We’re officially at the point of the year (already) where each week delivers gluttonous offerings of new releases. In the upcoming month alone, we have a full docket of theatrical releases worth seeking out, both mainstream releases as well as ones that will be favoring the NYC and LA markets for the time being. It’s another demonstration of how the bar has continually shifted earlier and earlier to accommodate studio release schedules, with big tentpole features playing in earlier months than the older standard of summer releases.
There’s less by way of streaming, with theatrical releases offering the biggest titles, from the last directorial effort from Ben Affleck, another attempt to adapt video games to the big screen, Nicolas Cage as Dracula, and the feature film debut from the creator of “We Are Lady Parts.” It’s a busy season with plenty worth traveling to the theater for.
“Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields”
Split into two parts, “Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields” explores the actor, model, and icon Brooke Shields as she discovers her power and gains agency after a tumultuous adolescence where she was sexualized as a young girl. The documentary is directed by Lana Wilson, who directed the Taylor Swift documentary “Miss Americana” (our review).
Release Date: Streaming April 3 via Hulu.
“Air”
Ben Affleck takes a supporting role in his latest directorial effort, “Air,” which premiered this year at SXSW. Matt Damon, Viola Davis, Jason Bateman, and more stars in this real-life success story. Our critic wrote, “As a sports movie, “Air” is competent in all the right ways — good performances, strong dialogue, and a nice focus on 1980s production design and world-building — landing in the upper echelons of the Dad Movie lexicon.”
Release Date: In theaters April 5 via MGM and Prime Video.
“The Super Mario Bros. Movie”
About as far from the tone of “The Last of Us” as possible, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” is the latest video game adaptation attempting to make good by the game and its fans. Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, and more star as these iconic Nintendo characters. “Teen Titans Go! To the Movies” director Aaron Horvath and writer Michael Jelenic direct (our review).
Release Date: In theaters April 5 via Universal Pictures.
“Paint”
Owen Wilson stars in the bizarre-looking “Paint” as Carl, a painter, threatened by the arrival of a new artist who threatens his place as the host of a local painting show. Written and directed by Brit McAdams, this Bob Ross-inspired story also stars Michaela Watkins, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ciara Renée, Stephen Root, and more (our review).
Release Date: In theaters April 7 via IFC Films.