Friday, March 1, 2019

Top 20 Movies to Look Out For In March (2019)

According to: Cat


20 - The Dirt (3/22)


Tag Line: Their music made them famous. Their lives made them infamous.
Production Companies: 10th Street Entertainment, Focus Features, LBI Entertainment, Netflix
Director: Jeff Tremaine
Writers: Amanda Adelson, Tom Kapinos, Tommy Lee, Mick Mars, Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Neil Strauss, Rich Wilkes
Actors: Douglas Booth, Iwan Rheon, Machine Gun Kelly , Daniel Webber, Leven Rambin, Pete Davidson, David Costabile, Christian Gehring
Genre: Docudrama, Biography, Music
Rated: Unrated
Length: Unknown

IMDb Blurb: The story of how Mötley Crüe came to be one of the most notorious rock 'n roll groups in history.

If you’re at all familiar with any of the hair bands from the 80’s and 90’s, then Mötley Crüe has crossed your path in one form or another. Their music is everywhere, really. My husband and I happen to be fans, and I’ve been to a couple of their concerts in the last decade or so. Naturally, this makes me a little biased in their favor – but this actually looks like an interesting movie.

When you look at the cast, there’s some well-known names there. Everyone loved to hate Iwan Rheon (Residue, Alien Invasion: S.U.M.1, Inhumans) as Ramsay Bolton in Game of Thrones (2011-2019). I’ve seen some of his other work since then and was impressed. I think he’ll make an interesting Mick Mars. Machine Gun Kelly (Nerve, Roadies, Bird Box) is an amazing casting for Tommy Lee. I am a little on the fence for Douglas Booth (Noah, The Limehouse Golem, Mary Shelley) as Nikki Sixx, but there were some moments during the trailer that gave me hope he’ll be ok in the role. The wild card here is Daniel Webber (Thumper, Australia Day, The Punisher) as Vince Neil. For me, at least, he’s a relative unknown and those are some big shoes to fill.

This movie seems to be based on a book penned by the band with their memoirs. It should make for a wild and entertaining ride to discover all The Dirt they offered to dig up on themselves.

19 - Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (3/15)


Tag Line: Every Detective has her first Case.
Production Companies: A Very Good Production Inc., Red 56
Director: Katt Shea
Writers: Nina Fiore, John Herrera, Mildred Wirt Benson
Actors: Sophia Lillis, Laura Wiggins, Linda Lavin, Sam Trammell, Jesse C. Boyd, Jennifer Riker, Mackenzie Graham, James William Ballard, Zoe Renee, Evan Castelloe, Jon Briddell, Jay DeVon Johnson, Andrew Matthew Welch
Genre: Mystery, Crime, Drama, Family
Rated: PG
Length: 89 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A bit of an outsider struggling to fit into her new surroundings, Nancy and her pals set out to solve a mystery, make new friends, and establish their place in the community.

The Nancy Drew book series has always been near and dear to my heart. I had wondered if they were going to try and make another one since the 2007 movie.

I am super excited to see Sophia Lillis (A Midsummer Night's Dream, It, Sharp Objects) playing Nancy. The original actress for the character’s screen presence in the 30s had curly hair like hers, and it was a darker shade… not blonde. Lillis is a relative newcomer to the big screen – but she made a big impression on me. I want to give this movie a chance and see what she can do with such an established fictional character.

Not going to lie, though. I’m also jazzed that Sam Trammell (True Blood, I Am Wrath, This Is Us) is in this one, apparently playing Nancy’s dad.

This one looks to add up to some good family fun.

18 - The Hole in the Ground (3/1)


Tag Line: Darkness Hides Within
Production Companies: Finnish Film Foundation, Wallimage, Wrong Men North, Savage Productions, VOO, Bankside Films, Head Gear Films, Metrol Technology, A24
Director: Lee Cronin
Writers: Lee Cronin, Stephen Shields
Actors: Seána Kerslake, James Quinn Markey, James Cosmo, Kati Outinen, Simone Kirby, Steve Wall, Eoin Macken, Sarah Hanly
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 90 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Trying to escape her broken past, Sarah O'Neill is building a new life on the fringes of a backwood rural town with her young son Chris. A terrifying encounter with a mysterious neighbour shatters her fragile security, throwing Sarah into a spiralling nightmare of paranoia and mistrust, as she tries to uncover if the disturbing changes in her little boy are connected to an ominous sinkhole buried deep in the forest that borders their home.

