Monday, March 1, 2021

Top 20 Movies to Look Out For In March (2021)

According to: Cat


21 – Honorable Mention - Paradise City (2021-)


Production/Distribution: Sumerian Films, Amazon Prime Video
Series Creator/Showrunner: Ash Avildsen
Directors: Ash Avildsen, Lorenzo Antonucci, Tom Zutaut
Actors: Andy Biersack, Bella Thorne, Cameron Boyce, Drea de Matteo, Hopsin, Perrey Reeves, Rhys Coiro, Fairuza Balk, Amanda Steele, Mark Boone Junior, Ben Bruce, James Cassells, Olivia Culpo, Brittany Furlan, Brooke Lyons, Natalie Eva Marie, Piper Nyman, Romy Jean Nyman, Booboo Stewart, Lorenzo Antonucci, Ash Avildsen, Randy Blythe, Joseph Cassiere, Porscha Coleman, Brittany Parisi, Ryan Hurst, Norman Johnson Jr., Ned Bellamy, Grace Powell, Taylor Wade, Gino Cafarelli, James Darnell, Jessica Dowdeswell, Tanya Leon, Kellin Quinn, Juliet Simms
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Music
Rated: Unrated
Trust The Dice Rating: TV-MA
Episode Length: 40 minutes
 
IMDb BlurbThe lives of a rock star who seems to have it all and a young rookie kid who idolizes him collide through their broken homes built by the music business.
 
This list is generally reserved for movies releasing in the upcoming month, however, there are occasionally some exceptions that deserve some notice. I shared my enthusiasm for Paradise City with you back in August 2020. At the time of my article, the show hadn’t found its home platform for streaming distribution. I have been over the moon since I learned that they paired with Amazon and will be releasing Season 1 on Prime Video this March.
 
I could ramble at length about how awesome I think this series will be. I feel I’ve already done that, however, so I’ll spare you the redundancy of repeating myself here. Check out my article Take Me to Paradise City – A Look at the Upcoming Series if you’d like to know more.
 
It’s unclear whether or not the story intends to expand beyond a single season at this point. The first season will be made up of 8 episodes.
 
It’s exciting that the premiere date is drawing near! I will probably binge this the weekend it releases. Just saying.

20 - The Courier (3/19)


Production/Distribution: 42, FilmNation Entertainment, SunnyMarch, Film & TV House, GEM Entertainment, Belga Films, Elevation Pictures, Independent Films, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, Joy n Cinema, Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions
Director: Dominic Cooke
Writer: Tom O'Connor
Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Merab Ninidze, Rachel Brosnahan, James Schofield, Fred Haig, Emma Penzina, Mariya Mironova, Anton Lesser, Angus Wright, Keir Hills, Jessie Buckley, Kirill Pirogov, Petr Klimes, Alice Orr-Ewing, Oliver Johnstone, Eysteinn Sigurðarson, Jonathan Harden, Olga Koch, Richard Glaves, Ondrej Malý
Genre: Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Length: 111 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: Cold War spy Greville Wynne and his Russian source try to put an end to the Cuban Missile Crisis.
 
While I wasn’t alive for the Cuban Missile Crisis, I spent a good deal of my youth under the imminent threat presented by the Cold War. When I got older and realized that I lived near an important military base, it became a bit more intense and worrisome. It felt like there was a target painted over my city and if a button could be pushed somewhere across the world could end it all without real reason – well, that was rather terrifying. I digress…
 
My point is that movies like The Courier, when executed well, evoke feelings that remind me of that era and I imagine it could do the same for others. That tends to take stories like this to the next level.
 
Of course, you don’t have to remember or even think about such dark things to appreciate the talent of this cast. Benedict Cumberbatch (The Current War, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, 1917) and Rachel Brosnahan (House of Cards, The Finest Hours, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) are the names that jump out at me immediately and automatically convey the sense that quality is going to be involved with the production.
 
The Courier is likely going to be heavier on the historical drama than the thriller aspect, however. Thus, its placement on the list. I don’t know about you, but I’m needing more excitement these days to chase the blah from both quarantine and snowmageddon woes away.
  
19 - My Salinger Year (3/5)


Production/Distribution: micro_scope, Parallel Film Productions, Bir Film, Memento Films International, Memento Films, IFC Films, Metropole Films, Métropole Films Distribution, Paradiso Entertainment, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, Forefront Media Group, Mongrel Media
Director: Philippe Falardeau
Writer: Philippe Falardeau, Joanna Smith Rakoff
Actors: Margaret Qualley, Sigourney Weaver, Douglas Booth, Seána Kerslake, Brían F. O'Byrne, Colm Feore, Yanic Truesdale, Hamza Haq, Leni Parker, Tim Post, Gavin Drea, Matt Holland, Xiao Sun, Gillian Doria, Maud Druine, Jonathan Dubsky, Arthur Holden, Hayley Kezber
Genre: Drama
Rated: R
Length: 101 minutes
 
IMDb BlurbA college grad takes a clerical job working for the literary agent of the renowned, reclusive writer J.D. Salinger.
 
On paper, so to speak, My Salinger Year seems pretty interesting. I can relate to the story of a writer taking a job that pays the bills rather than taking the scary and brave leap to pursue the craft that is their passion. There’s also a lot of mystique surrounding the elusive author of The Catcher in the Rye.
 
