What a weird time for movies. It feels like we’re in the limbo period with theaters slowly reopening (in a move that still at this point seems too soon), and big-budget films such as March’s “Godzilla vs. Kong” and this month’s “Mortal Kombat” are released as many of us continue to watch these made for the big screen films at home. Pre-COVID, April had begun to be a light starting date for blockbuster season with more and more high profile films being released just as spring was truly hitting us, and just as was the case last year, this April shows a different line up than what we may be used to.
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That said, there’s still plenty to choose from with the first on our list, a charming and disarming coming of age comedy, already standing as one of the best films of the year we’ve seen. Streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon continue to have a hold on releases, but there’s definitely been a trend of more films seemingly being released theatrically only, and it will be interesting to see how that affects their success.
Things are ever-shifting these days with under-the-radar films being released each week, so even though plenty of us will continue out at-home viewing, for the time being, there’s no shortage of films to watch, even if the type of films grow incredibly inconsistent.
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“Shiva Baby”
What You Need to Know: Originally meant to premiere at the 2020 SXSW, the coming of age film “Shiva Baby” has earned fans throughout its festival circuit run. An exciting and fresh new take to the genre from first-time filmmaker Emma Seligman, the film manages to pull at the seams of tension-fueled family get-togethers, and the natural hilarity found when coming into your own. It’s a marvelous first-time feature, one that spells out an enticing career for Seligman, who possesses a specificity in her storytelling. Rachel Sennott stars as Danielle, a college student who is constantly defending her choices to her parents and everyone who surrounds her, and she and Seligman together create a fully found voice in the lead. The cast is rounded out with Molly Gordon, Diana Agron, Polly Draper, and Fred Melamed. Our critic wrote, “‘Shiva Baby’ is a savagely smart comedy that dives deep into excruciating embarrassment. It’s a marvel and will pull you to the end of your seat, biting your nails in a second-hand cringe.”
Release Date: April 2nd on VOD.
“Concrete Cowboy”
What You Need to Know: Idris Elba has had an undoubtedly interesting career so far with roles in television and film of all levels of budget and success, and while “Concrete Cowboy” is far from the most notable work he’s done in his career, it’s an interesting turn in his career. The story, written by Greg Neri, follows a rebellious teen who is sent to live with his estranged father for the summer who develops a kinship in a tight-knit Philadelphia community of Black cowboys. Directed by Ricky Staub in his first feature-length film, the movie is packed with tremendous talent, from the aforementioned Elba to Caleb McLaughlin, Lorraine Toussaint, and Jharrel Jerome. Our critic, who saw the film at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival, wrote, “‘Concrete Cowboys’ is a lyrical film, and its gorgeous images, which immerse us in a unique way of life, alone, nearly makes the movie worth watching.”
Release Date: April 2nd on Netflix.
“Thunder Force”
What You Need to Know: Melissa McCarthy is undoubtedly one of the most versatile and talented actresses working today from her performances in “Bridesmaids,” “Spy,” and “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” Her talent is immeasurable, which makes her work with her real-life partner Ben Falcone all the more disappointing. Their films together include “Tammy,” “The Boss,” and “Life of the Party” – none of which are her best work. That said, perhaps there’s a chance this time will be different with a fun, dynamic set between her and co-lead Octavia Spencer as two childhood friends who decide to team up and become an unlikely pair of superheroes after one of them invents a formula that gives other people superpowers. The film also stars Jason Bateman, Bobby Cannavale, and Pom Klementieff in supporting roles.
Release Date: April 9th on Netflix.
“Voyagers”
What You Need to Know: At first glance, there’s not a lot of faith given to young people in the upcoming sci-fi film “Voyagers,” a film about all that could go wrong if we were to ship off a group of young men and women to colonize a distant planet. Beautiful people on a ship with fluctuation urges and a lack of inhibitions, what could go wrong? Plenty, “Voyagers” seems to offer. The film centers on this group of men and women who were bred for intelligence and obedience as they uncover disturbing secrets about their mission, defy their training, and begin to explore their most primitive natures as the ship descends into chaos. Neil Burger, director of “Divergent” and “The Upside,” helms the project which stars Tye Sheridan, Lily-Rose Depp, Fionn Whitehead, Chanté Adams, Isaac Hempstead, and Colin Farrell. Burger doesn’t have a terrific track record, but the cast is solid, and if anything, it looks at least like a nice, mindless escape.
Release Date: April 9th in theaters.
“Monday”
What You Need to Know: Sebastian Stan and his fans are having a moment right now with the release of “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” which is finally allowing his character to possess his first modicum of personality. For fans of the actor though looking outside of the offerings of Disney+, there’s the upcoming romantic drama “Monday,” which had its premiere last fall at the Toronto Film Festival. Directed by Argyris Papadimitropoulos, Stan acts alongside Denise Gough, playing a couple who meet and fall fast for one another after a night in Athens. Despite the two leads and sunny atmosphere’s appeal, our critic noted that its best moments are the earliest as the relationship begins to develop but weakens as the dynamic loses the initial spark. They wrote, “Other filmmakers have managed to wring compelling drama out of a couple’s enmity, but all Papadimitropoulos’ attempts fall flat.”
Release Date: April 16th in theaters.
“Stowaway”
What You Need to Know: We’re spending a lot of time in deep space at the movies this month, as “Stowaway” looks to lean into the tension of isolation and paranoia that comes with the subject matter. Once again playing with minimalism following director Joe Penna’s 2019 film “Arctic” starring Mads Mikkelsen, “Stowaway” follows the lives of a three-person crew on a mission to Mars whose plans go awry when they discover a surprise passenger who jeopardizes the lives of everyone on board and forces the crew to make an impossible decision. The film stars Anna Kendrick, Toni Collette, Daniel Day Kim, and Shamier Anderson. Set to release later this month on Netflix, the film looks suitably engaging and stressful and, considering the favorable reaction to his last film; we’re hoping that his latest manages to be one of the pleasant surprises of the upcoming release schedule.
Release Date: April 22 on Netflix.