“The Adam Project” is directed by Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum, Real Steel) and stars Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool, The Hitman’s Bodyguard), Walker Scobell, Mark Ruffalo (Dark Waters, The Avengers), Jennifer Garner (Love, Simon, Peppermint), Catherine Keener (The Croods, Incredibles 2), and Zoe Saldana (Guardians of the Galaxy, Avatar) in a film where a man named Adam travels back in time and comes in contact with his 12-year-old self. Together, they join forces as they fight to protect time as they know it.
One of my favorite movies of the last year is “Free Guy,” directed by Shawn Levy. The director defined my childhood with the first two “Night at the Museum” movies so I owe him a debt of gratitude. And to know that Levy and Reynolds would be getting together for another teamup after their last totally epic, bonkers outing, was nothing short of exciting. I thought it was somewhat unfortunate that this outing would not be as big of a theatrical release given how this is a Netflix film, but I was still convinced to watch it. After all, I ended up earning a free link to watch “The Adam Project” over a week and a half before the film actually came out. So I watched it, gathered my thoughts, and now I am ready to share them with you all.
Let me just start off with this, “Free Guy” ended up being one of the most gutbusting and smile-inducing movies I watched in the past year. But I also recognize that it is probably not for everyone, even though it ended up being one of the rare action films my mom actually somehow ended up watching from start to finish. But even though these are two different movies, I think if you enjoyed some of the choices and styles represented in “Free Guy,” I think you are going to enjoy some of the choices and styles represented in “The Adam Project.” I do not think “The Adam Project” is going to win Best Picture, but it is a movie that for me, accomplished all of its goals it set out to acquire. It was action-packed, pretty, funny, and ended up having a little bit of heart. Basically, if you combined some of the bigger movies of the 1980s like “Back to the Future” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” with “Free Guy,” you basically get “The Adam Project.”
Think about it. All these properties have time travel, the protagonists have to save the timeline in addition to civilization and themselves, and the combo between young and older Adam kind of gives the same vibe I get when looking at the T-800 and young John Connor in “Terminator 2.” Basically, this is “Free Guy” without all the licensed crap attached, which may be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it. I was extremely satisfied to see Ryan Reynolds holding a Captain America shield in “Free Guy,” but let’s just say I am glad that not every movie in existence is like that.
Ryan Reynolds does wield a lightsaber in this movie. …Kind of. So there’s that.
“The Adam Project” takes its time and sticks to its main characters, there are no humungous cameos, although there are plenty of notable actors in the film. For a film like this, I prefer that. In fact, there are one or two lines in here that I almost feel like are a dig on movie watchers in general, but also a select few that specifically target the stereotypical moviegoer who usually shells out a few bucks for the latest comic book movie, waits two months, shells out another few bucks for an even newer comic book movie, and so on. It’s all part of the lovable chemistry between these two Adams, and speaking of which, we are going to talk about one of them.
This movie is the acting debut of Walker Scobell, and for a first role, Scobell is given a lot to do. And he does all of it well. All of his lines feel authentic, he’s got the right level of hyperactivity for a role like this, I think as far as a young Ryan Reynolds interpretation goes, the hair’s an interesting choice, but we’ve all made altering choices in life. Scobell is an actor I want to keep my eye on, and “The Adam Project” is hopefully the start of a lively career. Ryan Reynolds is also a terrific addition to this dynamic duo. There is a really compelling scene when they first meet, I totally buy into their relationship from the getgo. I believe everything they’re saying. I believe they’re the same person. All I want is for them to stand together a bit longer.
One of the best and worst parts of “The Adam Project” is the visual effects. Like many modern science fiction movies, there are a ton of polished, crisp ships flying around everywhere. There’s a lot of computer generated detail that goes into a movie like this. So when there’s a battle in the air, that provides for an entertaining experience, and one that makes me envious of those who ultimately end up watching this film theatrically. On the other hand, there is a fair share of visuals that look like they belong in a video game. Now, I like video games. Video games are fun. But there is a clear difference between how things should look in a movie and how things should look in a video game. Some of the weaponry in this film looks like stereotypical sci-fi nonsense, and some of it works, but there’s also some that look like they would never exist in real life. They have colors that are almost invisible to the naked eye.
I think the big problem I have with “The Adam Project,” as nitpicky as it may sound, happens to be the scenes where the color palette is as bright as it can be. While this bright color grade matches the lighthearted fun the film has, it also makes the film look too clean and dream-like. It’s like every other scene has too much blue or too much green. Or the lens is permanently soaked in water. It kind of reminds me of what some people say about the “Star Wars” prequels compared to the originals, noting that the prequels are much cleaner than their original counterparts. I wonder if maybe the film changed the color grading a little, or maybe if they shot it in a different format, perhaps on film, that we would have a look that felt more believable. At times, the film reaches for the stars and goes for something that almost resembles a fantasy vibe, but I also want a tad of realism.
Although let’s end this review on a happy note. I am also delighted and surprised to confirm how emotionally charging this film is. I’ve talked about about the two Adams and their connection to each other. But the one thing that I should note to the parents or families reading this, I think the characters will resonate with you in one way or another because of their family dynamic. I’m not just talking about Walker Scobell and Ryan Reynolds, but Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner play roles that feel occasionally nostalgic and charming to take in, especially when you have one or two of the Adams by their side. The end of the movie really got to me, especially as someone who may relate to the young Adam, but not in the way that he experiences life. Let’s just say that I did not go through a family tragedy in the way he did, but I empathize with him at his age for what happened AFTER said family tragedy. This movie is wonderful, watch it if you can.
In the end, “The Adam Project” is a film that feels like it was made in the 1980s, but with a 2022 flair. And I mean that in a good way, because the 1980s have brought some pretty kick-ass movies. I love the connection between young and old Adam, the supporting cast for the most part brought plenty of fun and charisma to the final product, and I had my eyes glued to the screen the whole time. Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds are supposedly making “Deadpool 3” together if all goes according to plan. You know what? If it is bound to be as good as the last two movies they made, sign me up! Because “Free Guy” was awesome and now, months after that movie came out, I’m going to give “The Adam Project” an 8/10!
“The Adam Project” is now available to watch anytime on Netflix for all subscribers.
