Students and film studios look forward to the summer season year-round, and May brings it another step closer.
The annual blockbuster season just began following the premier of “Avengers: Endgame,” which is expected to become the highest-grossing film in history. In order to compete with such a popular film, other releases have to be high quality. The Spectrum compiled a list of what to look out for this month.
“Pokémon Detective Pikachu”
May 10
The highly anticipated Pokémon live-action film “Detective Pikachu” comes to theaters this month.
The story follows Tim Goodman who must go on a journey to find his missing father. He partners up with an intelligent, talking Pikachu that claims to be a detective. The story relies on nostalgia and the interesting Pokémon CGI. Critics have praised the film for creating a semi-realistic portrayal of the classic video game characters, while still remaining loyal to the original design. It has received mixed reviews from critics, but seems to do a decent job of world-building and story progression.
“The Hustle”
May 10
People love girl-power movies. People love heist movies. “Obviously people are going to love a girl-powered heist movie,” said the Hollywood producer.
“The Hustle” follows two scam artists that team up to rob different men that have wronged them. It’s a classic version of the opposite personalities working together trope. Rebel Wilson is back to play the same character she always plays: a clumsy, trashy person whose role doesn’t quite make sense.
Anne Hathaway is sporting an English accent. It’s kind of a mess, but could definitely be just campy enough to work. The film will need to build decent character motivations and personality arcs, but they may just get away with it. It might just be another movie your mom really likes.
“Aladdin”
May 24
Disney has returned with another live-action reimagining with “Aladdin.” Critics and fans are skeptical for the success of the film after many critics panned the live-action “Dumbo.” There was also a wave of criticism when Will Smith was cast to play the genie, and the style choices of his character.
The film will undoubtedly rely on CGI like the other remakes. The original animated version included a variety of detailed landscapes, which will hopefully carry over to the new release. Disney’s adaptations often replace the animations vivid color palate with a muted, natural overlay. As seen in the live-action “Beauty and The Beast,” the realistic designs drastically change the tone of the film. There has been very little marketing for the film, which might mean Disney is hoping for it to just slide by unnoticed.
“Ma”
May 31
Octavia Spencer is back and better than ever. Although she has dabbled in the horror genre before, this will be her first starring role in the genre. “Ma” explores the story of a middle-aged woman who befriends a group of teenagers, who proceed to party at her desolate house. Tate Taylor’s film may not see the success of Jordan Peele’s “Us,” but the two-letter title might give it a boost in the horror genre.
Samantha Vargas is the asst. arts editor and can be reached at Samantha.Vargas@ubspectrum.com
Samantha Vargas is an English/ film studies double major with a minor in media study. She spends her free time finding shows around buffalo and hanging out with her cat.
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
