“The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part”
“Trailer Talk” rounds up recently released trailers for upcoming and anticipated movies.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Take 2 readers! With the holiday weekend upon us, many of you will not only be out shopping, but catching movies at your local cinema. There’s been a slew of new trailers released in advance of this weekend, many of which you’ll probably see before new releases like “Ralph Breaks the Internet.” Let’s dig in!
“The Lion King”
It’s here! The first teaser for Disney’s live-action version of “The Lion King” faithfully recreates the opening sequence of the beloved 1994 animated classic. The blend of CGI and live action looks nothing short of breathtaking. As the familiar strains of “Circle of Life” play and Rafiki lifts up a young, apprehensive Simba, get ready to be transported back to your childhood.
Jon Favreau, who helmed the magnificent 2016 live-action adaptation of the “The Jungle Book,” looks like he’s done it again here. The film’s all-star cast includes Donald Glover as Simba, Beyonce as Nala, Seth Rogan as Pumbaa and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar. James Earl Jones returns from the original film to voice Mufasa.
“The Lion King” fulfills its destiny July 19, 2019.
“The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part”
After the smashing success of 2014’s “The LEGO Movie,” Chris Pratt and Elizabeth Banks return with a stacked voice cast in the humorous, self-aware sequel.
This time, in a “Mad Max: Fury Road”-type wasteland, Emmet and Wyldstyle must protect their town from invading LEGO DUPLO villains from outer space. Offering help is the heroic Rex Dangervest (also voiced by Pratt, who – also like Pratt’s character in the “Jurassic World” movies, is a raptor trainer. Hmmm …)
Tiffany Haddish, one of the busiest women working in Hollywood today, also joins the cast as Queen Watevra Wa-Nabi. She has the ability to shape-shift into different forms, much to LEGO Batman’s (Will Arnett) dismay.
Also, in honor of today being Black Friday – or “Brick Friday” – Warner Bros. is streaming the first “LEGO Movie” for free all day on its YouTube Channel. If you haven’t seen it or want to see it again, now is your chance!
“The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part” builds an audience Feb. 8, 2019.
“The Secret Life of Pets 2”
The sequel to Illumination’s hit 2016 cartoon “The Secret Life of Pets” explores more hijinks involving dogs Max and Duke, Chloe the cat and more, with their owners blissfully unaware.
The movie has ramped up anticipation by releasing not just one, but two trailers focusing on the film’s main characters: Max (with Patton Oswalt replacing Louis C.K. on voice duties) and Chloe (voiced by Lake Bell). The returning cast includes Eric Stonestreet and Kevin Hart.
“The Secret Life of Pets 2” walks into theaters June 7, 2019.
“Pokemon Detective Pikachu”
After a series of animated films, TV series, video games and the highly addictive “Pokemon Go,” the international Pokemon phenomenon finally gets its own live-action movie. In the trailer, the film seems to seamlessly blend the CGI Pokemon monsters with human characters, creating a magical world I’d love to see more of.
“Pokemon Detective Pikachu” focuses on Tim, a former Pokemon trainer (Justice Smith) searching for his missing father. At first reluctantly, he receives help from Detective Pikachu (voiced by Ryan Reynolds, the voice of “Deadpool”), who Tim can actually understand as saying more than just “Pika, pika.”
Reynolds is a great fit as the cute yellow, electrical Pokemon. Also get ready to see live-action versions of Charmander, Charizard, Bulbasaur, Jigglypuff, Psyduck, Mr. Mime (who I caught when I was in Ireland … I digress!), and more.
“Pokemon Detective Pikachu” will catch them all in theaters May 10, 2019.
“Toy Story 4”
Nine years after “Toy Story 3,” the fourth entry in Disney-Pixar’s much-loved “Toy Story” franchise brings back Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), Jessie (Joan Cusack) and more in a brand new adventure.
The teaser trailer introduces a new toy, Forky (voiced by Tony Hale), who is added to the mix of toys now residing with Bonnie. After Forky joins the gang, they go on a road trip and discover just how big the world can be.
In addition to returning favorites, the film adds more stars to its top-name cast, including Jordan Peele, Keegan-Michael Key and Keanu Reeves.
“Toy Story 4” opens the toy box once again June 21, 2019.
Rebecca Kivak and Joe Baress write about movies for Take 2 blog. Together, they review current flicks and offer their insights into the latest movie news. Rebecca is a copy editor and page designer at The Times-Tribune. She started her career with Times-Shamrock Newspapers in 2005 and has won several professional journalism awards for page design and headline writing. She also covers NASCAR races from Pocono Raceway. Contact: rkivak@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5126; @TTRebeccaKivak