It seems like both are woven together with some wit and a lot of familiar faces such as Sigourney Weaver (The Cabin in the Woods, The Cold Light of Day, The Assignment), Douglas Booth (Noah, Jupiter Ascending, The Limehouse Golem), Margaret Qualley (The Nice Guys, Donnybrook, Seberg), and Colm Feore (House of Cards, Greta, The Prodigy).
 
My hope is that it doesn’t fall into the ‘just ok’ category and exceeds expectations. I will be very disappointed if all the best bits are in the trailer.
 
18 - Come True (3/12)

 
Production/Distribution: Copperheart Entertainment, IFC Midnight, Raven Banner Entertainment
Director: Anthony Scott Burns
Writers: Anthony Scott Burns, Daniel Weissenberger
Actors: Skylar Radzion, Landon Liboiron, Julia Sarah Stone, Tedra Rogers, Chantal Perron, Carlee Ryski, Elena Porter, Caroline Buzanko, Christopher Heatherington, Karen Johnson-Diamond, Orin McCusker, Austin Baker, Dustin Gruninger, Shane Ghost Keeper, Tyler Dreger, Brandon DeWyn, Aidan Lucas-Buckland, John Tasker, Robert E. Smith, Christopher Thomas
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi
Rated: Unrated
Length: 105 minutes
 
IMDb BlurbA teenage runaway takes part in a sleep-study that becomes a nightmarish descent into the depths of her mind and a frightening examination of the power of dreams.
 
The trailer for Come True looks pretty intense. The story had me hooked right away.
 
I’ve always been fascinated with dreams. When I was younger, I used to get very vivid ones. I could swear that some of them actually predicted events that actually happened in my life – such as the time that I dreamed that my best friend would get hurt on a piece of playground equipment at daycare. It happened….freaked me out. I haven’t dreamt like that in many years, though. Those experiences have my curiosity piqued, however, about the power and symbolism of dreams. When you blend my love of sci-fi and horror films, it’s a foregone conclusion that I’m fairly chomping at the bit to see this movie.
 
I almost didn’t recognize Landon Liboiron (Girl in Progress, Hemlock Grove, Frontier) under the full beard he’s sporting in this film. So far, he’s the only actor attached to the project that I really recognize. Julia Sarah Stone (Falling Skies, The Unseen, Honey Bee) was fairly riveting in the trailer footage, however, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what this up-and-comer has to offer.
 
I’m dying to find out if there’s a supernatural aspect involved and whether or not the protagonist is just a crazy sleepwalker or if there’s  something ‘coming true’ because of her dreams that this ‘sleep study’ is unlocking or unleashing.
 
17 - Dark Web: Cicada 3301 (3/12)


Production/Distribution: AllyCat Entertainment, Lionsgate Home Entertainment, Grindstone Entertainment Group
Director: Alan Ritchson
Writers: Joshua Montcalm, Alan Ritchson
Actors: Alan Ritchson, Conor Leslie, Kris Holden-Ried, Jess Salgueiro, Jack Kesy, Ron Funches, Andreas Apergis, Tomaso Sanelli, Benjamin Sutherland, Chris Violette, Victoria Snow, Jake Michaels, Diana Diaz, Alyssa Cheatham, Linnea Currie-Roberts, A.J. Simmons, Anselmo DeSousa, Jhonattan Ardila, Dimitri Athanasiou
Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: Unknown
 
IMDb Blurb: Follows hacker Connor, his best friend Avi and a cunning librarian who find themselves over their heads when forced to compete in a sophisticated dark web secret society's global recruitment game.
 
The dark web has always seemed like something both alluring because of its taboo and the power of intellect required to keep such things hidden in plain sight and terrifying. All sorts of crazy things are said to happen in these clandestine corners of the internet.
 
I was surprised to find out that this particular dark web story that this film draws from is based on a nugget of truth. Starting in 2012, a cryptic puzzle landed on the internet annually– the first on 4chan. No one has ever claimed responsibility for these puzzles and it’s rumored that they were a recruiting platform for the hyper-intelligent. No one knows who is behind it, though there are guesses ranging from cyber mercenaries to any of the myriad alphabet agencies (CIA, NSA, etc.). Whoever it was, they were given the nickname Cicada 3301… and thus the premise for this movie was born.
 
I vaguely recognize some of the cast, but not well enough to name them, but I don’t mind, The story seems engaging and my curiosity is certainly piqued from the trailer. I also love the fact that there’s some comedy blended in with this action thriller. Everyone could use more laughs these days, right? I am also amused that this film is releasing in a year that a bumper crop of cicadas will be coming above ground for the first time in 17 years. It’s entirely unrelated, I’m sure… but what a coincidence, right?
 
