Excited for 2021: what am I waiting for?

            Excited is actually an understatement. I am over the moon, hoping that all the films and TV shows, that got postponed in 2020, will finally make it to the screens. There is a lot to wait for. Sadly, with recent example of Wonder Woman 1984, the wait and hype were too great to simply enjoy this movie. Today, I made a list of all the things I want to see in 2021, pop-culturally wise.

Hey, before I dive in, you remember “This Podcast Is Not What It Seems”? We are back! Right now, recording new content, but throwing some goldies from previous experiment as well! So, go to Spotify and look for “CHERRY PIE AT TPC” ❤

Okay, shall we? Also, keep reading till the end – there will be a bitter-sweet Bowie story.

Halston (Date TBC) – SERIES

            Biopic with Ewan McGregor? Count me in! Filming started in November 2020 and it’s a story about rise and fall of Roy Halston Frowick, famous fashion designer. So famous, I had to Google his name… But hey, every day is a school day. And even though fashion is not my area of interest, I think this series has potential.

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

Headspace Guide to Meditation & Headspace Guide to Sleep (January 2021) – SERIES

            This series hit Netflix at January 1^st and… I AM SO IN LOVE! I used to run with Headspace while I was using different app and those were best runs. Andy Puddicombe’s voice is so calming. I started my journey with meditation with Headspace and it was very beneficial time in my life. Little piece of advice: watch it before work. Trust me, it will work.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

Lost Ollie (Date TBC) – SERIES

            Okay, okay. I saw one dam picture and it sold me the idea. It’s an animated story about lost toy, so I suggest you prepare a lot of tissues. And who is working on it? Industrial Light & Magic, people from Spider-Verse and Coraline. It will be an odyssey about two friends trying to reunite in the face of all the dangers that childhood can throw at them.

EXCITED: level “oh yeah, I kind of waited for this!”

History of Swear Words (January 2021) – SERIES

            … with Nicolas Cage as host? ???? What in the??? But let’s face it – his name and trailer were I all I needed to add it to my list on Netflix. Plus, it really can have some educational value. See, I sometimes wonder where particular word came from. Is it German origin? Or maybe Latin? I got it after my mum…

You know what else I got from her? Endless love for Nicolas Cage!!! And speaking of…

EXCITED: level “okay, I can watch it”

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (March 2021) – FILM

            Let’s talk about it. Let us discuss this absolutely brilliant idea. Nicolas Cage will play Nicolas Cage in film about Nicolas Cage. And his super-fan, played by Pedro Pascal (which is added bonus). The plot seems so bad, that it HAS TO BE GOOD.

Look, I am not completely critique -free with Pedro Pascal (WW84) but I am when it comes to Nic. And guess what? I don’t give a hoot. Who knows, maybe this will be the greatest film of spring 2021? Admit it, Lot. You want to watch it as bad as I do! ?

And hopefully, it will be on a big screen.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

Clarice (February 2021) – SERIES

            Good-looking spin off to iconic The Silence of the lambs. Rebecca Breeds, Australian actress, will take over Jodie Foster’s mantel as FBI agent Clarice Starling who is returning to her work at the FBI only a year after her encounters with Hannibal. So far so good, right?

EXCITED: level “okay, I can watch it”

Loki (May 2021) – SERIES

            Contrary to the popular belief, Loki is not my favorite character just because Tom Hiddleston brought him to life on a big screen. Far from that, actually – my fascination started with original Norse mythology. After buying myself a copy of the myths, I wrote a paper about Norse Gods and Ragnarök (which got published, and started my adventure with scientific papers).

Frankly, I have not yet seen trailers or any kind of promotion materials – so I am curious if the series will be truthful to the source stories.

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

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Bel-Air (March 2021) – SERIES

            For those of you who haven’t seen the 1990 series – catch up! It is such a treat and now Peacock announced 2-seasons order for near future. Core of the original cast – Will Smith – will be back, and it sounds just too good to be true.

I’m excited, though I’m not sure – you know how it is with that kind of deals. The original show was amazing, so can the “25 years later” version be as good?

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

Impeachment: American Crime Story – SERIES

            Originally, it was supposed to air before US presidential election but you know… Pandemic. The show will tell the story of the Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton scandal. Among the cast? Sarah Paulson, Beanie Feldstein and Annaleigh Ashford. Clive Owen will play Bill Clinton which seems like… Wow.

