On April 11, a number of new films will enter the marketplace. Here's a list of this week's new releases.
"Draft Day" - Kevin Costner returns to the big screen after failing to capture audiences in "3 Days to Kill." This time, he stars in a football movie about an NFL general manager Sonny Weaver who has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. The movie has not been reviewed by any critics and most likely the studio has no faith it will receive good reviews. "Draft Day" does not look to be a big box office success. Lionsgate will release the movie, which was directed by Ivan Reitman, and also stars Jennifer Garner, Ellen Burnstyn and Frank Langella.
"Oculus" - Relativity will release the indie horror flick after premiering the movie to great reviews at the SXSW Film Festival. The film, which was directed by Mike Flanagan, tells the story of a woman who tries to exonerate her brother, who was convicted of murder, by proving that the crime was committed by a supernatural phenomenon. With the success of such recent flicks including "Mama," "The Purge" and "You're Next," the distributor will attempt to reach similar audiences.
"Rio 2" - After a successful first installment Fox will try to reach the original film's audience. The movie, which is being voiced by Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway and Jaime Foxx, tells the story aout Blu, Jewel and their three kids after they traded Rio de Janeiro to the wilds of the Amazon. The movie has scored positive reviews and with no real competition from other children's films, the film is likely to become hit.
"The Railway Man" - Once thought of as an Oscar contender, the Weinstein Company will release the movie to positive reviews. The movie, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and stars Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman, tells the story of a former British Army officer who was tormented as a prisoner of war at a Japanese labor camp during World War II who discovers that the man responsible for much of his treatment is still alive and sets out to confront him. The movie is likely to garner a lot of buzz and could become the first Oscar contender if it garners a strong box office.
"Only Lovers Left Alive" - Jim Jarmusch's latest film will finally be released after a successful festival run that included Cannes and New York. The movie, starring Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston, tells the story of a depressed musician who reunites with his lover, though their romance—which has already endured several centuries—is disrupted by the arrival of his uncontrollable younger sister. The movie has received rave reviews and with Sony Classics Pictures releasing the film, "Lovers" is likely to be successful at the box office.
"Joe" - David Gordon Green's latest film is being called a masterpiece and a return to form for the director and for the lead star Nicolas Cage. The movie tells the story an ex-con who meets a 15-year-old boy and is faced with the choice of redemption or ruin.