 
16 - Phobias (3/19)

 
Production/Distribution: Defiant Studios, Kodiak Pictures, Vertical Entertainment
Directors: Camilla Belle, Maritte Lee Go, Joe Sill, Jess Varley, Chris von Hoffmann
Writers: Camilla Belle, Broderick Engelhard, Maritte Lee Go, Joe Sill, Jess Varley, Chris von Hoffmann
Actors: Alexis Knapp, Lauren Miller Rogen, Charlotte McKinney, Martina García, Leonardo Nam, Monique Coleman, Joey Luthman, Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Stockham, Macy Gray, Ross Partridge, Steve Park, Mackenzie Brooke Smith, Micah Hauptman, Rushi Kota, Sisa Grey, Gerardo de Pablos, Katia Gomez, Freddy Bosche, Christine Weatherup, Evan Holtzman, Jason E. Kelley, Christine Little, Ruben Perez, Milos Jovanovic, Monte James, Matthew Hanjoong
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 85 minutes
 
IMDb BlurbFive dangerous patients, suffering from extreme phobias at a government testing facility, are put to the ultimate test under the supervision of a crazed doctor and his quest to weaponize fear.
 
There has got to be some sort of conspiracy theory floating around out there that inspired this story. It seems like something an unscrupulous branch of the government could be capable of doing, right? Mass-marketing fear or turning it into a weapon isn’t too far-fetched after the headlines we’ve had in the real news in the past couple of years.
 
While I highly doubt something along the lines of this movie’s premise would actually happen, the story should be freaky, frightening, and fun to consider ‘what if.’
 
The trailer successfully left me wanting more. What’s more, I’m actually excited to see some of the cast involved with this project. Hana Mae Lee (Pitch Perfect, Unleashed, The Babysitter), Macy Gray (The Paperboy, Percentage, November Rule), and Alexis Knapp (The Anomaly, Pitch Perfect 2, Urge) immediately caught my eye and elevated my expectations for this film.
 
Now I just need to decide whether or not to watch at night…in the dark. Why not!
 
15- Lucky (3/4)

 
Production/Distribution: Epic Pictures Group
Director: Natasha Kermani
Writer: Brea Grant
Actors: Brea Grant, Hunter C. Smith, Kristina Klebe, Kausar Mohammed, Dhruv Uday Singh, Yasmine Al-Bustami, Leith M. Burke, Anzor Alem, Larry Cedar, Jesse Merlin, Tara Perry, Shelly Skandrani, Chase Williamson
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Rated: Unrated
Length: 83 minutes
 
IMDb BlurbA suburban woman fights to be believed as she finds herself stalked by a threatening figure who returns to her house night after night. When she can't get help from those around her, she is forced to take matters into her own hands.
 
Shudder’s been getting some really interesting new material lately. Lucky seems like it’s going to follow suit when it lands on the scary streaming platform this March.
 
I am a bit confused regarding the movie’s name, to be honest. I’m hoping that the reasoning will make itself known during the film, itself.
 
From what I gathered from the trailer, this seems to be a play on the time loop genre. Though, I am unsure whether or not the looping only applies to the villain. I loved the blasé attitude everyone but the female protagonist takes on the matter at hand. “Oh yeah it’s just that.” is not exactly what you’d expect from talking to someone about night stalkers and nearly being murdered – among other things.
 
I can’t wait to get into this one and see how everything comes together as the main character falls apart.
 
14 – Happily (3/19)

 
Production/Distribution: Common Wall Media, Electric Dynamite, Indy Entertainment
Director: BenDavid Grabinski
Writer: BenDavid Grabinski
Actors: Natalie Morales, Natalie Zea, Joel McHale, Kerry Bishé, Stephen Root, Shannon Woodward, Charlyne Yi, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Breckin Meyer, Brea Grant, Paul Scheer, Al Madrigal, Jon Daly
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Romance
Rated: R
Length: 96 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: A dark romantic comedy. Tom and Janet have been happily married for years. But a visit from a mysterious stranger leads to a dead body, a lot of questions, and a tense couples' trip with friends who may not actually be friends at all.
 
It’s a bit crazy to imagine someone appearing at your doorstep to ask you to be less perfect. I mean, what? Why would a couple that seems to be getting things right need to change?
 
Some aspects of what the trailer showed reminded me a lot of a movie we’ve recently reviewed  - Into the Dark: A Nasty Piece of Work (1999). The couples' getaway that just isn’t what it seems and the apparent nefarious intent behind it has piqued my curiosity. I want to learn more about this world and what’s going on with the situation.
 
I also adore the fact that this is a comedy as well. I think they grabbed the perfect cast to pull it off, too.
 
13 - Pixie (3/5)

 
Production/Distribution: Confit Productions, Fragile Films, Paramount Pictures UK
Director: Barnaby Thompson
Writer: Preston Thompson
Actors: Olivia Cooke, Fra Fee, Rory Fleck Byrne, Pat Shortt, Frankie McCafferty, Esme Thompson, Chris Walley, Ben Hardy, Daryl McCormack, Colm Meaney, Packy Lee, Turlough Convery, Olivia Byrne, Alec Baldwin, Barbara Adair, Ned Dennehy, Dylan Moran, Endang Ward, Sebastian De Souza, Stephen Walsh, Karen Smithson, Levi O'Sullivan
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 93 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: To avenge her mother's death, Pixie masterminds a heist but must flee across Ireland from gangsters, take on the patriarchy, and choose her own destiny.
 
Pixie is a movie set in Ireland. Do I really need more of a reason to want to watch?
 