Selina pointed out to me, and I wholeheartedly agree, that this movie seems to have an uncanny resemblance to The Prodigy (2019) – at least on the surface. The premise of a son that’s just ‘not right’ and even the posters are drawing some parallels. This one seems to point to a supernatural occurrence that happens to the child; whereas with the other movie, the kid was just born that way. (I haven’t had a chance to see that one yet. It’s what I took away from the trailers, at least.)

The trailer for The Hole in the Ground gave me an eerie sense of dread that it took a little while to shake. Is the little boy possessed? Is he a changeling? I am dying to figure out what the sinkhole has to do with it all. There are so many questions that only watching the movie will solve. Ultimately, I’m going to need to watch both movies to draw my own comparisons.

17 - The Aftermath (3/15)


Tag Line: None
Production Companies: BBC Films, Amusement Park Films, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Scott Free Productions
Director: James Kent
Writers: Rhidian Brook, Joe Shrapnel, Anna Waterhouse
Actors: Keira Knightley, Alexander Skarsgård, Jason Clarke, Martin Compston, Flora Li Thiemann, Kate Phillips, Jannik Schümann, Fionn O'Shea
Genre: Historical Drama, War, Romance
Rated: R
Length: 109 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Post World War II, a British colonel and his wife are assigned to live in Hamburg during the post-war reconstruction, but tensions arise with the German who previously owned the house.

If I haven’t before, I feel I must admit now – I’m a sucker for most things with Alexander Skarsgård (Straw Dogs, War on Everyone, Mute) in it. He’s in more than one movie this month – though both of them didn’t make this list. I usually really enjoy his projects, but sometimes they just fail to resonate. The Netflix Original, Hold the Dark (2018) was one of those. I’m hoping this movie falls to the better end of the spectrum.

The story, while largely a war drama, does appear interesting. It covers a portion of the WWII story we don’t generally see a lot of – what came next after it was over. Germany lost – what happened then? I don’t think this subject matter is even covered much in schools – at least not in mine.

While I don’t hold illusions of this portraying ‘the truth’ of events in that timeframe, it does make for a good story. Then you throw a romance and potential rivalry into the mix. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all plays out.

16 - Finding Steve McQueen (3/15)


Tag Line: Inspired by the Outrageous true story of the Greatest Bank Heist in U.S. History
Production Companies: AMBI Group, BondIt Media Capital, Identity Films, Paradox Studios, Premiere Picture
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
Writers: Ken Hixon, Keith Sharon
Actors: Travis Fimmel, Rachael Taylor, William Fichtner, Forest Whitaker, Lily Rabe, Rhys Coiro
Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance
Rated: R
Length: 90 minutes

IMDb Blurb: In 1972, a gang of close-knit thieves from Youngstown, Ohio attempt to steal $30 million in illegal contributions and blackmail money from President Richard Nixon's secret fund.

This one looks like one of those throwback movies that we all love to call ‘retro.’ The trailer did give me that decidedly 70’s feel – right down to the 8 track cassette. Aside from that, the story looks interesting. It doesn't strike me as a pure crime drama, though. The trailer gives me the idea that there's a heavy sprinkling of comedy and action (at least via car chase) throughout.

I can’t seem to be able to pass up a good heist movie. With this one, we get the tale of a team of crooks robbing one of the country’s most infamous crooks. The cast for this team looks well put-together. William Fichtner (The Lone Ranger, 12 Strong, The Neighbor) is great at being the ‘straight man’ in a comedic setup. His delivery can be so dry and cutting. It’s an asset that can considerably elevate humor where it might otherwise fall flat. He’s also adept in roles of quiet authority – and even with a sinister edge. I can tell you I’m looking forward to seeing him in scenes with Travis Fimmel (Maggie's Plan, Warcraft: The Beginning, Vikings). Fimmel’s titular character seems to be set up as the likable doofus. I’m betting that it’s, at least partially, a ruse to cover real intelligence under the surface.

