On March 21, a number of new films will enter the marketplace. Here's a list of this week's new releases.
"Divergent" : Lionsgate and Summit entertainment are entering the weekend with their first franchise movie of the year. The film adapted from Veronica Roth's novel is slated to win the weekend and is also being called the next "Hunger Games." The movie, starring Shaliene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, tells the story of Tris who learns she's Divergent and won't fit in. When she discovers a plot to destroy Divergents, Tris and the mysterious Four must find out what makes Divergents dangerous before it's too late. The film is tracking well but has not scored particularly good reviews. The film currently has a 33 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes and does not look improve throughout the week.
"Muppets: Most Wanted" : After a hit and an Oscar award, Disney is bringing back the Muppets with a brand new cast. The film tells the story of The Muppets who find themselves wrapped into a European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick. The film has been receiving rave reviews and based on the first film's success, this movie looks to be another hit for Disney.
"God's Not Dead" : Freestyle is releasing this new film which tells the story of College student Josh Wheaton whose faith is challenged by his philosophy professor, who believes God does not exist. The faith-based movie is getting a new release but has not been getting a lot of promotion. However based on other Christian movies "Fireproof," and "Courageous" it is likely the film could perform relatively well. "God's Not Dead" has yet to be reviewed and will most start getting critiqued at the end of the week.
"Nymphomaniac Volume 1" : Lar Von Triers fans are likely to see this movie but it will be a hard sell for mass audiences. The movie tells the story of Joe, a Nymphomaniac and her sexual experiences. The film has been in the headlines for a number of months especially after it was announced that the film would feature real sex scenes. The film currently has an 85 percent aggregate score on Rotten Tomatoes and is likely to continue its critical success.
"Blood Ties" : The Cannes Film Festival selection opens in limited release. The movie, starring Clive Owen, Billy Crudup, Zoe Saldana, Mila Kunis, James Caan, Matthias Schpenaerts and Marion Cotillard, tells the story of two brothers, on either side of the law, who face off over organized crime in Brooklyn during the 1970s. The movie has received mixed reviews and has not been heavily promoted by its distributor Roadside Attractions.
"The Missing Picture" : Strand is finally releasing the Oscar nominated foreign film. The movie, which made history by being one of the few documentaries nominated in this category, tells the story of Rithy Panh who uses clay figures, archival footage, and his narration to recreate the atrocities Cambodia's Khmer Rouge committed between 1975 and 1979. With great reviews and the nomination, the film is bound to open to good numbers.