“Isle of Dogs”
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Edward Norton, Bryan Cranston, Greta Gerwig, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton
Synopsis: When, by executive decree, all the canine pets of Megasaki City are exiled to a vast garbage-dump called Trash Island, 12-year-old Atari sets off alone in a miniature Junior-Turbo Prop plane and flies across the river in search of his bodyguard-dog, Spots.
What You Need To Know: Everyone has their favorite Wes Anderson film — and nearly all of them justifiably take that number one spot. “The Grand Budapest Hotel” was Anderson at his most guileless in filmmaking and colorful in presentation, creating a film with just the right twinges of comedy, melancholy and sadness that it was easy to wonder just what he’d follow it up with. His answer? A stop-motion animated films about dogs living in a junkyard. Of course. Inspired by Akira Kurosawa for his latest foray into the eccentric, he’s collected an insane arsenal of voice talent from returning Anderson hitters such as Bill Murray and Jeff Goldblum to newcomers such as Bryan Cranston. Our critic said,“for a director so visually obsessed with symmetry and neatness (and this might genuinely be his most beautiful film), Anderson’s narrative could hardly be messier or more undisciplined.”
Release Date: March 23rd
“Ready Player One”
Cast: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Mark Rylance
Synopsis: Set in 2045, the world is on the brink of chaos and collapse. But the people have found salvation in the OASIS, an expansive virtual reality universe created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday.
What You Need To Know: Bound to be either a nerd’s fantasy or one of the most aggravating films released in ages (or both?), it’s still shocking to think that Steven Spielberg is releasing this mere months after his hard-hitting “The Post.” The legendary director’s work ethic can’t be questioned, but we’ll have to wait and see if the film adds up to more than the sum of its parts. We were as excited to see the Iron Giant make a surprise appearance too, but a film that is dead set on referencing everything in pop-culture canon deserves to live primarily in trailer form. Fans of the book are enthusiastic, however, and it’s rare that Spielberg ever truly disappoints.
Release Date: March 29th
“Gemini”
Cast: Lola Kirke, John Cho, Zoë Kravitz
Synopsis: A heinous crime tests the complex relationship between a Hollywood starlet and her tenacious personal assistant. As the assistant unravels the mystery, she must confront her own understanding of friendship, truth and celebrity.
What You Need To Know: Having made its debut at last year’s SXSW film festival, director Aaron Katz’s lo-fi thriller has been making the rounds on the independent circuit. Finally, a year later, it’s making its theatrical run and a testament to the talent on board that has sustained its steady momentum. Lola Kirke and John Cho are playing against type in a pulpy and atmospheric mystery. Our critic who saw it last year loved it, saying “ ‘Gemini’ is deliriously entertaining, an intriguing gem and as Katz graduates to the next level, his best film to date.”
Release Date: March 30th
“Lean on Pete”
Cast: Charlie Plummer, Travis Fimmel, Steve Buscemi
Synopsis: A homeless teen in Oregon whose best friend is a failing racehorse sets off on a difficult journey to find his only known relative.
What You Need To Know: The phrase “they don’t make movies like this anymore” is an overused one, and one I loathe to utter, but it’s difficult to leave Andrew Haigh’s latest contemplative and sorrowful drama “Lean On Pete” and not be full with a sense of want for this type of film. Carrying over the finesse he established with “45 Years” but with the untethered heart of “Weekend,” Haigh continues to prove himself as one of our finest working directors. Bound to leave you a touch broken hearted as our critic put it, “It’s saved from all-out depressiveness by Haigh’s compassion, which cradles the characters within their often desperate situations.”
Release Date: March 30th
“Love After Love”
Cast: Andie MacDowell, Chris O’Dowd, Dree Hemingway
Synopsis: A mother and her two adult sons try to regain their emotional equilibrium after the death of their family’s patriarch.
What You Need to Know: “Love After Love” isn’t a perfect film but it’s a remarkably promising one. Debuting at the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival (where I was lucky enough to see it), director Russell Harbaugh may be a next one to watch. It’s biting and unforgiving in its character takedowns, presenting Andie MacDowell and Chris O’Dowd ample opportunity to sink their teeth into roles they aren’t typically offered. It’s unassuming in its approach, and the release will be small, but make sure to seek this picture out.
Release Date: March 30th
