The one thing I missed most during this past fourteen months of Covid_19 lockdowns and worry was going to the movies and all of the movies releases being pushed forward! While I was still being sent screeners and able to do some reviews, between battling the virus and its months lingering effects and the sheer number of major movies that were not released, it ground my movie coverage almost to a halt. Fortunately, we are starting to have screenings again and the Tribeca Film Festival is right around the corner, so I will have tons of new entertainment content in the weeks to come.
While there are dozens of films being released, I have picked the best of the best.
Below are movies that I most want to see that are coming to our theaters and screens this Spring and Summer with my quick thoughts and trailers on each. More thorough reviews will be done on some of the films once I see them.
May
Wrath of Man [Cinema] – May 7
Terrific Guy Ritchie directed heist revenge film with Jason Stratham. Though the twist was obvious, I still loved it.
The Woman in the Window [Netflix] – May 14
The book is fantastic so I expect great things from this film.
Those Who Wish Me Dead [Cinema] – May 14
It’s been such a long time since we have seen Angelina in anything but animation on screen so this is going to be great. Especially because she is back to playing a kick-ass.
Halston [Netflix/Series] – May 14
While technically not a film, this is must-see this month for anyone that loves fashion. Ewan McGregor is perfectly cast in this bio series on the life of legendary designer, Halston.
https://youtu.be/yCgdWHwEnrg
Spiral [Cinema} – May 14
While I know it is spiritual junk food to watch these sort of violent films, there is a part of me that still enjoys them. I own all 8 “Saw” movies so I am curious to see that Chris Rock will bring to this one. Full review once I see it this weekend as the studio didn’t have mass advance screenings. Below is the trailer AND an overview of all of the other 8 films from IGN to catch you up.
Army of the Dead [Netflix] – May 21
Five words – Zombie movie directed by Zach Snyder. I am totally stoked for this one.
Cruella [Cinema/Disney Plus] – May 28
OMG Emma Thompson and Emma Stone in a Cruella de Vil origin story set in London is a definite recipe for a hit. All of us can’t wait.
A Quiet Place Part II [Cinema] – May 28
I loved the first Quiet Place and was set to see this last year when I was stricken with Covid_19 the day of the screening! While I wasn’t yet diagnosed, I was feeling a bit sick so I didn’t go. When I look back at that now, I am so glad I didn’t just wave it off. Because a lot of my fellow critics are older folks and it would have been awful to have spread it to them! I am very excited to see this at my first screening in a theater in 14 months.
June
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It [Cinema/HBO Max] – June 4
The first Conjuring scared the mess out of me so badly that I have only ever seen like 2 minutes of it. The second and third were far more spiritual than scary, so I am not sure which we will get with this one. But it looks really terrifying.
Loki [Disney Plus] – June 9
Not a film but still a summer must-see for every fan of the Marvel Universe. Loki has always needed his own series and I am so happy that we are finally getting one. And right under Charlie Hunnam, Tom Hiddleston is at the top of my to-do list. So I will be glued to my 55″ for this series.
In The Heights (US) [Cinema/HBO Max] – June 11
My number one film to see this summer because the star Anthony Ramos is one of my church members. It has been so awesome to watch his star rise and this is his biggest film yet. Plus, I met Lin-Manuel pre-Hamilton when this was still on Broadway, so it has a special place in my heart.
Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard [Cinema] – June 16
The chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L Jackson made the first film in this series a hilarious hit. Salma Hayek as Jackson’s wife was perfectly cast. So this is definitely another film at the top of my summer must-see list.
Luca [Disney Plus] – June 18
The latest from Disney Pixar looks like it is up to their usual adorable best. I oddly always end up teary-eyed at these kids’ films.
Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway [Cinema] – June 18
I missed the first one of these so need to catch up. But what wondrously fun animation.
F9 [Cinema] – June 25
I am a definite FATF addict and own all of the previous 8 films. Each one turns the action up a notch and I am super amped for this one.
Zola [Cinema] – June 30
This is so crazy I can’t believe I missed this whole thing back in 2015. I am so looking forward to this film. I love Riley Keough in anything.
July
The Forever Purge [Cinema] – July 2
I hate to love these films but I do. The fifth and final installment in the franchise picks up where The Purge: Election Year ended.
(No trailer available)
The Tomorrow War [Amazon Prime] – July 2
Chris Pratt in an action packed time travel movie film. I know where I’ll be this July 4th.
Black Widow [Cinema/Disney Plus] – July 7
I wish they hadn’t killed Black Widow off in “Avengers:Endgame” before releasing her origin movie. But I have been saying she needed one since the start of the franchise so I am still excited to see. it.
Cinderella [Cinema] – July 16
Singer Camila Cabello with the magical Billy Porter as the Fairy Godparent, Idina Menzel as the evil Stepmother, Nicholas Galitzine as the Prince in a magical musical retelling of the Cinderella story.
(No trailer available)
Space Jam: A New Legacy [Cinema/HBO Max] – July 16
What perfection to have King James bring this franchise back! This is going to be tons of fun.
G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes [Cinema] – July 23
Hottie Henry Golding from “Crazy Rich Asians” stars in this action packed film on the origins of G.I. Joe.
(no trailer available)
Jungle Cruise [Cinema] – July 30
Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson a.k.a “The Rock” make a winning combo in this Disney film that is sure to be a summer hit with families and an instant classic
The Green Knight [Cinema] – July 30
Dev Patel is so stunningly gorgeous that I will never miss anything he is in! Plus, I love everything set in medieval times so this is one of my summer must-sees.
August
The Suicide Squad [Cinema/HBO Max] – August 6
I am mad for Margot Robbie as “Harley Quinn” and Idris Elba so this will definitely be a hit in my house.
Free Guy [Cinema] – August 13
Sci-fi comedy with Ryan Reynolds and Lil Rey as game characters that decide to come to life. Looks like barrels of fun.
Respect [Cinema] – August 13
In a perfect world, Jennifer Hudson’s bio pic on the life of Aretha Franklin would have been released before the Nat Geo series. Because she was handpicked by Aretha to play her. So I refuse to watch the series until I can see Hudson’s take. I have been waiting for this for more than a year now and will do a full review closer to its release.
Paw Patrol: The Movie [Cinema] – August 20
(No trailer available)
Right now, all little kids are crazy for Paw Patrol, so this is a fun one to take your kids to No kids of your own, like me? Then borrow your nieces and nephews or your friends kids to accompany you.
Candyman [Cinema] – August 27
The original movie is such a camp classic, I have also been waiting for this forever! I mean, who can forget Virginia Madsen with her burnt up bald head? Written and produced by Jordan Peele, the remake is sure to be twice as scary as the original.
