Well that was certainly an entertaining March! A few films disappointed me, a couple met expectations, and one was a surprise. Let's take a look before we dive into April.
London Has Fallen: Destroyed by critics, merely "liked" by me. This was another violent, brutal entry in the Gerard Butler action franchise, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first even if I looked past some of its faults more than others. RRS: 6.5/10
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot: Mixed reviews and a crowded weekend didn't do much to help this film succeed. I dont think it was hater or loved by any critics, but ended up being somewhat average, despite a stellar Tina Fey performance.
Zootopia: The surprise of the month even though I guess it wasn't really a "surprise" at this point in Disney's track record. A run and gorgeous animated film that has a strong, if not blunt, message to deliver. And it's pretty darn funny too. RRS: 9/10
10 Cloverfield Lane: I hate that I'm so disappointed by this one because there's actually a stellar, effective thriller here with a strong cast and premise. But it's lack of connection to the original really left a sour taste in my mouth. RRS: 7/10
The Brothers Grimsby: Just as I predicted...forgettable and not all that funny. This Sacha Baron Cohen film came and went with little to no fanfare.
The Divergent Series: Allegiant: Gorgeous at times with a few neat ideas is about the only thing going for this one. It's the poster child for why a book shouldn't be split into two films. RRS: 5.5/10
Midnight Special: Wish I could say that I saw this one but an increasingly frustrating limited release schedule is slowly diminishing my will to see it. Those who did catch it are claiming that it's a well made, unique, sci-fi film.
Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice: The highly controversial film was unfairly destroyed by some critics...though its final averages on accumulative sites are average. It's a film that SHOULD have and COULD have been great, but instead ends up merely ok/good with bits of greatness scattered throughout. Main culprits: Jesse Eisenberg, editing, and plot devices. RRS: 7.5/10
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2: Never saw the first one, though many critics and fans of the original say that this one is just as enjoyable as the first, just maybe half a decade too late.
Most Disappointing: Personally, 10 Cloverfield Lane
Most Surprising: Zootopia
Worst Movie: Allegiant
Best Movie: Zootopia
So what's coming in April? Well, for starters there's nothing coming out the first weekend of note, but let's check those other Fridays! As always, click the title for the YouTube trailer.
Why It's Worth Seeing: These initial previews have been funny and it actually looks like a bit of a different role for McCarthy. She's proven enough that, with the right script, she can be hilarious.
What Could Go Wrong: It really does rely on that script for this one. McCarthy, to no fault of her own sometimes, just isn't funny with poor material and unfortunately it seems like that happens more often than not.
Why It's Worth Seeing: I'm super pumped to see this because the trailer is electrifying. If the head bob is managed well and the overall length is tight then this could be an awesome experiment
What Could Go Wrong: There's a lot of ways it could go wrong, but the one I'm most concerned about is length. At 96 minutes it should be just about right, but that's still a long time to be in FPS mode. Too much? Guess we'll have to see.
Why It's Worth Seeing: The cast is solid and there's always potential for a film like this, with an aged star (Costner) turns out to be the next Taken.
What Could Go Wrong: The cast could just be getting a pretty penny and it could also be dumb and lifeless, just like the trailers seem to indicate. They certainly aren't doing the film any favors.
Why It's Worth Seeing: Its trailers have been nothing short of mesmerizing and it looks gorgeous. On top of that it looks like a "realistic" approach to the Disney classic and the cast is top notch.
What Could Go Wrong: It looks CGI-heavy, obviously. But will it be great CGI (like in the trailers)? Or will there be a lot of obvious green screen with a brand new child actor? That sounds like a slog to me...
Why It's Worth Seeing: The first film was actually quite entertaining if not completely forgettable. This one has the added value element of Charlize Theron, Emily Blunt, and Jessica Chastain as female leads so it could be a damn good time if they all decide to ham up their roles a bit.
What Could Go Wrong: From the trailers, the story sounds kind of stupid to me, and I'm not quite sure why Hemsworth is there. Is there a reason for this film to exist beyond the $$ and pretty visuals? Hopefully yes.
Why It's Worth Seeing: I personally find that initial trailer hilarious and Key and Peele are consistently funny. This being their first feature film, I'm hoping that trend carries over to larger "skits". Also, that cat. So cute and I hate cats.
What Could Go Wrong: Early reviews are lukewarm so I'm wondering if their jokes can't sustain themselves for the film's entire runtime.
Why It's Worth Seeing: Based on the popular PlayStation game, this one is quietly dropping at the end of the month. Other than a commercial here and there I haven't seen too much, but what I have seen seems to capture the game's essence well and I've laughed.
What Could Go Wrong: The target audience seems confused. Are you aiming for little kids who probably haven't played one of these games or are you aiming for the older audience that enjoyed them back in the PS2 and PS3 era? Those are two really distinctive crowds and if the film is confused, it will be forgettable.
Must See (in order): Hardcore Henry, The Jungle Book
On My Radar: The Boss, The Huntsman: Winter's War, Keanu, Ratchet & Clank
Predicted Duds: Criminal
Check back in May when the summer season starts to get warmed up with some big, exciting films. As
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