The movie guide continues!
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Click here for my recommendations for movies being released in January, February and March (based on UK release dates).
For my recommendations for movies released in April, May and June read on...
APRIL
MY PICKS:
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The Sacrament (2013)
Director: Ti West
Stars: Amy Seimetz, Joe Swanberg, AJ Bowen, Kate Lyn Sheil
UK Release Date: ??/04/14
Two journalists set out to document their friend's search to find his missing sister.
Ti West's films "House of the Devil" and "The Innkeepers" were both great films (particularly the latter). I can't wait to see his latest project.
(No trailer yet - imdb page here)
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The Double (2013)
Director: Richard Ayoade
Stars: Mia Wasikowska, Jesse Eisenberg, Chris O'Dowd, Sally Hawkins
UK Release Date: 04/04/14
A comedy centered on a man who is driven insane by the appearance of his doppleganger.
Richard Ayoade has worked on some wonderful comedy series like "The IT Crowd" and "Garth Marenghi's Darkplace" and his debut movie "Submarine" was excellent. I'm very interested to see his next one. Chris O'Dowd is everywhere in movies these days, but he's always a welcome presence. Sally Hawkins and Mia Wasikowska are both absolutely brilliant actresses. This should be good.
(video link)
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Calvary (2014)
Director: John Michael McDonagh
Stars: Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd, Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen
UK Release Date: 11/04/14
After he is threatened during a confession, a good-natured priest must battle the dark forces closing in around him.
John Michael McDonaugh, director of "The Guard", working with Brendan Gleeson once again as a priest who is given a death threat during confessional; not out of anger or revenge, but because the killer knows that he is a good priest. Brendan Gleeson is a brilliant actor with a great sense of comic timing, so it's very exciting to see him working with this director again.
(video link)
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The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
Director: Marc Webb
Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Paul Giamatti
UK Release Date: 18/04/14
Peter Parker runs the gauntlet as the mysterious company Oscorp sends up a slew of supervillains against him, impacting on his life.
Not everyone was as impressed as I was with Marc Webb's first "Amazing Spider-Man" film, but seeing as Spider-Man was pretty much the only superhero comic I ever read as a child I guess this movie series had a particular importance to me. I'd been utterly appalled by what Raimi did with the franchise and Webb's first Spider-Man movie seemed so much closer to the tone of the Spider-Man comics I read in the 90s. With Dane DeHaan, Paul Giamatti and Jamie Foxx all on board as villains and the latest trailer looking closer than ever to the comics of my youth, I couldn't be more buzzed for this. I hope I'm not getting too overcome by the hype. That was what led me to feel so very let down by "Star Trek: Into Darkness" last year.
(video link)
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Transcendence (2014)
Director: Wally Pfister
Stars: Johnny Depp, Kate Mara, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman
UK Release Date: 25/04/14
A terminally ill scientist downloads his body into a computer. This grants him power beyond his wildest dreams, and soon he becomes unstoppable.
Wally Pfister has been cinematographer on all of Christopher Nolan's movies since "Memento". This sci-fi film starring Johnny Depp is his directing debut. Let's see what he can do.
(video link)
SOME OTHER INTERESTING RELEASES:
![]()
Escape from Tomorrow (2013)
Director: Randy Moore
Stars: Roy Abramsohn, Elena Schuber, Katelynn Rodriguez, Jack Dalton
UK Release Date: ??/04/14
In a world of fake castles and anthropomorphic rodents, an epic battle begins when an unemployed father's sanity is challenged by a chance encounter with two underage girls on holiday.
This was an interesting-sounding concept for an indie movie and made waves at the Sundance Festival last year. It appears to be a horror movie which tries to make Disney theme parks seem disturbing. Another part of the appeal is the audacity of the filmmakers to have filmed secretly within the theme park itself without Disney's knowledge. However, feedback hasn't been wholly positive. In the light of all the other great releases this month, this one may have to wait til DVD.
(video link)
![]()
Sabotage (2014)
Director: David Ayer
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard, Olivia Williams
UK Release Date: 25/04/14
Members of an elite DEA task force find themselves being taken down one by one after they rob a drug cartel safe house.
David Ayer, director of "End of Watch", is working on this movie starring Arnie Schwarzenegger. I've long been a big fan of Schwarzenegger's work, even less popular titles like "The 6th Day" or "Eraser", so I'm definitely interested to see what writer/director David Ayer does with him.
