Wondering what you should watch, listen to, or read this upcoming year? Fourcast has a compiled a list of the best movies, books, and music artists to look out for in 2016.
Movies of 2016
[column size=one_half position=first ]
“Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” by Burr Steers
A freaky spin on Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” “Zombies” takes relationships in 19th century England to a whole new level. If you’re into zombies AND romance, this movie is definitely for you. Stars Lily James, Lena Headey and Matt Smith. In theaters Feb. 5, just in time to watch with that special someone on Valentine’s Day.
[/column]
[column size=one_half position=last ]
“Deadpool” by Tim Miller
Marvel has outdone itself – “Deadpool” unveils a new class of superhero when Wade Wilson, a Special Forces operative portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, is diagnosed with cancer and given only months to live. He undergoes a rogue experiment, receives accelerated healing powers, and adopts the alter ego known as Deadpool to fight crime. Even better, director Tim Miller announced Deadpool as pansexual, making him the first-ever queer Marvel superhero to appear on the big screen. In theaters Feb. 12. Watch the trailer
[/column]
[column size=one_half position=first ]
“Zoolander 2” by Ben Stiller
In a sequel to the original “Zoolander,” Derek and Hansel are back and better than ever, but when a rival modelling company threatens to squash their business, things take a nasty turn down the runway. Stars Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Olivia Munn, Benedict Cumberbatch, Will Ferrell and the hilarious Kristen Wiig. In theaters Feb. 12.
[/column]
[column size=one_half position=last ]
“The Divergent Series: Allegiant” by Robert Schwenke
The final installment of the Divergent series written by Veronica Roth, Tris and Tobias venture outside the walls of Chicago and seek refuge with the Bureau of Genetic Welfare, a secret agency that may have the answers they seek. Stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Naomi Watts and Miles Teller. In theaters March 18.
[/column]
Expand below to find out about more movies coming in 2016.
[expand title=”Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice”]
The citizens of Metropolis are torn over the role Superman plays in their lives – is he just trying to help, or is he acting as a false god? To prevent Superman’s powers going unchecked, Gotham City’s Batman declares war against Superman in an ultimate struggle between power and powerlessness. Stars Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill, along with Amy Adams and Jesse Eisenberg. In theaters March 25. Watch the trailer here.
[/expand]
[column=one_half position=first ]
[expand title=”The Jungle Book”]
A classic Disney animation brought to life, “The Jungle Book” is an adventurous tale about a young orphan boy who is raised in the jungle by a pack of wolves, a bear, and a black panther. Stars Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o, Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba and Bill Murray. In theaters April 15. Watch the trailer here. [/expand]
[expand title=”Captain America: Civil War”]
Set after the Battle of Sokovia in “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” the third Captain America installment picks up with the Sokovia Accords, a government-drafted document stating that all superheroes must be registered as government entities. This causes a rift between the Avengers, specifically Captain America and Iron Man. Stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Paul Rudd and more. In theaters May 6. Watch the trailer here.[/expand]
[expand title=”Snowden”]
Based on the true story of former CIA employee and NSA contractor Edward Snowden, “Snowden” delves into the events before, during and after the biggest leak of classified documents in American history, and into how Edward Snowden went from being an American citizen to becoming the most wanted man in the world. Stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley. In theaters May 13. Watch the trailer here. [/expand]
[expand title=”X-Men: Apocalypse”]
The eighth installment of the X-Men series, “Apocalypse” centers on the emergence of the world’s first mutant and the destruction that has been left in his wake. Stars Oscar Isaac, Jennifer Lawrence, Olivia Munn and Michael Fassbender. In theaters May 27. Watch the trailer here. [/expand]
[/column]
[column=one_half position=first ]
[expand title=”Alice Through the Looking Glass”]
In this sequel to “Alice in Wonderland,” Alice returns to Wonderland and travels back in time to save the Mad Hatter. Stars Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham-Carter and Mia Wasikowska. In theaters May 27. Watch the trailer here. [/expand]
[expand title=”Now You See Me 2″]
After outwitting both the public and and the FBI with their seemingly impossible magic acts in “Now You See Me,” the Four Horsemen are back to try and expose Walter Mabry, a tech mastermind, who threatens the Horseman with his unethical practice. Stars Lizzy Chaplan, Daniel Radcliffe, Jesse Eisenberg and Mark Ruffalo. In theaters June 10. Watch the trailer here.[/expand]
[expand title=”Finding Dory”]
Pixar takes another dive in this long-awaited sequel to “Finding Nemo;” but instead of swimming across the seven seas to rescue a baby clownfish, an especially forgetful blue tang fish takes the center stage. Let’s just hope she doesn’t end up at P. Sherman, 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. Stars Ellen Degeneres, Idris Elba, Dominic West and Diane Keaton. In theaters June 17. Watch the trailer here.[/expand]
[expand title=”The Legend of Tarzan”]
Another Disney animation hits the big-screen in this live-action film. Tarzan, who now lives in London, is brought back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the works of a mining encampment. Stars Margot Robbie, Alexander Skarsgard, Samuel L. Jackson and Christoph Waltz. In theaters July 1. Watch the trailer here.[/expand]
[/column]
Books of 2016
[column size=one_third position=first ]
“The Mystery of Hollow Places” by Rebecca Podos
Debuting on January 26, “The Mystery of Hollow Places” follows 17-year-old Imogene Scott, daughter of a forensic pathologist, on her quest to find her parents. Her mother, a mysterious woman her father met when she identified a body he was investigating, left her life when Scott was an infant; her father recently disappeared. Imogene, having read her father’s forensic science books for years, uses her knowledge to find her parents and reunite their family. Only Podos’ first book, “The Mystery of Hollow Places” pulls at the heartstrings and spreads the ideas of family and belonging thin under a microscope.
