Going forward, I’ll be previewing notable movies to be released within the next 30 days at the beginning of each month. I’ve always found it to be a bit of a hassle to keep track of movies that I’d like to see and when they actually get released, so hopefully this will be a helpful tool for everyone. My “intrigue” rating is on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being a hard pass and 10 being a must-see.
The Intruder – May 3rd
Intrigue: 4
Definitely has some similarities to The Gift (2015). Focuses on a couple who recently purchased a home from a man (Dennis Quaid) who just doesn’t want to leave and the creepiness that ensues. Michael Ealy (Almost Human, Think Like a Man) and Meagan Good (Shazam!, Anchorman 2) are typically found in supporting roles so it’ll be interesting to see how well they can carry this opposite of Quaid (who’s been mostly out of the limelight for awhile now and seems to only pop up every so often for the paycheck). Trailer really doesn’t do this any favors, unfortunately.
Long Shot – May 3rd
Intrigue: 7
Some sort of Knocked Up/Pineapple Express/Just Friends hybrid judging by the trailer. I’m really hot/cold on Rogen but have enjoyed more of his recent stuff and I’m always down to see what Charlize is up to. Jonathan Levine (50/50, Warm Bodies) is in the director’s seat and with Andy Serkis (Black Panther, Planet of the Apes trilogy), O’Shea Jackson Jr (Straight Outta Compton), June Diane Raphael (How Did This Get Made?), Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul), and Randall Park (The Interview, Fresh Off the Boat, Ant-Man and The Wasp) also among the cast, the bar should be set relatively high for this (as far as romcoms go).
UglyDolls – May 3rd
Intrigue: 5.5
Loosely based on the little weirdo plush dolls, it’s an animated musical with singers Kelly Clarkson, Blake Shelton, Janelle Monae, Nick Jonas, and Pitbull all starring. Wanda Sykes (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Emma Roberts (We’re the Millers) and Gabriel Iglesias are also playing roles. It’s directed by Kelly Asbury (Shrek 2) so it could definitely be good, but I’m always a little skeptical of these types of movies that aren’t based on original material and are marketed for the younger audience music more than anything.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile – May 3rd **NETFLIX**
Intrigue: 7.5
The story of The Campus Killer (Ted Bundy) told through the eyes of his longtime girlfriend Elizabeth Kloepfer, who believed he was innocent for years. Bundy already has a well-documented history but this is an interesting angle on paper and hopefully gives a quality look into how he fooled people for so long. Joe Berlinger (Paradise Lost documentaries) isn’t really known for his fictional talents but this should give him a chance to shine. Zac Efron, Lily Collins (The Blind Side), and John Malkovich are the top-billed names.
The Hustle – May 10th
Intrigue: 4
This is a modern remake of the Frank Oz classic Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (with the genders reversed). While Rebel Wilson is fine in small doses, I’m personally beginning to get a little burnt out on her schtick. On the other hand, Hathaway is almost always outstanding – even if the quality of her movies aren’t. Sadly though, this trailer is a major woof for me and I do wonder why they thought this needed remade in the first place (especially with such a seemingly small budget). Sigh.
Pokemon: Detective Pikachu – May 10th
Intrigue: 8
Initially panned as a guaranteed failure with such an absurd concept, this has seen a near total turnaround in audience anticipation since the first trailer dropped (I belong to this group, myself). Follows the most popular pokemon after a bout with amnesia leaves him believing he’s a detective of sorts. Ryan Reynolds stars as the voice of Pikachu with Bill Nighy (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz), Kathryn Newton (Three Billboards, Lady Bird, Blockers), and Justice Smith (Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom) along for the ride. There’s a boatload of potential here and hopefully it reaches every bit of it.
A Dog’s Journey – May 17th
Intrigue: 5
The sequel to A Dog’s Purpose and is based on the book series. The trailer is obviously feel-good and sappy, but that’s okay. These movies always serve a purpose, even if my cold heart doesn’t care for it. Dennis Quaid stars alongside Marg Helgenberger (CSI) with Josh Gad (Frozen) voicing the dog Bailey.
John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum – May 17th
Intrigue: 9
Finally, part three of one of the best action series of all time has arrived. Keanu is back as John Wick, who’s had a $14 million dollar bounty put on his head by the High Table following a killing on Continental Hotel Grounds. Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick and John Leguizamo are also back, with Halle Barry, Anjelica Houston (The Royals Tenenbaums), Jerome Flynn (Game of Thrones), Jason Mantzoukas (The League), and professional basketballer Boban Marjanovic getting their first taste of the assassin’s universe. Easily one of my (and many others’) most anticipated movies of 2019.
Aladdin – May 24th
Intrigue: 4
Another installment in Disney’s remake assembly line – and another totally unnecessary one. It’s directed by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes, Snatch, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.) and has Will Smith cast as the iconic genie…but that’s where the star power ends. Mena Massoud and Naomi Scott (The Martian) are in their first starring roles and the CGI (especially with Smith) looks absolutely awful if the trailer is any indication. I’m just not sure where this one can be taken that won’t feel forced and stale. I wasn’t a big fan of the original anyway so I just have very little desire to go and see this.
Brightburn – May 24th
Intrigue: 6.5
What if Superman was…actually evil? That’s the compelling premise here (even taking place in Kansas), with James Gunn (Guardians of the Galaxy) listed as a producer. The trailer itself looks exceptionally creepy and with capable names like Elizabeth Banks (LEGO Movie, The Hunger Games) and David Denman (The Office) starring, my interest has definitely been piqued
Godzilla: King of the Monsters – May 31st
Intrigue: 8
The nuclear behemoth returns to the screen once again, this time up against a slew of new monsters. They’ll get most of the attention but the long list of human casting is no joke either: Kyle Chandler, Vera Farmiga, Millie Bobby Brown, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, Bradley Whitford, Charles Dance, O’Shea Jackson Jr, and Thomas Middleditch all are credited. I’m really looking forward to this, although I’m a little surprised they showed so much in the trailer (which also exposed some dicey CGI, in my opinion). I’m sure it’ll still be awesome, though.
Ma – May 31st
Intrigue: 6
It’s weird to see Octavia Spencer (The Help, Hidden Figures) cast as the villain in a horror movie after most of the other roles in her decorated career. She stars as a mysterious woman who befriends a group of teenagers but has gruesome intentions for them. I can’t imagine she’ll disappoint.
Rocketman – May 31st
Intrigue: 7
The Elton John biopic we’ve all been waiting for(?), and of course the most notable part of the trailer…is the music – which doesn’t disappoint. I’ve personally always been a big fan of the flamboyant singer, so it’s nice to see Taron Edgerton (Kingsman) doing his best to do the man justice on screen. Dexter Fletcher (co-director of Bohemian Rhapsody) is directing with Jamie Bell (King Kong) and Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) also in the mix. Looking forward to singing along obnoxiously inside the theater.