Atomic Fangirl

“Listen.”

Story: WWIII is looming. [No, not for real, she said hopefully.] A conflict in Korea is stirring up fear among governments and their people. As the world prepares for the worst, Dr. Daniel Kellner is trying to release information that could stop things from progressing, at least for a while; aliens are real, and a shadowy corporation called WARDEX has been hiding this for almost eight decades. But that corporation isn’t happy. Are shadowy corporations ever happy?

Genre I’d put it in: Hopeful Confusion
Release Date: 2026
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Original, but with a heavy whiff of Spielberg’s directorial vibe. Obviously.

Gotta say: It took me a while to figure out how I wanted to talk about this film. On the one hand? It’s a sweet call to humanity, urging us to look beyond our world and our problems. On the other, it’s over-long, rambling, unable to truly pinpoint a theme. Look beyond…then what? Day offers no answers.

“This is your life. You ready to fight for it?”

Story: A young group of talented boys begin a singing career in Gary, Indiana. As they become more popular, the Jackson 5 hit stardom, with youngest member Michael standing out for his one-of-a-kind voice and charisma. But breaking free from an overbearing father can be harder than stardom could ever be…

Genre I’d put it in: Emotionally Effective Biopics
Release Date: 2026
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on the life of the King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Gotta say: Before I get into things, I think I need to address a few things. One, I was in high school when Michael was at his peak. Off The Wall was a staple through those years, and Thriller was an absolute juggernaut that blew me and my friends away. I still remember a friend running up to me shouting “I GOT THE TAPE! I GOT THE TAPE! YOU’RE COMING TO MY HOUSE AND WE’RE WATCHING IT!” And then we jumped up and down screaming. I cannot overstate what a pivotal moment in history this was for me, and so many others. Two, I love the work of director Antoine Fuqua, so I’m pre-disposed to be stoked about anything he’s got his fingers in. Three, I’m not even gonna address The Allegations. Everyone has their opinions, everyone has their ideas, and so do I. But I’m leaving deep dives for others more scholarly than I. Me, I’m looking at this movie. And as a biopic, Michael is an emotionally satisfying treat, though it may leave many fans (and casuals) wanting more.

“You gonna be the Italy Get Out!”

Story: “Professional house-sitter” and CINY dropout Anna has had her latest gig canceled on her. So, with no place to go, she hits a hotel bar and meets Matteo, an equally free spirit…with an empty villa in Tuscany just lying around doing nothing. Anna has a ticket to Tuscany, thanks to plans made by her recently deceased mom. Why not visit Tuscany? It’s not like she’ll meet Matteo’s family and fall in love with Tuscany (and his adopted brother Michael). Or will she do just that?

Genre I’d put it in: Sweet Travel Rom-coms
Release Date: 2026
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Original, with hints of While You Were Sleeping and Under the Tuscan Sun.

Gotta say: Tuscany is exactly what you think it’s gonna be, and exactly what I needed. The pairing of Halle Bailey, Regé-Jean Page, and gorgeous Tuscan locations soothed this savage beast. If you too are suffering from all the *waves hands around despondently* that’s been going on of late? Please let this film take you away from all that, and into a lovely fairy tale.