Top 10 Most Anticipated Releases of June 2018

John Travolta’s long career has had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster. The actor gave his best performance in years, however, as lawyer Robert Shapiro in 2016’s “The People v. O.J. Simpson.” Hopefully, Travolta can maintain that momentum as real-life gangster John Gotti, the famed former head of the Gambino crime family. With actor Kevin Connolly getting behind the camera, “Gotti” might either be a modern mob classic or just another Scorsese wannabe. One way or another, Travolta’s physical transformation and enticing charisma is an offer we simply can’t refuse.

“Sicario” was one of the best movies hardly anyone saw in 2015. Given the film’s modest box office success, people weren’t really expecting a sequel, especially without star Emily Blunt or director Denis Villeneuve. Yet, Benicio del Toro and Josh Brolin will both reprise their roles for “Day of the Soldado.” On one hand, some audiences might argue that “Sicario” should remain a standalone achievement. If the follow-up can deliver another intense, character-driven thriller, though, this could be a stellar franchise nobody knew they wanted.

This rock group’s music videos typically feel more like short films, telling visually driven stories with musical accompaniment. The video for “Say Amen” from the band’s sixth studio album plays out like a martial arts movie meets “Saturday Night Fever.” Panic! at the Disco actually described this video as a prequel to their singles “This Is Gospel” and “Emperor’s New Clothes,” rounding out a trilogy. These guys know how to keep things interesting, delivering something unique with each new album. “Pray for the Wicked” should be no exception.

Where the MCU’s big screen offerings have been on a roll, the universe’s TV shows have varied in quality. In one corner you’ve got “Daredevil” and “Jessica Jones.” On the opposite end, there’s “Iron First” and (sigh)… “Inhumans.” Fortunately, we can breathe easily knowing that “Cloak and Dagger” received rave reviews following the pilot’s debut at South by Southwest 2018. Olivia Holt and Aubrey Joseph in particular have been praised for their portrayals of Dagger and Cloak, respectively, making for one of Marvel’s most dynamic du0s to date.

Tommy Wiseau has got to be the most unlikely star in the history of Hollywood. The now-legendary “The Room” is practically synonymous with the phrase, “so bad, it’s good.” It even inspired an acclaimed memoir and an Oscar-nominated biopic. Now Wiseau is teaming up again with his old buddy Greg Sestero, who both wrote and co-stars in “Best F(r)iends.” Centered around a couple of drifters who take a road trip, the first half of this black comedy was screened earlier this year and “Volume Two” is poised to be another wild ride.

The MTV Movie Awards, which recently added TV shows to the mix, have been generally hit and miss. At its best, we’ve gotten some hilarious spoofs and celebrity appearances. At its worst, the show has basically been a glorified advertisement for summer releases. There’s a major reason to watch this year’s ceremony, however: actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish, who delivered a star-making turn in 2017’s “Girls Trip.” Since she also stole the show with Maya Rudolph at the Oscars, having her host this award show sounds like a perfect fit.

“Shaq Fu” is to video games what “The Room” is to movies. Released during the peak of Shaquille O'Neal’s NBA career, this fighting game’s ridiculous premise, poor quality, and inexplicable existence made it one of the most infamous sell-outs of all time. Of course that’s also why “Shaq Fu” was destined for cult status. It’s a game so bad that it’s not just good, it’s legendary! While the sequel probably won’t break new ground, it does look like a self-aware, adrenaline-charged, and hilarious apology for the original disaster-piece.

Here’s another welcome female-centric reboot. This heist comedy stars Sandra Bullock as Danny Ocean’s sister, Debbie. As you might expect, Bullock isn’t the only one on board for this job. The enormously talented cast also features Anne Hathaway, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, and Awkwafina. Now that’s a lineup. The quasi-retired Steven Soderbergh isn’t aboard, but no matter. If the film can live up to its predecessors, it wouldn’t be surprising if we also got “Ocean’s 9” and “Ocean’s 10,” bringing two trilogies full circle.

Say what you will about 2015’s “Jurassic World,” but it was easily the most fun we’ve had with this franchise since 1993. “Fallen Kingdom” will not only see the return of Chris Pratt’s Owen and Bryce Dallas Howard’s Claire, but also the inimitable Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm. While the trailers look like an over-the-top blast, can anything possibly top the Indominus Rex’s throw-down with the Tyrannosaurus? Here’s hoping that director J. A. Bayona finds a way. Until then, let’s play some “Jurassic World Evolution” to hold us over.




Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“Luke Cage” – Season 2
Release Date: June 22, 2018


“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Release Date: June 8, 2018

“The Crew 2”
Release Date: June 29, 2018

It’s the sequel we’ve been asking Pixar to make for years, but, to be honest, never thought would actually take flight. After almost a decade and a half, however, writer/director Brad Bird is finally bringing the Parr family back to the silver screen! This follow-up focuses in on Elastigirl taking center stage and kicking ass, while Mr. Incredible tackles his greatest challenge yet: raising Jack-Jack. Seeing how popular superhero movies have become since the first movie came out, “Incredibles 2” should have no shortage of timely satire. Just leave your cape at home. We can’t wait.