I am working to carve out more time to get back to writing some articles on films I feel are worth seeing and that I have something to say about but, in the meantime, there is a neverending slew of new movies on the horizon. So, thanks for sticking with me and let’s get to it.
New In Theaters
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
Director(s): Steven Caple Jr. | Writer(s): Joby Harold, Darnell Metayer, Josh Peters
Stars: Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Luna Lauren Velez
I don’t know if excited is the word I would use to describe how I feel about this one but I have been less than enthusiastic about the series as a whole for a while. That’s not the case this time. I want to see Unicron on the big screen and I like the scope and the scale I see in the trailers. Let’s ride.
Limited Release
97 Minutes (Theaters + VOD)
Director(s): Timo Vuorensola | Writer(s): Pavan Grover
Stars: Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Alec Baldwin, MyAnna Buring
Hijacking movies are always pretty intense just based on the familiar and plausible nature of it, but they are not all made the same. This would be a good matinee option or an at-home thriller to enjoy from my couch, but I won’t be seeing this in theaters/
*Americonned (Theaters) – Editor’s Pick*
Director(s): Sean Claffey | Writer(s): Sean Claffey, David Pederson, Christopher Seward
Stars: Marty Walsh, Kurt Andersen, Mich Buchman
Are you worried about automation and wealth inequality eroding the middle class? You are not alone. The American dream is not what it once was and this documentary is going to resonate really loud.
The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (Theaters + VOD)
Written & Directed by: Bomani J. Story
Stars: Chad L. Coleman, Laya DeLeon Hayes, Denzel Whitaker
I could have sworn this new take on Frankenstein was playing at my local indie theater a few weeks ago, but they often do Film Fesitval releases so maybe it was that. Either way, I am totally on board with this one.
Pollen
Written & Directed by: D.W. Medoff
Stars: Ava Rose Kinard, Tyler Buckingham, Riley Madison Fuller
This one reminds me a bit of Little Joe but is more firmly planted in the horror realm. No pun intended. The story of a young woman who was assaulted and gaslit is something that is more aware of its place in time as well. Probably won’t venture to theaters for it, but I could watch it at home.
The Secret Kingdom
Written & Directed by: Matt Drummond
Stars: Alyla Browne, Alice Parkinson, Sam Everingham
Kids’ adventure fantasy isn’t my sweet spot, but I could envision my childhood self being very into this.
Mending the Line
Director(s): Joshua Caldwell | Writer(s): Stephen Camelio
Stars: Brian Cox, Perry Mattfeld, Sinqua Walls
I am happy to see Brian Cox getting a prominent role like this in the wake of Succession coming to an end, and I like the subject matter dealing with emotional and physical trauma. The trailer is not particularly compelling but I like the parts enough to get behind it.
Dalíland
Director(s): Mary Harron | Writer(s): John Walsh
Stars: Ben Kingsley, Barbara Sukowa, Ezra Miller
Ben Kingsley playing an exceedingly eccentric Salvador Dalí sounds like a good time. I saw the largest collection of Dalí’s masterworks at his museum in Tampa and there it’s very impressive. Plus, I like Mary Harron in the director’s seat for this. All signs point to yes for me if I can find it in a theater.
Scarlet
Director(s): Pietro Marcello
Writer(s): Alexander Grin, Pietro Marcello, Maurizio Braucci
Stars: Raphaël Thiéry, Juliette Jouan, Noémie Lvovsky
There’s a hypnotic quality to the trailer and the visual fingerprint of the picture itself has a warmth and softness to it that is strangely compelling. Historical romance is not normally something I gravitate towards, but I want to see this.
Persian Lessons
Director(s): Vadim Perelman | Writer(s): Ilja Zofin, Wolfgang Kohlhaase
Stars: Nahuel Pérez Biscayart, Lars Eidinger, Jonay Nay
This one has been in the can for three years but it is finally getting released. I find this story to be very interesting as a young Jewish prisoner tries to avoid execution by teaching a German officer a language that neither of them knows. I have only seen Vadim Perelman’s House of Sand and Fog and I like that a lot, so I will try to see this one.
Users
Written & Directed by: Natalia Almada
What kind of world we leave for future generations is an interesting topic and it’s one that hits a lot closer to home for people with children. That’s what Natalia Amlada is asking in her new documentary and the trailer showcases a wonderful visual storytelling style that can elevate something interesting to something great.
Blue Jean (New York)
Written & Directed by: Georgia Oakley
Stars: Rosy McEwen, Kerrie Hayes, Lucy Halliday
Georgia Oakley’s feature debut comes with high praise. The critics’ scores are remarkably high and it looks like a tense drama about dictating your own terms for not just disclosing your sexuality, but for determining the control you have over your own life.
Streaming & Digital
Flamin’ Hot (Hulu + Disney+)
Director(s): Eva Longoria | Writer(s): Lewis Colick, Linda Yvette Chávez
Stars: Jesse Garcia, Annie Gonzalez, Emilio Rivera
We are living in an interesting version of the timeline that has this movie getting made. This is exactly the kind of movie that should be heading straight to streaming though so that at least makes sense. The story is probably more interesting than it seems and, hopefully, Eva Longoria can make it fun on screen.
Hollywood Dreams & Nightmares: The Robert Englund Story
(VOD/Digital June 6th)
Director(s): Christopher Griffiths, Gary Smart | Writer(s): Neil Morris, Gary Smart
Stars: Monica Keena, Lance Henriksen, Robert Englund
This one may end up being the sleeper of the week. Horror fans know Robert Englund from his time as the iconic Freddy Krueger and his contributions to the horror genre, but I am interested to see a look back at his classical training and his influence.
Origami in the Garden (VOD/Digital June 6th)
Written & Directed by: Barbara Bentree
Stars: Kevin Box, Jennifer Box, Robert J. Lang
This trailer gives us very little to go on, but there will be sculpture and an art exhibit. Hopefully, there’s more to it.
My Fault (Amazon Prime Video)
Director(s): Domingo González | Writer(s): Domingo González, Mercedes Ron
Stars: Fran Berenguer, Noah Casas, Gabriel Guevara
A young woman leaves everything behind to move into the mansion of her mom’s rich new husband. Then she starts shacking up with her new stepbrother and things intensify. So this is just a regular mainstream movie now…okay.
Heroes of the Golden Masks (VOD/Digital)
Director(s): Sean Patrick O’Reilly
Writer(s): Xiaoming Yao, John Wilson, Dennis Edwards
Stars: Ron Perlman, Christopher Plummer, Patton Oswalt
I find myself caught between enjoying animated films and wanting something that isn’t made for kids. This is another one I’d like if I was a kid though.
Aloners (VOD/Digital)
Written & Directed by: Hong Seong-eun
Stars: Jeong Da-eun, Seo Hyun-woo, Jeong-hak Park
This is another one that has been in the can for a couple of years, but having experienced several funerals in short succession I like the idea of reevaluating our lives in the wake of someone’s passing. It’s also available to rent from home.
The Wonder Weeks (Netflix)
Director(s): Appie Boudellah, Aram van de Rest
Writer(s): Appie Boudellah, Mustafa Boudellah, Maikel Nijnuis
Stars: Sallie Harmsen, Yolanthe Cabau, Louis Talpe
I am glad that Netflix is supporting foreign-language cinema but this one doesn’t look like my speed.
Thanks for reading! I still believe word of mouth is 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!