Thanks for reading this review! If you enjoyed this review, be sure to stay tuned for my reviews of “The Batman” and “Turning Red,” coming soon! But before that, ON SUNDAY, MARCH 27TH! PREPARE FOR THE FOURTH EDITION OF THE LEAST MOST IMPORTANT AWARDS CEREMONY OF ALL TIME! THE 4TH ANNUAL JACKOFF AWARDS! Again, that’s SUNDAY, MARCH 27TH! It’s the same day as that other ceremony that refuses to present the entire Film Editing category. If you want to vote for Best Picture, vote here! That said, if you enjoyed this post, follow Scene Before either with an email or WordPress account and check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “The Adam Project?” What did you think about it? Or, what are your thoughts on “Free Guy?” Which of these two films do you like better? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
Hey everyone, Jack Drees here! Happy start to the new year as we get excited for another slate of movies and cinematic history! Speaking of cinematic history, it’s time to reflect on some of said history as I count down the top 10 BEST movies of 2021. If you are new to Scene Before or have not read my countdowns in the past, the rules go a little something like this. First off, this is a subjective list. This is a list of the movies that I think are the best. This is not a test of how much I know about movies, nor should it be a test of how much you and I agree on movies. As the old saying goes, different strokes for different folks. Also, I should note that I have not seen every single movie that has come out in 2021. I still have not seen “Licorice Pizza,” I still have not seen “Don’t Look Up,” I still have not seen “The Matrix Resurrections.” I have not had the time or motivation to see every movie that has come out this year, it’s just the way it is. So if you’re wondering why there’s a movie that is not on this list, I either didn’t enjoy it as much as the ten listed here, or I didn’t see it. One or the other. OR, it was not released in theaters. For the sake of not clogging this list, I’m only listing films that came out this year theatrically, so apologies in advance to “Zack Snyder’s Justice League,” as good as that movie is. Before we dive into my main ten, I want to list three honorable mentions.
Honorable Mention: Tick, Tick…BOOM!
Kicking off the honorable mentions list is “Tick, Tick…BOOM!” “Tick, Tick…BOOM!” stars Andrew Garfield as Jonathan Larson, who would eventually go on to create the musical “Rent.” Speaking of musicals, this is a beautifully done couple hours of Andrew Garfield singing and dancing his way through life as a struggling artist that sort of reminded me of my own life as an aspiring artist myself.
Honorable Mention: Eternals
Up next for honorable mentions is “Eternals.” “Eternals” is the twenty-sixth MCU movie and Chloe Zhao’s first film released after the Oscar-winning “Nomadland.” This film introduces a bunch of new characters to the universe and gives them all their own moment to shine through a beautiful, visually stunning, slightly romantic tale that makes many of the other Marvel Cinematic Universe installments feel small.
Honorable Mention: West Side Story
And finally for honorable mentions, we have “West Side Story.” I saw this film at an IMAX Fan Event and was blown away. Rachel Zegler shines as the lead role of Maria, and the same can be said for a lot of the other actors in their respective roles, especially Ariana DeBose as Anita. With stellar cinematography, an enchanting retelling of a classic tale, and dazzling musical sequences, “West Side Story” is my favorite musical of the year. Steven Spielberg has another top-notch project to put on his endless resume.
With that being said, these are my top 10 BEST movies of 2021!
#10. Free Guy
Starting off this list is “Free Guy!” I was looking forward to this movie for a long time. The film was originally set to come out as early as summer of 2020, but of course, it got pushed back multiple times due to COVID-19. Honestly, it was worth the wait. I think this is a perfect film for today’s gaming culture because it successfully deals with topics and issues that gamers have to push themselves through today between microtransactions and not being in on the latest trends. But even with that in mind, it is just a damn good movie. Directed by Shawn Levy of “Night at the Museum” fame, this film centers around a non-playable character who wants to become a hero in a video game after realizing how mundane his life is. That’s a cool concept, which eventually becomes well executed. Ryan Reynolds stars in this film and at times you can say that you can pick on some of his trademarks as an actor, but for a film like this, it works. Plus the climax is epic and hilarious in every way. There are only a couple movies I can think of this year where I’ve laughed harder. If you like Taika Waititi already, I promise you, you will want his autograph with authentication on it by the end of this film. The dude plays this executive and he’s got the personality of a DJ who spends his spare time in a gang or something! I don’t know if his mannerisms were his ideas or the director’s, but he brought this character to life! I think “Free Guy” is one of this year’s most accessible, fun, and entertaining flicks. Check it out!
#9. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
This year we returned to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and while “Black Widow” was entertaining, it is not good enough to be on this list. So instead, we’re gonna talk about the badass film that came out after it, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings!” This has everything an MCU origin story needs and more. New likable characters, intense non-stop action, and glorious CGI from start to finish. I will admit, the third act is a bit of diversion from the first two, which is why this is a bit lower on the list, but I still had a ton of fun with it. I saw it twice in IMAX and I had fun both times. Also, can we just admit that Wong may be arguably the MCU’s best supporting character at this point? People often joke about the MCU and how it often relies on humor to keep things going. This film is no exception when it comes to humor, and by that, I mean, it is sometimes ridiculously funny. It’s got some of the most laugh out loud lines I’ve heard in the saga. There are quite a few martial arts sequences that it feels weird to say, twenty-something movies in, had my jaw drop to the floor in regard to how marvelous they were executed. They were quickly paced, fun, and had me on the edge of my seat. What really makes the movie though is the chemistry between the characters. There’s a lot of family drama within Shaun and the people who raised him, and I felt all of that. Also, I could literally watch a sitcom with the two main characters, Shaun and Katy. The two are delightful together and brilliantly cast. Simu Liu and Awkwafina have brought one of my favorite relationships into the MCU today. I don’t often think my mother would want to watch a comic book movie in her spare time, it’s never been her genre, but I would recommend this film even to her. I think it’s just an easy film to digest. If you’re not into comic books or superheroes, I think you’d still like this movie, and that is one of the best compliments I can give a movie of this kind.
#8. The Last Duel
Coming in at #8 is “The Last Duel!” Ridley Scott directed two movies that came out in 2021, the other being “House of Gucci.” Of those two, I only saw this one, and it was great! This film is told in a rather unconventional order, but I think it was a great way to go about telling this story. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon deliver their first script to the big screen together since “Good Will Hunting” and brings in a compelling cast along with them. Adam Driver gives one of the best performances I have seen from him. Jodie Comer, who was already delightful in “Free Guy” is a different kind of great in “The Last Duel.” This film ultimately reveals what happens when you have one story, and three different people with altering perspectives. I left this film feeling satisfied because of how it ended, but to get to that ending, I had to go through one of the all-time most uncomfortable moments I’ve endured as a moviegoer, but it made the ending incredibly worthwhile and all the more fulfilling.
