Midnight Special

Director Jeff Nichols

Genre Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

Cast Adam Driver, Kirsten Dunst, Paul Sparks, Michael Shannon

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 18th, 2016

“A father and son go on the run after the dad learns his child possesses special powers.”

Midnight Special is very much an under-the-radar film but it actually includes an impressive cast including Adam Driver, Kirsten Dunst, Michael Shannon, and Joel Edgerton. It is directed and written by Jeff Nichols who also directed the hit independent film MUD. According to Nichols, Midnight Special which was completed in just 40 days, was written as a reflection of him becoming a father. Regardless of why the film came to fruition in the first place, it looks pretty good. Check out the trailer below.

Holidays

Director Anthony Scott Burns, Kevin Kolsch, Nicholas McCarthy, Adam Egypt Mortimer, Gary Shore, Kevin Smith, Sarah Adina Smith, Scott Stewart, Dennis Widmyer, Ellen Reid

Genre Horror | Comedy

Cast Lorenza Izzo, Kevin Smith, Seth Green, Clare Grant

Rating Unrated

Release Date April 15th, 2016 (Limited & On-Demand

“HOLIDAYS is an anthology feature film that puts a uniquely dark and original spin on some of the most iconic and beloved holidays of all time by challenging our folklore, traditions and assumptions.”

“HOLIDAYS is an anthology feature film that puts a uniquely dark and original spin on some of the most iconic and beloved holidays of all time. The film challenges our folklore, traditions and assumptions, making HOLIDAYS a celebration of the horror on those same special days’ year after year. A collaboration of some of Hollywood’s most distinct voices, the directors include Kevin Smith (Tusk), Gary Shore (Dracula Untold), Scott Stewart (Dark Skies), Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer (Starry Eyes), Sarah Adina Smith (The Midnight Swim), Nicholas McCarthy (The Pact), Adam Egypt Mortimer (Some Kind of Hate), and Anthony Scott Burns (Darknet).”

10 Cloverfield Lane

Director Dan Trachtenberg

Genre Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

Cast Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher, Jr., Matt Vairo

Rating Unrated

Release Date March 11th, 2016

“Waking up from a car accident, a young woman finds herself in the basement of a man who says he’s saved her life from a chemical attack that has left the outside uninhabitable.”

I'm not quite sure how I feel about 10 Cloverfield Lane yet, I figure it could go a few different ways. Are we talking about a sequel to the shaky camera film Cloverfield that ranks in the top 10 list of films causing the audience to leave the theater early due to camera induced nausea? Or something altogether new and exciting? I guess I will have to wait and see just like everyone else but the trailer, the cast, and J.J. Abrams involvement (although possibly minimal) has me intrigued.

Before I Wake

Director Mike Flanagan

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Jacob Tremblay, Kate Bosworth, Thomas Jane, Annabeth Gish

Rating PG-13

Release Date September 9th, 2016

“A young couple adopt an orphaned child whose dreams - and nightmares - manifest physically as he sleeps.”

You never quite now what to expect with the horror genre these days but Before I Wake is certainly an intriguing entry. From director Mike Flanagan who also directed the highly rated horror film Oculus, it stars Kate Bosworth and Jacom Tremblay from the Oscar-winning film Room. Before I Wake looks like it could provide plenty of scares and I am looking forward to it. Check out the trailer below.

Criminal

Director Ariel Vromen

Genre Action | Crime | Drama

Cast Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Costner, Gal Gadot, Gary Oldman

Release Date April 15th, 2016

“The memories & skills of a deceased CIA agent are implanted into an unpredictable and dangerous convict.”

Criminal is directed by Ariel Vromen who also directed The Iceman which starred Michael Shannon. Criminal has a star studded cast including the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Costner, Gal Gadot (she seems to be in everything these days) and Gary Oldman. I feel like Criminal is one of those movies that can either make or break itself by having such a great cast. On one hand it should draw plenty of attention but on the other hand the expectations will be relatively high leaving a small margin for error. My hope is that Criminal is able to deliver, it does look promising. Check out the trailer below.

Knight of Cups

Director Terrence Malnick

Genre Drama | Romance

Cast Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, Antonio Banderas

Rating R

Release Date March 4th, 2016

“Once there was a young prince whose father, the king of the East, sent him down into Egypt to find a pearl. But when the prince arrived, the people poured him a cup. Drinking it, he forgot he was the son of a king, forgot about the pearl and fell into a deep sleep.”

Written and directed by Terrence Malnick (The Tree of Life) and starring Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, & Natalie Portman, Knight of Cups looks like an artfully shot film about self-discovery and the toll life inevitably takes on all of us. Granted that is my own personal opinion of what I think the film will entail, the trailer looks quite unique and it could certainly go a few different ways. With this cast it deserves a look either way. See for yourself below. 

How To Be Single

Director Christian Ditter

Genre Comedy | Romance

Cast Dakota Johnson, Alison Brie, Leslie Mann, Rebel Wilson

Rating R

Release Date February, 12th 2016

“New York City is full of lonely hearts seeking the right match, and what Alice, Robin, Lucy, Meg, Tom and David all have in common is the need to learn how to be single in a world filled with ever-evolving definitions of love.”

Hail Caesar!

Director Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Genre Comedy | Drama | Musical

Cast George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Tilda Swinton

Rating PG-13

Release February, 5th 2016

“A Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio’s stars in line.”