With 2021 already swinging for the fences in trying to outdo the year before, I think everyone could use more laughter in their lives, right? I find myself saying that a lot lately – but that’s because it’s true! What better way to accomplish that than with some cinematic escapism watching a heist movie with both comedy and thrills all set with Ireland as a backdrop and lilting accents everywhere.
 
Oh and then there’s Alec Baldwin (Mission: Impossible - Fallout, Motherless Brooklyn, Saturday Night Live) and Colm Meaney (Hell on Wheels, Tolkien, Seberg) as homicidal gangster priests. I think that’s one of the main points that sold me on the story in general.
 
I can’t wait to tune in and see if the titular character really does have ‘the luck of the Irish’ on her side.
 
12 - Yes Day (3/12)


Production/Distribution: Entertainment 360, Grey Matters Productions, Netflix
Director: Miguel Arteta
Writers: Tom Lichtenheld, Justin Malen, Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Actors: Jennifer Garner, Edgar Ramírez, Jenna Ortega, June Diane Raphael, Fortune Feimster, Ava Allan, Leonardo Nam, Megan Stott, Cass Buggé, Jessica Jade Andres, Greg Cromer, Hayden Szeto, James Kyson, K.C. Clyde, Jen Nikolaisen, Adam Faison, Lynn Andrews, Alana Baer, Katie Baker, Julian Lerner, Everly Carganilla, Lola Sultan, Kristi Lauren, Cloie Wyatt Taylor, Gee Alexander, Joanna Strapp, Slim Khezri, Cameron James Elie, Cameron Johnson, Tyler Riggin, David J. Castillo, Wolf Fleetwood-Ross, Alek Cole, Danielle Jalade, Romyn Smith, Frank Lui Geo, William Samiri
Genre: Comedy, Family
Rated: PG
Length: 86 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a "yes day", where for 24 hours the kids make the rules.
 
I actually adore the premise of Yes Day.
 
There are days where it feels like every other response I give to my teen is ‘no.’ I’m sure she’s sick of hearing it. I know I generally hate to say it – but boundaries are important and all that good stuff. It would be so liberating to have a whole day of ‘yes.’ I’m interested to see if there are any qualifiers or rules that go with it. Certainly, a kid couldn’t ask for a trip to Europe to get the auto-answer (unless they have a private jet or something). Who knows! It certainly will give a wide variety of options for family shenanigans and lots of fun.
 
With everyone stuck together during various stages of pandemic lockdown, I’m sure some families are just about getting on each other’s nerves. Some have taken bonding to the next level. I envy all the group dances and costumes and projects that I see across various social media platforms. Whatever your dynamic is at the moment, fun family movies like this tend to be something everyone can enjoy and brings everyone together for a good time.
 
I’m also loving the cast. It’s easy to see Jennifer Garner (The Odd Life of Timothy Green, Dallas Buyers Club, Wonder Park) in the role of the mother. I’m more surprised to see Edgar Ramirez (Wrath of the Titans, The Counselor, The Undoing) as the dad, here. His roles are generally super serious so it’ll be great to see a different side of him. I am also over the moon that Jenna Ortega (You, Elena of Avalor, Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous) is involved with this film. I first ran across this talented young actor while watching Stuck in the Middle (2016-2018) with my daughter on Disney Channel. I’ve further enjoyed her work that she’s done with Netflix, and I think she was a spectacular choice for the role here.
 
In any case, this should be a solid choice for a family movie night!
 
11 - Slaxx (3/18)

 
Production/Distribution: EMA Films, Entertainment Squad, The Horror Collective, Filmoption International
Director: Elza Kephart
Writers: Patricia Gomez, Elza Kephart
Actors:  Romane Denis, Brett Donahue, Sehar Bhojani, Kenny Wong, Tianna Nori, Erica Anderson, Stephen Bogaert, Jonathan Emond, Amanda Chiu, Jessica B. Hill, Pritha Mazumdar, Elizabeth Neale, Hanneke Talbot
Genre: Comedy, Family, Horror
Rated: Unrated
Length: 77 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: When a possessed pair of jeans begins to kill the staff of a trendy clothing store, it is up to Libby, an idealistic young salesclerk, to stop its bloody rampage.
 
Oh to have been a fly on the wall in the room where the idea for this movie was pitched. Hilarity must have ensued.
 
Honestly, anyone who’s had to hop around and then flop backward onto a bed to get a tight pair of pants to fit can relate on some level with this movie. Pants can really feel like they’re killing you, right? In this movie, they apparently literally can.
 
Let’s be honest. This isn’t a film to take seriously. The best bet for getting the most out of it is to go in with an open mind and an expectation for campy horror. I expect to laugh – both at the comedic elements and the whole premise in general.
 
It’s so crazy, though, that it might just be one of those so-bad-it’s-good movies. Here’s hoping!

 
10 - Cosmic Sin (3/12)
 
 
Production/Distribution: 308 Ent, BondIt Media Capital, Buffalo 8 Productions, Paramount Pictures, Saban Films
Director: Edward Drake
Writers: Edward Drake, Corey Large
Actors: Frank Grillo, Bruce Willis, Brandon Thomas Lee, Corey Large, C.J. Perry, Perrey Reeves, Lochlyn Munro, Costas Mandylor, Eva De Dominici, Adelaide Kane, Sarah May Sommers, Trevor Gretzky, Robert Laenen, Trevor Brotherton, Everly Large, Tabitha Woodman, Johnny Messner
Genre:  Adventure, Sci-Fi
Rated: R
Length: 88 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: Seven rogue soldiers launch a preemptive strike against a newly discovered alien civilization in the hopes of ending an interstellar war before it starts.
 
