CinemaScopes: May 2021
Army of The Dead
Sequels, Remakes, and Adaptations
As we gear up for a more Post-Vax world, many films previously on hold are finally coming out, and May traditionally is the tentpole month for theaters. One theme we see is the tendency to rely on tried and true formulas to draw people out again – especially when so many of us are still uncertain about resuming a normal life. This is a sure-fire way to attract viewers, and this month we have sequels, remakes, and adaptations that are the perfect antidote to our lockdown boredom. Here are some choice options for May.
Wrath of Man
Directed by Guy Ritchie
Rated R – May 7th – In Theaters
Based on Nicolas Boukhrief’s 2004 French hit Le Convoyeur, a mysterious and wild-eyed new cash truck security guard (Jason Statham) surprises his coworkers during a heist in which he unexpectedly unleashes precision skills. The crew is left wondering who he is and where he came from. Soon, the marksman’s ultimate motive becomes clear as he takes dramatic and irrevocable steps to settle a score. Post Malone, Eddie Marsan, Scott Eastwood, and Josh Hartnett also star.
The Woman in The Window
Directed by Joe Wright
Rated R – May 14 on Netflix
In a new twist on Hitchcock’s Rear Window, Amy Adams stars as a Dr. Anna Fox, a psychologist confined to her home by agoraphobia who becomes obsessed with her new neighbors — and solving a brutal crime she witnesses from her window. Also starring Gary Oldman and Anthony Mackie. Based on the best-selling novel by A.J. Finn.
Those Who Wish Me Dead
Directed by Taylor Sheridan
Rated R – May 14 – HBO Max & Theaters
Oscar-winner Angelina Jolie stars as Hannah, a Montana smoke jumper still reeling from the loss of three lives she failed to save from a fire. She comes across a lost teenage boy (Finn Little), traumatized by witnessing a murder on the run in the wilderness with twin assassins (Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillan) hunting him. Based on Michael Koryta’s 2016 novel. The film also stars Medina Senghore, Tyler Perry, and Jon Bernthal.
Army of the Dead
Directed by
Rated R – May 21 on Netflix
After (what else?) a zombie outbreak leaves Las Vegas walled off from the world, a group of mercenaries takes the ultimate gamble – venture into the city for the greatest heist ever. Scott Ward (Dave Bautista), a former zombie war hero now working as a cook, is approached by a casino boss (Hiroyuki Sanada) to retrieve $200 million sitting in a vault beneath the strip before the government nukes the city in 32 hours. One problem – these zombies are smarter than they used to be!
A Quiet Place Part II
Directed by John Krasinski
Rated PG-13 – May 28 on Netflix
Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path. Cillian Murphy, Djimon Hounsou, and Lauren-Ashley Cristiano also star.
Cruella
Directed by Craig Gillespie
Rated PG-13 – May 28
Disney + and Theaters
Set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, a young grifter named Estella (Emma Stone), a clever and creative girl is determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they can build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson), a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly Haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable, and revenge-bent Cruella. A battle of the two Emmas!
– Lori Vernon
Category: CinemaScopes, Columns, Featured, Monthly
