Flickreel’s Spring 2016 Movie Preview

The sun may be coming out, but that shouldn’t stop you heading to the movies this spring – and Flickreel are on hand to give you 15 reasons why…

The Witch

A genuinely terrifying horror movie is seldom seen in contemporary cinema, with only a few standout productions in recent years (It Follows and The Babadook spring to mind). But Robert Eggers’ The Witch looks to have joined this exclusive list, and while it may not exactly be the time of year for this genre – as one we associate more so with the Halloween season – here’s a scary movie you simply will not want to miss. Just prepare to be petrified.

Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice

What happens when you pit two of the most lauded, popular superheroes of all time against one another in a big screen blockbuster? Well, we’re on the brink of finding out, with Zack Snyder’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice fast approaching. While many will be desperately wanting to see what Ben Affleck can bring to the former role, many are hoping for a slice of redemption for the latter, after a disappointing showing in Man of Steel [I disagree: Ed].

Zootopia

Disney can’t seem to do anything wrong at the moment, a trend they have appeared to sustain with their latest offering, Zootopia. An ambitious, comedically inclined picture, featuring the vocal talents of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman and Idris Elba – this one may not quite garner the same affection that Frozen managed, but it’s fair to assume it’ll come pretty close.

Eddie the Eagle

Ah, the story of the underdog – is there anything better to indulge in? In the case of Eddie the Eagle, the renowned British ski-jumper, to call him an underdog would be an understatement. This glorious biopic comes from Dexter Fletcher, and stars Taron Egerton in the titular role. While Hugh Jackman takes on the supporting lead as Eddie’s trainer, Bronson Peary, in what could well be the feel-good movie of the spring, and the summer, too.

Midnight Special

Jeff Nichols’ preceding endeavour, the staggeringly impressive Mud, was enough to ensure that our attentions are piqued, as the talented filmmaker steps back into the director’s chair with the eagerly anticipated Midnight Special. While his work is generally focusing in on harsh, realistic elements of life, he now takes something of a fantastical turn, in the story of a young boy with special powers who is on the run from the law enforcement. The one consistent, is that regular collaborator Michael Shannon features, which is always a good sign.

Eye in the Sky

Sadly, there is only a mere handful of projects left for us to admire that star the venerable actor Alan Rickman. One of which is the tense thriller Eye in the Sky, where he plays Lieutenant General Frank Benson, starring opposite Helen Mirren and the likes of Aaron Paul and Barkhad Abdi, in a pertinent, intense picture that scrutinises over the ethics and decision making process in modern warfare.

The Jungle Book

Why anybody would feel the need to adapt Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book – yet again – is difficult to comprehend. Though any such doubts or apprehensions about Disney’s forthcoming production have been eased knowing that Jon Favreau is at the helm, and the cast consists of the likes of Bill Murray as Baloo, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Scarlett Johansson as Kaa, and Chrisopher Walker as King Louie. We couldn’t have cast it better ourselves, and for that reason, we’re in.

Jane Got A Gun

Jane Got A Gun is one of those films we’ve heard so much about over the past few years, it’s easy to forget it’s actually a real film, and is actually coming out soon. But not without its problems, as the Gavin O’Connor production has been full of controversy, with Lynn Ramsey walking off the project, followed (rather closely) by Jude Law and subsequently Bradley Cooper. But the film survived, and the finished product is upon on. Let’s see what the fuss is all about then, shall we?

Captain America: Civil War

After Deadpool ridiculed the narrative structure and familiar formula of the superhero movie, it will be interesting to see their first outing since, as we have to try to take it all seriously, again. But that shouldn’t be too hard a task, as the Captain America franchise breeds triumphant results, and we look forward to welcoming back Chris Evans as the eponymous protagonist. Though similarly to Batman V Superman – and as the title Civil War suggests – it’s not all rosy in Cap’s life, for he locks horns with former ally Iron Man.

Elvis & Nixon

The last time we were treated to a film consisting of a conversation between two powerhouse individuals, one of which was called Nixon, we had the indelible multi-Oscar nominated Frost/Nixon. But now we’re dealing with another Nixon – this time chronicling the untold, true story of the meeting between Elvis – played by Michael Shannon – and President Nixon, played by Kevin Spacey. Unlikely to be such a hit within the Academy, but an entertaining piece of cinema beckons, nonetheless.

Florence Foster Jenkins

Though world cinema fans will have noticed this tale has been depicted already this year – in the French production Marguerite – the story of Florence Foster Jenkins – an opera singer renowned and sort-of-cherished for having a uniquely terribly singing voice, is being brought to life again, this time helmed by Stephen Frears. Meryl Streep plays the title role, as we delve into the life of somebody who, quite staggeringly, didn’t lose hope. It’s like Eddie the Eagle, in many regards.

I Saw the Light

Now on the surface, a biopic of country-western singer Hank Williams may not have such universal appeal, but when you throw Tom Hiddleston into the mix, suddenly it becomes a bit of a must-see. Elizabeth Olsen co-stars in this tale of success and tragedy, and how the two can often be one of the same thing.

Angry Birds

The idea of creating an entire movie off the back of a simplistic mobile phone app does seem rather far-fetched, but early signs suggest there could be something pretty special about The Angry Birds Movie. Not only have we been subject to entertaining trailers, but the cast suggests the screenplay was one worth gambling on – as the likes of funny people: Jason Sudeikis, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Bill Hader, Maya Rudolph and Danny McBride, all lend their vocals to this production.

Free State of Jones

Since McConaughey’s career renaissance, which resulted in a handful of remarkable feature films, we’ve had to deal with a little bit of time off lately. But thankfully, it’s all about to end – as finally the Oscar winning actor graces our screens once more, this time in Free State of Jones. In his first release since Interstellar, he plays a poor farmer who leads a group of rebels against the Confederate army. It’s also a return for director Gary Ross, with an even longer break – as this is his first outing since the very first Hunger Games movie.

X-Men: Apocalypse

Few superhero movies can claim a consistency quite like the X-Men franchise, and the latest Bryan Singer picture looks all set to ensure it’s not slowing down any time soon. Oscar Isaac playing Apocalypse (which is insanely exciting already), joins the familiar cast consisting of Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and Jennifer Lawrence. There’s no such thing as a safe bet in Hollywood, but this is one worth putting your money on.