It is bound to happen here and there, but this is probably the least interesting release weekend of the 2024 campaign so far. That is not to say it’s all bad, but let’s take a look.
New In Theaters
Abigail
Director(s): Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillet | Writer(s): Guy Busick, Stephen Shields
Stars: Kathryn Newton, Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Giancarlo Esposito
This one looks like a self-aware horror-comedy bloodbath somewhere in the ballpark of Ready or Not and M3GAN, and should make for an entertaining time. I wouldn’t say I’m particularly interested because I’m not in a rush to see it, but I will probably have a good afternoon with it at some point next week.
Hard Miles
Director(s): R.J. Daniel Hanna | Writer(s): R.J. Daniel Hanna, Christian Sander
Stars: Sean Astin, Matthew Modine, Jackson Kelly
I haven’t seen the Dangerous Minds formula in a while, but it’s kinda cool that this is based on a true story about teenage convicts. I like Matthew Modine enough to extend it some grace, but this one isn’t exciting.
The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare
Director(s): Guy Ritchie | Writer(s): Paul Tamsay, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel
Stars: Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer
I see Cary Elwes is back in a similar capacity for a Guy Ritchie film that I don’t think is meant to be connected to Operation Fortune although it maintains the team aspect. I don’t think I have ever seen a Ritchie film where I wasn’t entertained, so I can get with the program here.
Sasquatch Sunset (Expands)
Director(s): David Zellner, Nathan Zellner | Writer(s): David Zellner
Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Riley Keough, Christophe Zajac-Denek
I caught this one in limited release last week and it’s a warm but often crude absurdist comedy that gets into some existential reflection on life, family, and nature.
Villains Inc.
Director(s): Jeremy Warner | Writer(s): Jason Gray, Marr Moen, Jeremy Warner
Stars: Mallory Everton, Colin Mochrie, Jason Grey
I’m kinda surprised something this low-budget is getting a wide release but I am not complaining. It has a similar energy to Mystery Men and I grew up watching Whose Line Is It Anyway? so seeing Colin Mochrie in a role like this is great. I’m in.
Wildfire: The Legend of the Cherokee Ghost Horse
Director(s): Eric Parkinson | Writer(s): Eric Parkinson, Mike Snyder
Stars: Mo Brings Plenty, Anne Heche, Adrian Paul
Speaking of low-budget surprises, this looks like something that would be a Hallmark or Disney channel original. However, this is one of Anne Heche’s final films if you are interested in checking it out for that reason.
Limited Release
Irena’s Vow (April 15th)
Director(s): Lousie Archambault | Writer(s): Dan Gordon
Stars: Sophie Nélisse, Dougray Scott, Andrzej Seweryn
Remember last week, I mentioned that there seems to be a neverending fascination with World War II era stories and Nazis…well, here you go again. It seems like an interesting true story and it should be interesting to see Sophie Nélisse outside of Yellowjackets, but I still want a collective break from WWII.
John Singer Sargent: Fashion and Swagger (April 16th)
Director: David Bickerstaff
I know the name, but I am unfamiliar with the work of John Singer Sargent. However, I can remedy that if I want.
Blood for Dust (+VOD)
Director(s): Rod Blackhurst | Writer(s): Rod Blackhurst, David Ebeltoft
Stars: Josh Lucas, Kit Harrington, Scoot McNairy
The cast for this movie is stacked and I love what the cinematography shows here in the trailer. Given what I have seen getting wide releases this weekend, I am a little perplexed to see that this movie isn’t. The good news is that it’s more readily available and it might just be the best movie of the week.
Little Empty Boxes
Director(s): Max Lugavere, Chris Newhard
Stars: Max Lugavere, Kathy Lugavere, Bruce Lugavere
This is going to be a sad one. My family has recently dealt with an Alzheimers diagnosis and it’s a lot. So, I think it’s important to address the disease on a personal and preventative level. I’m ready to cry.
*We Grown Now – Editor’s Pick*
Written & Directed by: Minhal Baig
Stars: Matthew Campbell, Giovani Chambers, David Folsom
This looks like a Spike Lee Joint, but Spike is a great filmmaker so that’s a good thing. If you are a fan of the Candyman films you’ll recognize Cabrini-Green but this is a much more intimate examination of the neighborhood and its residents in early 90s. I’m in.
Stress Positions
Director(s): Theda Hammel | Writer(s): Theda Hammel, Faheem Ali
Stars: John Early, Qaher Harhash, Elizabeth Dement
I previewed this one last week, but it popped up again so I figured what’s the harm? I still want to see it and if it’s more available, then great.
Refuge
Director(s): Renny Harlin | Writer(s): Ben Sztajnkrycer
Stars: Jason Flemyng, Raza Jaffrey, Johanna Harlin
The combination of military intervention and supernatural horror is a pleasant surprise. It may get into mixing metaphors a little, but I am more interested in this than I thought. The release date is a little tricky because I see different answers, but keep an eye out.
