If 2016 really is the new 2015, great new movies are all but guaranteed. As everyone else gears up for the Oscars, I’m here to get you looking forward instead of back. By separating the spring film fare into handy dandy categories, let’s look ahead to the movies in the pipeline for this spring:
Superhero Films, Vol. 237:
When will the superhero juggernaut slow down? As soon as these films fail to be synonymous with printing money. Until then, feel free to pick and choose from the multitude of spandex-filled film fare.
“Deadpool” — Feb. 12
If you are sick of the never-ending stream of superhero films, “Deadpool” may be the film for you. Ryan Reynolds stars as the title character, a snarky hero who cracks nonstop jokes within a meta-narrative plot.
“Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” — March 25
On one hand you’ve got Batman and on the other, Superman. The film must live up to the high standards of the previous Batman film trilogy helmed by Christopher Nolan.
“Captain America: Civil War” — May 6
The Marvel Cinematic Universe kicks off its phase three with “Civil War,” which has the Avengers experiencing discord as Captain America and Iron Man face off.
Future Critical Darlings:
These are the movies that will feature a high Rotten Tomatoes score, but may not be for everyone.
“Hail, Caesar!” — Feb. 5
The Coen brothers’ newest film is set in the golden age of Hollywood and features a star-studded cast, including George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum and Josh Brolin. The Coen brothers don’t make bad films, so this one is lock for good reviews.
“The Witch” — Feb. 19
Director Robert Eggers took home the Directing Award (Drama) at the Sundance Film Festival for this ominous horror film. A family in 1630s New England faces off against witchcraft, black magic and possession. Doesn’t sound so bad …
“Midnight Special” — March 18
After directing two under-the-radar gems (“Take Shelter,” “Mud”), Jeff Nichols steps up to the big stage with this sci-fi adventure starring Adam Driver and Joel Edgerton.
Go Out of Your Way to See:
You’ve likely never heard of these movies, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth searching out. From kung fu to stop-motion to transmogrified humans, these films will be like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
“Ip Man 3” — Jan. 22
The Ip Man kung fu franchise follows Yip Man, pioneer of the Wing Chun martial arts style and master of Bruce Lee. The third installment features Mike Tyson as the big bad. Who can say no to Mike Tyson and kung fu?
“Anomalisa” — Jan. 22
A stop-motion film praised for its humanity. Sometimes oxymorons make the best films, and director Charlie Kaufman (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,” “Adaptation,” “Being John Malkovich”), is better suited to prove this than anyone.
“The Lobster” — March 11
A film praised for its eccentricity and dark humor, “The Lobster” will be the strangest film you see this year. The premise: single people inhabit a resort where they must find a mate within 45 days, lest they be turned into an animal.
Bring the Whole Fam:
Check out these feel good films that will provide a great theater-going experience for all ages.
“Zootopia” — March 4
Anthropomorphic animals are usually an anathema to quality kids movies, but trailers for Disney’s latest animated effort look promising.
“The Little Prince” — March 18
Based on the beloved children’s book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Mark Osborne, director of “Kung Fu Panda,” hopes to guide this film about an aviator and a little prince directly into your heart.
“The Jungle Book” — April 15
This remake hits a double whammy as a reboot of both a classic book and film. Chock full of voice talent (Idris Elba, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson), this Disney re-imagination brings back old friends Mowgli, Baloo and company for more adventures.
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