Mike Lowery
If those underwhelming figures on Disney’s “Onward” over the weekend, as well as the staggeringly huge numbers on “Bad Boys For Life” (Sony) in January, tell us anything about the current film climate, it’s that those big, recognizable brands are still the big ticket at the box office – so long as they’re well-handled.
While we’ve seen reboots of “The Grudge”, “Fantasy Island” and “Hellboy”, come and go, and very quickly over the past few months, compare their returns to the likes of the aforesaid “Bad Boys” and Paramount’s “Sonic the Hedgehog” and one thing is clear – if studios put as much effort into their big brand blockbusters, as they would one of their award season contenders, and tap into the target market’s wants and needs for those films, the audience will come.
Paramount are one of the first hubs to have recognised the need to give audiences more than nostalgia and familiar faces when it comes to sequels and reboots, and for that reason, they may just have 2020 sewn up.
With their “Top Gun” sequel reportedly a winner on every level – insiders say its going to be an epic, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to those familiar with Tom Cruise’s recent track record – Paramount won’t be anywhere near the danger zone, as far as having a lacklustre year, financially, like some others.
Here are films that should cement Paramount’s reign at the box office in 2020
Sonic the Hedgehog
After listening to the audience, and going back to the drawing board to work on tweaking the look of the title character, Paramount proved they legitimately care about the fanbases of their respective franchises. (Read our review..)
Top Gun : Maverick
A sequel that’s bound to soar to the top of the charts upon its release – and stay there for quite some time. With Cruise’s reputation as a perfectionist, one purely about giving the audience the best time possible, and early buzz on the project suggesting it’s a film that supersedes the 1986 original, this one might just take the critics and theaters by storm.
A Quiet Place Part II
A sequel that’s not decent, but even better than its rather-excellent predecessor? Almost unheard of, these days. Again, kudos to studio brass and director John Krasinski for not settling for second best.
Though Coronavirus is obviously a bit of a worry to any film hitting theaters this month, and this one is hitting so soon after the outbreak, it’s unlikely audiences will stay away from this one.
Coming to America 2
Like fellow ‘80s hit “Top Gun”, this is one Reagan-era classic screaming for a sequel. Eddie Murphy reprises one of his most beloved roles in a follow-up to one of his best comedies. Certain to not want to derail his comeback, Murphy’s likely delivered a winner here. (More here..)
The Trial of the Chicago 7
The awards season contender to beat, writer-director Aaron Sorkin’s flick – a yarn about 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago – isn’t just crammed with star power, it boasts one of the best scripts in recent years. Word of mouth should help this one to become a monster success.
Without Remorse
One of the most overlooked segments in theater, the “older, thinking man’s movie”, makes a bravura return to theaters in the Spring. Certain to bring in those die-hard “Hunt for Red October” fans – and, for that matter, fans of Tom Clancy’s literary series, of which this is based – the Jack Ryan spin-off (well, kinda..) should prove counter programming still works in a marketplace full of superhero films and horror fare.
And with their 2021 and 2022 full of juicy offerings like a fifth “Indiana Jones”, a new “Beverly Hills Cop” sequel, two of those sure-thing “Mission : Impossible” movies, and a “Bumblebee” follow-up, Paramount seem to have found the arrow to Earth (Sorry, bad “Battlestar Galactica” reference).