For now, the release date is unknown, but 2021 is very likely. And I am optimistic, because I loved previous American Crime Stories – The People v. O. J. Simpson and The Assassination of Gianni Versace.

EXCITED: level “okay, I can watch it”

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (March 2021) – SERIES

            From all the Marvel goodies, this is the one. Everything else could cease to exist – including Black Widow. I liked both characters and their dynamics in the films, so I’m pretty excited about where the story will throw them. For sure, we will see Sam dealing with Cap’s legacy and the aftermath. Is Bucky “cured”? What comes next?

I have very high hopes. Don’t disappoint me, Marvel.

EXCITED: level “oh yeah, I kind of waited for this!”

The Book of Boba Fett (December 2021) – SERIES

            Star Wars are my true, pop-cultural love and I plan to list all the reasons why. Boba Fett was one of my favorite characters – despite of like… 4 lines altogether in the original trilogy? Guess I have a thing with that goddamn helmet.

Disney have announced tons of SW goods, but this one was teased in The Mandalorian S2 finale. And FINALLY, WE WILL GET THE STORY WE DESERVE! So far, the new SW content delivers nothing but happiness and tears of joy.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

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Hawkeye (December 2021) – SERIES

            Okay, okay. Perhaps this is the one I’m excited for more than TFATWS. See, I loved Hawkeye ever since I’ve seen him in Avengers. And ever since, I’ve been wondering when and how will they kill him off. I was so scared for him!

And look at my baby now. And sure, from what I understand, he will be passing over his bow to some chick (I know her comic book name is Kate Bishop, relax) but still – we will get plenty of the original Clint Barton.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

The Lord of the Rings – SERIES

            This one is a mystery to me – though I am not gonna lie. I am absolutely excited. There isn’t much information out there, but so far, I know that it is set in the Second Age and it will take place long before Frodo was running around The Shire.

And let me tell you – I love the mystery. Since the production and showrunners took a lot of time to shoot it, they carefully crafted the secrecy. LOTR is very dear to my hear and guess what? For Christmas, I got a real Middle-earth map that will be a center piece at Wall of Fame in my new apartment.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

Coming 2 America (March 2021) – FILM

            Yet another continuation of a classic but with fun potential. Eddie Murphy is back, ladies and gentlemen! And I’m fairly excited for this one. It seems like a sweet, goofy movie for a Friday night, after a rough week at work.

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

Dune (October 2021) – FILM

            Okay, now hold up. I need a minute. In 2020, I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES and bought almost all books there are. It is a story of how dangerous leader can be, when people are fanatics and will follow blindly.

But the movie… Oh damn you, COVID!!! I remember my excitement when I was on call at work, and muted everything because there was a live premiere of the Dune trailer. And obviously, someone asked me something and I was like “Okay, sorry guys but I just watched the Dune trailer and got excited. What was the question again?”

The thing with Dune is that its previous adaptation was made by David Lynch and… I loved it. It was so much Lynch and on the other hand, not Lynch at all. I like to say that it was a good Lynch film, but a terrible book adaptation.

            My dream is to see this movie in IMAX on my birthday. Hans Zimmer wrote the soundtrack (it was his long-time dream), Timothée Chalamet plays young Paul, Zendaya will be Chani, Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto… I am sold. And I can’t wait!!

And… As a special treat before the premiere, I will post some Dune handbook for all you Lot to enjoy.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

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The Little Things (January 2021) – FILM

            Thriller with Denzel Washington, Jared Leto and Rami Malek? Count me in. I don’t have high hopes, considering latest Washington movies, but hey. Maybe it will be a nice surprise?

Also, IMDb plot explanation cracked me up: Two cops track down a serial killer. Wow.

EXCITED: level “nope, but let’s watch it for science”

No Time to Die (April 2021) – FILM

            Last Bond movie with Daniel Craig. Or is it? ? Hopefully, it will be a nice wrap-up to his amazing series – because let’s be honest. It was damn good. Craig was a good Bond. Not the best, sure. But the stories he got to tell, were great (except Quantum of Solace, which was just big time BS).

Rami Malek as very enigmatic and super dangerous villain? Wow, I have chills. I think he will be the merciless bad guy ever. And I am pretty sure, it will be fight to the death.

