on here. The film is also directed by David Fincher, a candidate for the best filmmaker working today. He’ll definitely bring more to this than what you’d usually expect from a story about Hollywood.
“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”
Where: Netflix
When: The sun rises for the 64th time (Dec. 18)
Why you should be excited: I never got to talk in depth about the legacy of Chadwick Boseman. “Ma Rainey” is going to be his final screen appearance and, by all accounts, he’s going to be giving a substantial performance that will be a must-see for anyone trying to understand his work. It should be very different from what you’ve seen of him in “Black Panther.” An exciting conclusion to a tragically short career.
“One Night in Miami”
Where: Prime Video
When: A fat guy breaks into your house (Dec. 25)
Why you should be excited: Regina King makes her directorial debut to the tune of “One Night in Miami,” a mostly hypothetical retelling of a meeting between four American icons: Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown and Sam Cooke. Expect a lot of dialogue and some awesome performances. Cooke is played by Leslie Odom Jr., a name that will ring familiar with fans of “Hamilton,” also known as everybody.
“Soul”
Where: Disney+
When: The same fat guy swipes your milk and cookies (Dec. 25)
Why you should be excited: Pixar’s latest effort is the greatest gift I could imagine. It’s a tripped-out, existential effort from the uber-creative Pete Docter, with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross doing the score and Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey providing their voice talents. That is an impressive collection of talent, and Pixar doesn’t miss very often. Don’t sleep on this one because it’s animated. I’m expecting something very ambitious.
Sam Zavada is a copy editor with The Standard-Speaker in Hazleton. He previously served as the news clerk at The Standard-Speaker, working with the obituaries and the community and lifestyle pages. Sam’s work in print dates back to his time at King’s College, where he spent two years as the editor in chief of the school’s newspaper, The Crown. Earlier in his time with The Crown, he worked as a staff writer and the entertainment manager. Contact him at szavada@standardspeaker.com.