#7. Dune
At #7, we have “Dune!” I tried reading the book for “Dune” and gave up quickly. It’s not that I didn’t like it, I just didn’t have time for it, but it did not stop me from absolutely looking forward to the “Dune” movie. It was my most anticipated film of the year and it did not disappoint. This is sci-fi at its finest. Denis Villeneuve continues to make a case as to why he’s one of the best directors working today. “Dune” has been out since October, so I don’t know if it is still in cinemas near you, but if it is, or if it ever comes back, PLEASE make an effort to go see it in a theater. Maybe Oscar season will give it some help. “Dune” was by far one of the best experiences I’ve had watching a movie on the big screen in some time. I went to the press screening for it the day before it opened, I had one of those end seats right next to the wall. It’s one of those situations where there’s two seats next to the stairs, then on the other side is the main part of the row. At times I could literally feel the wall next to me shaking like there’s no tomorrow. “Dune” is a film that introduces its fair share of lore and characters, and rarely is it ever uninteresting. People argue that the ending of this film is a bit abrupt, and you could make that argument, I could see why you would say that. But this film ends at a proper place. It’s Paul Atreides starting at one point, fulfilling an arch, and therefore finishing at another. To me, it didn’t feel abrupt, it felt like the end of one story and the start of another. As for that other story, I cannot wait for it. 2023 is gonna be epic when “Dune: Part Two” hits the big screen.
#6. Four Good Days
Coming in at the next spot is “Four Good Days,” which is arguably Mila Kunis’s best work as a performer. Well, acting-wise I should say. “Family Guy” as a concept has heavily influenced me over the years, but that’s more on the written portion than anything else. But when it comes to “Four Good Days,” this is one of those movies that came out of nowhere for me. I honestly don’t know if I wouldn’t have seen this if it weren’t for seeing a clip of it on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” so good on them for advertising it properly. Kudos to the marketing crew. As for the actual movie, it is one of those movies that is hard to believe that it is somehow in actuality, a true story. It’s real. A lot of things were changed in the film, but the story is nevertheless real. Mila Kunis and Glenn Close have dynamite chemistry and may be one of the best on-screen pairs I have seen in a long time. If you have a chance, check this movie out. One of the most moving experiences I’ve felt in a while.
#5. Raya and the Last Dragon
Up next, is one of this year’s surprises and overall best animations, Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon!” If you know the history of this movie and all the development changes that happened after all the press it got at D23, you could look at it with a bit of skepticism, but it turns out that the changes did not matter much as the movie kicks ass from start to finish! All the characters from Raya to Sisu to Boun are charming and inviting. This movie is so hypnotizing and fun that it is easy to forget that the villain is literally a bunch of blobs. How imaginative! Either way, if you want a great family movie, I give this the highest of recommendations. Also, shoutout to James Newton Howard, your score is incredible. I listened to the prologue several times this year. Weirdly enough, and I’m not complaining about this because it works, this is one of the rare Disney animated movies where you don’t see anyone singing. If you ask me, this is what the live-action “Mulan” should have been. Take notes! Also, between Netflix’s “Over the Moon,” which more people should watch at least one time and “Raya and the Last Dragon,” animation revolving around Asian culture has been killing it lately!
#4. Spider-Man: No Way Home
For many, this was the most anticipated film of the year. For me, it was kind of that at first, then the more I thought about it, the more nervous I became. Then I saw the movie only to have said nerves washed away. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you… “Spider-Man: No Way Home.” This is the second top 10 in Scene Before history, not counting honorable mentions or MCU films where he is not the focal point, where a movie featuring Spider-Man makes it in. This character is showing no signs of slowing down. Every goal that this movie had written down, it checked off. It entertained the audience. It brought nostalgic feels while also trying to freshen up the characters of today. For me, this was an event film that felt bigger than “Avengers: Endgame,” because I went to see this film twice in two days and both times my theater LOST their minds over everything that was on screen. And I gotta give credit to Jon Watts and the writers of this film. Even though this film relies heavily on aspects of the past, it’s not like the live-actionish version of “The Lion King” where it doesn’t try anything new. There are some real character moments in this film that I personally was not ready for. I knew given how this was the third film of a trilogy, I would be getting something rather emotional, but even with that, seeing this all play out made me motionless a couple times. Tom Holland is great as Spider-Man and gives his best portrayal of the character yet. Alfred Molina as Doc Ock is back and just as impressive as his 2004 interpretation. And I would argue Willem Dafoe is even better in this film than he was in 2002’s “Spider-Man.” Do I think we’re getting too many superhero movies? If they continue to make them as good as this, then absolutely not. If we kept getting more movies like “No Way Home” as opposed to “The Amazing Spider-Man 2,” then bring em on!
#3. Last Night in Soho
We are nearing the end of this countdown and I cannot go on without mentioning Edgar Wright’s latest master class work, “Last Night in Soho.” This film reminded me of why I love movies. I went to see this at a 9:30 p.m. opening Thursday night screening at a historic venue near Boston in 35mm. I went for the nostalgic gimmick and intent to support local cinema, by the way, if you are a cinephile and in the Boston area, PLEASE make a trip to the Coolidge, but I ended up getting something much more. “Last Night in Soho” works not only because of Edgar Wright’s neon-infused, trippy, downright disturbing vision, but because of the compelling performances of its two lead actresses, Thomasin Mackenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy, the latter of whom I’ve seen in other works, but I will say this is probably the best she’s done to this day in regards to cinema. I will admit, I am a sucker for neon. It’s my favorite chemical element. Gosh, that’s how much of a nerd I am. I literally have a favorite element on the periodic table. Therefore, I was a tad predisposed to loving the atmosphere of the film as it waltzed back and forth from the 1960s London to present London. Each and every frame had me transfixed on the screen like I was five years old and looking at action figures. I had an idea on how they did some scenes as I looked at the shots, but part of me wanted to know as soon as I left the film how they put certain scenes together. I mean, even if you take out the fantasy and horror element, at its core, this movie is about dreams. Like “La La Land,” where the whole idea of the film is about people who want to pursue what they love, and the consequences or dangers they may face because of it. The two films are completely different in terms of setting, genre, subject matter, and I’d say the movie we’re focusing on is more dramatic as opposed to comedic, but they have similar themes and the main characters have alike motivations. “Last Night in Soho” is perfect for any movie night with the lights dimmed and the popcorn right in the palm of your hand.
