What's New in Theaters this May?
Who's afraid of Thanos? While April's options became scarce around the release of Avengers: Endgame, the multiplex surges to life in May with a wide range of eclectic alternatives to the Marvel juggernaut. There's something for the whole family and every member of the family this month.
Week One: May 1st through 5th
The Intruder starting May 3rd
A young couple buys a home but don’t realize that it comes with a stalker. Dennis Quaid plays the former owner of the home who just can’t let go in this psychological thriller.
Ugly Dolls starting May 3rd
With voice performances from Kelly Clarkson, Nick Jonas, and Janelle Monae, this animated movie is being compared to Trolls. The story celebrates weirdness, individuality, and imperfection as the residents of Uglyville go on a journey of self discovery and acceptance after meeting neighboring dolls from the town of Perfection.
Batman 80th Anniversary starting on May 4th and continuing May 6th, 12th, and 14th
While Ben Affleck and Christian Bale’s versions of the Dark Knight are fresh in moviegoers memories, who can forget the way Michael Keaton and director Tim Burton breathed new life into Batman with 1989’s iconic feature film?
Even though the subsequent films offered diminishing returns, it may still be fun to see Keaton’s second outing on the big screen, along with Val Kilmer and George Clooney’s first-and-only turns in the mask, with showings of Batman (1989), Batman Returns, Batman Forever, and Batman and Robin over the course of four special Fathom Events screenings.
True Grit 50th Anniversary on May 5th and May 8th
John Wayne’s first and only Oscar was derived from this classic Western, and Fathom Events is making it available in theaters for two nights only. The screening comes with a bonus segment providing insight from TCM.
Week Two: May 6th through 12th
Detective Pikachu starting May 10th
Ryan Reynolds voices the adorable, yellow Pokémon who partners with the film’s human star Justice Smith to solve a mystery. It immerses viewers in a an electric world of visual stimulation and imagination in which Pokémon live alongside humans.
The Hustle starting May 10th
Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson play conwomen from two very different walks of life in a quasi-remake of 1988’s Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
Tolkien on May 10th
This biopic follows the early life of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit author J.R.R. Tolkien played by Nicholas Holt.
As an art school student, he forms a fellowship with other artists before the horrors of World War I permanently alter his life, his work, and the world itself. The inspirations for his most famous works are revealed through his real-life unexpected journey.
Week Three: May 13th through 19th
John Wick: Chapter 3 starting May 17th
Keanu Reeves returns as John Wick— super-assassin and dog lover. With a $14 million bounty on his head, he must escape from New York while fighting the world’s top bounty hunters and the numerous enemies he’s acquired throughout his career.
The Sun is Also a Star starting May 17th
Based on a novel by the author of Everything, Everything, this film follows a hopeless romantic who instantly falls in love with a young woman whose whole family (herself included!) is being deported the next day.
Credit: Photo by Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock (1613950a)
Steel Magnolias, Shirley Maclaine, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Julia Roberts, Daryl Hannah, Dolly Parton
Film and Television
Steel Magnolias 30th Anniversary on May 19th, 21st, and 22nd
Fathom Events is bringing the iconic, 1989 comedy-drama back to the big screen for its anniversary. Starring Sally Field, Dolly Parton, Shirley MacLaine, Daryl Hannah, Olympia Dukakis, and Julia Roberts, the film explores the bonds of family and celebrates strong women in 1980s, Southern style.
Week Four: May 20th through 26th
Brightburn on May 24th
Imagine Superman’s origin if the all-powerful alien turned out to be pure evil. This superhero horror film produced by Guardians of the Galaxydirector James Gunn explores the premise of an invincible alien child, adopted by mild mannered human parents, who turns on them and their helpless world.
Aladdin on May 24th
Disney’s live-action remake of the wildly popular and beloved Aladdin has big shoes to fill. Despite some early criticism of Will Smith’s appearance as the Genie, the trailers promise a wild magic carpet ride that the whole family can enjoy with action, music, and comedy.
Week Five: May 27th through June 3rd
Rocketman on May 31st
Based on a a true fantasy, this biopic showcases the incredible story of Sir Elton John, as portrayed by Taron Egerton. If the behind-the-scenes drama isn’t enough to captivate you, surely the soundtrack will.
Ma on May 31st
In a striking departure for Octavia Spencer, she plays a lonely, middle-aged woman who befriends a group of teens before turning dark and creepy.
After inviting them into her basement to drink and party, the formerly fun “Ma” becomes a terrifying stalker whose reach extends far beyond her party pad into their lives.
Stay tuned to Advocate Channel and advocatechannel.com for interviews with some of these movies' biggest stars, and inside access to their red carpet premieres.
