“Fahrenheit 451”
Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Michael Shannon, Sofia Boutella, Lilly Singh, Laura Harrier
Synopsis: In the distant future, books are banned and ordered to be burned: so-called firemen are charged with this responsibility.
What You Need To Know: An adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s famous dystopian novel, once adapted for the screen already by the great Francois Truffaut, HBO’s movie comes from director Ramin Bahrani once known for critically acclaimed microindie films like “Man Push Cart” and “Goodbye Solo,” he’s in recent years gone more slightly more mainstream with pictures like “99 Homes” and “At Any Price.” But, Bahrani is essentially just arrived at the level where he can cast bigger stars and retain his cineaste sensibilities. This should be one to watch.
Release Date: May 19 on HBO.
“On Chesil Beach”
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emily Watson, Billy Howle
Synopsis: In 1962 England, a young couple finds their idyllic romance colliding with issues of sexual freedom and societal pressure, leading to an awkward and fateful wedding night.
What You Need To Know: Based on the novel by author Ian McEwan (of such uplifting fare such as “Atonement”), recently Oscar-nominated actress Saoirse Ronan revisits the scribe that brought her first acclaim in another blistering role of a young, determined young woman. Co-starring Billy Howle who appeared in Christopher Nolan’s ensemble epic “Dunkirk” last year, the film sets itself against a seemingly lush and vibrant backdrop, setting an idyllic picture for more tempestuous and intimate storytelling. Read our review from TIFF.
Release Date: May 18
“How to Talk to Girls at Parties”
Cast: Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, Ruth Wilson
Synopsis: An alien touring the galaxy breaks away from her group and meets two young inhabitants of the most dangerous place in the universe: the London suburb of Croydon.
What You Need To Know: An abundance of silliness is a superb remedy to the real world, and while John Cameron Mitchell’s “How to Talk to Girls at Parties” looks far from perfect, it also looks like a potential blast. Ambitious in terms of story, visuals, and concepts but destabilized by an incohesive narrative, it does at least promise Nicole Kidman dressed in full-on fabulous glam costumes. Our critic called it “gloriously bananas” – a terrific endorsement, going on to say that “This outer space oddity is destined for the cult classic section of some future camp horror and sci-fi B-movie aisle.”
Release Date: May 25
“Solo: A Star Wars Story”
Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Donald Glover
Synopsis: During an adventure into a dark criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his future copilot Chewbacca and encounters Lando Calrissian years before joining the Rebellion.
What You Need To Know: Despite coming from one of the biggest franchises in cinematic history, the path to “Solo: A Star Wars Story” has been rife with misfortune. From rumors over star Alden Ehrenreich needing an acting coach to the last minute loss of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller as directors (with Ron Howard taking over) and talks of discord on set, the behind-the-scenes drama has nearly overshadowed the film itself. There’s still a worthy argument to be had over just how necessary this origin story film was (hint- it wasn’t) but we’re getting it whether we like it or not. And judging by the trailers and marketing materials for ‘Solo,’ what we’re getting is another ‘Star Wars’ anthology film (last seen with ‘Rogue One‘) that looks to try to capture the fun, exciting, fantastic tone of the original trilogy. For fans of ‘Star Wars,’ this is clearly a film not to miss.
Release Date: May 25