#2. The Mitchells vs. the Machines
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my favorite animated movie of the year, and I would also claim that this is the hardest I’ve laughed at an animation since “The LEGO Movie,” it’s another project from producers Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, “The Mitchells vs. the Machines!” I waited months to watch this film, but after I watched it, I don’t think I’ve felt as satisfied after watching an animation since last year’s “Over the Moon.” Yep, I’m mentioning that movie again, it’s that good. This is a brilliant story about a dysfunctional family whose lives collide between tools and technology. The dad is obviously tech-challenged, but everyone else, including our lead character Katie, has a hang on things. The film does what a lot of other films with a sci-fi angle have done over the years like “The Terminator” and “2001,” which basically develops the story to the point where the robots try to destroy humanity and take over. Not a new concept, but the way it is handled here is INCREDIBLY fresh and the evil A.I. antagonist is undeniably brutal and ridiculously savage. It’s like if GLaDOS from “Portal” were transferred into a cell phone and had the ability to magically disintegrate the remains of Siri, Alexa, Cortana, and OK, Google! I love this movie. I enjoy animations, and I hate how people think animations are “only for kids,” because this one can suggest that THEY ARE NOT. This is probably the most fun I’ve had watching an animation in some time. There are actually some really dark images I’m almost shocked this movie got away with. And of all the movies I have seen this year, “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” may have the greatest replay value because they pack the screen with so much information that I want to look at all of it in clear detail. Between that, in addition to the the unique animation style, a concept that Lord and Miller are not a stranger to courtesy of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” and the bone-breaking, throat-destroying hilarious writing, “The Mitchells vs. The Machines” is probably going to warrant repeat viewings. All movies are made to make money, but I think “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” comes off as this year’s greatest animated passion project!
#1. The Suicide Squad
Alright, here we go. We have made it to #1 and I assure you all that this pick was probably a definite since I first saw the movie. If you thought “Spider-Man: No Way Home” would be my favorite comic book movie of the year, guess what? You’re wrong! The film is epic in every way, but because of a couple minor issues, it’s lower on the list. This next film is a comic book movie that met every expectation, sometimes exceeding it, gave me one of the best theatrical experiences of the year, and made me laugh harder than I do during most comedies! James Gunn, you have done it again! My #1 movie of 2021 is the bloody, the brilliant, the diabolically insane masterpiece! I’m talking about “The Suicide Squad!” I have not seen every single DC movie in existence. I’ve seen a lot of the highly praised ones like “The Dark Knight,” Tim Burton’s “Batman,” “V For Vendetta,” and I honestly think “The Suicide Squad” outranks ALL of them! This film is not only ridiculous, mature fun, but it is also a surprise! Because if you wondered where my excitement level was in 2020 when this movie was being made, I would have put them low considering how 2016’s “Suicide Squad” was not that great, and “Birds of Prey” was barely passable and I mean BARELY despite the amazing talent of Margot Robbie. When I saw the trailers for this film, I was fully onboard. It promised brutal action, an immature yet genius script, and tons of humor. And we got all of those! But what I was not expecting months before going into “The Suicide Squad” is the amount of heart it had. James Gunn, based on his outings with the “Guardians of the Galaxy” has a delightful way of balancing mile a minute humor with real connections with real people, even if they aren’t people! This film got me to care about a man-eating shark who wears shorts and has the vocabulary level of a three-year-old. On the surface, he’s a killer that will tear you apart, but at the end of the day, all he wanted was friends. Polka Dot Man… Holy s*it. I LOVE HIM. I was at a mall the day after I saw this movie and I bought his Funko the moment I saw him. Polka Dot Man may have the most twisted mind I have seen in recent film history. He turns people into his mom and kills them! I mean, the guy on the surface is practically a joke character, but they successfully managed to turn a joke into a logical part of a storyline that made sense and provided real depth and emotion. I love what they did with him. Ratcatcher II may be responsible for delivering this year’s most emotionally charging ending. I won’t even say what it is, but the second time I watched this film after obtaining it on 4K Blu-ray, I had water in my eyes because she highlighted this film’s idea of people being misunderstood. What it means to come off a certain way and not be given a chance. This is the third movie with Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and this is frankly the best she’s ever been as the character. She’s wonderfully insane, occasionally loud and upbeat, and super funny when she needs to be. There is a great scene, very well directed I’d say, where we see Harley killing all these people and we get her perspective on it, and she basically thinks she’s in wonderland! It’s kind of sick, but beautiful! Will Smith did not come back for this film, instead the lead this time is Idris Elba, and much like 2016’s “Suicide Squad,” which had Will Smith playing Deadshot, Elba’s character of Bloodsport is doing the mission he’s assigned to for his kid. His rivalry with Peacemaker, oh my god. That was fun to watch. Speaking of Peacemaker, I think his costume may be the most ridiculous yet awesome costume in recent superhero movie history. Yes, it’s comic accurate, but it literally looks like something out of a kids superhero movie, but based on the content of this R rated film, it did not distract me, especially from the surprisingly compelling performance from John Cena himself. He’s been in things in the past, but he’s not exactly proven his acting abilities to the world. “The Suicide Squad” however made him incredibly convincing. Most specifically in the third act. Some might compare this to “Guardians of the Galaxy,” which too was directed by James Gunn, because it has criminals trying to save the universe, and both involve select comic book characters that some regular Joes won’t be able to point out, but I honestly think this movie did that concept better. It handles SO MUCH blood and gore while also trying to provide hints of heart every which way, and that makes this movie so damn watchable. This is the best R rated comic book flick I have seen in my life, and the fact that this film is OVER “Spider-Man: No Way Home” on this list to me represents how great of a year it is for the genre, even if “The Suicide Squad” undeservedly flopped at the box office. I’d think twice before putting this film on with your kids, but I highly recommend it to just about anyone who loves a great action film with tons of humor. “The Suicide Squad” is my personal favorite film of 2021.
