By Angelica Bottaro 

The pandemic that kicked off at the beginning of 2020 set the tone for the entire year. A ton of crazy, terrible, and just downright weird things continued to happen as the months rolled by. The entire world was fighting the same battle simultaneously, and we all felt the effects. Now that the maelstrom of 2020 is finally over, we can start to see some light at the end of the tunnel. The pandemic isn’t over, but there’s FINALLY some hope that there may be an end to it all.

But since COVID-19 is still making its rounds and a lot of places, including where I live, are still in lockdown, what can we possibly look forward to in the short term? Movies and shows, obviously! And let me tell you, 2021 is packing a real punch when it comes to quality programming and cinema to keep us distracted from the craziness that’s going on in the world.

Everybody deserves a little distraction now and then, right? These fun movies and shows give us something to look forward to this year will—at the very least—keep us entertained while in lockdown.

Moxie

Moxie is a movie about revolution. It’s about standing up for what you believe in even if you have to stand alone at first. It’s about showing the world that you’re not going to take any injustice lying down. The story is about teenage girls who channel revolutionary actions from the 60s and 70s and use them to fight problems in the world today.

Directed by and starring SNL alum Amy Poehler, it is bound to be a good ol’ fashioned riot of a film. When a 16-year-old girl anonymously publishes a booklet about sexism at her school, she ruffles a lot of feathers. The group of well-intentioned high school students fight back against the silencers of the world when it comes to women’s rights and sexism. It looks like it’s going to be a real feel-good, pump you up, make-you-want-to-fight-some-injustice-too kind of movie.

Space Jam: A New Legacy

What could possibly be more fun than a sequel to every basketball fan’s favourite childhood movie? LeBron James takes over the lead in Space Jam: A New Legacy, one that was famously played by Michael Jordan back in the 90s, bringing the original concept to new digital heights.

The film follows James and his son as they get trapped in a virtual space. The only way out? Winning a basketball game with the wacky Looney Tunes gang of course! It’s one of those silly movies that you just can’t wait to see. 

Dune

I shouldn’t have to say any more than Timothée Chalamet, because let’s face it, his acting chops are up there with the greats. But in case you’re not as big a fan as I am, Dune is the modern reimagining of the original 1984 film based on the 1965 novel of the same name.

It’s a hero’s journey kind of story that follows Paul Atreides (Chalamet) as he navigates the most dangerous planet in the universe to save his family, and essentially, humankind. It’s one of those serious movies that provide some action, drama, and enough suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat. I for one am impatiently waiting for the chance to see it. Did I mention Zendaya is also starring in the film? 

Resident Alien 

For those who love a little dark with their comedy, Resident Alien is the 2021 series for you. The show follows an alien, Harry, who crash lands on earth and decides to pose as a small-town doctor to fit in with the locals. His ordered mission on earth? Destroy all humans. After Harry gets to know the humans and begins solving local murders, he’s not quite so sure he wants to get rid of humankind at all.

Alan Tudyk plays the quirky character, and honestly, there couldn’t have been a better casting because this guy pulls off alien-pretending-to-be-human better than literally anyone else on the planet. I wonder if that means anything? Anyway, it looks like a really good time to me! 

The Equalizer

I had to add this one here because, although I didn’t watch the original show, the movies with Denzel Washington are pretty high up there on my repeat movie night list. This time the Equalizer (Robyn McCall) is played by non-other than the ever-talented Queen Latifah. It follows her as she helps the downtrodden like a true guardian angel. It’s a story about redemption and saviours, and it couldn’t look better.

McCall isn’t just running around saving people, though. She’s also a single mom navigating life with a teenage daughter. With a storyline like that, how could you not be excited?  

So grab your favourite beverage, snuggle up on the sofa, forget about pandemics and binge watch some great shows and movies. 

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