Must See: Buzz-Worthy Movies of April

Movie-wise, the month of April is typically one of the slowest, as it’s sandwiched between the end of the first quarter of the film season and the explosive, blockbuster-heavy summer movie season.

But just like any other month, a healthy amount of gems and surprise hits can show up in theaters to make the wait a bit more tolerable.

“Furious 7“

Release Date: April 3

Directed by: James Wan

Plot:

Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and company are drawn back into the dangerous world of international crime (with ludicrous amounts of car-related mayhem that apparently comes with the job) after they’re targeted by the deadly assassin Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), who is seeking revenge for the death of his brother.

Buzz:

Though many long-time fans are questioning the future of the franchise after the tragic death of the series’ star Paul Walker, the “Fast and Furious” saga likely won’t slow down any time soon. More than a few people believe the “Fast and Furious” movies have gotten better as the series has continued, so Paul Walker’s memory may get a proper send off with the best film so far.

Beyond its importance to the series, “Furious 7” has a few other elements (namely, “Saw” and “The Conjuring” creator James Wan taking over directorial duties – and the sheer fact that Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Jason Statham will be facing off in the same movie) that just might make it a surprisingly perfect way to kick off the summer movie season.

“Child 44“

Release Date: April 17

Directed by: Daniel Espinosa

Plot:

Leo Demidov (Tom Hardy), a disgraced member of the USSR’s military police force, faces the challenge of not only stopping a vicious spree of child murders that have already claimed 44 victims, but doing so under the oppressive blanket of governmental control that plagued Russia under the Stalin-era Soviet regime.

Buzz:

This adaptation of Tom Rob Smith’s 2008 novel (itself based heavily off of the real life serial-murders of Andrei “The Red Ripper” Chikatilo), could sneak up on audiences and end up being one of the year’s first great films. It is directed by the maker of solid and successful action films “Safe House” and “Easy Money,” and has an excellent cast filled with the faces of both rising stars like Tom Hardy and Joel Kinnaman and older film staples like Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace, and Charles Dance.

“Monkey Kingdom“

Release Date: April 17

Directed by: Mark Linfield and Alastair Fothergill

Plot:

A documentary that follows the challenges and triumphs occurring in everyday life for Maya and her son Kip, two monkeys (Toque macaques, to be exact) living in the ruins of a temple in a Sri Lankan jungle.

Buzz:

This Disney-produced feature marks the third collaboration between documentarians Alastair Fothergill and Mark Linfield, the first two being the critically-acclaimed “Earth” and “Chimpanzee.” The film is almost guaranteed to please any fans of family entertainment, monkeys or any combination of the two.

“The Age of Adaline“

Release Date: April 24

Directed by: Lee Toland Krieger

Plot:

Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively), an ordinary young woman growing up near the beginning of the 20th century, has her life forever altered when she is caught in a mysterious and supernatural event that leaves her unable to age. After nearly eight centuries of hiding herself and her secret from those around her, Adaline falls in love with a charismatic young man (Michiel Huisman), bringing her back into the social world that she left behind.

Buzz:

Director Lee Toland Krieger’s previous feature film “Celeste & Jesse Forever” is considered by many people to be one of the most underrated romantic-comedy/dramas of the decade so far. This, along with Krieger’s handful of other short films and features, proves that he has a pretty firm grasp on the emotional depth and content that a memorable love story needs. With a promising director and a fantastic spin that adds a clever new layer to the emotional drama, “The Age of Adaline” is already shaping up to be the year’s first great romance film.