CinemaCon 2018 preview: Cinematic bliss in Sin City
CinemaCon is an annual Las Vegas-based convention hosted by the National Association of Theater Owners. Each year, this amazing four-day shindig showcases all the latest in movie theater hardware and snack bar goodness to theater owners from around the world.
While I certainly love getting a peek at all the amazing equipment and goodies the movie industry has to offer, the real appeal of CinemaCon for yours truly is the massive studio representation. All the major studios (Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Universal Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures, Sony Pictures, STX, Focus Features, Lionsgate, Entertainment Studios, etc.) will be on hand this year, and that means sizzle reels and film screenings galore!
What’s more, because CinemaCon was created for theater exhibitors, that means all this glorious footage will be presented in the best possible way. We’re talking the biggest screens, the most vibrant images, and the best sound possible! At the very least, CinemaCon continues to prove why you can’t beat the theatrical experience!
As for the studios, what film footage and possible movie screenings might they be dropping at this year’s convention? That’s anyone’s guess. That said, here’s a look at three upcoming films we hope we’re going to get a look at during movie Christmas in Sin City:
“Glass” (Universal Pictures/Blumhouse)
Out of respect to those of you who have yet to see M. Night Shyamalan’s “Split,” I’ll avoid going into spoiler territory here and encourage you all to watch it as soon as you’re done reading this article! Let’s just say that there’s more to “Split” than meets the eye. With the upcoming sequel, appropriately titled “Glass,” Shyamalan (“The Sixth Sense”) is venturing into terrain that should make plenty of his fans happy, and you can count me as one of those fans! I couldn’t be any more excited to get a look at this thing! Adding to that excitement is the very idea that with both “The Visit” and “Split,” Shyamalan has clearly gotten his groove back. Here’s hoping that “Glass” continues his recent hot streak. More importantly, though, let’s hope that Shyamalan’s foray into universe-sharing kicks as much ass as we hope it’s going to kick!
“The Predator” (20th Century Fox)
I love me some “Predator” action, and the fact that we’re getting a new “Predator” movie this year has me ecstatic in ways I find difficult to put into words. This new film was co-written and directed by the great Shane Black, the incredibly energetic (and talented) storyteller who in addition to penning the screenplay for “Lethal Weapon” and directing “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang” and “Iron Man 3” also co-starred as a likable grunt in John McTiernan’s original “Predator” from 1987! While a few story details have emerged, info is scarce. We know the film stars Thomas Jane, Jacob Tremblay, Olivia Munn, Sterling K. Brown, Keegan-Michael Key, Jake Busey, and Edward James Olmos, but 20th Century Fox has yet to release a lick of footage from the highly anticipated September release. That said, I suspect that’s all going to change during the upcoming Fox presentation at CinemaCon. Can’t wait!
“Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2” (Walt Disney Pictures)
Disney always does CinemaCon presentations up right. They bring the showmanship in a big way, and what’s always been particularly cool about Disney is that they usually give attendees a look at an upcoming film in its entirety. If they do opt to show a film again this year, what could it possibly be? Given that “Avengers: Infinity War” opens the day after the convention ends, it’s safe to say they won’t be screening that. Likewise, “Solo” isn’t a likely candidate either, because that’s a Lucasfilm title, and they keep their stuff pretty close to the vest. I’m guessing that if we do get an advance screening, it’s going to be “The Incredibles 2,” and I’m not about to bitch about that, because who in their right mind wouldn’t want to see an advance screening of what might just be the most highly anticipated title of Pixar’s entire resume?
Whatever the case may be, Disney is sure to share plenty of footage from its upcoming slate, and of all the high-profile films they’ve got in the pipeline, one of the titles I’m most excited about is “Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.” The first film really took me by surprise, and I’m feeling pretty darn confident that this follow-up is going to bring it in a big way. We need look no further than the recent teaser trailer that not only reintroduces us to returning John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman but also ends with a pancake-stuffed bunny rabbit exploding! Yes, please!
Again, all the major studios will be present at CinemaCon this year, so there’s sure to be countless sizzle reels, a plethora of A-list talent, and plenty of surprises! The convention runs April 23–26, and we’ll be sure to post a highlights article right here after the festivities come to a close.
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