Top 10 Anticipated Action Movies of 2020
#10: “No Time to Die”
Top 10 Most Anticipated Movies of 2020
Release Date: April 10, 2020 [U.S.] While “Casino Royale” and “Skyfall” were instant action classics, most would agree that “Quantum of Solace” and “Spectre” left something to be desired. Since “No Time to Die” will be Daniel Craig’s swan song as 007, though, we’re expecting this grand finale to hit its target. Although Sam Mendes isn’t returning, “Bond 25” has found an equally exciting director in Cary Joji Fukunaga. Winning a Primetime Emmy for “True Detective,” Fukunaga is best known for directing one of the most enthralling tracking shots ever executed. If Fukunaga can bring that same intensity, anxiety, and masterful cinematography to a Bond picture, “No Time to Die” should be a highlight of Craig’s tenure. Plus, it has Ana de Armas and we’re always down for a “Knives Out” reunion.
#9: “Free Guy”
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Release Date: July 3, 2020 [U.S.] The premise for “Free Guy” provides leeway for a lot of fun possibilities in terms of action and comedy. For starters, it stars Ryan Reynolds, suggesting that we may be in store for the next “Deadpool.” Reynolds plays a seemingly ordinary guy named Guy. Like Roddy Piper in “They Live,” Guy comes across a pair of sunglasses that open up his eyes to the truth. Turns out that Guy is an NPC in a video game and he’s about to become the unlikely hero of this chaotic world. We all know what it’s like to go completely off the rails in a game like “Grand Theft Auto” or “Fortnite.” “Free Guy” looks like it’ll tap into that over-the-top insanity, delivering an explosively hilarious extravaganza.
#8: “Jungle Cruise”
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Release Date: July 24, 2020 [U.S.] Whenever an action flick is set in the jungle, Dwayne Johnson should be at the top of any casting director’s list. In the same vein as “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” and “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl,” we have a feeling that “Jungle Cruise” is going to be one of the summer’s more pleasant surprises. The trailer possesses echoes of “The Mummy,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” and “The African Queen.” The film even looks like it could provide meta commentary on the theme park attraction that inspired it. Johnson plays the captain of a corny river cruise with obviously fake effects. When he gets swept up in an actual adventure, though, “the backside of water” becomes the least of his worries.
#7: “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard”
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Release Date: August 28, 2020 [U.S.] Ryan Reynolds strikes again in this sequel to “The Hitman’s Bodyguard.” We’ll admit that the 2017 action-comedy was a mixed bag, but the chemistry between Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson did show legs for future installments. Salma Hayek was also a nice addition as Jackson’s eccentric wife and it would appear her role is going to be expanded upon in “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard.” That title is already putting a smile on our faces. The follow-up has also assembled a promising supporting cast with Richard E. Grant, Antonio Banderas, and Morgan Freeman, although we’re still waiting to see if Kevin Costner ever pops up in one of these films. At the very least, we hope this movie actually includes the famous Whitney Houston song.
#6: “Snake Eyes”
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Release Date: October 23, 2020 [U.S.] If you asked any ‘80s or ‘90s kid who their favorite G.I. Joe was growing up, chances are Snake Eyes was the action figure they coveted the most. If you’re going to breathe new life into the franchise, it only makes sense to shine the spotlight on the silent ninja commando. For those who weren’t fans of the last two live-action “G.I. Joe” movies, you’ll be happy to know that “Snake Eyes” takes place in a new continuity. With the slate wiped clean, there’s potential here for a thrilling and even dramatic origin story. However, the filmmakers are taking a risk by unmasking Snake Eyes. While that’s almost never been done in past incarnations, we’re onboard if actor Henry Golding sells it.
#5: “Top Gun: Maverick”
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Release Date: June 26, 2020 [U.S.] After nearly three and a half decades, we weren’t begging Hollywood for another “Top Gun” per se. Of course, we didn’t demand a third “Bad Boys” movie either, but that long-delayed sequel wound up being a blast. So, here’s hoping that “Top Gun: Maverick” keeps this trend going. Tom Cruise is back in the cockpit as Pete Mitchell, who has been promoted from a Lieutenant to a Captain since we last saw him. He’ll always be a maverick in our eyes, though. Along with other familiar faces like Val Kilmer’s Iceman, we’ll also be seeing fresh blood like Miles Teller as Goose’s son, whose nickname is naturally Rooster. With an emphasis on practical effects over CGI, the film should take the action to new heights.
#4: “The King’s Man"
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Release Date: September 18, 2020 [U.S.] From “Kick-Ass” to “X-Men: First Class,” Matthew Vaughn has established himself as one of this generation’s definitive action directors. The “Kingsman” movies have perhaps been the best showcase for his talents, however. The first “Kingsman” was largely about passing the umbrella from one generation to another. “The King’s Man” is going back to the beginning, though, centering on those who paved the way for Harry Hart and Eggsy Unwin. With the early 20th century and World War I providing the backdrop, the film looks very different from its predecessors, but still in the same spirit. Where the prior two films were love letters to James Bond and other classic spy thrillers, Vaughn compared this prequel to “Lawrence of Arabia” and “Doctor Zhivago,” implying he’s made a modern action epic.
#3: “F9”
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Release Date: May 22, 2020 [U.S.] Hobbs and Shaw are off having their own adventures, but “F9” will nonetheless be a family reunion in more ways than one. We can’t think of a better action star to play Dom’s estranged brother than John Cena, who was tailor made for this franchise. In order to settle the score with his criminal bro, Dom must turn to some old friends and old enemies. Charlize Theron is back as the calculating Cipher, but the trailer’s selling point was the revelation that Sung Kang is back as Han. Who says that a social media campaign can’t deliver justice? The action looks especially bonkers - even by “Fast & Furious” standards - with rocket cars, magnet planes, and a complete disregard for the laws of physics. We love it!
#2: “Tenet”
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Release Date: July 17, 2020 [U.S.] If you want an action film that will make your heart race and stimulate your mind, you can always rely on Christopher Nolan. After tackling World War II in “Dunkirk,” Nolan’s next film revolves around World War III. More specifically, “Tenet” is about preventing another World War via time travel. The trailer doesn’t exactly explain how time travel works in this universe, although we assume DeLoreans and Terminators aren’t involved. What we can say is that the style, tone, and action appear to be drawing on the same lines as “Inception.” Where “Inception” took us inside people’s dreams, however, “Tenet” will turn the fabric of time upside down. Like all Nolan films, this is one that we definitely want to experience on the biggest screen imaginable. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Tomorrow War” Release Date: December 25, 2020 [U.S.} “Infinite” August 7, 2020 [U.S.] “Without Remorse” Release Date: September 18, 2020 [U.S.] “Army of the Dead” Release Date: TBA
#1: “Godzilla vs. Kong”
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Release Date: November 20, 2020 [U.S.] Hey, remember when we all thought that this would forever be the definitive showdown between Kong and Godzilla? As much as we love watching actors duking it out in suits, this monster mash is long overdue for an upgrade. While fans have mixed feelings about Legendary’s past three entries to the MonsterVerse, it’s hard to deny that these are some of the most visually stunning kaiju movies ever produced. The action has also been consistently solid and the studio is breaking out the big guns - or we guess the big claws and paws - for “Godzilla vs. King.” As long as they keep on the focus on the titular monsters over the humans, we don’t see how this crossover could be anything less than awesome.
