Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

Director David Bowers

Genre Comedy | Family

Cast Tom Everett Scott, Alicia Silverstone, Charlie Wright, Jason Drucker

Rating PG

Release Date May 19th, 2017

“A Heffley family road trip to attend Meemaw’s 90th birthday party goes hilariously off course thanks to Greg’s newest scheme to get to a video gaming convention.”

From director David Bowers, who previously directed Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules & Dog Days, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul sends the family on a seemingly unforgettable road trip. The cast includes Tom Everett Scott, Alicia Silverstone, Charlie Wright, and Jason Drucker. Check out the official trailer below!!

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul:

• Because the release dates of this film and the previous Diary of a Wimpy Kid film are so spaced apart, child actors such as Zachary Gordon from the previous films will not be reprising their roles due to being too old for their characters. Also many of the adult actors have begun working on other projects. So it was the easiest decision to invite an entire new cast for the film.
• This movie uses plot elements from several Wimpy Kid books.
• Rowley will have a larger role in the film than in the book, in which he only appears in one flashback illustration. 

Wakefield

Director Robin Swicord

Genre Drama

Cast Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Garner, Jason O'Mara, Beverly D'Angelo

Rating R

Release Date May 19th, 2017 (Limited)

“A man’s nervous breakdown causes him to leave his wife and live in his attic for several months.”

Written and directed by Robin Swicord (The Jane Austin Book Club), Wakefield is a powerful drama about a family man who suffers a nervous breakdown and finds a unique way to cope. The cast includes Bryan Cranston, Jennifer Garner, Jason O'Mara, and Beverly D'Angelo. Critics are thrilled so far and the trailer is fantastic, I can't wait!! Check out the official trailer for yourself below.

The Survivalist

Director Stephen Fingleton

Genre Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Cast Mia Goth, Martin McCann, Andrew Simpson, Barry Ward

Rating Unrated

Release Date May 19th, 2017 (Limited)

“In a time of starvation, a survivalist lives off a small plot of land hidden deep in forest. When two women seeking food and shelter discover his farm, he finds his existence threatened.”

Written and directed by Stephen Fingleton, The Survivalist is a unique drama thriller with a sci-fi spin. The film has received widespread critic acclaim, and at the very least seems to be worth a look by those who can appreciate the art of filmmaking. The cast includes Mia Goth, Martin McCann, Andrew Simpson, and Barry Ward. Check out the official trailer below!!

Tracktown

Director Alexi Pappas, Jeremy Teicher

Genre Drama | Sport

Cast Alexi Pappas, Chase Offerle, Rachel Dratch, Andy Buckley

Rating Unrated

Release Date May 12th, 2017 (Limited)

“A young, talented, and lonely long-distance runner twists her ankle as she prepares for the Olympic Trials and must do something she’s never done before: take a day off.”

Co-directed by Jeremy Teicher and the directorial debut for Alexi Pappas, who also stars in the film, Tracktown is a coming-of-age story about a talented track athlete who is unsure how to navigate life outside of the sport she has dedicated her life to. The full cast includes Alexi Pappas, Chase Offerle, Rachel Dratch, and Andy Buckley. Check out the official trailer below!

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Director Guy Ritchie

Genre Action | Adventure | Drama

Cast Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Annabelle Wallis, Katie McGrath

Rating PG-13

Release Date May 12th, 2017

“Robbed of his birthright, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy - whether he likes it or not.”

From highly respected director Guy Ritchie (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, The Man from U.N.C.L.E), who also co-wrote the script, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword is the re-imagining of the famous tale. It has been rumored that this is the first of a planned six film series. I am a huge fan of Charlie Hunnam who played Jax in the hit show Sons of Anarchy and the trailer looks damn good so consider me excited! The full cast includes Charlie Hunnam, Jude Law, Annabelle Wallis, and Katie McGrath. Check out the exclusive trailers below.

Ted Takes Fun Facts, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword:

• Henry Cavill and Jai Courtney were the other two finalists for the role of King Arthur apart from Charlie Hunnam. The final audition comprised two rounds, the first was a sit-down chat with Guy Ritchie. The second round was a full-fledged audition. Ritchie instantly liked Hunnam after their 90 minute talk and told him, "I really f***ing dig you, bro. I hope you act as well as you talk and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow." Hunnam performed equally well in the audition and won the role.
• Originally Joel Kinnaman was cast as Lancelot and Kit Harington was cast as King Arthur but the movie was delayed because the studio wanted a more well-known cast, and a greatly reduced budget.

Check out the newly released final trailer below!!

Snatched

Director Jonathan Levine

Genre Action | Comedy

Cast Amy Schumer, Ike Barinholtz, Goldie Hawn, Christopher Meloni

Rating R

Release Date May 12th, 2017

“When her boyfriend dumps her before their exotic vacation, a young woman persuades her ultra-cautious mother to travel with her to paradise, with unexpected results.”