[/column]
[column size=one_third position=middle ]
“A Tyranny of Petticoats: 15 Stories of Belles, Bank Robbers & Other Badass Girls” edited by Jessica Spotswood
The author of The Cahill Witch Chronicles has assembled 15 stories following girls through history, featuring stories by Marie Lu, author of novel-turned-film “Legend”, and Elizabeth Wein, author of World War II drama “Code Name Verity.” “A Tyranny of Petticoats” is available on March 8. The 15 authors, all women, collaborated to form a collection of short stories following girls through all eras of American history. The stories range from realistic historical fiction to straight-up fantasy, but they are all full of suspense and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
[/column]
[column size=one_third position=last ]
“The Raven King” by Maggie Stiefvater
The fourth, final book of the Raven Cycle will be released on March 29. Written by New York Times bestselling author Stiefvater, the Raven Cycle series follows Blue Sargent, the daughter of a psychic, and a group of boys she befriends (referred to as the Raven Boys). It’s a fantasy series that would be the lovechild of a Welsh history professor and a necromancer, combining tales of old kings and everyday teenage problems, from dating and Latin homework to human sacrifice and death. Watch Stiefvater’s animated book trailer for “The Raven Boys” if you want to catch up with the series.
[/column]
[column size=one_third position=first ]
“Girl Against the Universe” by Paula Stokes
Paula Stokes, author of such books as “Liars, Inc.” (which is a must-read for teens who loved the “Gone Girl” story) and romantic novel “The Art of Lainey,” is releasing her YA story “Girl Against the Universe” on May 17. “Girl Against the Universe” follows Maguire, a girl who must have been born under a bad star, considering her terrible luck. After escaping a car crash that claims the lives of her uncle, brother and father, she meets Jordy, a tennis player brimming with good luck. “Girl Against the Universe” follows a tale of love and luck, two definitely unstoppable forces Maguire finds herself vulnerable to during the course of her story.
[/column]
[column size=one_third position=middle ]
“The Crown’s Game” by Evelyn Skye
If you liked Disney’s “Anastasia,” then “The Crown’s Game” is the book for you. Set in imperial Russia, the first installation of the eponymous series by Evelyn Skye focuses on two young Russian enchanters (Vika Andreyeva and Nikolai Karimov). “The Crown’s Game” is overflowing with rich history and storytelling combined with a “Game of Thrones”-esque duel of magic. While the idea of a love triangle might seem stale to some, this one (completed by Nikolai’s best friend, Tsarevich Pasha, heir to the Russian throne) seems to be made of straight-up magic. “The Crown’s Game” will be available on Amazon on May 17.
[/column]
[column size=one_third position=last ]
“The Fever Code” by James Dashner
In the fifth installment of his “Maze Runner” series, author James Dashner steps back in the past to explain his canon to readers still confused about the early stages of the Maze. Though released fifth, chronologically “The Fever Code” takes place before the first book, “The Maze Runner.” This prequel has been eagerly awaited by fans, especially since interest in the book series, which began in 2009, was sparked again by the 2014 film version. Look for “The Fever Code” to be released on Amazon on Sept. 27.
[/column]
Artists of 2016
Cheryl Hao – Asst. Castoff Editor
Maria Katsulos – Copy Editor
Erin Thomas – Editor-in-Chief
Jenny Zhu – Asst. Web Editor
