Upcoming Releases, January 2020

It's 2020, can you believe it? This is a time when we get a mix of new wide releases. Some, like "1917" pictured above, are contending for awards. Then there's the others, usually comedies, action films and horror movies that have no aspiration beyond making a little money. Let's dive in and look at our options.

Friday, January 3:
The Grudge—This is a re-make of a horror franchise from a few years back. The original was released in 2004 and starred Sarah Michelle Gellar. This latest one will likely hope to reach a new generation with this horror story. I think you might have better options.

Friday, January 10:
1917—This film from Sam Mendes figures to be a big contender for the Academy Awards. It got a limited release on Christmas Day, but releases to the masses here as an early hit for the new year.

Just Mercy—This is another film that got a limited Christmas release and is going wide. This one tells the true story of Bryan Stevenson, and features some great performances from Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx. I loved the book and the story and couldn't be more excited.

Like A Boss—This comedy features Rose Byrne, Selma Hayek, and Tiffany Haddish, and should offer some wild and crazy sequences and hopefully a few laughs. Time will tell.

Underwater—This film has a mostly recognizable cast led by Kristen Stewart and is set under the ocean, like really far under the ocean. It's hard to tell exactly what is happening based on the trailer, but it appears to be some kind of under water monster. This is the kind of horror film that gets delivered this time of year.

The Informer—This one stars Joel Kinnaman as a guy in too deep used as an informer against the mob. It's got an interesting action premise, but likely was placed in January for a reason.

Friday, January 17:
Dolittle—Robert Downey, Jr., takes the lead role in this Disney re-make that has some spectacular effects and appears to be the first big "event" film of 2020. This looks like the first family-friendly release of the month, too.

Bad Boys For Life—This is the third installment of the Michael Bay action franchise. This returns stars Martin Lawrence and Will Smith and promises more action, laughs and explosions.

Friday, January 24:
The Last Full Measure—This tells the true story of William H. Pitsenbarger, a medic who personally saved 60 men during a rescue mission in 1966. This looks like an emotional true life journey.

The Gentleman—This one stars Matthew McConaughey, among others, who takes the lead in this latest from director from Guy Ritchie. This looks like a fun and twisted crime adventure like the ones that helped earn Ritchie his early reputation.

The Turning—This is another horror film, a staple of the early months of the year, starring Mackenzie Davis as a nanny who gets more than she bargains for. This one looks like it will offer exactly what you'd expect of a January horror film.

Friday, January 31:
Gretel and Hansel—This is a horror version re-telling of the famous fairy tale. In other words, it might be a bit more like the original Grimm's version.

The Rhythm Section—This action thriller centers on a woman (Blake Lively) who loses her family and plots a revenge plan against those responsible. This one looks like it will have plenty of action and has a decent cast that includes Jude Law and Sterling K. Brown. Hard to tell how compelling it will be.