Many of us will be grilling, spending time with loved ones, browsing sales, or all of the above this Memorial Day Weekend, but one of the year’s biggest releases takes center stage for the holiday.
*Top Gun: Maverick (Theaters) – Editor’s Pick*
Writers: Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie (screenplay)
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, and Jon Hamm
I typically don’t give my Editor’s Pick to the big studio blockbusters, but this is the sequel I never thought I needed. The 1986 original was one of my favorite movies from childhood and made me want to be a fighter pilot. Obviously, I didn’t end up a fighter pilot but Top Gun has always had a soft spot in my heart as it does for so many. Even though it’s about as cliche of an 80s movie as you can get, it’s still enjoyable. While there are plenty of studio sequels that are empty cash grabs, this is a property where it makes sense and can improve on the original. Word of mouth has been excellent so far and the studio had its press screening two weeks before the release in a show of that confidence. It’s going to be a blast in IMAX.
The Bob’s Burgers Movie (Theaters)
Writers: Loren Bouchard & Nora Smith
Directors: Loren Bouchard Bernard Derriman
Starring (voices): H. Jon Benjamin, Kristen Schaal, and Dan Mintz
This is a movie I never expected to see, but it’s not the first successful animated series to transition to the big screen. I really like the show and seeing Loren Bouchard still very much at the center of it lets me know that the film will stay true to the show. Look at it as an extended special episode. If I weren’t going to see Maverick over the weekend, I would probably put this one at the top of my list.
A Chiara (Theaters)
Written & Directed by: Jonas Carpignano
Starring: Swamy Rotolo, Claudio Rotolo, and Grecia Rotolo
The story of a 15-year-old girl who sets out to find her father after he mysteriously abandons that family one night. The description says drama but the trailer sure makes it look like more of a thriller. The visual style is appealing and I’m curious to see what this Italian film has to offer, plus it looks like the cast features a lot of real-life family members so that should be an interesting dynamic.
Dinner in America (Theaters)
Written & Directed by: Adam Rehmeier
Starring: Kyle Gallner, Emily Skeggs, and Lea Thompson
This would have been my Editor’s Pick if not for my nostalgic preference. It looks like an unconventional coming-of-age type comedy. Adam Rehmeier’s film appears to have the energy that kind of reminds me of SLC Punk with maybe a little Juno sprinkled in. Originally making the festival rounds in 2020, this film finally got distribution. It’s going to be in limited release, so there’s a fair chance you’ll have to wait to catch it streaming but remember the name when the time comes.
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