Thanks for reading this countdown! I always enjoy recapping the year in film and showcasing my favorites of the year, and depending on how things go in the next month or two, these ten films could be the Best Picture nominees of the Scene Before award show, The 4th Annual Jackoff Awards! I’ve still got more movies to see, so things could change! I always love celebrating the things I love. But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end as tomorrow I will be releasing my list for the top 10 WORST movies of 2021. This year, collectively, was a better year for film than the last, but trust me when I say that within all the special snowfalls that looked pretty, we had some occasional treacherous downpours. We’ll be talking about those TOMORROW, January 12th! If you want to see this list and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Scene Before Facebook page! I want to know, what are your favorite movies of 2021? Our lists are probably not the same, so I am excited to hear your picks! List them in the comments! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
“Free Guy” is directed by Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum, Real Steel) and stars Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool, The Proposal), Jodie Comer (Killing Eve, The White Princess), Lil Rel Howrey (Uncle Drew, The Carmichael Show), Utkarsh Ambudkar (The Mindy Project, The Muppets), Joe Keery (Stranger Things, Chicago Fire), and Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit). This film is primarily set in Free City, a massive sandbox video game where players can control characters through a massive city and go on missions. Guy, an NPC (non-playable character), discovers the secrets of the game and breaks the rules of his own character. While he is typically a bank teller who often finds himself in the middle of a robbery, he gets bored of doing the same thing over and over again and decides to level up his life while also trying to win the girl of his dreams.
I love Ryan Reynolds. The word “movie star” does not have as big of an impact as it may have years ago with faces including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Will Smith dominating the big screen with their blockbuster titles. There are a few big “movie stars” that have risen to astronomical heights over the years including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and others who have maintained their fame for years including Tom Cruise. When it comes to the conversation of which actor is currently the biggest star in the world, Ryan Reynolds has to be in the conversation every single time. He is one of Canada’s finest exports and adds a flair to every movie he’s in. This even includes ones I don’t like such as “The Croods” or “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard.”
The concept of “Free Guy” by itself, where a video game NPC increasingly gains a sense of consciousness and humanity, is already one that could be considered a recipe for greatness. But if you put Ryan Reynolds into the picture, you’ve taken a great movie and bumped up its power by five times. This is a film that had a bumpy road in terms of its marketing. In fact I think the best trailer we got of the film was in 2019 when it made fun of Disney for putting out its animated titles in live-action form. I thought it was genius because it sounded like humor that would associate with Ryan Reynolds, especially considering how he has dominated the meta humor concept with a film like “Deadpool” and its sequel. The trailers after weren’t bad, but they did not live up to the original for me. Although there was a great piece of marketing that had Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool sitting next to Korg (Taika Waititi) doing what could only be a parody of a YouTube trailer reaction video. I was excited for this film despite the mixed road to get to the official release. And I say that even without acknowledging the ongoing pandemic, not that it should be forgotten.
What did I think of “Free Guy?”
Simply put, I had a lot of fun with “Free Guy.” When it comes to movies set in a video game universe, I think “Ready Player One,” which “Free Guy” reminded me of at times and is coincidentally also written by Zak Penn, is a slightly better film. But “Free Guy” takes a cool concept and gives it a smooth execution in the end. And I should not be surprised that this film is as good as it is. Because director Shawn Levy, whose recent projects include Paramount’s “Arrival” and Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” is a master at creating a film for everyone. One of my favorite films from my childhood is “Night at the Museum.” It is a film that does not exactly feel like it is being targeted at kids, but when it comes to both titles, many children could watch the film, understand much of what is going on, and appreciate everything in front of them. At the same time, adults could watch this film and have a great time with it. The first two films in that particular franchise have been a cornerstone of movie nights in my family. To see Levy do a movie like this does not surprise me, and if anything else, it pleases me.
For starters, it is an original idea, which in terms of blockbusters, feel very few and far between. In fact, this is technically the first Disney original live action film in years (technically because 20th Century Fox made it). I just love seeing creative, never before seen ideas come to life and “Free Guy” is a fine example of that.
Also, if the last couple decades have proven anything, people love video games, including me. Much of my childhood has been spent pushing the buttons on my Nintendo devices, so the idea of this film has a special place in my heart. I find it fascinating that this movie chooses to focus on someone who could be anyone and have them evolve. We look nowadays at video game NPCs as tools to let the player do their thing. But to have what is technically a tool sprout into something more is flat out fascinating. Yeah, it kind of feels like that cliche idea that “anyone’s special,” which as Dash from “The Incredibles,” would suggest, “which is another way of saying no one is.” It’s a cliche idea, but it is brought to life through something incredibly creative in addition to Ryan Reynolds’s terrific encapsulation of Guy.
One thing I’ve always noticed while I play a video game is that when you go by NPCs, they’ll often spew the same things out of their mouth over and over. A big part of that is because they’re portrayed by a certain actor, and actors will record a limited number of lines for a certain character, therefore they can only do so much. Therefore, NPCs are usually one-dimensional, do not have much personality, and are often in the background. In the case of Guy, I think Ryan Reynolds did a good job at making the character not feel flat or putting him in a sphere that makes his personality limited. In fact, Reynolds brings a sense of hyperactivity to his character despite him having a life that most would consider boring. Guy is a banker who drinks the same cup of coffee every day and says good morning to his goldfish by his bedside. This is an everyday routine for him, but he seems to accept it because he’s programmed that way.
Now I like Taika Waititi, but I think “Free Guy” has only increased the chances of me wanting to get together with the dude for lunch. You know how a lot of films directed towards young audiences will have an over the top villain? Taika Waititi’s character of Antwan almost seems to find himself within the confines of that description. Not that this movie is specifically for children, but nevertheless. In a lot of cases, this could be a turnoff because then the film could become a live-action cartoon, but not in “Free Guy!” If anything, Waititi’s performance is an utter enhancement in this film. The mixture of his lines and hyped up antics arguably makes him the best character of the movie. It kind of reminds me of another film Shawn Levy directed, “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,” because that film’s villain was Kahmunrah, and he was perhaps written and presented in such a way that could arguably make him cartoony, but it was presented in such a way where Levy and actor Hank Azaria seemed to embrace the silly that the script listed. As far as “Free Guy” is concerned, Taika Waititi plays a guy who might as well be jacked up on Red Bull all the time and does not seem to care much about others. As far as I’m concerned, I love the execution of this character, and I almost wonder if part of why it worked so well was because of the casting. I cannot imagine anyone other than Waititi playing Antwan at this point.