Though, with the formidable Forest Whitaker (Sorry to Bother You, Black Panther, Empire) playing the head of the law enforcement team on their heels – will the burglars get away?

I can’t wait to find out.

15 - Stray (3/1)


Tag Line: A Joe Sill Film
Production Company: Diablo Entertainment
Director: Joe Sill
Writers: J.D. Dillard, Joe Sill, Alex Theurer
Actors: Christine Woods, Karen Fukuhara, Miyavi , Ross Partridge, Takayo Fischer, Kiran Deol, Eunice Chiweshe Goldstein, Brian Carroll
Genre: Action, Crime, Fantasy, Thriller
Rated: Unrated
Length: 89 minutes

IMDb Blurb: An orphaned teenager forms an unlikely friendship with a detective. Together they investigate her mother's murder, and uncover the supernatural force that proves to be a threat to her family.

This trailer had me hooked. I want to know more about the supernatural happenings that surround the orphaned girl and her family. I can’t say that any particular cast member influences my decision, either. I don’t really recognize them. (I’m hoping that will change after this film.) That means, however, that it’s the story that has grabbed me. The effects look pretty spectacular, too.

For entertainment value, this movie seems to be a strong supernatural fantasy with a heavy helping of mystery and thrills.

14 - Saint Judy (3/1)


Tag Line: The fight to save thousands begins with one woman
Production Company: Cannonball Productions
Director: Sean Hanish
Writer: Dmitry Portnoy
Actors: Michelle Monaghan, Leem Lubany, Common , Alfred Molina, Alfre Woodard, Peter Krause, Gabriel Bateman, Ben Schnetzer
Genre: Biography, Drama
Rated: PG-13
Length: 106 minutes

IMDb Blurb: The true story of immigration attorney Judy Wood, and how she single-handedly changed the U.S. law of asylum to save women's lives.

This story is powerful and compelling – and all the more so because it’s based in reality. I think we need more people like this in the world, really. Immigration is such a hot-button topic right now. While there are valid points on both sides to the current debate (which I am certainly not trying to weigh in on here), there are other stories that also need to be told. This is one of them, and I think the film has an amazing cast to really give it wings.

13 - Level 16 (3/1)


Tag Line: Purity has a Price.
Production Company: Markham Street Films
Director: Danishka Esterhazy
Writer: Danishka Esterhazy       
Actors: Katie Douglas, Celina Martin, Sara Canning, Peter Outerbridge, Amalia Williamson, Kate Vickery, Josette Halpert, Yasmin Lau
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Rated: Unrated
Length: 102 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Sixteen-year-old Vivien is trapped in The Vestalis Academy, a prison-like boarding school, keeping to herself and sticking her neck out for no one. Until she is reunited with Sophia -- the former friend who betrayed her. Together the girls embark on a dangerous search to uncover the horrifying truth behind their imprisonment. Soon running for their lives, the girls must save themselves or die trying.

Some aspects of the trailer had me on the fence with this movie for a moment. The whole ‘purity’ thing was a bit odd. My curiosity is winning out, however. I want to learn more about the dystopian society that has spawned this particular academy. I want to find out why these girls have been sent there, and what this ‘horrifying truth’ is. Why are these poor girls being brainwashed, and what’s the deal with the ‘level’ system? Is it an orphanage?

I have so many questions. So many. I sincerely hope that the film offers me some resolution, or I might just be scratching my head forever. But really, it looks well done – if the trailer isn’t smoke and mirrors.

12 - The Highwaymen  (3/29)


Tag Line: The Outlaws made Headlines. The Lawmen made History.
Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Media Rights Capital, Casey Silver Productions, Netflix
Director: John Lee Hancock
Writer: John Fusco
Actors: Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, Kathy Bates, Kim Dickens, W. Earl Brown, John Carroll Lynch, Thomas Mann, David Furr
Genre: Crime, Drama
Rated: R
Length: 131 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A pair of police officers come out of retirement to catch the infamous outlaws Bonnie & Clyde.

