By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
This month is the kick-off of the summer blockbusters, and Hollywood is not holding back this year. The month starts with a bolt of energy and ends with a roundhouse kick to the chops with an impossible mission in between, so save your cash and start booking your tickets. Here’s a look at the month’s biggest releases:
May 2nd
After taking a much-needed step back to reevaluate their current strategy, Disney/Marvel gets the party started in May with one of the more anticipated action films of the year. “Thunderbolts*” is not the typical superhero flick. In fact, many of these main characters, who are brought together from various TV series and films, don’t have much in the way of superpowers. If the trailers are any indication, this looks to be Marvel’s best effort since 2023’s “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.”
Rather ride the waves than watch another comic book film? Then you may want to try “The Surfer,” an independent psychological thriller featuring none other than Nicolas Cage. Even though this movie received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, it has since been getting more mixed reviews as it tours the film festival circuit. The twisted nature of this plot may be worth checking out, especially if you’re a Cage fan.
May 9th
There will be plenty of new options to choose from on this date, but none of them may be very appealing. Starting with “Fight or Flight,” an action comedy featuring Josh Hartnett, one man finds himself on a plane filled with cutthroat assassins trying to kill him. Sounds a lot like “Bullet Train,” and with a first-time director helming the project, you might want to choose the flight option.
It doesn’t get more promising with this next film entitled “Clown in a Cornfield.” This is a new slasher type of horror with comedy vibes. The murderous clown is named Frendo, so it’s safe to say this movie doesn’t intend to take itself too seriously. Achieving that perfect balance of fright and humor is not easy, and with questionable talent on both sides of the camera, this could end up achieving neither.
If you’re in the mood for something friendlier, then check out “Friendship,” starring Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd. This is a straight-up comedy that has the potential for solid laughter with a premise of a socially awkward dad befriending the popular, charismatic neighbor only to be dumped by this neighbor. It debuted at the Toronto Film Festival last year and has been receiving positive feedback ever since, so this could be your best option this week.
May 16th
Horror fans rejoice, because this day marks the return of a major franchise. “Final Destination: Bloodlines” is the sixth film of the series, but the first one made since 2011. Only the original film in 2000 was any good, however, with each subsequent sequel becoming progressively more ridiculous and over the top. Don’t expect a miraculous resurrection of the franchise with this entry. There are only so many times we can watch a mysterious force set up elaborate kill scenes before it gets old.
The other major release this weekend actually stars The Weeknd. “Hurry Up Tomorrow” is a psychological thriller that also features legitimate actors like Barry Keoghan and Jenna Ortega. While Trey Edward Shults may be a capable director and the plot looks mysteriously intriguing, a lot depends on how well the musician can act. He is playing a musician so hopefully that helps, but best to wait for early reviews on this one before committing.
May 23rd
Disney returns with another live action remake of one of their classic animated films (enter fatigued sigh here). “Lilo & Stitch” looks to be Disney’s latest cash grab attempt with a heavy dose of CGI and poor human acting, judging by the trailers. Fans of the original will no doubt flock to the theaters to see this new version but be sure to arrive with a healthy amount of skepticism to minimize the potential disappointment.
What better way to kick off Memorial Day weekend than with quite possibly the ultimate film spectacle of the year. That’s right, Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt in “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.” With this being the eighth and possibly final “M:I” film featuring Cruise, director Christopher McQuarrie will be pulling out all the stops to give audiences the wildest, most entertaining ride yet. This is a guaranteed winner so book your tickets early and try to see in an IMAX theater if you can.
May 30th
Closing out the month with a karate chop is a familiar franchise that started back in 1984. “Karate Kid: Legends” is the latest film, and it combines the world originated by Ralph Macchio with Jackie Chan, who was in the 2010 version of “The Karate Kid.” Sadly, this new movie does not appear to tie in the characters or storylines from the Netflix series “Cobra Kai,” so don’t expect an appearance from William Zabka. This is also the directorial debut of Jonathan Entwistle, so this venture could completely bomb like the most recent films of this franchise have been. Better to check out reviews first.