Snatched is an over-the-top comedy directed by Jonathan Levine (Warm Bodies, 50/50). The film stars Amy Schumer, Ike Barinholtz, Goldie Hawn, and Christopher Meloni. 50/50 is one of my favorite films in terms of the perfect balance of humor with a very serious subject matter. I don't expect Snatched to have the same serious subject matter but it looks like it will be entertaining nonetheless. Oh and Goldie Hawn making a comeback?! Sign me up. Check out the official trailer below.

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Snatched:

• The film marks Goldie Hawn's return to the big screen, fifteen years after she starred in The Banger Sisters (2002).
• The film's studio originally didn't want Goldie Hawn for the film; however, co-star/producer Amy Schumer insisted and even threatened to leave the project if Hawn wasn't cast.
• During breaks in filming, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes performed several "pop-up" shows in Honolulu, with all proceeds going to charity. The shows were announced in the morning and would sell out in a matter of hours.

Check out the exclusive new official trailer below!!

Lowriders

Director Ricardo de Montreuil

Genre Drama

Cast Melissa Benoist, Eva Longoria, Theo Rossi, Demián Bichir

Rating PG-13

Release Date May 12th, 2017

“A young street artist in East Los Angeles is caught between his father’s obsession with lowrider car culture, his ex-felon brother and his need for self-expression.”

From director Ricardo de Montreuil, Lowriders is a drama centered around family and the lowrider car culture. The cast includes Melissa Benoist, Eva Longoria, Theo Rossi, and Demián Bichir. Check out the official trailer below!!

The Wall

Director Doug Liman

Genre Drama | Thriller | War

Cast Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jon Cena, and Laith Nakli

Rating R

Release Date May 12th, 2017

“An American sharpshooter is trapped in a standoff with an Iraqi sniper.”

From accomplished director Doug Liman, the man responsible for Swingers, The Bourne Identity, Fair Game, Edge of Tomorrow, and many more. The Wall is an intense military thriller involving two American snipers under fire by an Iraqi sniper with no where to go. The limited cast includes Aaron Taylor-Johnson, John Cena, and Laith Nakli. Check out the official trailer below.

Ted Takes Fun Facts, The Wall:

• Nicholas Irving, former US RANGER Sniper and author of The Reaper is a technical advisor on this project. Irving was nicknamed "the reaper" during his tours of duty in Afghanistan

Hounds of Love

Director Ben Young

Genre Crime | Drama | Horror

Cast Emma Booth, Ashleigh Cummings, Stephen Curry, Susie Porter

Rating Unrated

Release Date May 12th, 2017 (Limited)

“Vicki Maloney is randomly abducted from a suburban street by a disturbed couple. As she observes the dynamic between her captors she quickly realises she must drive a wedge between them if she is to survive.”

Written and directed by Ben Young, Hounds of Love is a unique indie crime drama that includes powerhouse performances from the cast. The trailer has me intrigued enough to potentially give this one a look when it arrives On-Demand, as the limited release is unlikely to make very many theaters. The cast includes Emma Booth, Ashleigh Cummings, Stephen Curry, and Susie Porter. Check out the official trailer below!!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Director James Gunn

Genre Action | Sci-Fi

Cast Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista

Rating PG-13

Release Date May 5th, 2017

“Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.”

“Set to the backdrop of ‘Awesome Mixtape #2,’ Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team’s adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mysteries of Peter Quill’s true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes’ aid as the Marvel cinematic universe continues to expand.”

Written and directed by James Gunn, who is also responsible for the hit first film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 brings high expectations but looks to include more of what we loved from the first film. I was blindsided by how much I enjoyed Guardians of the Galaxy and I simply cannot wait for this to come out!! The cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, and Dave Bautista. Check out the official trailers below.

Check out the newly released Super Bowl spot below!!

Trailer #2 just dropped and it is crazy!! Check it out below!

Chuck

Director Philippe Falardeau

Genre Drama | Sport

Cast Liev Schreiber, Naomi watts, Elisabeth Moss, Ron Perlman

Rating R

Release Date May 5th, 2017 (Limited)

“A drama inspired by the life of heavyweight boxer Chuck Wepner.”

From director Philippe Falardeau, Chuck is a sport drama based on the real-life boxer Rocky Balboa's character is based on. The cast includes Liev Schreiber, Naomi watts, Elisabeth Moss, and Ron Perlman. With a fantastic cast and an amazing story to tell, I am looking forward to this one! Check out the official trailer below.

Ted Takes Fun Facts, Chuck:

• Chuck Wepner was the real life inspiration for Sylvester Stallone's character Rocky Balboa.
• Was originally called "The Bleeder" but changed due viewers thinking it was a horror film and also other movies with the same name according to Chuck Wepner.

The Dinner

Director Oren Moverman

Genre Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Steve Coogan, Rebecca Hall

Rating R

Release Date May 5th, 2017

“A look at how far parents will go to protect their children. Feature film based on a novel by Herman Koch.”

From director Oren Moverman (The Messenger, Rampart), The Dinner is a thriller based on the bestselling novel from Herman Koch's. Rights to the film were acquired by The Orchard at the Cannes film festival where it made its debut. The cast includes Richard Gere, Laura Linney, Steve Coogan, and Rebecca Hall. Check out the official trailer below.

