The Invitation

Director Karyn Kusama

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Michiel Huisman, Logan Marshall-Green, John Carroll Lynch, Tammy Blanchard

Rating Unrated

Release Date April 8th, 2016 (Limited Release & On-Demand)

“While attending a dinner party at his former home, a man thinks his ex-wife and her new husband have sinister intentions for their guests.”

“Will and Eden were once a loving couple. After a tragedy took their son, Eden disappeared. Two years later, out of the blue, she returns with a new husband... and as a different person, eerily changed and eager to reunite with her ex and those she left behind. Over the course of a dinner party in the house that was once his, the haunted Will is gripped by mounting evidence that Eden and her new friends have a mysterious and terrifying agenda. But can we trust Will’s hold on reality? Or will he be the unwitting catalyst of the doom he senses?”

Mr. Right

Director Paco Cabezas

Genre Action | Comedy | Romance

Cast Sam Rockwell, Anna Kendrick, Tim Roth, Anson Mount

Rating R

Release Date April 8th, 2016

“A girl falls for the “perfect” guy, who happens to have a very fatal flaw: he’s a hitman on the run from the crime cartels who employ him.”

“After a going through a painful break up, a woman meets a man who appears to be perfect for her. However, as their relationship develops, she learns that he is a former hit-man. Their new, but genuine relationship is tested even further as they try to save each other after his dark past comes back to haunt him.”

Louder Than Bombs

Director Joachim Trier

Genre Drama

Cast Jesse Eisenberg, Rachel Brosnahan, David Druid, Isabelle Huppert

Rating R

Release Date April 8th, 2016

“The fractious family of a father and his two sons confront their different feelings and memories of their deceased wife and mother, a famed war photographer.”

“An upcoming exhibition celebrating photographer Isabelle Reed three years after her untimely death, brings her eldest son Jonah back to the family house - forcing him to spend more time with his father Gene and withdrawn younger brother Conrad than he has in years. With the three of them under the same roof, Gene tries desperately to connect with his two sons, but they struggle to reconcile their feelings about the woman they remember so differently.”

Miles Ahead

Director Don Cheadle

Genre Biography | Drama | Music

Cast Don Cheadle, Ewan McGregor, Michael Stuhlbarg, Keith Stanfield

Rating R

Release Date April 1st, 2016

“An exploration of the life and music of Miles Davis.”

Don Cheadle (Crash) directed and co-wrote Miles Ahead where he plays the role of Miles Davis. The film is an in-depth look at the life of the famous musician. The film also stars Ewan McGregor (Haywire) and Michael Stuhlbarg (Trumbo). Check out the trailer below.

The Dark Horse

Director James Napier Robinson

Genre Drama

Cast Cliff Curtis, James Rolleston, Kirk Torrance, Miriama McDowell

Rating R

Release Date April 1st, 2016 (Limited Release)

“An emotionally charged and inspiring drama about a man who searches for the courage to lead, despite his own adversities - finding purpose and hope in passing on his gift to the children in his community.”

Cliff Curtis has quite the acting resume and is most recognizable as of late from Fear The Walking dead as well as the Biblical film Risen. He is a very solid actor and it seems that he shines the most when given the right role. The Dark Horse seems to be just that role and it seems he was nearly perfect in his performance and command of his character. Apparently Curtis gained 60 pounds in an effort to accurately portray the character, sounds like Christian Bale type commitment and I am sure he would appreciate the comparison. I am excited for this one, check out the trailer below.

Demolition

Director Jean-Marc Vallée

Genre Comedy | Drama

Cast Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper, Heather Lind

Rating R

Release Date April 8th, 2016

“A successful investment banker struggles after losing his wife in a tragic car crash.”

Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée (Dallas Buyers Club, Wild) Demolition looks like another one of his indie gems. Starring superstar actor Jake Gyllenhaal and Naomi Watts, Demolition tells a story that focuses on how we as human beings deal with pain and regret, and just how complicated life can be sometimes. I think it looks like a uniquely engaging dramedy (drama/comedy) and I am excited to see it. Check out the trailer below.

Meet The Blacks

Director Deon Taylor

Genre Comedy

Cast Mike Epps, Charlie Murphy, Mike Tyson, Zulay Henao

Rating R

Release Date April 1st, 2016

“The Black family is getting out of Chicago in hopes of a better life. After Carl Black (Mike Epps) comes into some unexpected funds, he takes his family and leaves the hustling lifestyle behind for something better. Carl, his new wife Lorena (Zulay Henao), son Carl Jr., daughter Allie Black (Bresha Webb) and cousin Cronut (Lil Duval) pack up and move to Beverly Hills. Turns out, Carl couldn’t have picked a worse time to move. They arrive right around the time of the annual purge, when all crime is legal for twelve hours.”

Someone must have been listening because when Mike Epps appeared for his 5 seconds of screen time in Fifty Shades of Black I was wondering why the heck this guy doesn't get more roles. I think he is hilarious and I loved him in All About The Benjamins which I have seen at least 10 times. He was very funny in Next Friday (Friday After Next was a bit unnecessary) and served as a solid replacement to Chris Tucker. Aside from that it seems like he only gets small supporting roles. Meet The Blacks has me excited because I finally get to see Epps play a lead role in another comedy. The film is a spoof of The Purge movies but luckily it looks a lot funnier and does not seem to have the same over-the-top corny humor as the Scary Movie films. Fingers crossed. Check out the trailer below.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens

Director J.J. Abrams

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver

Rating PG-13

Release Date December 18th, 2015 (April 5th, 2016 Blu-ray/DVD)

“Three decades after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, a new threat arises. The First Order attempts to rule the galaxy and only a ragtag group of heroes can stop them, along with the help of the Resistance.”

“30 years after the defeat of Darth Vader and the Empire, Rey, a scavenger from the planet Jakku, finds a BB-8 droid that knows the whereabouts of the long lost Luke Skywalker. Rey, as well as a rogue stormtrooper and two smugglers, are thrown into the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the daunting legions of the First Order. ”

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens is now available for rental and purchase on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD/iTunes. Check out the trailer below.