I debated and flip-flopped on the placement of Cosmic Sin on my list this month.
 
In the end, I couldn’t help it, and placed it squarely in the middle.
 
My fear is that this could become another Breach (2020). I was so unbelievably disappointed in that movie. The premise seems eerily similar and yet different enough that I feel like I have to give it a solid chance.
 
Of course, Bruce Willis (Rock the Kasbah, Split, Hard Kill) isn’t the only draw to this cast. There are several actors that caught my attention – among them Frank Grillo (The Purge: Anarchy, Kingdom, Jiu Jitsu) and Adelaide Kane (Reign, Once Upon a Time, The Swing of Things).
 
From what I have gathered from the trailer, this film seems to be blessed with a bigger budget than that other movie I shall no longer mention. This one has the potential to be a decent sci-fi offering. I really hope it hits the mark.
 
9 - Moxie (3/3)

 
Production/Distribution: Paper Kite Productions, Netflix
Director: Amy Poehler
Writers: Jennifer Mathieu, Tamara Chestna, Dylan Meyer
Actors: Hadley Robinson, Lauren Tsai, Alycia Pascual-Pena, Nico Hiraga, Sabrina Haskett, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sydney Park, Anjelika Washington, Emily Hopper, Josie Totah, Amy Poehler, Ike Barinholtz, Marcia Gay Harden, Josephine Langford, Joshua Walker, Clark Gregg, Charlie Hall, Avery Bagenstos, Eon Song, Corey Fogelmanis, Aaron Holliday, Helen Slayton-Hughes, Kevin Dorff, Carla Valentine, Cooper Mothersbaugh, Gracie Lawrence, Ji-young Yoo, Brady Reiter, Raven Owens, Doug Smith, Isabella Salazar, Eloise Wong, Lucia de la Garza, Mila de la Garza
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music
Rated: PG-13
Length: 111 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: Fed up with the sexist and toxic status quo at her high school, a shy 16-year-old finds inspiration from her mother's rebellious past and anonymously publishes a zine that sparks a school-wide, coming-of-rage revolution.
 
This isn’t going to be your typical high school movie – at least that’s what the trailer promised. Honestly, that’s refreshing. While there were a few hints here and there that there’s some flirting going on – the story isn’t centered on couplings. Instead, it’s about rocking the boat in a positive way and making a change in the dated status quo. It’s girl-power and gender-equality (which are not mutually exclusive).
 
I’m looking forward to watching this modern punk tale with my teenage daughter.
 
8 - Crisis (3/5)


Production/Distribution:  Les Productions LOD, Bideford Productions, Burn Later Productions, Construction Film, Green Room Films, Matisse Pictures, Paradise City Films, Tuesday Films, Elevation Pictures, Quiver Distribution, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros.
Director: Nicholas Jarecki
Writer: Nicholas Jarecki
Actors: Gary Oldman, Armie Hammer, Evangeline Lilly, Greg Kinnear, Michelle Rodriguez, Kid Cudi, Indira Varma, Lily-Rose Depp, Mia Kirshner, Michael Aronov, Adam Tsekhman, Veronica Ferres, Nicholas Jarecki, Martin Donovan, Marcel Jeannin, Duke Nicholson, Ellora Torchia, Daniel Jun, Luke Evans, Kwasi Songui, Charles Champagne, Hamza Haq, Benz Antoine, Hiro Kanagawa, Noah Ruscica, Toni Garrn, Sara Sampaio, Billy Bryk, Alain Goulem, Charlie Ebbs, Rodney Alexandre, Jay Chevery, Vicky Limkalan
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 118 minutes
 
IMDb BlurbThree stories about the world of opioids collide: a drug trafficker arranges a multi-cartel Fentanyl smuggling operation between Canada and the U.S., an architect recovering from an OxyContin addiction tracks down the truth behind her son's involvement with narcotics, and a university professor battles unexpected revelations about his research employer, a drug company with deep government influence bringing a new "non-addictive" painkiller to market.
 
The Opioid Crisis is one of the tragedies of our age. It’s something that hits close to home because I have chronic pain from my various medical conditions. Most of the time my pain is just annoying and in the background. Sometimes, however, it requires treatment with medicine or other measures. It’s hard to get a medication that’s a good fit that doesn’t come with a boatload of drawbacks. It requires thoughtful management to keep prescriptions from becoming a habit and a hindrance to life rather than something helpful. I digress…
 
It’s scary to think about the corporate dealings that go on in the background with the big pharmaceutical companies. This thriller works with that concept and takes it to the next shady level. Then you throw in the government ties to drug-running and subsequent snafus and cover-ups and you’ve got a recipe for plenty of twists and turns in the story.
 
I am loving the cast here and I really feel like I’m going to be at the proverbial edge of my seat as I watch this. Believe me, I’ll be streaming this one as soon as I possibly can.
 