The Lovers

Director Azazel Jacobs

Genre Comedy

Cast Tracy Letts, Debra Winger, Jessica Sula, Aidan Gillen

Rating Unrated

Release Date May 5th, 2017

“A long-married couple whose romantic spark dwindles in the midst of their respective affairs; Michael is sleeping with another woman while Mary enjoys a steamy liaison of her own.”

From director Azazel Jacobs, The Lovers is a A24 release about the complications of marriage and how quickly people can lose the "spark". It seems to be a bit of a dark comedy with a few life lessons along the way. I like the cast and I trust A24's judgment so I think this will be one worth checking out. The cast includes Tracy Letts, Debra Winger, Jessica Sula, and Aidan Gillen. Check out the trailer below.

The Circle

Director James Ponsoldt

Genre Drama | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Cast Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, Karen Gillan, John Boyega

Rating PG-13

Release Date April 28th, 2017

“A woman lands a job at a powerful tech company called the Circle, where she becomes involved with a mysterious man.”

Directed by James Ponsoldt (The Spectacular Now, The End of the Tour), The Circle is a sci-fi thriller starring Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, Karen Gillan, and John Boyega. Check out the official trailer below.

Sleight

Director J.D. Dillard

Genre Action | Drama | Sci-Fi

Cast Jacob Latimore, Seychelle Gabriel, Dulé Hill, Storm Reid

Rating R

Release Date April 28th, 2017

“A young street magician is left to care for his little sister after their parents passing and turns to illegal activities to keep a roof over their heads. When he gets in too deep, his sister is kidnapped and he is forced to use his magic and brilliant mind to save her.”

From director J.D. Dillard, Sleight is an intriguing action drama surrounding the impressive abilities of a young street magician. I like Jacob Latimore who could very well be an up-and-coming star, playing an important role in the film Collateral Beauty most recently. Sleight looks to be somewhat reminiscent of 2012's action sci-fi film Chronicle. The cast includes Jacob Latimore, Seychelle Gabriel, Dulé Hill, and Storm Reid. The trailer has me intrigued, check it out for yourself below.

How to Be a Latin Lover

Director Ken Marino

Genre Comedy

Cast Eugenio Derbez, Salma Hayek, Rob Lowe, Kristen Bell

Rating PG-13

Release Date April 28th, 2017

“Finding himself dumped after 25 years of marriage, a man who made a career of seducing rich older women must move in with his estranged sister, where he begins to learn the value of family.”

The feature-film directorial debut for actor turned director Ken Marino, who has 118 acting credits according to his IMDb page, How to Be a Latin Lover is a comedy that seems to have a deeper meaning hidden behind all of the inevitable laughs. The trailer looks looks great and I absolutely love the cast. This could be one worth checking out. The cast includes Eugenio Derbez, Salma Hayek, Rob Lowe, and Kristen Bell. Check out the official trailer below.

Buster's Mal Heart

Director Sarah Adina Smith

Genre Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Rami Malek, DJ Qualls, Kate Lyn Sheil, Lin Shaye

Rating Unrated

Release Date April 28th, 2017 (Limited)

“A family man’s chance encounter with a conspiracy-obsessed drifter leaves him on the run from the police and an impending event known as The Inversion.”

Written and directed by Sarah Adina Smith (The Midnight Swim), Buster's Mal Heart is a thriller spiked with dark humor lead by the star of the hit series, Mr. Robot. The cast includes Rami Malek, DJ Qualls, Kate Lyn Sheil, and Lin Shaye. Check out the official trailer below!!

A Dark Song

Director Liam Gavin

Genre Drama | Horror

Cast Catherine Walker, Mark Huberman, Susan Loughnane, Steve Oram

Rating Unrated

Release Date April 28th, 2017

“A determined young woman and a damaged occultist risk their lives and souls to perform a dangerous ritual that will grant them what they want.”

The cast includes Catherine Walker, Mark Huberman, Susan Loughnane, and Steve Oram. Check out the official trailer below!!

Free Fire

Director Ben Wheatley

Genre Action | Crime | Drama

Cast Cillian Murphy, Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, Sharlto Copley

Rating R

Release Date April 21st, 2017 (Limited)

“Set in Boston in 1978, a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two gangs turns into a shootout and a game of survival.”

Free Fire is a somewhat unorthodox action comedy directed by Ben Wheatley (High-Rise). The cast includes Cillian Murphy, Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, and Sharlto Copley I figure the overall quality of the film could go either way but if the trailer is any indication this should be a fun experience. Check the trailer out for yourself below.

Unforgettable

Director Denise Di Novi

Genre Thriller

Cast Rosario Dawson, Katherine Heigl, Cheryl Ladd, Whitney Cummings 

Rating R

Release Date April 21st, 2017

“A woman sets out to make life hell for her ex-husband’s new wife.”

From director Denise Di Novi, who served as a producer on Edward Scissorhands, Crazy, Stupid, Love, and The Nightmare Before Christmas, Unforgettable is an intense thriller about jealousy and revenge. The cast includes Rosario Dawson, Katherine Heigl, Cheryl Ladd, and Whitney Cummings. Check out the trailer below.

Check out the newly released trailer #2 below!!