Top films for April
It’s the start of April, which means it’s once again time for my monthly movie preview. This list is usually just comprised of films I’m most excited about in any given month but I don’t want to ignore the biggest releases so I’m going to do a mix of both going forward.
Without any further ado, here are the biggest and best films coming up in April.
The Lost City
This had to top my list for April – it is so much fun. I haven’t laughed at a film this often in the cinema in ages. Sandra Bullock is a romance novelist who gets kidnapped and taken to a remote island and Channing Tatum plays her books’ cover model, who tries to rescue her. They make a fantastic comedy pairing. They don’t make action-adventure romantic-comedy films like this anymore and hope this starts a revival. In cinemas 13th April.
The Northman
Robert Eggers‘ ambitious Viking epic stars Alexander Skarsgard as a prince who seeks revenge for his father’s murder. Judging by the trailer, it’s going to be dark, dirty and damn right brutal, and if you know Eggers’ previous work, it’s probably going to be quite weird too. The cast also includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke and Bjork! In cinemas 15th April.
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Prepare to watch Nicolas Cage play Nicolas Cage! Yep, in this black comedy, he plays a fictionalised version of himself. The actor begrudgingly accepts a $1 million offer to attend the birthday party of his superfan Javi (Pedro Pascal), who happens to be a billionaire drug lord. As you might expect, things don’t go to plan! I love this concept and I can’t wait to see what happens. In cinemas 22nd April.
The Novice
I’ve seen this one and I want to give this independent film a spot on the list as it’s better than most studio movies I’ve watched lately. Isabelle Fuhrman plays a college freshman who becomes obsessed with making its varsity rowing team. It’s dark and intense and Fuhrman has never been better. Think Black Swan and you’ve got a good idea of the vibe. Here’s my review. In cinemas now.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
This film franchise has been besieged by the cast’s personal problems from JK Rowling‘s transgender controversy, Ezra Miller‘s recent arrest and Johnny Depp being replaced after losing his trial. I feel no excitement for this film whatsoever but I can’t ignore its huge fanbase. In this one, Dumbledore sends Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and his friends on a mission that leads him into the heart of Gellert Grindelwald’s army. In cinemas 8th April.
Downton Abbey: A New Era
All Downton fans, rejoice! The movie sequel is almost here! We are once again reuniting with the Crawley family, who welcome a film crew into their home. They also go on a trip to the South of France to unravel the mystery of the Dowager Countess’ newly inherited villa. I’ve never seen an episode but the trailer seems quite good. In cinemas 29th April.
Operation Mincemeat
After a few delays, this British war drama is finally coming out. The film stars Colin Firth, Kelly Macdonald and Matthew Macfadyen and tells the story of a deception operation during World War II. The British successfully managed to keep the Allied invasion of Sicily a secret using this operation. In cinemas 15th April
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The first Sonic was a pleasant surprise back in 2020 but this sequel isn’t quite as much fun. Jim Carrey‘s Dr. Robotnik escapes the Mushroom Planet and returns to Earth seeking revenge on Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz). This time around, Robotnik has the added help of Knuckles the Echidna (voiced by Idris Elba), who also dislikes Sonic too. Here’s my review. In cinemas now.