Without spoilers, the climax of “Free Guy” is a thing of beauty. The film just goes straight into becoming “Garry’s Mod” of all things. There’s some stuff in this climax that I had almost zero warning about going into it, and I think if you want to have the same reaction, do everything you can to avoid any online discussion about the end of the film. It is in a word, “epic.”
If I had any problems with “Free Guy” it would be that the film does get into some impractical nonsense by the end that comes off more or less as a plot convenience more than anything else. It is not a humungous turnoff as the rest of the film is nicely structured but there’s one moment towards the end that feels jumbled in terms of execution, and it’s a pretty important one. Maybe in the script, it sounds more coherent, but in the final product, it sounds kind of… pun intended, pixelated. It’s kind of sad considering the impact the moment was trying to deliver, but for some reason, they could not stick the landing.
This one moment does not take much away from the literal joy I achieved from watching “Free Guy.” “Free Guy” is a crazy, fun adventure. I love the setting, I love the idea, I love how it seems to have fun with our modern video game culture and how much of a cash cow it has become in addition to being heavy entertainment. I left this movie wanting more. I want to see more of Guy, Molotov Girl, Buddy, all the characters in this film were utter delights. I legit think that this is a movie that anyone could watch and enjoy. I sometimes go to see movies with my mom, and most of the movies I see with her are ones that usually are not action heavy or horror heavy. Despite the action heaviness of “Free Guy,” I legit think that this is a movie that my mother could put on and have a ball with despite some things being there that she may not usually tend to see on screen. If you like action, you’ll definitely like this movie, but the crew behind “Free Guy,” whether they intended to or not, did a really good job at creating something that a lot of people could find themselves attached to, even if it wasn’t specifically made for them. In that sort of way, I highly recommend “Free Guy” to anyone reading this and their friends.
In the end, “Free Guy” may solidify Ryan Reynolds as one of the finest Canadians to ever live and the film itself is easily one of my favorites of the year. Disney did not release this film on streaming. Granted, I do not know if they could have contractually, 20th Century Fox movies still go straight to HBO months after release. But from everything I’ve read, Disney practically had all the faith in the world given towards this movie. Based on what has been created, “Free Guy” has massive franchise potential. Heck, I could see this thing becoming a Disney ride at some point. The film is immersive, fun, bonkers, and just a straight up good time. “Free Guy” by the way is set in two different places. The real world and the game of “Free City.” to my surprise, the stuff that happens in the real world has the same level of intrigue as everything that happens in the world of “Free City.” To have the escape be as interesting as the world from which people are trying to escape is definitely pleasing. I’m going to give “Free Guy” an 8/10.
Also, if you need another reason to see this movie, you’ll get to see Alex Trebek one last time. Seeing him on screen brought a smile to my face and I am sure it will for many other viewers as well.
“Free Guy” is now playing exclusively in theaters and IMAX. Get your tickets now!
Thanks for reading this review! I just want to remind everyone that on Monday, August 23rd, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Revenge of the Nerds III: The Next Generation.” The film is not as often talked about as the original, partially because it was made for television. But I am here to talk about it as we dive deeper into my ongoing review series, “Revenge of the Nerds: Nerds in Review” as we celebrate Scene Before’s fifth anniversary. And speaking of reviews, be sure to stay tuned for my review of “Don’t Breathe 2.” I just saw the film last night and I intend to talk about it soon. If you want to read all this and more on Scene Before, be sure to follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Scene Before Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Free Guy?” What did you think about it? Or, if you could put yourself in the universe of any video game, which one would it be? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
Hey everyone, Jack Drees here! So I did my top 10 best list of 2020, I did my top 10 worst list of 2020, and now that we’re in the new year, it is time to talk about my top 10 MOST ANTICIPATED movies of 2021. I have never done a most anticipated list before, but I figured since there are a lot of movies that are supposedly coming out in 2021, this marks a prime opportunity to discuss some potential hits for me. Couple rules before we get started. Just because these are the movies I am looking forward to, does not mean that you should too. I mean, if we have the same list, fantastic! But remember, this is completely subjective. Also, I am only going to be talking about movies that are releasing in cinemas at some point. If it is going straight to TV, straight to Netflix, straight to Disney+, it does not count. For now at least. I dunno, depending on how long the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, I may have to make 2021 an exception year as well where I count movies that were once going to release in theaters, but couldn’t for whatever reason. Movies like “Soul,” “The Witches,” and “Superintelligence.” By the way, don’t watch “Superintelligence.” I’m not gonna waste any time, I’m not doing any honorable mentions, I just want to dive into my main ten, so let’s do it! These are my top 10 MOST ANTICIPATED movies of 2021.
#10: Top Gun: Maverick
Starting off this list is “Top Gun: Maverick.” I am really excited for this film. The cinematography looks beautiful. The flight scenes look majestic. And I think Joseph Kosinski is a really good pick to helm a project like this. He’s done big scale blockbusters like “Tron: Legacy” and “Oblivion” in the past, so I think he’s a good fit. And of course, Tom Cruise is back as Maverick, who has been serving in the Navy for thirty years. I think “Top Gun” is a good film, but I think that “Top Gun: Maverick” has the potential to be better with the advances in technology, possibly a great emphasis on Maverick himself as a character and where he stands as a person. This film was supposed to be put out in 2019, but they pushed it back to manage complex flight sequences. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the film got delayed a couple more times, and now it is hopefully in its rightful place to potentially become one of the bigger summer hits of the year. Kelly McGillis, who was Tom Cruise’s love interest in the original film, will not be returning, but I personally don’t have the biggest problem with such a thing as I’ve heard the two did not always get along on set many years ago. Although Val Kilmer is back, so if you liked him in the original film, you have that to look forward to. And of course, Tom Cruise keeps with the cliché that he does his own stunts. He flies a jet, and I love that this film is going for practicality. Here’s hoping “Top Gun: Maverick” is a competitor for top dog of the year!
