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By: John M Jerva
It’s Volume 3 of my Action-Flix Must See Flix for 2020 and these three films really don’t need my help with promotion as they are all big budgeted releases but I am eager to see them so you should be too. From Vin Diesel rocking the invincible super-soldier Bloodshot to the long awaited reunion of Mike Lowry and Marcus Burnett in Bad Boys For Life, this list is full of action drenched entertainment. Throw in Scarlett Johansson’s elite assassin Black Widow and this entry need no introduction, although it just got one. Lets get it on!
BLOODSHOT
At first, Vin Diesel’s live action adaptation of Valiant Comics’ super soldier Bloodshot was supposed to be the start of a shared universe for Sony Pictures with an eventual crossover film titled Harbinger Wars to be the culmination but Paramount Pictures kind of swooped in and made that a little harder as they acquired the rights to Harbinger but non the less, Sony is still trying to stay on tack and is releasing the highly anticipated Diesel vehicle in hopes that it will still start a franchise and maybe still be able to do their cinematic universe in the same vein as Marvel.
The first trailer was released a while back and there was some fan backlash as it didn’t show Diesel all suited up and looking like the comic incarnation of Ray Garrison turned unsoppbale killing machine. I for one think that they are saving that big reveal later but regardless, the initial first footage still looked awesome with some pretty sweet action set pieces and the sight of Diesel getting his head blown off only to have it come back together again as he takes out two pistols and starts to unload is worth the price of admission alone. Only time will tell if Diesel has another franchise hit on his hands like Fast And Furious.
Helmed by Dave Wilson, who is best known for working with Deadpool Helmer Tim Miller at Blur Studios, the film also stars Toby Kebbell (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes), Sam Heughan (Outlander), Eiza Gonzalez (Baby Driver),Talulah Riley (Westworld), Johannes Haukur Johannesson (Game of Thrones), Lamorne Morris (New Girl, Game Night), Guy Pearce (Prometheus) and Alex Hernandez (Unreal).
Release Date: February 21st, 2020
BLACK WIDOW
After dying heroically to save the universe in this year’s Avengers: Endgame, Scarlett Johansson is back as the deadly and ruthless KGB trained super spy Natasha Romanoff AKA the Black Widow and with the release of the trailer just last week, this MCU film that actually takes place after the events of Captain America: Civil War and before Avengers: Infinity War gives fans a chance to see Nat in action once again and we also get to know a lot more about her besides the fact that she is pretty much one of the toughest female SOBS you would never want to run into.
The trailer looks great and Johansson can do this role in her sleep now so fans like myself will surely be planted in theater seats next May when this one hits the screen. The sight of her swooping down from the skies as she avoids falling debris with enemy super soldiers behind her firing away certainly bodes well for the comic book spy flick that looks like it will be a little different then what we are used to from the MCU.
Johansson stars along with David Harbour (Stranger Things, Hellboy) as Alexei who’s alter ego is The Red Guardian, Florence Pugh (Fighting with My Family) as Yelena, Rachel Weisz (The Favourite) as Melina and O-T Fagbenle (The Handmaid’s Tale) as Mason. Cate Shortland from Lore helms from a script penned by Jac Shaffer
Release Date: May 1st, 2020
BAD BOYS FOR LIFE
The first two Bad Boys films are classics of firepower, comraderie and one liners with superstars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence serving up one of the greatest cop buddy duos of this generation in Mike Lowry and Marcus Burnett. The last film was released all the way back in 2003 and a third film had been in development for years with Joe Carnahan once attached to helm. He stepped off the project but still serves as one of the writers on the flick with Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah taking over in the director’s chair as Michael Bay directed the first two.
Returning for more fun are Joe Pantoliano who reprises his role of Captain Howard along with Theresa Randle who once again plays Marcus’wife Theresa. New cast members include Vanessa Hudgens (The Princess Switch), Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games) and Charles Melton (Riverdale) who are all part of an elite, new police unit that will clash with Mike and Marcus’ old school tsctics. Jacob Scipio (Hunter Killer) Returning for more fun are Joe Pantoliano who reprises his role of Captain Howard along with Theresa Randle who once again plays Marcus’wife Theresa. New cast members include Vanessa Hudgens (The Princess Switch), Alexander Ludwig (The Hunger Games) and Charles Melton (Riverdale) who are part of a new police unit that clashes with Mike and Marcus’ old school tactics. Jacob Scipio plays the ruthless drug cartel leader Paola Nuñez and DJ Khaled also stars in an unspecified role.
A few trailers have been released and some are saying that it is missing some of Bay’s signature action flair but I’m being positive in saying that both Smith and Lawrence will deliver once again in what might be their last go around with these two iconic characters. I still felt that the trailers showed off some great Michael Bay inspired action set pieces so fingers crossed that these two can deliver themagic once again. Whatchya Gonna Do?!!!
Releae Date: January 17th
There you have it! Volume 3 is in the books and with it, some of the bigger films to hit the multiplexes next year. No worries, I will be delivering more indie action goodness later on but for now, these three films really speak for themselves and look great. Until next time, keep it locked and loaded right here as we are your source for everything action. Bring on 2020!
Vin diesel is at his best, i have all the faith bloodshot will be lit! May he exceed all expectations and shutter all box offices
Alas! My hopes have been restored, Marvel is getting better and better at each wake of the sun, Looking forward to next year.