Preview of 2018 Science Fiction Movies with Solo, Jurassic World and many more

Preview of 2018 Science Fiction Movies

2017 was probably one of the best years in science fiction film – maybe ever. With movies such as Blade Runner 2049, The Last Jedi and Logan spoiling us with quality and controversy. But there was plenty more: Thor Ragnarok, Alien: Covenant, War for the Planet of the Apes and Valerian. Looking back it was just too much. But the question is. Can 2018 emulate that list? The short answer is no as there is no Blade Runner movie set for 2018. Also the Han Solo movie is not part of the sequel trilogy. So what are the movies I am most looking forward too in 2018?

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Also simply known as Solo this movie, now directed by Ron Howard, tells the origin story of Han Solo. When I first heard there was a movie planned around the character I hated the idea. I still do. It feels too much like fan service with the intent of cashing in. It just is I suppose, and that may be the problem. Can you really make a Han Solo movie? The character is an enigma and that is part of his appeal. Considering it’s troubled production and its release in May without a teaser suggests it will bomb. After the controversy of The Last Jedi fans will not be inclined to give Disney, Ron Howard and Kathleen Kennedy a pass.

Ready Player One

This adaptation by Steven Spielberg of Ernest Cline’s 2001 debut novel is the first top Sci-Fi movie of 2018. Starring Tye Sheridan as Wade Watts it is set in a future where most people spent their time in a virtual reality called OASIS. I enjoyed the books due to its plentiful of references to 80s pop culture mixed with a dystopian setting. However the main character has been criticized for being sexist in his obsession with the girl protagonist. Nonetheless, this adaptation is being directed by Steven Spielberg who has influenced so much of 80s pop culture. I really want this movie to be great – alas the trailer was a disappointment. It just felt silly. Ready Player One is set for a March 11th release.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Jurassic World from 2015 was a fun movie, but not as great as the 1993 original from Steven Spielberg. Of course few sequels ever are as good, but I did feel that director Colin Treverrow missed a few beats by de-emphasizing the sci-fi and horror elements. This caused the stakes to feel less important. One thing that did work was the wonderful character interaction between Chris Pratt’s Owen and Bryce Dallas Howard’s Claire. Well, Colin was recently removed as director for Star Wars 9 and I got a feeling as to why. For Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom J.A. Bayona has pulled out all of the stops: the cast of Jurassic World returns and so will Jeff Goldblum. Though I suppose Bryce Dallas Howard will not be donning her pencil skirt and high heels again.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix

Super hero movies grown on trees. In fact, there are just too many of them. For the most part I will watch them in the cinema, I really enjoyed Logan, Spider-man and Thor Ragnarok. but if there is one super hero movie in 2018 I am looking forward to is X-Men: Dark Phoenix. As a continuation of X-Men: Days of Future Past Dark Phoenix promises to fully establish the character of Jean Grey. Sadly the movie does not contain a critical member of the original cast: Famke Janssen. Instead Sophie Turner continues her depiction from Apocalypse. The movie has otherwise a stellar cast, but I do hope that the story of Jean Grey remains front an center.

More super hero movies

As mentioned there are plenty of super hero movies scheduled for release in 2018. Besides Infinity Wars there is a definite trend towards new franchises: which after Wonder Woman and Deadpool can only be considered a good thing. Movies to look forward to include: Black Panther, Venom, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Deadpool 2 and Aquaman.

Other movies

There are of course plenty more sci-fi movies I am looking forward, honorable mentions are: Tomb Raider with Alicia Vikander, The Girl in the Spider’s Web with Claire Foy, Mission Impossible 6 and Origins Unknown starring Katee Sackhoff. 2018 is thus set to become a fine year, just not as spectacular as 2017.