#9: Eternals
Up next, we have “Eternals.” This film was supposed to release in November 2020, but now it is coming out in November 2021. It has a star-studded cast consisting of Kumail Nanjiani, Salma Hayek, and Angelina Jolie. They’ve got some talented people in this film. But I should also mention that the director of this film is Chloe Zhao and if you don’t know anything about her, one movie she made that was supposed to hit theaters in 2020 has been killing it on the festival scene. I won’t say much about it, because spoiler, it is on the list. If she created a Best Picture frontrunner, I have faith she can make a great comic book movie. I have not read the source material, but the concept behind “Eternals” is nevertheless intriguing. Partially because it involves a story that kind of spans over thousands of years. I think that there is a ton of potential with this concept, and maybe it’ll be the next “Guardians of the Galaxy.” It takes a bunch of characters that mainstream audiences do not know much about, then makes them the talk of the town.
#8: The Last Duel
Speaking of films that were supposed to come out in 2020, we have “The Last Duel.” This film was going to have a limited release this Christmas with an expansion to more theaters on January 8th of the following year. “The Last Duel” is a film that has the potential to be one of the most beautiful-looking productions of the year. It is directed by Ridley Scott, who has made quite a name for himself over the years, and it is shot by Dariusz Wolski, who also shot one of my favorite 2020 films, “News of the World.” The film itself takes place in 14th century France and is about two best friends who have to fight to the death under the order of King Charles VI after one accuses the other of raping his wife. This sounds compelling, and I do not know what they’re ultimately going for with this film, but I would not be surprised if it is rated R. Adam Driver, who is building a terrific resume, is in this movie, but I should also mention that not only do Ben Affleck and Matt Damon star in the film, but they also wrote the screenplay together. The last time they wrote a screenplay, specifically “Good Will Hunting,” it won the duo an Oscar!
Who knows? Maybe this joke from “The Late Show with David Letterman” will come true! Go to 1:50, by the way. You’ll understand.
#7: No Time to Die
I have not seen many James Bond flicks, but it does not change the fact that I am super stoked for Daniel Craig’s final outing as 007, “No Time to Die.” Again, we have another movie that was supposed to hit theaters in 2020, but got pushed back a couple times due to the pandemic. I will admit, and I don’t know if this will surprise anybody, even though Billie Eilish has put out her song for this film, I have not listened to it yet despite it being out for awhile. All I can say is that I want to be surprised. This film looks exciting, action-packed, some of the stunts look incredible, and that is exactly what a Bond movie should deliver. Plus, this movie also features Ana de Armas (Blade Runner 2049, Knives Out), who not only happens to admittedly be a celebrity crush, but someone who is becoming one of my favorite actresses. This is her second film with Daniel Craig, given how they were in “Knives Out” together, so I’m excited to see them return. Once again, this is Daniel Craig’s final movie as Bond, so I hope they pull out all the stops on this one. Did I mention they shot part of the movie in IMAX? Sign me up!
#6: Spider-Man 3
Coming in at #6 is “Spider-Man 3,” or as some are calling it, “Untitled Spider-Man Sequel.” I kind of hope this next “Spider-Man” film has the word home in the title somewhere. Even if it is just to reference a scene where Peter Parker goes see a Mets game or something. You can just call the movie “Spider-Man: Home Run.” Speaking of which, this movie sounds like a home run. You’ve got Tom Holland returning, Benedict Cumberbatch, otherwise known as Doctor Strange is set to make an appearance, and based on what I’m speculating, there’s a lot of news going around as to how many characters this movie is getting and multiple universes colliding. They’ve already confirmed Jamie Foxx’s Electro is returning, the same goes for Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus. I don’t think there’s any official word on Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield coming in as of yet, which I’ll be honest, is a concept that presents a double-edged sword. On one hand, the more webheads, the better! In fact, Tobey Maguire’s “Spider-Man” partially shaped my childhood and love for film. At the same time though, this almost sounds like fan service just for the sake of fan service. I don’t watch any of the CW superhero shows like “The Flash” or “Supergirl” or “Black Lightning,” but I know they have these crossovers at various points. This almost sounds like the buildup to Crisis on Infinite Earths in that universe. By that I mean it’s clunky, almost unreal, and maybe it has *too much* fan service. At the same time though, the real reason why I am anticipating this film is because of where “Spider-Man: Far From Home” left us off. I won’t spoil anything for those who have not seen the movie, but some serious s*it might be brewing up.
#5: Free Guy
What’s the next movie? It’s Ryan Reynolds trapped in a video game! AWESOME! I’m talking about “Free Guy.” Not only does “Free Guy” come with a cool concept, but it stars Ryan Reynolds as a bank teller. Reynolds has been on a solid track record as an actor. Even in some movies where I don’t think the material is something to write home about, Reynolds is a highlight. I imagine this film is going to have that traditional Ryan Reynolds humor and schtick that you may have seen in “Deadpool” or “Pokemon: Detective Pikachu,” but it has yet to get old for me, so I happily welcome it. Ryan Reynolds is like Kevin Hart, he can play the same guy to some degree in every film he’s in, but it works every time. This film is also being directed by Shawn Levy who produced “Arrival,” one of my favorite sci-fi films of the past ten years. He’s also directed the “Night at the Museum” trilogy, which maybe except the third movie, are goldmines when it comes to comedy. I am curious to see what he can do with this video game-esque film. Also, I should mention that this film may be emotional for me, because I saw in one of the trailers that Alex Trebek makes an appearance. Granted, it just appears to be a cameo, but the moment he shows up on the screen could induce a tear depending on how long he’s up there. I love my game shows, what can I say? RIP Alex.
#4: Nomadland
Some might say this is a 2020 film, but I’m currently calling it a 2021 film as it has not been publicly released yet except for some festivals. Going back to Chloe Zhao, my next entry to this list is “Nomadland.” The reason why this is so high on this list is partially because of all the buzz I’ve been hearing. I barely know about this film. Yes, I know it is about a woman who lives through the Great Recession and she journeys through the American west. I’ve seen the trailer, I know some of the people involved. But this film has been winning award after award after award. At this point, some speculate it may be a frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars. Going back to the concept, we are living through the COVID-19 pandemic, and I have a feeling that this film is going to highlight struggles that we as a society could translate to modern times. And depending on where we go in regards to the economy, maybe we’ll see some similarities there too when it comes to themes and storylines. I first heard about this film back in September when the Venice Film Festival was going on, where it won the Golden Lion, and since then, I would hear about it every other day. The film was originally supposed to release in December of last year, but got pushed back to February of this year. I can’t wait to see what this is all about!
