With “Avengers: Endgame” already in the rear-view mirror (thought will no doubt continue to dominate into the new month), it’s odd to believe that the summer blockbuster season is really only just gearing up, with major releases hitting us each week. On top of the blockbuster commotion that is to come with a rather promising slate of high-profile films, there’s also the Cannes Film Festival coming up, which will no doubt give us a glimpse at what to look forward to for the remainder of the year.
However, if you’re not able to make it to France, don’t worry. There’s still plenty to check out at your local theater in May.
“Long Shot”
Cast: Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Andy Serkis
Synopsis: Fred Flarsky is a gifted and free-spirited journalist with an affinity for trouble. Charlotte Field is one of the most influential women in the world. Smart, sophisticated, and accomplished, she’s a powerhouse diplomat with a talent for… well, mostly everything. The two have nothing in common, except that she was his babysitter and childhood crush.
What You Need to Know: Charlize Theron is one today’s greatest working actresses and Seth Rogen one of the more notable comedy creators, but they would have without a doubt never have crossed our minds as two performers whose career trajectories might cross paths. However, following a debut at this years SXSW, we’re pleased they came together to make a charming, off-beat comedy that allows Theron to stretch muscles she’s yet to, despite her history of reaching for projects all across the tonal board. “Long Shot” is directed by Jonathan Levine (“50/50,” “Warm Bodies”), who has an eye for comedies with equal measures of heart. Our critic enjoyed the film, calling it “terrific and sincere,” writing that the film “…presents itself with sincerity, delivering a raucous good time and timely political commentary.”
Release Date: May 3
“Shadow”
Cast: Chao Deng, Sun Li, Zheng Kai, Qianyuan Wang, Wang Jingchun
Synopsis: In a kingdom ruled by a young and unpredictable king, the military commander has a secret weapon: a “shadow,” a look-alike who can fool both his enemies and the King himself. Now, he must use this weapon in an intricate plan that will lead his people to victory in a war that the King does not want.
What You Need to Know: While it’s easy to joke about the mess that was the Matt Damon starring “The Great Wall,” one flub doesn’t take away from the masterful career of filmmaker Zhang Yimou. From “Raise the Red Lantern” to “House of Flying Daggers” and “Hero,” Yimou has delivered cinematic beauties for decades and “Shadow” looks to be a stunning reminder of that fact. With a relatively unknown cast, the pull here is the perfectly choreographed visuals and with the unusually gray pallet for the director and what looks to be chill-inducing fight sequences. If there were any doubters following his last output, this should swiftly put those naysayers to rest. Our critic certainly thought so, calling it a “…return to the top tier of his work for a great director.”
Release Date: May 3
“Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile”
Cast: Zac Efron, Lily Collins, Haley Joel Osment, Kaya Scodelario, John Malkovich, Jim Parsons
Synopsis: Elizabeth Kloepfer refused for years to acknowledge that her boyfriend was a serial killer. Her partner, Ted Bundy, became famous in the 1980s for committing numerous heinous crimes against women. In her disbelief, she watched passively as the murders were unleashed from a very unique perspective.
What You Need to Know: After its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, a discussion followed regarding director Joe Berlinger’s approach to the Ted Bundy characterization. Was it too troubling to make him so charismatic? Based on the novel “The Phantom Price: My Life with Ted Bundy” it’s likely these conversations will continue, especially as we keep our eyes set on a discourse that grants men more leniency when it comes to behavior based on personality. Separate from that, Zac Efron continues to demonstrate his versatility. Our critic argued it glamourized Bundy, writing “By the time ‘Extremely Wicked’ ends and has the audacity to puts its many female victim’s names on the screen, silently and somberly, trying its best to cast itself as some kind of concerned ally and not the fraud that it is, you’ve felt insulted and cheated enough.”
Release Date: May 3
“Detective Pikachu”
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Len Watanabe, Justice Smith, Kathryn Newton, Bill Nighy, Suki Waterhouse
Synopsis: When ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, his 21-year-old son Tim attempts to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry’s former Pokémon partner, Detective Pikachu: a hilariously wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth who is a puzzlement even to himself. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to communicate with one another, Tim and Pikachu join forces on a thrilling adventure to unravel the tangled mystery.
What You Need to Know: A year ago the news of this particularly head-scratching film was little more than bait for those looking for an easy target. ‘Pokémon‘ films have notoriously been not awesome (unless you’re eight-years-old at the time of watching when they’re maybe the best things you’re Pokémon enthusiast heart will ever see) and movies based on video games have an even poorer batting average. But once the trailer was released, some of us cynics began to feel an inkling of genuine curiosity for a film that looked funnier and more interesting than it had any right to be. Now, the buzz is pretty spectacular and once you’re able to get around Ryan Reynold’s voice coming out of the merchandising adorable face of Pikachu you might be looking at one of the more surprisingly delightful blockbusters of 2019.
Release Date: May 10