No April Fool’s joke: expect a slow week next week for the box office, but there are some really cool film gems out in select theatres.
BOX OFFICE WINNERS AND LOSERS:
Despite all the complaining by the critics (I am also on the complaints list, and you can read more about that here), Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice managed to rake in more than $530 million worldwide. The numbers generated crushed a litany of records – particularly for DC – which has been struggling to try to get a foothold to compete with Marvel/Disney in the superhero market.
Speaking of Disney, Judy and Nick of Zootopia fame are behind the two superheroes, having brought in $720 million worldwide (saw the film TWICE, loved it, read about that here). Rounding out the top five in North America: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, Miracles from Heaven, and The Divergent Series: Allegiant.
OUT IN THEATRES:
I guess it works out that we’ll be having some fine weather over the next bit, because there’s not much happening at the theatres. However, some of these movies are getting recommendations from audiences, so they might be worth checking out if you’re feeling like a trip to the cinemas.
God’s Not Dead 2
You may remember the original film from 2014. It starred Kevin Sorbo, and was considered a sleeper hit. This time around, Melissa Joan Hart plays a high school teacher fighting for the right to discuss Jesus in her public classroom.
Audiences are enjoying this one a little more than the critics are, and it is getting some comparison to Jennifer Garner’s Miracles From Heaven. If you are interested in checking out the film, it’s in limited release throughout Metro Vancouver: International Village, Riverport, Coquitlam Cineplexes, and the Landmark in New Westminster will also be carrying it.
Midnight Special
This looks pretty cool: starring Joel Edgerton and Kirsten Dunst, the film follows a father and son who go on the run after the dad learns his child has special powers.
The film is getting some good reaction online, sitting at about 77% on Rotten Tomatoes. Two theatres in Metro Vancouver are screening this: Cineplex International Village, and Fifth Avenue Cinemas.
TRAILERS THAT HAVE PEOPLE TALKING
A bit of a rehash, here, but two high-profile movies that have already released their initial trailers are giving us a little more.
Alice Through the Looking Glass
It’s still a race against time: Mia Wasikowska is back in the lead role; Tim Burton directing. Also returning: Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway and, in his final role – Alan Rickman.
There isn’t too much that’s new here, but I did enjoy this cover of Jefferson Airplane’s White Rabbit (still love the original, though!). You can catch this film in theatres in late May.
The Lego Batman Movie
It’s true: the Will Arnett-voiced Batman did break the internet last week…and he’s hoping for a repeat. Last week we took a look at the Batcave, this week, it’s a glimpse into life at Wayne Manor.
Here’s wishing Alfred a speedy recovery. This movie isn’t out until 2017.
OUT ON BLURAY, DVD, DIGITAL DOWNLOAD:
Guess what’s still in theatres and coming out on hard copy next week? Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Yeah. Wow, we’re already wrapping up the first third of the year. This film was out in December! You can get the Bluray copy, or you can head over to Amazon and buy a version that includes a deleted scene. In the words of young Anakin, yippee!
As for my Flashback Friday recommendation, why not choose between the red pill and the blue pill? The Matrix came out fifteen years ago. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long. Yowza!
Renouf Writes 
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