This week, I found myself in a theater, revisiting the black-and-white rendition of Johnny Mnemonic, featuring Keanu Reeves. For those who might not recall, this film, a product of the mid-90s cyberpunk genre, revolves around a data courier whose mind serves as a storage device, necessitating the erasure of his childhood memories to accommodate his work. Despite its historical significance, the film remains a curious blend of nostalgia and mediocrity. The plot holes, subpar acting, and uneven pacing are hard to overlook. Yet, visually, it retains a certain charm. The audience’s applause at the end was unexpected, considering its lukewarm reception nearly three decades ago. However, the trailers released over the past week promise a more engaging cinematic experience.
A Minecraft Movie
The latest trailer for A Minecraft Movie introduces us to a younger version of Steve, voiced by Jack Black. The preview showcases young Steve, identifiable by his initial brown beard, as he navigates the pixelated landscape, discovering the limitless possibilities of building within this blocky universe. Alongside him, we meet a cast that includes Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen, who join an older Steve, now sporting a gray beard that signifies the passage of time. This film is set to hit theaters on April 4th, with the promise of a Minecraft theme park to follow in 2026.
Elio
Pixar’s Elio also made waves with its new teaser, confirming the film’s ongoing development. Crafted by Coco screenwriter Adrian Molina, who co-directs with Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian, the story follows Elio, voiced by Yonas Kibreab, a child who finds himself abducted by aliens and must navigate the complexities of pretending to be Earth’s leader. Given Pixar’s track record, particularly with Coco, viewers can expect an emotional journey, with the film slated for release on June 13th.
Alien: Earth
In the realm of sci-fi, the FX spinoff Alien: Earth is set to debut in summer 2025. This series aims to explore the potential realities of encountering xenomorphs on our home planet. While details remain scarce, the anticipation builds around the promise of shiny aliens, as noted by The Verge’s Andrew Webster. This series may finally provide the thrilling experience fans have been yearning for, unless one considers the Aliens vs. Predator films as a precursor.
Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card
For gaming enthusiasts, Star Wars Outlaws has introduced its first DLC, titled Wild Card. This expansion brings the beloved character Lando Calrissian into the fold, inviting players to engage in space battles alongside Han Solo’s old ally. Available now for .99, this addition may reignite interest for those who have drifted away from the game.
How to Train Your Dragon
Lastly, the live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon is set to compete with Elio, both films scheduled for release on June 13th. This reimagining of the beloved animated classic is sure to attract attention and stir nostalgia among fans of the original.