(video link)
MAY
MY PICKS:
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Godzilla (2014)
Director: Gareth Edwards
Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe
UK Release Date: 16/05/14
A giant radioactive monster called Godzilla appears to wreak destruction on mankind.
I loved Gareth Edwards' debut movie "Monsters". That being said, there wasn't much monster destruction action in "Monsters". In fact, there were very few moments where the monsters were even visible. We mostly saw the aftermath of the monsters' destruction. That being said, Gareth Edwards has a much bigger budget this time around and a 'less is more' attitude may be just what this movie needs. Though Godzilla seems to be obscured by the smoke from his own destruction this time around, rather than disappearing magically into the subway without trace (as happened in the Rolan Emmerich movie from the late 90s). There's a fantastic cast on board here and I can't wait!
(video link)
![]()
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Director: Bryan Singer
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Michael Fassbender
UK Release Date: 22/05/14
The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.
I'm admittedly a little sceptical on this one. Bryan Singer's last movie "Jack the Giant Slayer" was dreadful, even with actors like Nicolas Hoult, Ewan MacGregor and Warwick Davis involved. However, after Matthew Vaughn's entry "X-Men: First Class" raised the bar the other year, I cannot help but be interested. I was never actually a massive fan of Singer's first two X-Men movies, but with all the wondeful cast members returning for this (such as Ian McKellan and Michael Fassbender, both playing the part of Magneto thanks to the time travelling plotline) I am having trouble not getting pulled in by the hype.
(video link)
SOME OTHER INTERESTING RELEASES:
![]()
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Director: Doug Liman
Stars: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Lara Pulver
UK Release Date: 30/05/14
A soldier fighting in a war with aliens finds himself caught in a time loop of his last day in the battle, though he becomes better skilled along the way.
I've enjoyed Doug Liman's movies before, such as "The Bourne Identity" and "Mr and Mrs Smith". Yeah, I know Tom Cruise's money is all going towards SeaOrg and causing widespread misery. The problem is, sci-fi is my favourite genre and last year the movie "Oblivion", also starring Cruise, was kind of awesome. This film is based on a book called "All You Need Is Kill". It looks a bit strange and book adaptations can easily face big problems, but I'm going to need to keep my eye on this one.
(video link)
![]()
Maleficent (2014)
Director: Robert Stromberg
Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Imelda Staunton
UK Release Date: 30/05/14
The "Sleeping Beauty" tale is told from the perspective of the villainous Maleficent and looks at the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse young Princess Aurora.
Angelina Jolie is great and in the movie "Changeling" she proved her chops as a serious actress. Imelda Staunton is also a promising name on the roster. (I had heard that Miranda Richardson was involved, so it's a pity to see she's dropped out.) Still, I'm not sure about the premise. This feels at least partly like an attempt to cash in on the success of "Wicked" which is the story of the wicked witch from "The Wizard of Oz". I haven't seen "Wicked", but I cannot help but feel like the wicked witch of the west would have a more interesting backstory. I'm open to being proved wrong though and so I'll see how this is received. Let's see what Robert Stromberg does with his directing debut...
(video link)
JUNE
MY PICK:
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22 Jump Street (2014)
Director: Phil Lord, Chris Miller
Stars: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube, Brad Pitt
UK Release Date: 06/06/14
After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college.
I guess I ought to pick at least one movie for every month where there are any options at all, so while I didn't give the previous movie in this series "21 Jump Street" an A, it was very enjoyable and it was the amazing Phil Lord and Chris Miller (of "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs") responsible. They are back for this sequel too, so while I highly doubt I'll actually see this in the cinema, I certainly wouldn't resent the suggestion and I'll definitely be checking this out at some point, even if it's more likely to be on DVD.
(video link)
ANOTHER INTERESTING RELEASE:
![]()
A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)
Director: Seth MacFarlane
Stars: Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried, Liam Neeson, Neil Patrick Harris
UK Release Date: 06/06/14
A cowardly farmer seeks the help of a gunslinger's wife to help him win back the woman who left him.
I still haven't seen "Ted" in spite of some strong recommendations from friends. Just looking at the marketing for "Ted", I cannot really imagine how it could actually be any good. As such, I'm not sure what Seth McFarlane is like as a director. However, one of my favourite movies, "Hellboy II: The Golden Army", features a fantastic performance from Seth McFarlane as the ecoplasmic scientist: Johann Krauss, so I'm keen not to underestimate what McFarlane is capable of.
(No trailer yet - imdb page here)
Click here for my recommendations for movies being released in January, February and March (based on UK release dates).