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

The Matrix 4 (December 2021) – FILM

            This is just out of pure sentiment. I’m not sure this is a good idea and I keep my excitement in check. Sure, it will be super nice to see Keanu and Carrie-Ann back but… Also, adding new people like Priyanka Chopra (I don’t like her) and Jonathan Groff? Not sure it will work.

But will watch it regardless.

EXCITED: level “nope, but let’s watch it for science”

Death on the Nile (September 2021) – FILM

            You know, I was super excited for this one, but after watching WW84 I feel a bit disappointed with Gal Gadot. But who knows, maybe this will be a nice redemption?

I still agree with the opinion, that Kenneth Branagh (who is also director of this film) is a ridiculous Hercule Poirot. So far, I’m drawn into this film with enigmatic storyline and sweet remix of Policy of truth.

Also, I just love mystery films. Sue me. AND! I am a new fan of the books, so.

EXCITED: level “oh yeah, I kind of waited for this!”

Cherry (February 2021) – FILM

            Ah, my boy Tom Holland is getting out there, playing such complicated characters! After amazing performance in The Devil All The Time, he teamed up with Russo brothers again in a story of army medic, that tries to deal with PTSD but… But. Can’t wait for this one, I am very excited.

The plot might seem familiar or not very complex, but trust me – knowing Russo brothers, it will be a wild ride.

2021 will be Tom’s year for sure – and will Cherry bring him an Oscar?

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

The King’s Man (February 2021) – FILM

            I love this series and digging into the past is going to be great! Cast looks freaking amazing, with Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, plus some younger faces like Aaron Taylor-Johnson. I secretly hope that there will be more films in this universe, because it’s so great.

We talked a lot about guilty pleasures, and it’s not guilty if you like it (movie-wise), BUT if I was to name one film guilty pleasure, Kingsman story would be on top.

EXCITED: level “oh yeah, I kind of waited for this!”

West Side Story (December 2021) – FILM

            I am on the fence with classics reboots but… I love WSS so much! It’s a story about forbidden love and the rivalry between two teenage street gangs (the Jets and the Sharks). And, will this be a comeback for Ansel Elgort? I had no idea that he can sing!

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

In the Heights (June 2021) – FILM

            I saw a trailer for this a year ago and I got so excited!!! So, I came home and did some digging to find out, that the original musical was written by no other than… Lin-Manuel Miranda. So, I listened to the songs and fell in love even more.

This song is so great. And it’s a story of dreams. Dream, that are lying there on the street and you must be careful not to trip on them. Oh, I think I’m falling in love with musicals.

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

Spider-Man 3 (December 2021) – FILM

            First of all, I’m pretty sure they will move it to 2022 but a girl can dream, right? There are plenty of rumors, that more Spider-Men coming but I don’t know. I don’t want to be over-hyped but there is a great, great potential with this one.

After all, Far from home ending was MIND-BLOWING!

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

Judas and the Black Messiah (February 2021) – FILM

            Okay, the one thing convinced me for this one was cast Daniel Kaluuya, Martin Sheen, LaKeith Stanfield. Here is the plot summary from IMDb: The story of Fred Hampton, Chairman of the Illinois Black Panther Party, and his fateful betrayal by FBI informant William O’Neal.

So yeah. Pretty damn excited for this one.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

Jungle Cruise (July 2021) – FILM

            Not gonna lie, this sounds like a Sunday afternoon in a movie theater with coffee and croissant. It’s actually based on Disneyland’s theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals.

The Rock and Emily Blunt are among the cast, so can this get any better?

EXCITED: level “oh yeah, I kind of waited for this!”

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (July 2021) – FILM

            FINALLY, MARVEL. Freaking finally. One of the best comic books out there, and FINALLY on the big screen.

Simu Liu as Shang-Chi? Count me in. I am super excited for this one, probably the most anticipated Marvel production this year, for me.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

Sherlock Holmes 3 (December 2021) – FILM

            Like with Spider-Man, I am pretty sure it will be moved to 2022 but hey, I can’t complain. RDJ and Jude Law are back as dynamic duo to solve crimes in London.

I love RDJ and I love Sherlock Holmes, so I am in for whatever.

EXCITED: level “oh yeah, I kind of waited for this!”