7 - Boss Level (3/5)

 
Production/Distribution: WarParty Films, Scott Free Productions, Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films, Big Red Films, Diamond Film Productions, Edver Films, Highland Film Group, Ingenious Media, Orca Entertainment Group, Paradox Film Group, River Bay Films, The Fyzz Facility, Highland Film Group, Dutch FilmWorks, Hulu, Metropolitan Filmexport, Prorom Media-Trade, Rialto Distribution, Blue Swan Entertainment, Eagle Films, Roadshow Entertainment, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, VVS Films, Youplanet Pictures
Director: Joe Carnahan
Writers: Chris Borey, Eddie Borey, Joe Carnahan
Actors: Frank Grillo, Mel Gibson, Naomi Watts, Will Sasso, Annabelle Wallis, Sheaun McKinney, Selina Lo, Michelle Yeoh, Ken Jeong, Meadow Williams, Mathilde Ollivier, Rio Grillo, Armida Lopez, Buster Reeves, Eric Etebari, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, Rashad Evans, Adam G. Simon, Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Beelner, Travis Gomez, Michael Tourek, Robert Goon, Henry Penzi
Genre: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Rated: Unrated
Length: 100 minutes
 
IMDb BlurbA retired special forces officer is trapped in a never ending time loop on the day of his death.
 
I can’t tell you how excited I am that Boss Level is a Hulu Original movie. That means, of course, that it’s going to be direct-to-streaming on a service that I already subscribe to. Free to me! Pardon my momentary happy dance.  I digress…
 
This is looking like a great month for Frank Grillo with multiple movies hitting the box office (or equivalents) in March. He’s not the only draw for this cast, however. Aside from the interesting premise, the trailer snared me right away with the star-power involved. When you have Mel Gibson (Edge of Darkness, Blood Father, Fatman) and Ken Jeong (Killing Hassellhoff, Crazy Rich Asians, My Spy) in a movie together just sign me up. I’ve got to see what shenanigans are going to happen. I am also glad to see an actor of Naomi Watts’ (The Book of Henry, Luce, Penguin Bloom) caliber in the mix.
 
The plot also really got my attention. The whole time loop trope is getting a lot of airtime these days. This didn’t seem like a rinse-and-repeat of anything else, however. The trailer gave the impression that it puts bits of Edge of Tomorrow (2014) and Happy Death Day (2017) in a blender. My burning question is whether or not the movie’s title alludes to the fact that these are characters within a video game. That’s only speculation, mind you – I know nothing about what’s really going on within the mystery element of this film.
 
I do know that the movie’s in capable hands with director Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces, The Grey, Stretch). He’s got some quality work under his belt and he will forever be A+ in my book for the scene in The A-Team (2010) where the guys are flying a tank. I’m sincerely hoping for that level of action laced with wit here. I can’t wait to find out!
 
6 - SAS: Red Notice (3/16)

 
Production/Distribution: Hero Squared, Altitude Film Entertainment, Creativity Capital, Ingenious Media, Parabolic Pictures Inc., Periwinkle Pictures, Silver Reel, The Electric Shadow Company, Vertigo Films, Redbox Entertainment, Sky Cinema, Splendid Film, Vertical Entertainment
Director: Magnus Martens
Writers: Laurence Malkin, Andy McNab, Chad Thumann
Actors: Sam Heughan, Hannah John-Kamen, Ruby Rose, Andy Serkis, Tom Hopper, Owain Yeoman, Tom Wilkinson, Ray Panthaki, Noel Clarke, Anne Reid, Jing Lusi, Richard McCabe, Sarah Winter, Douglas Reith, Dylan Smith, Grant Crookes, Caroline Boulton, Tim Fellingham, Martin Angerbauer, Kevin Ezekiel Ogunleye, Károly Baksai, Ferenc Iván Szabó
Genre: Action
Rated: R
Length: Unknown
 
IMDb Blurb: A small army of well trained criminals led by Laszlo Antonov have hijacked the Eurostar deep beneath the English Channel.
 
Here we have another that I am giddily excited to see. I love a good spy movie with plenty of action, a dash of humor, and well more action. Okay, yes, I’m an action junkie. I love the adrenaline rush and the fight choreography. It’s not a bad thing! I digress…
 
I have to admit that I have a fear of bridges – it’s the getting knocked off of them and trapped in water (or going splat) that is the scary part for me. I have a sneaky feeling that after watching this movie, I’ll look at tunnels a bit sideways, too. I’m not claustrophobic, contrary to what my nemesis the MRI machine might tell you. The thought of a body of water crashing in from above, however, is unsettling.
 
That is the predicament that the poor hapless train commuters in this film find themselves in as the espionage and vendettas play out around them.
 
Yes, I will fangirl here for a moment because my favorite Scotsman will be front and center in the cast. Sam Heughan (When Starlight Ends, The Spy Who Dumped Me, Bloodshot) has upped his action movie game in the past several years. He might look mighty fine with his kilt and sword in Outlander (2014-), but he’s got more than that going for him. I’m excited that he’s squaring off against another fave of mine, badass Ruby Rose (John Wick: Chapter 2, Pitch Perfect 3, The Meg).
 
The cast just keeps getting better from there. Hey Whovians! Mickey Smith is in this movie! Noel Clarke (I Kill Giants, 10x10, Twist), of course, is whom I’m referring to. I’m curious how he fits into the story.
 