I have been waiting what feels like forever for this movie to come out. They were filming out in the countryside, not far from where I worked at the time. It was fun seeing all those old classic cars being trucked to and from the location.

As a Louisiana native, the story of Bonnie and Clyde is hard to escape. We even have an annual trade show named after them. What you don’t hear much of is the story of the officers that tracked them down. I really like it when movies show us a different perspective on an otherwise well-known topic.

The fact that it’s Kevin Costner (Mr. Brooks, Hidden Figures, Yellowstone) and Woody Harrelson (Zombieland, True Detective, Venom) also helps. 

11 - Superpower Dogs (3/15)


Tag Line: The World Needs Real Heroes
Production Company: Cosmic Pictures
Director: Daniel Ferguson
Writer: Daniel Ferguson
Actors: Chris Evans
Genre: Documentary
Rated: G
Length: 45 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Join an immersive IMAX adventure to experience the life-saving superpowers and extraordinary bravery of some of the world's most amazing dogs. In this inspiring true story, our best friends are also real-life superheroes. Journey around the globe to meet remarkable dogs who save lives and discover the powerful bond they share with their human partners. Follow 'Halo', a rookie puppy training to join one of the most elite disaster response teams in America. Meet 'Henry', an avalanche rescue expert in the Canadian Rockies, 'Reef', a Newfoundland lifeguard with the Italian coastguard, 'Ricochet', a Californian surf legend helping people with special needs, and the Bloodhound brothers, 'Tipper and Tony', who are leading the fight to save endangered species in Africa. As we discover the incredible abilities of dogs and the astonishing science behind their superpowers, we'll never look at our best friends the same way again.

Documentaries don’t often make the list – but I couldn’t pass this one up. Aside from all the adorable fuzzy friends (no, I’m not talking about the narrator) – these are some really exciting stories of real heroes.

If you’ve never been to an IMAX movie, this might be a great one to start with! If you can find a true IMAX dome screen, even better. There haven’t been a lot of G rated movies coming out lately that have appeal for the whole family. This one is sure to be an experience that will please all ages – unless you just don’t like dogs. (Say it isn’t so!)

I can’t wait for this to hit the biggest screen near me.


10 - Fast Color (3/29)


Tag Line: Set your power free.
Production Companies: LD Entertainment, Lionsgate, Original Headquarters
Director: Julia Hart
Writers: Julia Hart, Jordan Horowitz
Actors: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Lorraine Toussaint, Saniyya Sidney, Christopher Denham, David Strathairn, Monique Straw
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Length: 100 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A woman is forced to go on the run when her superhuman abilities are discovered. Years after having abandoned her family, the only place she has left to hide is home.

Color me intrigued by the trailer. Sorry. (Not sorry!) I couldn’t help it.

This story feels fresh and really grabbed my attention. I love the supernatural happenings have a tie to being connected with the earth. I’m curious as to how a seemingly post-apocalyptic scenario plays into that. Are people after this lady and her daughter just because of human impulse to dissect and study them because they can do something unique and powerful, or do ‘the powers that be’ feel that they were responsible somehow for something happening?

Either way, the story is in capable hands with Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Beauty and the Beast, The Cloverfield Paradox, A Wrinkle in Time) and Saniyya Sidney (American Horror Story, Fences, Hidden Figures). 

9 - Triple Frontier (3/13)


Tag Line: From the Director of A Most Violent Year and Producer of Wonder Woman and The Dark Knight Trilogy
Production Company: Netflix, Atlas Entertainment
Director: J.C. Chandor
Writers: Mark Boal, J.C. Chandor
Actors: Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, Pedro Pascal, Adria Arjona, Sheila Vand, Rey Gallegos
Genre: Action, Adventure, Crime
Rated: R
Length: 125 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Five former Special Forces operatives reunite to plan a heist in a sparsely populated multi-border zone of South America. For the first time in their prestigious careers these unsung heroes undertake this dangerous mission for self instead of country. But when events take an unexpected turn and threaten to spiral out of control, their skills, their loyalties and their morals are pushed to a breaking point in an epic battle for survival.