Glassland

Director Gerard Barrett

Genre Drama

Cast Jack Reynor, Toni Collette, Will Poulter, Michael Smiley

Rating Unrated

Release Date March, 18th 2016

“Set in Dublin Glassland tells the story of a young taxi driver (Reynor) who gets tangled up in the world of human trafficking while trying to save his mother (Collette) from addiction”

The Finest Hours

Director Craig Gillespie

Genre Action | Drama | History

Cast Chris Pine, Casey Affleck Ben Foster, Eric Bana

Rating PG-13

Release Date January, 29th 2016

“The Coast Guard makes a daring rescue attempt off the coast of Cape Cod after a pair of oil tankers are destroyed during a blizzard in 1952.”

The Choice

January 25, 2016

Director Ross Katz 

Cast Alexandra Daddario, Teresa Palmer, Benjamin Walker, Maggie Grace

Genre Drama | Romance

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 5th, 2016

“Travis and Gabby first meet as neighbors in a small coastal town and wind up in a relationship that is tested by life’s most defining events.”

Southbound

Director Roxanne Benjamin, David Bruckner

Genre Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Cast Kate Beahan, Matt Bettineli-Olpin, Susan Burke, Zoe Cooper

Rating Unrated

Release Date February, 5th 2016 (Limited Release)

“Five interlocking tales of terror follow the fates of a group of weary travellers who confront their worst nightmares - and darkest secrets - over one long night on a desolate stretch of desert highway.”

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Director Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Genre Comedy | War

Cast Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman

Rating R

Release Date March 4th, 2016

“A journalist recounts her wartime coverage in Afghanistan and Pakistan.”

I like Tina Fey as an actress and thought she was great in Sisters but I wasn't quite sure what to think of Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, which interestingly enough is a humorous abbreviation to "WTF". The first few trailers I watched made it seem okay but the latest trailer has me excited for the film. It includes a great supporting cast alongside Fey, including the always beautiful Margot Robbie, as well as Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton who starred together in the 2014 FX series Fargo. I think it might actually end up being pretty damn good. Check out the trailer below and see what you think.

Zootopia

Director Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush

Genre Animation | Action | Adventure

Cast Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Shakira

Rating PG

Release Date March 4th, 2016

“In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy.”

From the creators of Frozen, which was an absolute hit, and Big Hero 6, is Disney's newest animated feature Zootopia. With a fantastic cast of voice actors and a creative and genuinely fun premise, Zootopia looks like it could end up being yet another feather in the family friendly studio's cap. I expect this to be a new favorite with the kids so be sure to check out the trailer below and prepare to get the family together on March 4th! Zootopia will also be shown in 3D.

Deadpool

Director Tim Miller

Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Cast Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Gina Carano, T.J. Miller

Rating R

Release Date February 12th, 2016

“A former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego Deadpool.”

Eddie The Eagle

Director Dexter Fletcher

Genre Biography | Drama | History

Cast Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Christopher Walken, Tim McInnerny

Rating PG-13

Release Date February, 26th 2016

“The story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who charmed the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics.”

Eddie The Eagle is the underdog story of Eddie Edwards who won the world over at the 1988 Olympics, thanks to his courage and blatant disregard for all of those counting him out.  Hugh Jackman plays the role of the charismatic coach who helped Edwards accomplish his dreams. From the producers of Kingsman: The Secret Service, Eddie The Eagle also stars Kingsman star Taron Egerton. I'm not quite sure what to expect from Eddie The Eagle but I am hoping for good things, we can always use another feel good story! Stay tuned for our review of the upcoming film and check out the trailer below.

Gods of Egypt

Director Alex Proyas

Genre Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Gerard Butler, Abbey Lee, Nickolaj Colster-Waldau, Courtney Eaton

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 26th, 2016

“A common thief joins a mythical god on a quest through Egypt.”

““Set, the merciless god of darkness, has taken over the throne of Egypt and plunged the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. Few dare to rebel against him. A young thief, whose love was taken captive by the god, seeks to dethrone and defeat Set with the aid of the powerful god Horus””

Miracles from Heaven

Director Patricia Riggen

Genre Drama

Cast Jennifer Garner, Martin Henderson, Brighton Sharbino, Queen Latifah

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 16th, 2016

“A young girl suffering from a rare digestive disorder finds herself miraculously cured after surviving a terrible accident. Based on the book ‘Miracles From Heaven’ by Christy Beam.”

“MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN is based on the incredible true story of the Beam family. When Christy (Jennifer Garner) discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna (Kylie Rogers) has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution. After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.”

The Divergent Series: Allegiant

Director Robert Schwentke

Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Cast Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Zoe Kravitz

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 18th, 2016

“The third installment of the blockbuster Divergent series franchise, ALLEGIANT, takes Tris [Shailene Woodley] and Four [Theo James] into a new world, far more dangerous than ever before.”

“After the earth-shattering revelations of INSURGENT, Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known. Once outside, old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless with the revelation of shocking new truths. Tris and Four must quickly decide who they can trust as a ruthless battle ignites beyond the walls of Chicago which threatens all of humanity. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love.”

The Program

Director Stephen Frears

Genre Biography | Drama | Sport

Cast Ben Foster, Chris O'Dowd, Guillaume Ganet, Jesse Plemons

Rating R

Release Date March 18th, 2016

“An Irish sports journalist becomes convinced that Lance Armstrong’s performances during the Tour de France victories are fueled by banned substances. With this conviction, he starts hunting for evidence that will expose Armstrong.”

Lance Armstrong took steroids therefore he cheated, that much we know. But it is undeniable that he became a larger than life figure in pop culture which is perhaps part of why what he did angered so many people. Nonetheless, he remains wone of the greatest athletes of our generation asterisk or not and The Program looks to be an opportunity for all of us to finally get a close-up look at what exactly happened with Lance Armstrong. I can't wait, check out the trailer below.