#3: Mission: Impossible 7
In 2018 I declared that my favorite film of the year is “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.” Admitedly, that kind of goes back and forth between that and “Avengers: Infinity War” from time to time, but it does not change the fact that it is one of my favorite action films ever. And I’m not gonna lie, the sequel, “Mission: Impossible 7” is shaping up to be something special. The last couple of “Mission: Impossible” films, which have been directed by Christopher McQuarrie, have been the best the franchise has to offer. So I am especially glad he is coming back for a third movie, which is supposedly going to be followed by an eighth installment with the same cast and crew. My brain tells me that maybe the eighth one will be the last one, but money talks. So, who knows? At this point, that’s my guess. Also coming back is Lorne Balfe, who did the score on “Fallout.” It is a great score and it admittedly helped me get through a cavity filling at the dentist one time, so I’d say Balfe did his job. Also, let’s not forget about Tom Cruise. Say what you want about Tom Cruise. He’s crazy. He’s in a cult. He’s a weirdo. Maybe. But he is one of my favorite actors working today and if these few months have shown anything, he loves this industry and will do anything to keep it going. I seriously wonder how they are going to top the helicopter scene in the climax of “Fallout,” but I think with enough determination, it can be done. Plus you have some other cast members including Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, and Vanessa Kirby. All these people have done a great job in the other “M:I” movies they are in. Also joining them is Mantis herself, Pom Klementieff. She seems charismatic enough to join the franchise, so I hope the crew can execute the best “Mission” yet.
#2: Babylon
I often talk about how my favorite director working today is Christopher Nolan. Those of you who know me realize that’s not a secret. But if I had to pick a runner-up, Damien Chazelle is an arguable contender, and that is just part of why I am super excited for “Babylon.” There are not many details disclosed yet about “Babylon,” but what I do know about “Babylon” is that it is a period piece set in Hollywood. And if you have been following the awards circuit, notably in recent years, Hollywood loves movies about itself. “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” was a huge hit critically and won Best Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes, and let’s not forget, Chazelle himself has experience making a hit film about Hollywood, “La La Land.” That film had 14 Oscar nominations, won 6 of them, swept the Golden Globes, and earned Best Film at the BAFTAs. While that is not my favorite Damien Chazelle outing, there is no doubt that he can create something special. Speaking of which, Margot Robbie will be starring in the film as Clara Bow, a famous actress who was featured in both silent film and talkies. Also joining the cast is Tobey Maguire, Li Jun Li, and Robbie’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” co-star, Brad Pitt. They’ve got some serious talent for this film, and for a few of these people, this almost feels like a trip down a somewhat recent memory lane. Not only is Chazelle directing this film, but he’s also writing the screenplay, and I’m happy about this because he’s a solid writer! Before “Whiplash” came out and became the talk of the town, Chazelle wrote “Grand Piano” starring Elijah Wood. The film itself gets a little far-fetched at times, but if you like suspense and killer music, that film may be for you. “Babylon” takes place during the transition from when Hollywood was going from silent film to talkies, I love this premise, and I think Chazelle is going to kill it with “Babylon.”
# 1: Dune
At one point, this was my most anticipated film of 2020, as it was supposed to come out last December. But it got delayed to October 2021, so I can now confirm that “Dune” is my most anticipated film of 2021! If you know me, you know I am all about the theatrical experience. I have a seemingly unhealthy obsession with it. Let’s just start off with the obvious. Having seen the first trailer, both at home and in cinemas, “Dune” looks like it was made for the big screen. There are a few action scenes that look intricate and awe-inspiring to the naked eye. The sand environments are beautiful and are magnificently captured by legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins, who returns alongside Denis Villeneuve, another one of my favorite directors working today. I’ll admit, I’m a bit behind on his films. I have not seen “Prisoners,” I have not seen “Sicario,” but having seen “Arrival” and “Blade Runner 2049,” I can only imagine the sheer scale and glory that “Dune” will encapsulate. Villeneuve has proven that he can bring great sci-fi to the big screen, and I am hoping he continues that with “Dune.” I have not read the book, although I do have the book and I plan to read it. I’m very excited to get on that. I also have not seen the David Lynch adaptation. Who knows if I’ll have time for it? But speaking of not acknowledging source material, this film is being scored by one of my favorite Hollywood composers, Hans Zimmer (Interstellar, Man of Steel). Not only is the legend himself gearing up to make some hopefully great music for “Dune,” but he has pointed out in 2019 that he has not seen the David Lynch version of the story. I like this, because for all I know, this maybe allows for a fresh take, unless somehow the movie ends up unintentionally coming off as David Lynch’s story 2.0. The cast is incredible! Timothee Chalamet (Interstellar, Call Me by Your Name), Jason Momoa (Game of Thrones, Aquaman), Zendaya (Spider-Man: Homecoming, The Greatest Showman), Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, Doctor Sleep), Josh Brolin (The Goonies, Avengers: Infinity War), Oscar Isaac (Annihilation, Star Wars: The Force Awakens). It’s like they pulled out the whole cavalry on this film! The screenwriters, Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth had some great outings in recent years with “Doctor Strange” and “A Star is Born” respectively. And of course, you have Denis Villeneuve himself. This is the first thing he’s written in a while, but I have faith in him because he seems to have an enormous reverence to the source material that I think he can pull this film off. We’ll just have to see. And that is why “Dune” is my most anticipated film of 2021!
Thanks for reading this countdown! There is definitely a lot to look forward to as we head into 2021 and all it has to offer, but I am not going to say that we’re actually going to get all of it. For all I know, six of these films might not even come out until 2022. If 2020 has taught us anything, never underestimate the power of a fiendish year. If you like this sort of material but want to go back to 2020 for whatever reason… Wait, nobody wants to do that. But still! If you like this post, you may also want to check out my countdowns titled Top 10 BEST Movies of 2020 and Top 10 WORST Movies of 2020. Check those out, I think you might enjoy them! Be sure to follow Scene Before either with an email or WordPress account, and check out the official Facebook page, so you can stay tuned for more great content! I want to know, what are your most anticipated movies of 2021? And do you think we’re even going to see any big movies this year? I can tell you that “Nomadland” is practically a lock given all the festival buzz, but as for everything else, you can put a question mark on all of them to some degree. But hey, the vaccine’s coming! Here’s hoping for some good news! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!
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