Movies to look forward to in the first half of 2023

THE MOVIEVERSE — It is now 2023. If you're anything like me, it feels like we should be in the fourth week of March already.

But no, it's still January.

Even though this month is dragging on, there is something to look forward to — well, that is, if you're a movie fan. The upcoming year has some big releases scheduled, and I'm here to give you a preview.

Considering 2023 has decided to follow tradition and have 12 months, many movies are scheduled throughout the year. These are the ones coming out between January and June, and we'll discuss the movies planned for July through December at a later date.

Here's a look at movie releases for the first half of 2023.

January

'A Man Called Otto'

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Some of you may already have seen this one, but Tom Hanks' latest, "A Man Called Otto," is now in theaters and is worth the trip. The movie is based on the Swedish novel "A Man Called Ove," which was made into a Swedish film in 2015. The movie could be better, but it's a feel-good piece that could be a good pick-me-up during these cold months.

February

'Knock at the Cabin'

Feb. 3

Whenever M. Night Shyamalan releases a film, I have to see it. That's mainly because I'm either going to love it or I'm going to witness an absolute train wreck. I don't know what experience I'll have with "Knock at the Cabin," but I promise to find out.

'80 for Brady'

Feb. 3

If I didn't include this one, my mom would have stopped inviting me for Sunday dinner. "80 for Brady" is based on the true story of four friends and their life-long dream of going to the Super Bowl and meeting Tom Brady. I'm giving my mom a hard time here, but the movie could be fun with Lily Tomlin and Sally Field.

'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania'

Feb. 17

Marvel is getting things started early in 2023 with the February release of the third Ant-Man movie, "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania." I don't know if this is when Marvel fatigue starts setting in, but this will make roughly a billiondy dollars, and they'll keep making Marvel movies.

March

'Creed III'

March 3

The "Creed" series is back for a third round. It will be interesting to see a movie in the "Rocky" universe with no Rocky, but I was impressed with the franchise's first two films and am optimistic about the newest addition.

'Champions'

March 10

Here is one you may not be aware of. "Champions" stars Woody Harrelson and is based on a Spanish film loosely based on a true story. In the movie, Harrelson is a professional basketball coach ordered by the court to coach a team of players with intellectual disabilities. As you can imagine, Harrelson's character learns more from his players than the other way around. The movie looks like a sweet film with plenty of laughs.

'Shazam: Fury of the Gods'

March 17

Admittedly, I am growing tired of superhero movies, but I am actually looking forward to "Shazam! Fury of the Gods." The first film is my favorite of the DC Extended Universe, and I'm hoping the sequel gives us more of the same. I've been burned by sequels before, but I'll give this one the benefit of the doubt before passing any judgments.

'65'

March 17

The reason I'm most interested by "65" is because it comes from the writing team behind "A Quiet Place." The movie stars Adam Driver, as a space traveler who tries to survive after crash landing on an alien planet. Sounds pretty straight forward until it's revealed the planet is Earth, 65 million years ago.

'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves'

March 31

I have never played Dungeons and Dragons, so I can't tell you if the new movie starring Chris Pine seems like it's following the game or not, but it does look like it could offer some laughs and action. I can be down for that.

April

'On a Wing and a Prayer'

April 5

I don't know much about this one. There is no trailer yet, but the premise could be intriguing. "On a Wing and a Prayer" stars Dennis Quaid and follows the story of a passenger on a flight who is forced to land the plane safely when the pilot unexpectedly dies. Brandon Quinn is also in the movie, and I may or may not have grabbed burgers with him one night, and he was a super cool dude. So, yeah, go see this one.

'The Super Mario Bros. Movie'

April 7

Did we need a Super Mario Bros. movie? No, but we're getting one, nonetheless. Thankfully, it doesn't look as abysmal as the Mario movie we don't speak of — and it could be fun. So, like some of the others on this list, I'm staying optimistic because it's too early in the year to give up on everything.

'Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret.'

April 28

The Judy Blume novel is headed to theaters, and generations of kids will be excited to see these characters on the big screen. The story revolves around 11-year-old Margaret as she faces the complexity of adolescence and all the messy details associated with growing up.

'Paint'

April 28

There isn't much to say when it comes to "Paint." The movie is listed as a comedy and stars Owen Wilson. An image has been released, where Wilson seems to be doing his best Bob Ross impersonation, but he's not Bob Ross. Instead, he's Carl Nargle, a painter on public television threatened by the new artist working for the station. The image, Wilson, and the bizarre plot have my attention.

May

'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'

May 5

Marvel has another third installment in 2023: "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3." Despite my endurance fading fast on these movies, I'll walk into the theater with a positive attitude. But I make no promises about how I'll walk out.

'Fast X'

May 19

Yes, this is the 10th "Fast and Furious" movie. I have to admit, when I saw the first film at a dollar theater in Sugar House, I never thought I'd be writing about the 10th installment over 20 years later, but here we are. We now live in a world where we only have one movie in the "Man from U.N.C.L.E." franchise, but we have 10 Fast and Furious films. Well, 11, if you count the spin-off.

'The Little Mermaid'

May 26

Disney has figured out how to print money in many different fashions. Their latest money-making machine is the live-action remake of animated classics. Next up on the machine's conveyor belt "The Little Mermaid." I'm more excited for "Fast X" than I am for this, but stranger things have happened. This may be the best movie of the year. I'm not banking on it, but I don't have a crystal ball or an advanced copy, so we'll have to wait and see.

June

'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse'

June 2

While I may have superhero fatigue, there is one franchise out there I'm excited to see more of: the "Spider-Verse." The second installment, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," will be released this year, and I am looking forward to this one. The first film is one of the best superhero movies ever made, and I hope they strike gold twice.

'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts'

June 9

Remember "Transformers?" Well, they're making another one, so there you go.

'The Flash'

June 16

The DC Extended Universe is also plugging along in 2023. In addition to "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," they're releasing "The Flash." The movie has been in the works for some time, and it will be interesting to see how it turns out. The big news about this movie is that Ben Affleck and Michael Keaton will reprise their Batman personas in this rendition.

'Asteroid City'

June 23

Little is known about Wes Anderson's latest project besides its massive cast. Names include Tom Hanks, Margot Robbie, Edward Norton, Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston, Steve Carell, Willem Dafoe, Maya Hawke, Jeff Goldblum and Matt Dillon, to name a few.

'Harold and the Purple Crayon'

June 30

The classic children's book "Harold and the Purple Crayon" is getting the big-screen animated treatment with the voice talents of Zooey Deschanel and Zachary Levi.

'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny'

June 30

I don't know what to expect with the fifth Indy movie, but I'm cautiously optimistic. "Crystal Skull" did a lot of psychological damage to me, but here's to hoping we can wash that taste out of my mouth and have a great time with Dr. Jones.

What movies are you most excited about? Did it make the list? Let us know in the comments.

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