“All The Old Knives”
Directed by Janus Metz (“Borg vs. McEnroe”), Chris Pine, Thandie Newton, Michelle Williams, and Laurence Fishburne star in “All the Old Knives.” Based on the novel of the same name from author Olen Steinhauer who also adapted the book for the screen, the film centers on the CIA after discovering one of its agents leaked information that cost more than 100 people their lives. Pine plays Henry Pelham, who is assigned to find the mole. It’s a big month for thrillers and procedural films for Pine, who will also be seen in “The Contractor.”
Release Date: April 8, available to stream via Amazon Studios.
“Sonic the Hedgehog 2”
Directed by Jeff Fowler, the sequel “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” continues to prove that the video-game adaptation can be done well if it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The follow-up to the 2020 installment introduces the addition of Idris Elba’s Knuckles, an extremely popular character from the video game series. Ben Schwartz returns as the titular character’s voice, along with James Marsden, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Jim Carrey. The rest of the cast includes Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, and Shemar Moore. The sequel will follow Sonic as he tries to prove that he is a real hero in a globe-trotting adventure.
Release Date: April 8 in theaters via Paramount Pictures.
“Paris, 13th District”
Following the lives of four adult friends who are sometimes lovers, “Paris, 13th District” is the latest from filmmaker Jacques Audiard whose other work includes “A Prophet” and “Rust and Bone.” Noémie Merlant, Lucie Zhang, Makita Samba, and Jehnny Beth star, with the stories being loosely inspired by the work of American cartoonist Adrian Tomine. Our critic praised the performances, writing that the “…the real thrill of watching the actors’ onscreen chemistry, which vibrates on the screen even in black and white. Zhang and Samba, in particular, capture the real frissons of desire; we know to want them back when they split up and start seeing lesser matches.”
Release Date: April 15 in theaters via IFC Films.
“The Bad Guys”
Based on the children’s series by author Aaron Blabey, “The Bad Guys” is the latest computer-animated film to come out of Universal Pictures. Directed by Pierre Perifel in his feature debut, the film follows a group of criminal animals who, upon being caught, pretend to attempt to reform themselves as model citizens. Soon though, they, especially their leader, find themselves genuinely drawn to changing their ways, even with the introduction of a new villain. The cast, led by Sam Rockwell, is superb, with Marc Maron, Anthony Ramos, Craig Robinson, Awkafina, Richard Ayoade, and Zazie Beetz all starring.
Release Date: April 22 in theaters via Universal Pictures.