For my recommendations for movies released in April, May and June read on...
APRIL
MY PICKS:
The Sacrament (2013)
Director: Ti West
Stars: Amy Seimetz, Joe Swanberg, AJ Bowen, Kate Lyn Sheil
UK Release Date: ??/04/14
Two journalists set out to document their friend's search to find his missing sister.
Ti West's films "House of the Devil" and "The Innkeepers" were both great films (particularly the latter). I can't wait to see his latest project.
(No trailer yet - imdb page here)
The Double (2013)
Director: Richard Ayoade
Stars: Mia Wasikowska, Jesse Eisenberg, Chris O'Dowd, Sally Hawkins
UK Release Date: 04/04/14
A comedy centered on a man who is driven insane by the appearance of his doppleganger.
Richard Ayoade has worked on some wonderful comedy series like "The IT Crowd" and "Garth Marenghi's Darkplace" and his debut movie "Submarine" was excellent. I'm very interested to see his next one. Chris O'Dowd is everywhere in movies these days, but he's always a welcome presence. Sally Hawkins and Mia Wasikowska are both absolutely brilliant actresses. This should be good.
(video link)
Calvary (2014)
Director: John Michael McDonagh
Stars: Brendan Gleeson, Chris O'Dowd, Kelly Reilly, Aidan Gillen
UK Release Date: 11/04/14
After he is threatened during a confession, a good-natured priest must battle the dark forces closing in around him.
John Michael McDonaugh, director of "The Guard", working with Brendan Gleeson once again as a priest who is given a death threat during confessional; not out of anger or revenge, but because the killer knows that he is a good priest. Brendan Gleeson is a brilliant actor with a great sense of comic timing, so it's very exciting to see him working with this director again.
(video link)
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)
Director: Marc Webb
Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx, Paul Giamatti
UK Release Date: 18/04/14
Peter Parker runs the gauntlet as the mysterious company Oscorp sends up a slew of supervillains against him, impacting on his life.
Not everyone was as impressed as I was with Marc Webb's first "Amazing Spider-Man" film, but seeing as Spider-Man was pretty much the only superhero comic I ever read as a child I guess this movie series had a particular importance to me. I'd been utterly appalled by what Raimi did with the franchise and Webb's first Spider-Man movie seemed so much closer to the tone of the Spider-Man comics I read in the 90s. With Dane DeHaan, Paul Giamatti and Jamie Foxx all on board as villains and the latest trailer looking closer than ever to the comics of my youth, I couldn't be more buzzed for this. I hope I'm not getting too overcome by the hype. That was what led me to feel so very let down by "Star Trek: Into Darkness" last year.
(video link)
Transcendence (2014)
Director: Wally Pfister
Stars: Johnny Depp, Kate Mara, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman
UK Release Date: 25/04/14
A terminally ill scientist downloads his body into a computer. This grants him power beyond his wildest dreams, and soon he becomes unstoppable.
Wally Pfister has been cinematographer on all of Christopher Nolan's movies since "Memento". This sci-fi film starring Johnny Depp is his directing debut. Let's see what he can do.
(video link)
SOME OTHER INTERESTING RELEASES:
Escape from Tomorrow (2013)
Director: Randy Moore
Stars: Roy Abramsohn, Elena Schuber, Katelynn Rodriguez, Jack Dalton
UK Release Date: ??/04/14
In a world of fake castles and anthropomorphic rodents, an epic battle begins when an unemployed father's sanity is challenged by a chance encounter with two underage girls on holiday.
This was an interesting-sounding concept for an indie movie and made waves at the Sundance Festival last year. It appears to be a horror movie which tries to make Disney theme parks seem disturbing. Another part of the appeal is the audacity of the filmmakers to have filmed secretly within the theme park itself without Disney's knowledge. However, feedback hasn't been wholly positive. In the light of all the other great releases this month, this one may have to wait til DVD.
(video link)
Sabotage (2014)
Director: David Ayer
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sam Worthington, Terrence Howard, Olivia Williams
UK Release Date: 25/04/14
Members of an elite DEA task force find themselves being taken down one by one after they rob a drug cartel safe house.
David Ayer, director of "End of Watch", is working on this movie starring Arnie Schwarzenegger. I've long been a big fan of Schwarzenegger's work, even less popular titles like "The 6th Day" or "Eraser", so I'm definitely interested to see what writer/director David Ayer does with him.
(video link)
MAY
MY PICKS:
Godzilla (2014)
Director: Gareth Edwards
Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe
UK Release Date: 16/05/14
A giant radioactive monster called Godzilla appears to wreak destruction on mankind.
