Movies Every Man Should See in 2018

2018 is here and while we are in the midst of thawing out from the deep freeze, to help heat things up we curated the most guy worthy movies to see this year. Superhero’s and sci-fi rule the roost, but there also some cultural gems to be found. It looks like the silver screen will entertain, educate and inspire us red-blooded males in 2018.

January

Condorito: La Pelicula

The famous comic strip character from Latin America and his pals are animated in CGI for the first time, including the love of his life Yayita (Jessica Cediel), his romantic rival Pepe Cortisona (Cristian de la Fuente), and his nephew Chicky. Condorito (Omar Chaparro) is ready to propose to tie the knot with Yayita, but when his disapproving mother in law Tremebunda (Coco Legrand) is abducted by an alien king, Condorito and his nephew must embark an out of this world adventure to save “La Suegra”- as well as planet Earth!

Our Take: Pixar’s Coco has opened the door for a whole new genre of latino-animation. Plus, if you’re looking to be a kid again, but on the cultural tip, this one’s for you.

February

Black Panther

T’Challa, the prince of the African nation of Wakanda, better known as the Black Panther makes it to the silver screen. Having previously appeared in Captain America: Civil War, this time he’s leading the charge. The story revolves around the power struggle in Wakanda. T’Challa must watch the throne after his father’s murder, but he’s got some friends/foes that want it too (think current beef between Jay and Kanye). If the story or nostalgia don’t grab you the talent should. Directed by indie wonder Ryan Coogler (Fruitvale Station; Creed) with a star-studded cast in the form of Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Forest Whitaker, Lupita N’Yongo, Angela Basset this one looks like a gem.

Our Take: Great character, great cast, set to a Kendrick Lamar hip-hop vibe. A must see.

April

Rampage

It wouldn’t be a summer movie season without Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson pushing out at least one film. Last year he hit with Fate of the Furious, but missed with Baywatch. In 2018, he brings us Rampage.  A rogue genetic experiment gone awry transforms a gentle ape into a raging monster. As these newly created monsters tear across North America, destroying everything in their path, his caretaker since birth Okoye (Johnson) teams with a discredited genetic engineer to secure an antidote, not only to halt a global catastrophe but to save the fearsome creature that was once his friend.

Our Take: Trailer has potential for this to be a combination of old school King Kong, Godzilla fare meets Independence Day. If they get it right this could have franchise potential. If they get it wrong, perhaps Johnson will be at the Razzies and not Oscars this year.

May

Avengers: Infinity War

The third entry in the Avenger’s franchise ups the ante. This go around the Avengers must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos who has slowly but surely gathering all the infinity stones. A bunch of new hero’s crossover further expanding the Marvel universe – with Spider-Man, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Dr. Strange joining the cast of regulars. Should make up for one bang ’em up good old summertime popcorn fun.

Our Take: Great way to kick off the summer movie season. Could DeadPool and the X-Men join in next?

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Infamous intergalactic smuggler Han Solo gets his origin story. This film follows a young Han Solo and chronicles how he became smuggler with swag who will help the rebels overcome the evil empire. The movie will explore adventures before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope, including his friendship with Chewbacca, and their early encounters with that other card-playing rogue from a galaxy far, far away, Lando Calrissian.

Our Take: We have high hopes for this, with “hope” being the operative word. With its first co-directors canned mid-way trouble may on the horizon, however, with Ron Howard taking the helm perhaps we have the audacity to hope.

Deadpool 2

Talk about a superhero heavy month, Deadpool 2 will round out May 2018. You knew the Merc with a Mouth would be back after the massive success of his initial foray. Ryan Reynolds returns as Wade Wilson. Not much is known about the story for the sequel, other than Nathan Summers aka Cable will be appearing in the form of Josh Brolin and Wilson’s love interest Vanessa also returns. If the trailer and sneak peaks are any indication we are set to get just as many laughs as the first go around.

Our Take: They would have to work pretty hard to mess this one up. With Ryan Reynolds shepparding this film and character pretty sure another monster hit will drop.

June

Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo

Inmate #1: The Rise of Danny Trejo is the feature documentary experience revealing the extraordinary life journey of Hollywood’s most unlikely hero, Danny Trejo. From an early life of drugs, armed robbery and hard prison time, to the red carpets of Hollywood blockbusters and helping troubled addicts. Danny gives a first-hand account of one of the greatest transformations of human character ever put to film.

Our Take: The release date isn’t definite, but to know that in 2018 we will get a behind the scenes look at Latino pioneer in Hollywood is worth the wait.

July

Alita: Battle Angel

Based on Yukito Kishiro’s manga Battle Angel Alita, Alita is a futuristic cyborg who wakes up in a doctor’s clinic with no memory of who she is. She must soon use her extraordinary fighting abilities to combat deadly forces while trying to uncover the truth behind her mysterious past. James Cameron is producing, Robert Rodriguez directing and cast looks pretty impressive with Mahershala Ali (Moonlight), Christoph Waltz (Django Unchained), one of our Hot Latina Honorees Eiza Gonzalez and newcomer Rosa Salazar in the titular role.

Our Take: Were suckers for the Robert Rodriguez and Eiza Gonzalez combo. Plus, with superheroes and remakes dominating the releases, would be refreshing to get another Avatar like experience (i.e., more originality vs. less retread).

August

Scarface

Say hello to my remake! This entry is perhaps the most intriguing of all in 2018. Scarface gets its second remake over 35 years after the last one which starred a young Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer and Steven Bauer. The 1983 entry went on to become a cult classic, with men incessantly repeating its lines. Scant is known about this entry other than the action will move from Miami to L.A. and it will involve a Mexican immigrant rather than a Cuban one. The Cohen Brothers have polished up the script and Diego Luna is attached to star.

Our Take:The 1983 film is a cult classic which fit in its time — the over the top 1980’s, can the story translate to current day times. Will depend on execution. Yet, we hope for the best.

December

Aquaman

He made a cameo in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, then hammed it up in Justice League. The King of Atlantis finally gets leading man status in this standalone. Arthur Curry is heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis and is caught between the surface world constantly ravaging the seas and Atlanteans looking to lash out in revolt. Aquaman is committed to protecting the entire world. Jason Momoa once again returns in the titular role, alongside Amber Heard as future wife Mera and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as his nemesis, Black Mantis.

Our take: Aquaman has gotten little in the way of props in comic book lore, but Momoa has brought a whole new street cred to the character. If Wonder Woman can surprise, no reason Aquaman can’t do the same.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

Miles Morales finally gets his chance at wearing the mask in this 3-D animated feature. In the “classic Spider-Man tradition,” Miles Morales must juggle his high school life with his status as a superhero ever since the death of Peter Parker, who was the first Spider-Man.

Our Take: Although its animation, it’s still good to see Miles Morales get a shot on film. Color us intrigued.