Shut up and take my money. But seriously, I can’t tell you how excited I am that this movie is releasing on Netflix. I won’t have to wait to watch it! I have been absolutely geeking out ever since I saw the first promo banner when I logged into my streaming service account.

I’m going to tell it to you straight. I don’t care if this is the most tropey over-done predictable plot ever. (Please keep in mind that’s NOT what I’m saying about this film – it actually looks interesting.) I would watch it anyway. Why? The answer is simple: because of the cast.

Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarcy, Pacific Rim, A Million Little Pieces), Garret Hedlund (Unbroken, Pan, Mudbound), Ben Affleck (Argo, Runner Runner, The Accountant), Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones, Bloodsucking Bastards, If Beale Street Could Talk), and Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, The Promise, Life Itself) are in the same movie together. Done. The best way I can describe why is to compare this to seeing a fantasy sports league team come to life. It’s just shy of my level of giddy when The Expendables (2010) first came out.

Aside from my fangirling, this looks like it will be a really solid paramilitary action movie. It’s definitely worth a shot if you’ve got a Netflix account. 

8 - Greta (3/1)


Tag Line: Everyone Needs a Friend
Production Companies: Screen Ireland, Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, Focus Features, Lawrence Bender Productions, Universal Pictures, Metropolitan Films International, Little Wave Productions
Director: Neil Jordan
Writers: Ray Wright, Neil Jordan
Actors: Isabelle Huppert, Chloë Grace Moretz, Maika Monroe, Colm Feore, Stephen Rea, Zawe Ashton, Jeff Hiller, Thaddeus Daniels
Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 98 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A young woman befriends a lonely widow who's harboring a dark and deadly agenda towards her.

My initial two-word reaction? Holy crap!

I just have to reel myself back in for a moment after watching that trailer. I can’t help but put myself in Chloë Grace Moretz’s (Kick-Ass, The Equalizer, Brain on Fire) character’s place. I just am that person that will try to go out of my way to help when I can. It has come back to bite me in the past. I got an online stalker that way once – having one in the real world is a terrifying thought. This movie certainly seems to explore the theme of ‘no good deed goes unpunished.’

The last time we reviewed a movie by Isabelle Huppert (Claire's Camera, Mrs. Hyde, Eva), it didn’t rate very well. I am very glad for this movie coming out to give some serious contrast. I think she is absolutely phenomenal here. One moment of the trailer she’s homespun warmth and wholesome companionship and the next, she’s all psycho like Gollum after the One Ring. I can’t wait for the emotional ride this movie promises.

7 - Hotel Mumbai (3/22)


Tag Line: The gripping true story of the attack on the Taj Hotel
Production Companies: India Take One Productions, ScreenWest, Electric Pictures, Screen Australia, The South Australian Film Corporation, Thunder Road Pictures, Cyan Films, Double Guess, Xeitgeist Entertainment Group
Director: Anthony Maras
Writers: John Collee, Anthony Maras
Actors: Armie Hammer, Dev Patel, Nazanin Boniadi, Tilda Cobham-Hervey, Anupam Kher, Jason Isaacs, Alex Pinder, Amandeep Singh
Genre: Drama, History, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 125 minutes

IMDb Blurb: The true story of the Taj Hotel terrorist attack in Mumbai. Hotel staff risk their lives to keep everyone safe as people make unthinkable sacrifices to protect themselves and their families.

There are a lot of movies based on true stories coming out this month. This happens to be one of the more harrowing of the tales. I can’t imagine how scary it must have been to be there in Mumbai when the unrest broke out and terrorists lay siege to the hotel depicted in is film.

One of the things I took away from the trailer was that this movie looks to have a lot of heart. It explores the humanity of those trapped in the hotel as much as it does the action sequences of thwarting the terrorists or simply trying to survive.

I recognize only three actors out of everyone I saw in the trailer – and that’s not a bad thing. I like seeing the fresh new faces. There’s a lot of that this month, too – and I find it exciting. Though, for familiarity, Armie Hammer (The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Final Portrait, Sorry to Bother You) and Jason Isaacs (A Cure for Wellness, The Death of Stalin, Look Away) are good casts for this sort of situation.

