On April 4, a number of new films will enter the marketplace. Here's a list of this week's new releases.
"Captain America: The Winter Solider" - After a the successful "Captain America: The First Avenger," Marvel brings back the iconic superhero for a suspenseful journey that has Chris Evans reprise his winning turn. The film, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, tells the story of Steve Rogers who struggles to embrace his role in the modern world and battles a new threat from history: the Soviet agent known as the Winter Soldier. The film also stars Scarlet Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Anthony Mackie and Robert Redford and been scoring rave reviews with critics stating that it redefines the Marvel world. Diseny is set to release the film in 3,900 theaters.
"Frankie and Alice" - Lionsgate will finally release the Halle Berry film after a four year delay. The film was originally released in 2010 for an Oscar qualifying run and while it scored a Golden Globe nomination for Berry, the movie failed to register with audiences and scored terrible reviews. The film, which also stars Stellan Skarsgard, tells story of a go-go dancer with multiple personality disorder who struggles to remain her true self and begins working with a psychotherapist to uncover the mystery of the inner ghosts that haunt her. Lionsgate plans on releasing the film in 125 theaters.
"Under the Skin" - The highly divisive film "Under the Skin" will finally be unveiled by A24. The movie directed by Jonathon Glazer tells the story of an alien seductress who preys upon hitchhikers in Scotland. Johansson's performance has been getting raves and Glazer's visual style has also been lauded with praise. While the film will only receive a limited release, A24 plans to expand the film in the coming weeks.
"Alan Partridge" - Magnolia will release Steve Coogan's film after a successful run internationally and on VOD. The film, which is based on the classic British character, tells the story of DJ Alan Partridge whose radio station is taken over by a new media conglomerate and sets in motion a chain of events, which see Alan having to work with the police to defuse a potentially violent siege. We saw the film at the New York Film Festival and thought it was a "Hilarious Comedy."
"Dom Hemingway" - After two successful indie pictures, Fox Searchlight hopes to have the same luck with Jude Law's latest film. Directed by Richard Shepard, the movie tells the story of Dom Hemingway who is back on the streets of London looking to collect what he's owed after spending 12 years in prison for keeping his mouth shut. The film, which also stars Demian Bichir, has scored mixed reviews and is unlikely to follow in the success of recent Searchlight titles, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" and "12 Years a Slave."
"Nymphomaniac Volume 2" - Having opened on VOD before it theatrical release, Lars Von Triers' second part to "Nymphomaniac" hopes to pull in better numbers than the original film. The movie is a continuation of Joe's sexually dictated life that delves into the darker aspects of her adult life and what leads to her being in Seligman's care. The film stars Charlotte Gainsbourg, Stellan Skarsgard, Jaime Bell and Willem Dafoe. Magnolia should not hope for a big success, especially with the second part receiving mixed reviews. Nevertheless, we loved it.
"Afflicted" - CBS Films will release the critically-acclaimed horror film, which won the Best Picture award at the Austin Fantastic Fest. The movie tells the story of two best friends who see their trip of a lifetime take a dark turn when one of them is struck by a mysterious affliction. The movie will receive a limited release and expand. Word of mouth may give "Afflicted" a strong opening, especially with some rave reviews.