download.jpg

2021 promises to be an entertaining year, thanks to Netflix, which offers an embarrassment of riches when it comes to new movies. Fifteen titles will release on the streaming service in January alone, including foreign films, documentaries, an animated feature, and three highly-anticipated award contenders.

2020 was a bleak year for studio releases due to the global pandemic, and even Christopher Nolan's Tenet couldn't lure moviegoers out during nationwide lockdowns. Studios shuffled their schedules, delaying potential blockbusters like Tom Cruise's Top Gun sequel Maverick until 2021. Warner Bros. made an unprecedented move when it chose to release potential cash cow Wonder Woman 1984 in theaters and on HBO Max (owned by parent company WarnerMedia) simultaneously. Netflix benefitted from studios' desperation for an audience, swooping in and acquiring films that would otherwise languish unseen for a year or longer.

With award season quickly approaching, Netflix promises to see multiple nominations with Mank, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Da 5 Bloods at the top of most critics' "Best of" lists. Big names both behind the camera and on-screen talents such as Jane Campion, Dwayne Johnson, Zack Snyder, Richard Linklater, Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Halle Berry, and Lin-Manuel Miranda can be found on Netflix in 2021. While the release dates of some movies have been confirmed, most have not. Presumably, the impact of Covid-19 will factor heavily into how quickly unfinished projects come together, determining the streaming service's schedule.

Dated Netflix Movies

What Happened To Mr. Cha? - 1/1

download (1).jpg

The Korean dark comedy tells the story of an actor Cha In-Pyo who tries to rejuvenate his flagging career. Although the character is fictitious, there are many similarities between the movie's central character and the actor playing him, Cha In-Pyo. The real-life Cha In-Pyo starred in a string of hits in the '90s, but due to his good-guy image, he grew tired of being typecast. The film was written and directed by Kim Dong-kyu , who always had the Korean star in mind for the role. The director told The Korea Times, "I thought using Cha's real name would resonate with the audience and provide them with a better understanding of the message I wanted to convey."

Asphalt Burning: Børning 3 - 1/2

download (3).jpg

Directed by Hallvard Bræn, comedy actioner Asphalt Burning: Børning 3 stars Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Ruby O. Fee, Alexandra Maria Lara, and Kostja Ullmann and sees hero Roy accepting a challenge from a new foe to race for his runaway bride at the iconic Nürburgring track in Germany after his wedding day doesn't go to plan. It's essentially a Norwegian Fast & Furious parody sequel.

Ratones Paranoicos: The Band That Rocked Argentina - 1/6

download (4).jpg

According to the official synopsis, this feature will tell the story of the irrepressible Ratones Paranoicos, Argentina's most enduring rock band, who are featured in vintage concert, and backstage footage. Directed by Ramiro Martínez and Alejandro Ruax, it's a documentary for fans primarily and anyone with an interest in rock.

Tony Parker: The Final Shot - 1/6

download (5).jpg

Hot on the tail of the success of The Last Dance, this film from Florent Bodin will expand the basketball content on the streaming platform and will explore the background and career of legendary San Antonio Spurs player. Tony Parker, whose determination led him to become arguably the greatest French basketball player.