Cinema had quite a year in 2022. Many franchises released films that failed to meet audiences expectations. “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” garnered a mixed reaction from viewers, while “Halloween Ends” and “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” both scored horrible reviews from fans and critics alike. In a year dominated by horror films, Jordan Peele’s “Nope” earned critical acclaim, while “Scream 5” divided the fanbase, leaving some audiences disappointed with what the flick had to offer. It was also the year of long-awaited blockbuster sequels, with “Top Gun: Maverick” starring Tom Cruise and “Avatar: The Way of Water” from director James Cameron topping box office charts.
Let’s hope the next year of cinema is even stronger than the last. With more franchise entries, new takes on old stories and original movies galore, 2023 is already shaping up to provide a plethora of exciting films rife with talent. CineHawk has compiled a list of movies from 2023 that just might become the biggest hits of the year.
“Dune: Part Two” – Nov. 3
Timothée Chalamet returns as Paul Atreides in the sequel to 2021’s “Dune.” Directed by Dennis Villeneuve, “Dune: Part Two” is, as the name implies, the second and final part of the film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel “Dune.” The plot will pick up right where the first left off and will follow Paul as he joins forces with Chani and the Fremen. Paul must make sure his visions of a ruined future don’t come true, but it might mean sacrificing things he isn’t willing to lose.
“Oppenheimer” – July 21
Directed by Christopher Nolan, “Oppenheimer” is an upcoming depiction of American physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer’s involvement in the creation of the atomic bomb. This biopic will follow Oppenheimer’s life and how he came to work on the Manhattan Project during World War II, starring Cillian Murphy as Oppenheimer and other cast members including Emily Blunt, Matt Damon and Florence Pugh.
“Wonka” – Dec. 15
A prequel to Roald Dahl’s 1964 novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” this film centers on Willy Wonka as a young man. It is an origin story of sorts, depicting things such as how he first encountered the Oompa-Loompas. Willy Wonka himself is played by Timothée Chalamet, and the film is directed by Paul King.
“Challengers” – Aug. 11
Tashi and Art Donaldson are a coach-player duo, with Tashi shaping her husband into a well-known tennis champion, but now he is on a losing streak he can’t seem to escape. Tashi forces him to compete in a Challenger event, one of the lowest levels of competition, but they soon discover that Art will be playing against Patrick, his former best friend and Tashi’s ex-boyfriend. This sports romcom directed by Luca Guadagnino stars Zendaya as Tashi, Mike Faist as Art and Josh O’Connor as Patrick.
“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” – May 5
Peter Quill rallies his squad to defend the universe while still grieving the loss of Gamora. If the operation is unsuccessful, it could spell the end of the Guardians. James Gunn returns as director for this third and final film of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise, which hopefully sends the Guardians off with a bang.
Check out part two of this list next week!