I am really excited to see Anupam Kher (A Family Man, The Big Sick, New Amsterdam) involved with this project. He has been in two of my favorite Bollywood movies, Bride & Prejudice (2004) and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015). (The latter was reviewed by Trust the Dice in our Foreign Film Friday series.)

6 - Wonder Park (3/15)


Tag Line: Go on the ride
Production Companies: Nickelodeon Movies, Paramount Animation, Ilion Animation Studios, Midnight Radio
Director: Dylan C. Brown
Writers: Robert Gordon, Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec
Actors: Jennifer Garner, Matthew Broderick, John Oliver, Mila Kunis, Kenan Thompson, Ken Jeong, Norbert Leo Butz, Brianna Denski
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Rated: PG
Length: 85 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Wonder Park tells the story of a magnificent amusement park where the imagination of a wildly creative girl named June comes alive.

This is one of the movies my daughter is super excited about. Of course, I am too – but considering its placement on the list, you would guess correctly that there are a large handful of those this month.

I can really relate to the main character, June, here. As an only child growing up, my imagination was my expansive playland. When I didn’t have others around to hang out with, I was content to disappear into my own little world. I think it’s a brilliant idea that this little girl’s fantasy theme park has come to life; filled with so many crazy and likable characters.

The movie looks like a lot of fun as we watch her creativity shine. I won’t mind the extra for the 3D tickets.

5 - Us (3/22)


Tag Line: We are our own worst enemy.
Production Companies: Monkeypaw Productions, Universal Pictures, QC Entertainment, Blumhouse Productions, Mongrel Media
Director: Jordan Peele
Writer: Jordan Peele
Actors: Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, Tim Heidecker, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Anna Diop, Evan Alex, Shahadi Wright Joseph
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 120 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A family's serenity turns to chaos when a group of doppelgängers begin to terrorize them.

Trippy seems to be an understatement for this movie. The trailers have given me the heebie jeebies every single time. Of course, Jordan Peele (Keanu, BlacKkKlansman, The Last O.G.) has already proven through his directorial debut with Get Out (2017) that he is not one to be underestimated. He flipped the script in that movie so masterfully that I can only imagine what the depths of psychological trauma will be now that he’s all warmed up to hit his stride.

I’m not sure that I’ll be able to watch this one on the big screen. I don’t know if I can handle seeing it in the dark and at that sort of volume. I’ll definitely be catching it as soon as I am able from the safety of my livingroom. (Pause buttons are amazing for this sort of thing, I tell you.) For anyone that feels like they can brave the experience on the big screen – I encourage you to do so. This one should be worth it.

4 - Captive State (3/15)


Tag Line: This is no longer our planet.
Production Companies: Participant Media, DreamWorks, Amblin Partners, Lightfuse & Gettaway
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Writers: Erica Beeney, Rupert Wyatt
Actors: John Goodman, Ashton Sanders, Jonathan Majors, Machine Gun Kelly, Vera Farmiga, Madeline Brewer, KiKi Layne, Kevin J. O'Connor, Alan Ruck, D.B. Sweeney, Keviun Dunn, Ben Daniels,
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Length: 109 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Set in a Chicago neighborhood nearly a decade after an occupation by an extra-terrestrial force, Captive State explores the lives on both sides of the conflict - the collaborators and dissidents.

There are so many theories out there about what First Contact would be like. Would these otherworldly beings be friendly or hostile? Some great minds have speculated that the latter is a distinct possibility. Here we have a movie taking place 10 years after alien occupation. I love a good story about rebellion – make it a sci-fi tale on top of that and I’m usually sold.

To be honest, I’d probably watch this regardless of genre. Why? John Goodman (Ratchet & Clank, Kong: Skull Island, Atomic Blonde) is the easy answer. Oh, there’s no shortage of other acting talent that I admire amongst the cast, but his role in this film gripped me from the very first trailer. I like that he seems to be on the alien side of things rather than the human resistance.