While I haven’t seen any of director Magnus Martens’ (Banshee, Longmire, The Walking Dead: World Beyond) film work before, I am familiar with the various TV series that he has directed episodes for. I have hope that SAS: Red Notice will meet or exceed my expectations.
 
5 - Zack Snyder’s Justice League (3/18)

 
Production/Distribution: Atlas Entertainment, DC Entertainment, DC Films, HBO Max, RatPac-Dune Entertainment, The Stone Quarry, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros., Warner Max
Director: Zack Snyder
Writers: Chris Terrio, Zack Snyder, Will Beall, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
Actors: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jared Leto, Amy Adams, Robin Wright, Jason Momoa, Connie Nielsen, Diane Lane, Ezra Miller, Joe Manganiello, Ciarán Hinds, J.K. Simmons, Willem Dafoe, Ray Fisher, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Kiersey Clemons, Ray Porter, Harry Lennix, Samantha Win, Joe Morton, Amber Heard, Peter Guinness
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rated: R
Length: 240 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: Zack Snyder's definitive director's cut of Justice League. Determined to ensure Superman's ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne aligns forces with Diana Prince with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions.
 
I love superhero movies. That’s really the bottom line here, isn’t it? I’m certainly not alone in this.
 
HBO Max is going to be the place to be this March to view this epic director’s cut. It’s got an epic run-time to go with it, as well, since the production team opted to release as a movie instead of the originally planned series.
 
The ONLY reason that this has the #5 placement and isn’t up at the tippy top of the list is due to the fact that I’ve seen the general movie before. This is taking the previously released Justice League movie and taking it to the next awesome level. There will be plenty of bits – huge swaths of content, in fact – that weren’t in the original, though, so it’s absolutely worth the time to watch.  There was just a lot of newer content fighting for the top this month.
 
 One thing's for sure - my whole family and I will be watching this together the day it drops.
 
4 - Coming 2 America (3/5)

 
Production/Distribution: Eddie Murphy Productions, Misher Films, New Republic Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Studios
Director: Craig Brewer
Writers: Barry W. Blaustein, David Sheffield, Eddie Murphy, Justin Kanew, Kenya Barris
Actors: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley, James Earl Jones, Wesley Snipeslk, Garcelle Beauvais, John Amos, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Arsenio Hall, KiKi Layne, Clint Smith, Louie Anderson, Paul Bates, Leslie Jones, Jermaine Fowler, Tracy Morgan, Teyana Taylor, Rotimi, Luenell, Bella Murphy, Akiley Love, Nomzamo Mbatha, Rick Ross
Genre: Comedy
Rated: PG-13
Length: 104 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: The African monarch Akeem learns he has a long-lost son in the United States and must return to America to meet this unexpected heir and build a relationship with his son.
 
Y’all. This one has me right in the childhood. I’m an 80’s baby. The original Coming To America (1988) is a classic, and one of my favorites of the era. Eddie Murphy (Tower Heist, A Thousand Words, Mr. Church) is definitely an icon of that time period. Axel F from Beverly Hills Cop (1984) has pretty much been the soundtrack of my life.
 
Needless to say, the nostalgia factor is high here.
 
Seriously, the entire cast is back from the original Coming to America. Murphy and Arsenio Hall (Igor, Black Dynamite, Sandy Wexler) are reprising all of their original characters. We also have the new addition of Wesley Snipes (The Expendables 3, Armed Response, Dolemite Is My Name), Tracy Morgan (The Night Before, What Men Want, The Last O.G.). and Leslie Jones (Saturday Night Live, We Are Family, The Angry Birds Movie 2).
 
I love that they’re picking up the story 30 years later. This will be a fun epilogue adventure to pin to the original story. I can’t wait for the laughs that are sure to come.
 
3 - Raya and the Last Dragon (3/5)

 
Production/Distribution: Walt Disney Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, HKC Entertainment, Kinomania, Walt Disney Studios Japan, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Argentina, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Disney+, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Directors: Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, Paul Briggs, John Ripa
Writers: Qui Nguyen, Adele Lim, Paul Briggs, Don Hall, Carlos López Estrada, Kiel Murray, John Ripa, Dean Wellins
Actors: Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Izaac Wang, Daniel Dae Kim, Benedict Wong, Jona Xiao, Sandra Oh, Thalia Tran, Lucille Soong, Alan Tudyk, Dichen Lachman, Patti Harrison, Jon Park, Sung Kang, Sierra Katow, Ross Butler, François Chau
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Rated: PG
Length: 114 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: In a realm known as Kumandra, a re-imagined Earth inhabited by an ancient civilization, a warrior named Raya is determined to find the last dragon.
 
Of course, the latest Disney animated movie is high on the list. It’s a must-watch, though I am disappointed that I’ll have to exert patience to actually watch it, myself. Raya and the Last Dragon is releasing to Disney+ premium – which means that it will have a rental price for a time before it’s unlocked to the streaming service subscribers at large in the fashion the live-action Mulan (2020) was.
 
Fantasy is one of the genres dear to my heart, so when you start talking about a story involving dragons and far off mystical worlds you really get my attention.
 