Chaos Walking (March 2021) – FILM / The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness – BOOK

            I am so in love with sci-fi, you can’t even imagine. It’s a whole new world for me – the deep sci-fi such as Dune or this thing. I read the book years ago by accident but it was so damn good!!! I mean, is there something better than a dystopian world where there are no women, all living creatures can hear each other’s’ thoughts in a stream of images, words, and sounds called Noise?

The trailer looks dope and the music!!! Such a great vibe.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

Raya and the Last Dragon (March 2021) – ANIMATED FILM

            Looks so pretty and I’m excited for everything animated from Disney. I have spoken. Plus, young warrior in the search for the last dragon ever?

This must be good. Kelly Marie Tran will be the voice of Raya and I am so very happy for her!

EXCITED: level “oh yeah, I kind of waited for this!”

Venom: Let There Be Carnage (June 2021) – FILM

            Okay so the second I saw Woody Harrelson in the post-credit scene I knew that it will be a good one. And I don’t care what people say about Hardy’s Venom – I LOVE IT. I hope he will make his way into MCU for good, as a great Spider-Man villain but hey.

One step a time.

EXCITED: level “oh yeah, I kind of waited for this!”

Uncharted (July 2021) – FILM based on a video game

            Tom Holland strikes back. Teaming up with Mark Wahlberg to show us story of Nathan Drake – younger Drake, and his story with Sully.

I hyped myself too much on this one and there is no going back – it’s either going to be a great film, or a utter & compete failure. There is no in-between.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

Free-Guy (May 2021) – FILM

            So, Ryan Reynolds plays a guy who realizes that he is a character in a video game and tries to save his fictional world. Taika Waititi involved. Goofy sense of humor.

I literally don’t need anything else at this point – this will be pure entertainment.

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

The Green Knight (July 2021) – FILM

            I have absolutely no ide what this movie will be about but I got pretty excited seeing first pictures. Dev Patel as Gavin? Who the heck is Gavin? But you know what, I think I want this to remain a mystery for me. This could be a captivating surprise of 2021.

EXCITED: level “oh yeah, I kind of waited for this!”

Malcolm & Marie (February 2021) – FILM

            Shot during spring lock-down, with (as it seems) only two actors – Zendaya and John David Washington. “Not another love story. It is a story ABOUT love” – and trust me, we need more films like that. Intimate to the limits. True to the bones.

Love is all shades of black and white. There are always two sides of the story, and that’s what makes it so damn beautiful.

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

The Many Saints of Newark (March 2021) – FILM

            Prequel to The Sopranos, a.k.a. one of the best series ever. It will tell a story of the 1967 riots in Newark, N.J. and the tension between the town’s Italian and Black communities.

All I needed to deem 2021 a complete year was a damn good gangster movie. I am weirdly excited for this one.

EXCITED: level “if this isn’t good, I am calling the police”

The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun (Summer 2021) – FILM

            From Wes Anderson, with Timothée Chalamet, Adrien Brody and many more – will this be the best film of 2021? Sure like hell can compete. It is by far described as “a love letter to journalists set at an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional 20th-century French city”.

Ahh, can you imagine the aesthetics?

EXCITED: level “LONG HAVE I WAITED”

The Suicide Squad (August 2021) – FILM

            Okay DC, you got yourself a Marvel director, please do not mess this one up. I love DC universe – in so many aspects it is so much better than Marvel – FOR ME, I don’t want to start any riots there. Chill.

The first attempt with this film was horrible. Let’s hope that this will be better, but I’m not excited much.

EXCITED: level “nope, but let’s watch it for science”

Renewed goods I am waiting for: Cobra Kai, Space Force, Dash & Lily, Narcos: Mexico, The Witcher, The Prodigal Son, What we do in the Shadows, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, The Mandalorian, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, The Oursider, Atlanta.

           Now, promised Bowie story, since it’s 5^th death anniversary: few weeks back I talked with my mum about bands and artists we regret we couldn’t see live. I said Queen with Freddie, because that would be out of this world. We also named Michael Jackson and Prince. And then I said “I wish I could go to Bowie’s concert; you know?”

And my mum said “Hey, don’t worry, maybe he will come back to touring, you never know”. I looked at her, to see if she is serious, but she was.

“Mum, Bowie is dead like… For almost 5 years now”.

“Oh. Then you will not see him live”.

My mum is a champion, I swear. For her defense – she never was a big Bowie fan, so.