International Marketplace
Ameena (April 18th)
Director(s): Kumar Raj | Writer(s): Aftab Hasnain, Kishan Kumar Pawar, Ravikant Singh
Stars: Rekha Rana, Anant Mahadevan, Utkarsh Kohli
I couldn’t find a trailer with subtitles, even though the transition cards are in English. Based on the real-life story of a young woman who was a victim of human trafficking, the energy of the trailer makes it seem like it’s not the drama I’d expect of the story.
The Three Musketeers – Part II: Milady (+VOD)
Director(s): Martin Bouroulon | Writer(s): Matthieu Delaporte, Alexandre Dumas, Alexandre de La Patellière
Stars: François Civil, Vincent Cassel, Romain Duris
This is me learning that there was a previous French Three Musketeers film. I like Eva Green and Vincent Cassel, but I don’t know that I have it in me to do the requisite viewing. However, this one appears to take itself more seriously than other adaptations if you’re looking for a historical adventure epic.
Spy x Family Code: White
Director(s): Kazuhiro Furuhashi | Writer(s): Ichirô Ôkouchi, Tatsuya Endo
Stars: Takuya Eguchi, Atsumi Nazezaki, Saori Hayami
This is another sequel to a movie I didn’t know existed, but I do love the animation style. It’s probably fun, but I wouldn’t watch it without watching the other one first.
Mr. & Mrs. Mahi
Director(s): Sharan Sharma | Writer(s): Nikhil Mehrotra, Sharan Sharma
Stars: Janhvi Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao, Rajesh Sharma
I had a phase where I was learning about cricket, so I am sure I could find this pretty interesting if I give it a chance.
The Coffee Table
Director(s): Caye Casas | Writer(s): Cristina Borobia, Caye Casas
Stars: David Pareja, Estefanía de los Santos, Josep Maria Riera
Is this a horror film or a commentary on consumerism? Can it be both? It looks fun either way.
Egoist
Director(s): Daishi Matsunaga | Writer(s): Makoto Takayama, Daishi Matsunaga, Kyôko Inukai
Stars: Ryohei Suzuki, Hio Miyazawa, Yûko Nakamura
This is just a teaser but you get the picture. It’s probably going to be a very emotional experience.
Dusk for a Hitman (VOD/Digital)
Director(s): Raymond St-Jean | Writer(s): Martin Girard, Raymon St-Jean
Stars: Éric Bruneau, Benoît Gouin, Rose-Marie Perreault
The hitman who other hitmen hunt down isn’t a new idea, but I don’t think I have ever seen a film like this based on a true story. I’m intrigued.
Streaming & Digital
Class of Her Own (VOD/Digital April 16th)
Written & Directed by: Boaz Dvir
Stars: Tamara Tunie, Gloria Jean Merriex
One of the most encouraging things you can see from a teacher is their willingness to adapt their style of education to benefit their students.
The Brink Of (VOD/Digital April 16th)
Written & Directed by: Patrick Meaney
Stars: Nicolette Norgaard, Tim Hoffman, Mina Tobias
For a movie that says it’s a musical, there’s not much of that shown in this trailer. So, maybe the music isn’t great or it’s not heavily featured but I would equate this to more of a rom-com with a musical element. There is some interesting territory to mine, but the acting I’m seeing in the trailer isn’t compelling enough for me to take the leap of faith.
The Star City Murders (VOD/Digital April 16th)
Director(s): Giles Andrews | Writer(s): Giles Andrews, Heath Centazzo
Stars: Heath Centazzo, Tim Russ, Michelle Lukes
This is the kind of straight-to-video stuff that would have populated the Cinemax airwaves at midnight back in the cable glory days. So, it’s comforting if not entirely interesting.
Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver (Netflix)
Director(s): Zack Snyder | Writer(s): Shay Hatten, Kurt Johnstad, Zack Snyder
Stars: Sofia Boutella, Charlie Hunnam, Anthony Hopkins
If it’s anything like Part One, I think I’m okay to wait a little bit. While I’m at it, I might just wait until the dust settles and the 6-hour-long unrated version comes out down the road.
6 Hours Away (VOD/Digital)
Director(s): Nicolás Di Blasi | Writer(s): Garry Charles
Stars: Lara Wolf, Roberto Sanchez, Guillermo Iván
Speaking of straight-to-video staples, this is the kind of generic action/thriller that has found new life in the current market. It seems like there is always one or two of these a week that have a bunch of guns and action and mostly have actors you have never heard of. If this stuff was straight to streaming, then I would probably watch a lot more of it.
Thanks for reading! Word of mouth is still the best way to help. So, if you enjoy what I’m doing, please tell somebody. And if you have a comment, I’d love to hear it! Liking, subscribing, and sharing go a long way too. As usual, be well, be safe, and have fun no matter how you get your movies!