I also love the fact that this is Disney’s first foray into the culture from Southeast Asia. While the setting is a fictional world, they did borrow from places like Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, etc. I am sincerely hoping that they did justice to the rich folklore and cultural background.
 
The cast is also looking spectacular. There’s some serious star-power from the Asian community lending their voices here. I am liking Kellie Marie Tran (XOXO, Sorry for Your Loss, The Croods: A New Age) as Raya from what I saw in the trailer, and Awkwafina (Oceans 8, Jumanji: The Next Level, Breaking News in Yuba County) is an amazing choice for the funny and sassy dragon. I even giggled when I realized that they snuck Alan Tudyk (Star vs. the Forces of Evil, Moana, Resident Alien) in for a voice. His characters are always so off the wall, quirky, and interesting. He’s not Asian, that I’m aware of, but I don’t think that takes away from anything here.
 
Raya and the Last Dragon is sure to be a hit for the whole family – regardless of the size of the screen you view it on.
 
2 – Godzilla vs. Kong (3/31)


Production/Distribution: Legendary Entertainment, Warner Bros., HKC Entertainment, Kinomania, Toho Company, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Singapore, HBO Max
Director: Adam Wingard
Writers: Eric Pearson, Max Borenstein, Terry Rossio, Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields
Actors: Alexander Skarsgård, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Shun Oguri, Julian Dennison, Lance Reddick, Kyle Chandler, Demián Bichir, Kaylee Hottle, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Ronny Chieng, John Pirruccello, Chris Chalk, Daniel Nelson, Jim Palmer, Danai Gurira
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Length: 113 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: The epic next chapter in the cinematic Monsterverse pits two of the greatest icons in motion picture history against one another - the fearsome Godzilla and the mighty Kong - with humanity caught in the balance.
 
Do I really need to go into why this monster mashup is a must-see?
 
Two of the titans of the genre duking it out for supremacy seems like a good time. Of course, cast members from prior movies involving the giant juggernauts are on board as well. They’re great – but we’re really here for the big guys.
 
Who do you think will win?  
 
1 - Chaos Walking (3/5)

 

Production/Distribution
:  3 Arts Entertainment, BRON Studios, Creative Wealth Media Finance, Quadrant Pictures, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, Belga Films, BfParis, Eagle Films, Encore Films, HKC Entertainment, Independent Films, Lionsgate, Metropolitan Filmexport, Mongkol Major, StudioCanal Germany, GEM Entertainment

Director: Doug Liman
Writers: Patrick Ness, Christopher Ford
Actors: Tom Holland, Mads Mikkelsen, Daisy Ridley, Ray McKinnon, Nick Jonas, Demián Bichir, Cynthia Erivo, David Oyelowo, Kurt Sutter, Óscar Jaenada, Olunike Adeliyi, Mylène Dinh-Robic, Bethany Anne Lind, Bobby Hernandez, Vincent Leclerc, Tara Nicodemo, Claudia Besso, Jazzy Ellis, Isabelle Giroux, Tyrone Benskin, Bryce Bruckbauer, Blane Crockarell, Don Jordan, Yadi Nieves, Nicky Jutras, Petra Post
Genre: Adventure, Sci-Fi
Rated: PG-13
Length: 109 minutes
 
IMDb Blurb: A dystopian world where there are no women and all living creatures can hear each other's thoughts in a stream of images, words, and sounds called Noise.
 
Chaos Walking is one of the movies that got pushed back for a while due to the pandemic. I was hooked the very first time I watched the trailer, and I’m super excited that it finally got a release date. I believe that this film will even be available in some IMAX theaters. It’s bound to be amazing on that huge screen. (I’m jealous.)
 
I’ll be the first to admit that I’d watch absolutely anything that Tom Holland (The Lost City of Z, Onward, Cherry) is in. His range is impressive and he genuinely seems to be a great person to go along with his charismatic personality. I think he pairs well here with Daisy Ridley (Murder on the Orient Express, Ophelia, Peter Rabbit). Their chemistry seems to jive well – even just from the snippets available in the trailer. Then you have actors such as Mads Mikkelsen (Doctor Strange, Polar, Another Round) in the mix also and there really is a recipe for greatness here.
 
I have to be upfront and tell you that I haven’t read the books that this movie is based on. Rather, there is a trilogy of books, and Chaos Walking covers the first one. Hopefully, if this one works out well, they’ll keep making them. There’s nothing worse than a story stopping midway because it’s part 1 of 3 and then the other bits never make it to the screen. I have a feeling that this series is going to be added to my to-read list that keeps growing exponentially.
 
The concept of ‘Noise’ in the story is fascinating and the whole trailer had my sci-fi heart doing flips. Chaos Walking couldn’t possibly land anywhere but my #1 this month. Hands down.
 
Movies to Look out For
According to: Selina
 
My Salinger Year .20
Pixie .19
SAS: Red Notice .18
Yes Day .17
Crisis .16
The Courier .15
Dark Web: Cicada 3301 .14
Boss Level .13
Six Minutes to Midnight .12
The Stylist .11
Slaxx .10
Phobias .9
Lucky .8
Happily .7
Godzilla vs. Kong .6
Moxie .5
Zack Snyder's Justice League .4
Coming 2 America .3
Raya and the Last Dragon .2
Chaos Walking .1
 
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