2022 was a strange year for us cinema going, movie fans. Halfway through we were told that Cineworld and Picture House were in trouble. Financially they were facing ruin and many of their buildings were in danger of closing. As I am on first name terms with some of the staff at my local Cineworld I immediately made enquires and asked them if they were concerned for their jobs. Everyone I spoke to said “No” and that they had been told it was business as usual.
And here we are at the start of 2023 and as far I am aware not only Cineworld but cinema in general is alive a kicking. A slew of big budget releases towards the end of last year helped. Films like Top Gun Maverick, Elvis, Black Panther: Wankada for Ever, Avatar 2 and Lyle Lyle Crocodile ensure that the box office tills kept ringing and did great business. 2022 was the year when the British came back with a vengeance. I began to lose count of the number of great British movies that came out during 2022. Among my favourites were films such as Living, The Duke, The Banshee’s of Insherin, The Lost King, The Phantom of the Open, Catherine Called Birdy, Mrs Harris Goes to Paris and Mr Malcolm’s List. These and others proved that the British film industry is alive, and productive as it ever was. Long may that continue.
So, with the dawning of the new year what do have to look forward to? Well, June 30th is already circled in my diary. That’s the day that the next Indiana Jones film will be released. For the first time in the series’ history Steven Spielberg is not directing this film, yet it promises to be a real treat, and not just for fans of the franchise. The film is entitled Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Early trailers promise lots of action and an intriguing story, as our hero searches for another artifact.
Early in the year watch out for new films by Sam Mendes and Steve Spielberg. Mendes takes us to Margate for a romantic comedy set around a cinema. The film stars Olivia Colman and may well earn her even more award nominations. Empire of Light is a joy from start to finish. Spielberg takes us back into his childhood in the semi biographical The Fableman. Another fan favourite Tom Hanks plays Forest Grump, sorry, AMan Called Otto in a delightful but bitter sweet comedy. A remake of the Swedish original, Tom is superb as a grumpy widower.
There will of course be more comic book superhero films with Marvel’s Antman leading the way with The Guardians of the Galaxy not far behind. Disney are bringing us more live action versions of their classic animated features: First up The Little Mermaidwith Halle Berry in the title role, and Science Fiction fans will be looking forward to Dune 2, out in time for Christmas next year. As we move in the new year there is much to look forward to indeed.
Will these new films turn out to be classics or duds? Who knows! enjoy your cinema trips!
Main photo credit: Donald Tong via Pexels
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