I loved Gareth Edwards' debut movie "Monsters". That being said, there wasn't much monster destruction action in "Monsters". In fact, there were very few moments where the monsters were even visible. We mostly saw the aftermath of the monsters' destruction. That being said, Gareth Edwards has a much bigger budget this time around and a 'less is more' attitude may be just what this movie needs. Though Godzilla seems to be obscured by the smoke from his own destruction this time around, rather than disappearing magically into the subway without trace (as happened in the Rolan Emmerich movie from the late 90s). There's a fantastic cast on board here and I can't wait!
(video link)
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
Director: Bryan Singer
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Hugh Jackman, Ian McKellen, Michael Fassbender
UK Release Date: 22/05/14
The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants.
I'm admittedly a little sceptical on this one. Bryan Singer's last movie "Jack the Giant Slayer" was dreadful, even with actors like Nicolas Hoult, Ewan MacGregor and Warwick Davis involved. However, after Matthew Vaughn's entry "X-Men: First Class" raised the bar the other year, I cannot help but be interested. I was never actually a massive fan of Singer's first two X-Men movies, but with all the wondeful cast members returning for this (such as Ian McKellan and Michael Fassbender, both playing the part of Magneto thanks to the time travelling plotline) I am having trouble not getting pulled in by the hype.
(video link)
SOME OTHER INTERESTING RELEASES:
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
Director: Doug Liman
Stars: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton, Lara Pulver
UK Release Date: 30/05/14
A soldier fighting in a war with aliens finds himself caught in a time loop of his last day in the battle, though he becomes better skilled along the way.
I've enjoyed Doug Liman's movies before, such as "The Bourne Identity" and "Mr and Mrs Smith". Yeah, I know Tom Cruise's money is all going towards SeaOrg and causing widespread misery. The problem is, sci-fi is my favourite genre and last year the movie "Oblivion", also starring Cruise, was kind of awesome. This film is based on a book called "All You Need Is Kill". It looks a bit strange and book adaptations can easily face big problems, but I'm going to need to keep my eye on this one.
(video link)
Maleficent (2014)
Director: Robert Stromberg
Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Imelda Staunton
UK Release Date: 30/05/14
The "Sleeping Beauty" tale is told from the perspective of the villainous Maleficent and looks at the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse young Princess Aurora.
Angelina Jolie is great and in the movie "Changeling" she proved her chops as a serious actress. Imelda Staunton is also a promising name on the roster. (I had heard that Miranda Richardson was involved, so it's a pity to see she's dropped out.) Still, I'm not sure about the premise. This feels at least partly like an attempt to cash in on the success of "Wicked" which is the story of the wicked witch from "The Wizard of Oz". I haven't seen "Wicked", but I cannot help but feel like the wicked witch of the west would have a more interesting backstory. I'm open to being proved wrong though and so I'll see how this is received. Let's see what Robert Stromberg does with his directing debut...
(video link)
JUNE
MY PICK:
22 Jump Street (2014)
Director: Phil Lord, Chris Miller
Stars: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube, Brad Pitt
UK Release Date: 06/06/14
After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt and Jenko when they go deep undercover at a local college.
I guess I ought to pick at least one movie for every month where there are any options at all, so while I didn't give the previous movie in this series "21 Jump Street" an A, it was very enjoyable and it was the amazing Phil Lord and Chris Miller (of "Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs") responsible. They are back for this sequel too, so while I highly doubt I'll actually see this in the cinema, I certainly wouldn't resent the suggestion and I'll definitely be checking this out at some point, even if it's more likely to be on DVD.
(video link)
ANOTHER INTERESTING RELEASE:
A Million Ways to Die in the West (2014)
Director: Seth MacFarlane
Stars: Charlize Theron, Amanda Seyfried, Liam Neeson, Neil Patrick Harris
UK Release Date: 06/06/14
A cowardly farmer seeks the help of a gunslinger's wife to help him win back the woman who left him.
I still haven't seen "Ted" in spite of some strong recommendations from friends. Just looking at the marketing for "Ted", I cannot really imagine how it could actually be any good. As such, I'm not sure what Seth McFarlane is like as a director. However, one of my favourite movies, "Hellboy II: The Golden Army", features a fantastic performance from Seth McFarlane as the ecoplasmic scientist: Johann Krauss, so I'm keen not to underestimate what McFarlane is capable of.
(No trailer yet - imdb page here)