“Karate Kid: Legends”
Following the success of the Netflix spinoff series “Cobra Kai,” “Karate Kid: Legends” continues the franchise’s legacy. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, the film takes place three years following the series’ events. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio reprise their roles from previous films as their characters guide a new student, played by Ben Wang, as he re-learns martial arts to enter a tournament.
Release Date: In theaters May 30 via Song Pictures Releasing.
“Tornado”
Kōki, Jack Lowden, Takehiro Hira, and Tim Roth star in the latest film written and directed by John Maclean (“Slow West”). The film follows a traveling Samurai show in the late 1700s, which gets ambushed by a group of criminals. The daughter of the show’s leader seeks vengeance.
Release Date: In limited theaters May 30 via IFC Films.
“The Phoenician Scheme”
Writer and director Wes Anderson assembles another tremendous ensemble for his latest, “The Phoenician Scheme.” Benicio del Toro stars as Zsa-zsa Korda, a wealthy businessman who appoints his only daughter, a nun, as the sole heir to his estate. The sprawling cast included, but isn’t limited to, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Bill Murray.
Release Date: In theaters May 30 via Focus Features.
“Mountainhead”
Written and directed by “Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong, “Mountainhead” follows a group of wealthy friends who all meet up during an ongoing financial crisis. Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Ramy Youssef, Hadley Robinson, Cory Michael Smith, and Andy Daly star.
Release Date: Available to stream May 31 on HBO and Max.
Honorable mentions: Elsewhere, you can watch Josh Hartnett lean into action star in the action comedy “Fight or Flight” out May 9. Horror fans will have plenty of options between the slasher flick “Clown in a Cornfield,” out May 9, and “Final Destination: Bloodlines” the week following on May 16. Vince Vaughn and Susan Sarandon star in the comedy “Nonnas” from Stephen Chbosky, out May 9 on Netflix.
For an under-the-radar film, there’s “Sister Midnight,” which first premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and follows a newlywed who, after her arranged marriage, transforms into a feral figure, premiering May 16. And for those looking for more action thrillers, look no further than “Shadow Force” starring Kerry Washington and Omar Sy.
New England-based Tomatometer-approved film and television critic. Ally is a member of the Boston Society of Film Critics, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, and the Online Film Critics Society. Her writing has also appeared at RogerEbert.com and The Mary Sue.
