“RBG” (May 4)
We’ve seen, and loved, Kate McKinnon’s take on Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on “SNL.” But it’s time for Kate to, kindly, step aside because Notorious RBG has some things she’d like to say. “RBG” is the documentary feature from Julie Cohen and Betsy West. The film chronicles the life and lessons of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, from her humble beginnings to proving everyone wrong by becoming an attorney at a time when women weren’t largely pursuing those careers. The trailer features feminist icons like Gloria Steinem, referring to Ginsburg as a modern day superhero. And the film treats her as such. It’s a mix of wit, personal testimonies from admirers, and Ginsburg herself discussing the various trials and tribulations she faced in her accomplished career. Ginsburg, though small in stature, is a towering figure of the Supreme Court. The documentary serves as a reminder of a trail blazed by her, and the women and men she upheld as her personal inspirations. It’s a testament to an incredible woman and a look into the craze of Notorious RBG. From her internet craze to her decisive, meaningful thoughts on cases and the never-ending case for equality. “RBG” will inspire as it hits select theaters in May. – JT
“How To Talk To Girls At Parties” (May 25)
If “How To Talk To Girls At Parties” looks like a glorified, punk, raucous time, that’s because it most definitely is. When “Parties” premiered at Cannes in 2017, it was met with mixed reviews. But 2017 feels long gone. The film has found its home at A24 and is ready to invade audiences. This isn’t your typical rom-com. Here, Elle Fanning and Nicole Kidman play a sort of extraterrestrial race landing in London, 1977. Punk rock is at its peak. Everywhere you look, there are leather-clad gents with spiked, and vibrant colored hair. It looks like a headbanging good time. Fanning’s character falls for Tony Winner Alex Sharp’s Enn. And here the trouble takes place, as Zan’s (Fanning) time is limited on earth. Directed by John Cameron Mitchell, notable works include “Rabbit Hole” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” “How To Talk To Girls At Parties” is a film full of the unadulterated fun that the summer season brings to theaters. Just like Fanning in the trailer, we want more punk done to us. And this film is the sure fire answer to that need. – JT
“First Reformed” (May 18)
Paul Schrader has been in dire need of a hit. The acclaimed screenwriter-turned-troubled director is best known for his bold, daring and astounding screenwriting for “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull,” but in recent years, his filmmaking output hasn’t nearly earned the same high stature. “The Canyons” and “Dying of the Light,” in particular, earned more attention for their production and post-production debacles than for the films themselves (which weren’t great), and we’ve been praying for a return-to-form. Our prayers have apparently been answered with “First Reformed,” A24’s upcoming dramatic thriller starring Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried and, in a rare dramatic turn, Cedric the Entertainer. The promising trailer showcases the wit and precision found in Schrader’s earlier, better work. It also features stunning performances from Seyfried and Hawke too. If this film cooks as well as the trailer sizzles, we’re likely in for a devilishly good time. Because Lord knows, Paul Schrader’s career could use some salvation right now (read our review). – Will Ashton
“Deadpool 2” (May 18)
“Deadpool 2” comes to us after the creative chaos of its pre-production. That’s when original “Deadpool” director Tim Miller left the project due to “mutual creative differences” with actor/producer Ryan Reynolds. Trustworthy reports had Miller wanting style and Reynolds a more thorough focus on comedy. They didn’t compute. Miller left. Enter stunt choreographer extraordinaire David Leitch, who did wonders with Keanu Reeves on both “John Wick” films. The transition from Miller to Leitch wasn’t, as Zohan would say, “silky smooth,” with reshoots happening and a secret cameo added. Regardless of that, “Deadpool 2″ is breaking score ratings at test screenings, even outscoring the original with a score of 98. It will most likely make a killing at the box office, even with its, much welcomed, R-rating. – JR
“Solo: A Star Wars Story” (May 25)
Well, did you really think we wouldn’t include this movie? It has been quite the journey, to say the least, for “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” Controversies and rumors abounded during the production of the film, to the point where original directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were fired and replaced by the commendable pro, Ron Howard. Hell, even its lead star Alden Ehrenreich, playing Han Solo, was a source of controversy after it was reported that Disney wasn’t happy with his performance and on-set acting coach had to be hired to help. All this toxic buzz seems to have stalled a bit in recent months, with Disney premiering a successful new trailer during the Super Bowl, and their decision, and confidence, to premiere “Solo” in front of a never-too-easy-to-please crowd of critics at the Cannes Film Festival. Yep, it takes a lot of chutzpah on Disney’s part to do that, which makes us think ‘Solo’ might not be the disaster that many feared it would be. – JR
“The Tale” (May 26)
Jennifer Fox’s confrontational, controversial “The Tale” walked away becoming quite possibly the most talked-about movie at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The bold, assured film was considered a brave but immensely difficult viewing experience, by many accounts, but the acclaimed drama is decidedly one that many agreed deserves your notice and attention. Starring Laura Dern, Jason Ritter, Ellen Burstyn, Elizabeth Debicki, Common, Laura Allen and several more, Fox’s newest film is considered necessarily shocking and shockingly necessarily, but it won’t be an easy watch for many people. HBO Films picked up the rights shortly after its heavily-discussed premiere, and it is likely forgoing a traditional theatrical release altogether, but with the premium channel’s recent and ongoing string of thoughtful, meaningful and conversation-starting productions of late, perhaps that is the best viewing platform for this attention-garnering new film to gather a wide audience (read our review). – WA
“American Animals” (June 1)
Every so often, you see a story in the news that seems so ridiculous and out-there that there is no way that it actually happened… only for that story to be made into a movie. Such is the case with Bart Layton’s “American Animals,” which tells the story of college students who actually planned and attempted a heist to steal $12 million worth of literature from their college library. “American Animals” premiered at Sundance this year where we praised the heist itself for being “breathtakingly delivered.” Layton’s film weaves together interviews with the actual perpetrators and fictionalized accounts on screen. It boldly proclaims in a title card at the beginning that “This is not based on a true story… This is a true story.” Evan Peters joins “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” breakout Barry Keoghan, Blake Jenner, Jared Abrahamson, Udo Kier, and Ann Dowd in this take on the classic heist movie. The trailer asks us if we’re in or we’re out and audiences will definitely want to be in on “American Animals” this summer (read our review). – Erica Bahrenburg
