Disney Movies to See in 2018
2018 has officially come upon us and is in full swing. With it comes new theatrical releases. For the last few years, Disney films and properties have been dominating the box office. I expect nothing less in 2018. So, without further ado, here are the Disney films coming to the theaters this coming year.
A Wrinkle in Time
The upcoming science fantasy film is directed by Ava DuVernay. The screenplay was written by Jennifer Lee, the director of Frozen.
Based on Madeline L’Engle’s novel, the film will follow the young Meg Murry (played by Storm Reid). Along with her brother and three astral travelers, Meg will travel to a distant planet to save her father. The film also stars Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon, Michael Pena, Zack Galifianakis, Chris Pine, and Rowan Blanchard.
This film stands out from the usual Disney fanfare. It has a strong female cast working alongside a female director and screenwriter. There’s also a great racial diversity amongst the cast which is refreshing. By the looks of the trailer, the film seems a bit of a risk for the Disney company. A Wrinkle in Time isn’t the type of movie I would expect Disney to make. It’ll be interesting to see how audiences and critics respond to this film.
In recent years, Disney has reserved the spring release date for live-action remakes. Beauty and the Beast came out last year. The Jungle Book was the year before. And Cinderella was the year before that. A Wrinkle in Time definitely breaks up the routine. I’m not always a fan of the live-action remakes (I’m looking at you, Emma Watson). So I’m excited to see original material hit the big screen.
A Wrinkle in Time comes out March 9th in 2D, Real 3D, and IMAX 3D.
Incredibles 2
The upcoming animated superhero film is a sequel to the 2004 film The Incredibles. The film is directed and written by Brad Bird who directed and wrote the first film.
The film follows the Parrs, a family of supers. Elastigirl (voiced by Holly Hunter) and Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) struggle to balance family life and fighting crime. The film will also feature the voices of Samuel L. Jackson, Huck Milner, Sarah Vowell, Brad Bird, and John Ratzenberger.
I’m not a fan of the original Incredibles film, so I’m not as excited as I want to be about the sequel. This film was supposed to be released in 2019, so I always get a nervous when the release date is rushed. I think the film will have excellent 3D and will be exciting for young children. Judging from the teaser, it seems that Jack-Jack will have a larger role in this film. Jack-Jack was my favorite character (who doesn’t love an animated baby?). It will be interesting to see where Pixar will take his character and how he’ll fit in his superhero family.
Incredibles 2 comes out June 15th in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
The upcoming fantasy film is based on E.T.A. Hoffman’s story and Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s ballet. It’s directed by Lasse Hallstrom with a screenplay by Ashleigh Powell and Simon Beaufoy.
The film will follow Clara (played by Mackenzie Foy) as she journeys into a mystical realm. The film also stars Keira Knightly, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, and Misty Copeland.
From watching the teaser, the movie looks visually stunning. This is a film where I would pay the extra $5-$10 to see it in 3D. Choreography seems like it will play a huge role in this film. American Ballet Theatre’s Misty Copeland is a star in the film after all. The 3D should enhance the dancing in the film. I imagine it should make the audience feel like they are watching a ballet rather than a movie.
I’m a bit concerned about the quality of this film. I’m a Christmas fanatic. I’ve seen pretty much every Christmas movie ever made and I have high standards for holiday films. I have yet to see a great film about The Nutcracker. It’s difficult to turn an infamous ballet into an infamous film, but I’m willing to keep an open mind. This film may be a great avenue to introduce young children to the ballet.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms comes out November 2nd in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D.
Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-it Ralph 2
This upcoming computer-animated film is a sequel to the 2012 film Wreck-it Ralph. It will be directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston both of whom worked on the original film. The screenplay is written by Phil Johnston and Pamela Ribon.
The film will take place six years after the original film. Ralph (voiced by John C Reily) adventures into the internet to save Sugar Rush. The film will also feature the voices of Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, and Jane Lynch.
This film has been garnering attention for its upcoming cameos. All the Disney princesses will be in the film (along with most of their original voice actresses). There will even be a few Star Wars and Marvel characters who will make appearances. The merging of these characters is one of the many ways Disney is cross-promoting itself. However, I’m interested to see how Disney ties their various entities together.
Of all the movies that are coming out this year, this is the film I’m most excited for and also the most nervous. I love Wreck-it Ralph. I thought the idea was unique and its execution was marvelous. However, Disney / Pixar has become too sequel-heavy in recent years. The constant focus on generating sequels has diminished the quality of their films. I’m hoping Ralph Breaks the Internet is a rare exception and turns out to be an excellent sequel.
I do praise Disney on bringing the Internet into the world of Wreck-it Ralph. My biggest complaint about the original film was that the film was ten years behind the times. When Wreck-it Ralph came out, arcades were already a dying breed. Phones have killed arcades which is an issue not addressed in the film. The only decent arcade near me when Wreck-it Ralph came out was DisneyQuest. It has since closed. By bringing the internet into the film’s sequel, Disney is modernizing Wreck-it Ralph.
Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-it Ralph 2 comes out on November 21st in 2D, 3D, and IMAX 3D.
Mary Poppins Returns
This upcoming musical-fantasy film is a sequel to the 1964 film Mary Poppins. Both films are based on the children’s series by P.L. Travers. It is directed by Rob Marshall with a screenplay written by David Magee.
The film will take place 25 years after the original film. Mary Poppins (played by Emily Blunt) has returned to help a grown-up Michael and Jane Banks. The film will also star Lin-Manuel Miranda, Meryl Streep, Colin Firth, Dick Van Dyke, Angela Lansbury, and Julie Waters.
By the time this movie comes out, there will be a 54-year gap between this film and the original film. This large gap forces Disney to recast the title role which is a decision I despise. I love Emily Blunt. She’s a terrific actress. Her rendition of Mary Poppins will be on point and practically perfect in every way. But Julie Andrews is the perfect Mary Poppins and it’ll be sad to see a sequel to this beloved classic without her.
But, I’m excited about the upcoming soundtrack. With Lin-Manuel Miranda at the helm, I expect nothing but the best. The songs should be delighting children and parents for generations.
Mary Poppins Returns comes out December 25th.
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! For a free quote on your next Disney vacation, fill out the form below!
Special thanks to Brittni Sutter for writing this article! As a lover of all things Disney, I’ve made it my life’s mission to learn about the history and artistry the House of Mouse. I’ve vacationed to half of the resorts and plan to complete the Disney Parks mecca in the coming years. I fill my life with as much magic as Disney can muster and I love encouraging others to do the same.