Every time I’ve seen this trailer run, my pulse speeds and the tension builds. I’ve just got to find out what happens! Are the aliens ultimately victorious in putting down the rebels or does Earth strike a blow towards winning freedom of humanity? I can’t say that I’ve seen this approach to alien occuipation before and I’m very excited. It should certainly be worth the ticket price.

3 - Five Feet Apart (3/15)


Tag Line: When Life keeps you apart, Fight for Every Inch.
Production Companies: CBS Films, Lionsgate, Entertainment One, Wayfarer Entertainment
Director: Justin Baldoni
Writers: Mikki Daughtry, Tobias Iaconis
Actors: Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Moises Arias, Kimberly Hebert Gregory, Parminder Nagra, Claire Forlani, Emily Foxler, Gary Weeks
Genre: Drama, Romance
Rated: PG-13
Length: 116 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A pair of teenagers with life-threatening illnesses meet in a hospital and fall in love.

Cystic Fibrosis is a rough disease. I have a friend that’s been through it, and even a lung transplant…and the road hasn’t been easy for her at all. I can only imagine struggling against the relentless CF and on top of that not being able to be close to the one you love.

I appreciate the dedication this production has shown in portraying CF correctly. The film worked with Claire's Place Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping support families and patients going through CF, to ensure their depiction was as accurate as possible.

The trailer had me hooked. I’m already invested in these characters and I want to see what happens to them for good or bad.

2 - Dumbo (3/29)


Tag Line: In 2019, a beloved tale will take you to new heights.
Production Companies: Walt Disney Pictures, Tim Burton Productions, Infinite Detective, Secret Machine Entertainment, MPC
Director: Tim Burton
Writers: Helen Aberson, Ehren Kruger, Harold Pearl
Actors: Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, Alan Arkin, Nico Parker, Finley Hobbins
Genre: Family, Fantasy
Rated: PG
Length: 130 minutes

IMDb Blurb: A young elephant, whose oversized ears enable him to fly, helps save a struggling circus, but when the circus plans a new venture, Dumbo and his friends discover dark secrets beneath its shiny veneer.

“Baby Mine” is a song I used to sing to my daughter as a lullaby. Hearing that music in the new movie’s trailers just tugged at my heartstrings.

Purists may not appreciate this new take on this classic Disney film. Tim Burton’s (Corpse Bride, Alice in Wonderland, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children) take on the story will be slightly different than what we remember from the cartoon. The animals aren’t going to talk, and it seems like the story is going to be tweaked a little. Of course, this isn’t the first live action adaptation to mute the animal companions, so that shouldn’t be a shocking turn of events. Homage seems to be paid to their role in Dumbo’s journey, however.

The trailer just left me wanting more, and I can’t wait to see it – even if it is a bit darker. I’m packing tissues just in case.

1 - Captain Marvel (3/8)


Tag Line: Discover what makes a (her)o.
Production Company: Marvel Studios
Directors: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Writers: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Geneva Robertson-Dworet, Nicole Perlman, Meg LeFauve
Actors: Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Jude Law, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Annette Bening, Clark Gregg,
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Rated: PG-13
Length: 124 minutes

IMDb Blurb: Carol Danvers becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.

One of the most powerful characters in the Marvel verse? Check.

Movie with a kickass female lead? Check.

Plenty of action, stunning effects, and what will likely become iconic moments? Check, check, and check.

Do you need any more reasons to go watch this one? I know I don’t – but just to sweeten the deal, this movie also has one of the last (if not THE last) of the Stan Lee cameos.

Movies to Look out For
According to: Selina

Among the Shadows  .20
Superpower Dogs .19
Saint Judy .18
Fate/Stay Night: Heaven’s Feel—II. Lost Butterfly .17
Vigilante .16
 El Chicano .15
The Dirt .14
The Hole in the Ground .13
Greta .12
Level 16 .11
Stray .10
Triple Frontier .9
The Boy who Harnessed the Wind .8
Hotel Mumbai .7
Fast Color .6
Five Feet Apart .5
Dumbo .4
Captive State .3
Us .2
Captain Marvel .1

No comments:

Post a Comment