Photo: Felipe Bustillo/Unsplash
Cover Photo: Felipe Bustillo/Unsplash

The announcement that cinemas in Malaysia are allowed to operate again is welcomed news to movie fans who have been denied the pleasure of catching Hollywood blockbusters on the big screen for much of this year

On September 7, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that cinemas can open its doors once again to Malaysian moviegoers who are fully vaccinated starting from September 9. The hall capacity, however, is capped at 50 per cent. Nevertheless, Malaysians welcomed the news with glee, having already missed out on catching some major Hollywood blockbusters like Black Widow and The Suicide Squad, which are best enjoyed on the big screen.

See also: Jayden Zhang Talks Playing Young Shang-Chi, Acting Alongside Tony Leung and Representation

Major cinema operators Golden Screen Cinemas and TGV, however, won't be opening their doors yet as they await for clearer SOP guidelines from the government and movie approval from censors. 

But what's a few more days when we have already endured months. Here's our wish list of movies that already had their international releases this year that we hope to be able to see on the big screen. There is also a list of coming attractions that makes us really glad that we can retreat into the cool darkness of a cinema hall and escape into a make-believe world for a couple of hours once again. 

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Black Widow

Tatler Asia
Photo: Instagram/@black.widow
Above Photo: Instagram/@black.widow

Although mired in a contractual dispute with star Scarlett Johansson, this long-awaited solo Black Widow movie is a must-watch for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Set right after Captain America: Civil War but before Infinity War, Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) is forced to confront her dark past that reunites with her family including her sister Yelena, played by scene-stealing Florence Pugh. Although (spoiler alert!) it is not the final chapter on Romanoff's saga (that happened in Endgame), it is the last time we will see Johansson in full Black Widow mode.

What The Critic Said:

 

If Widow, with its winky one-liners and spandexed catsuits, is purely pop feminism, the movie's female gaze still reads like more than a cynical marketing ploy; it's one step closer to real, messy life, Marvel-size and amplified.

- Leah Greenblatt, Entertainment Weekly -

Shang-Chi And The Legend of the Ten Rings

Tatler Asia
Photo: Instagram/@shangchi
Above Photo: Instagram/@shangchi

MCU's Phase 4 goes into full swing with the first superhero movie with an Asian lead. Shang-Chi has already raked in more than US$150 million at the box office globally since its release last week. It has also gotten plenty of love from critics, with many praising Tony Leung Chiu Wai's performance as villain Wenwu. 

See also: 3 Asian Actors Making Their Hollywood Debut This Year, Thanks To Marvel

What The Critic Said:

...in his first Hollywood role, (Leung) practically runs away with the film. Wenwu is a supervillain who’s lived a life of crime and conquest, and in every scene, Leung imbues him with cool confidence.

- Shirley Li, The Atlantic -

Jungle Cruise

Starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson, this Disney film promises to be, like the theme-park attraction it's based on, a joyride full of exciting action sequences—think a fluffier version of the Indiana Jones movies. Blunt plays a scientist in search of a life-giving plant while Johnson is the captain of the boat she hires to take her into the jungle. 

What The Critic Said: 

Jungle Cruise is a movie that implicitly asks: What’s wrong with a little good old-fashioned escapism? The answer is: Absolutely nothing, and Jungle Cruise is old-fashioned, expect that it pelts the audience with entertainment in such a lively yet bumptious way that at times you may wish you were wearing protective gear.

- Owen Glebeirman, Variety -

The Suicide Squad

Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn takes over as director this time, his steadily manic style fit these DC's group of misfits to a tee. This time around, they are tasked to destroy a giant alien starfish which has the ability to control humans. Margot Robbie returns as Harley Quinn while Idris Elba portrays Deadshot. Watch out for Sylvester Stallone as the voice of King Shark. 

ICYMI: The Suicide Squad: What To Know About The Hotly Anticipated Movie

What The Critic Said: 

(Gunn's) take on The Suicide Squad is unashamedly silly, but crucially never stupid, and keeps the baddies at least morally murky. Most importantly, its primary aim is to be really, really fun.

- Olly Richards, Empire Online -

A Quiet Place II

The sequel to the terrifyingly brilliant A Quiet Place takes place right after the ending of the first movie. Recently widowed and with three children in tow including a newborn baby, Evelyn (Emily Blunt) goes in search of new survivors as their home has been destroyed. John Krasinski returns to direct a terrific cast that includes deaf actress Millicent Simmonds and Cillian Murphy.

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What The Critic Said: 

It doesn't have the same claustrophobic intensity as its predecessor, but it's just as taut, suspenseful and beautifully made.

- Justin Chang, NPR -

Free Guy

Ryan Reynolds turns on his charm as a background player in a video game who one day decides to be the hero in his story. He is paired with Jodie Comer of Killing Eve fame. If the hilarious trailer is anything to go by, this promises to be a hugely enjoyable flick.

What The Critic Said:

... key to its appeal is an unabashed sweetness and goofy enthusiasm that proves irresistible.

- Wendy Ide, The Guardian -

COMING ATTRACTIONS

And here's what we can look forward to in the coming months:

See also: Jayden Zhang Talks Playing Young Shang-Chi, Acting Alongside Tony Leung

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