“Aladdin” — May 24
Directed by the hit-or-miss Guy Ritchie and starring Will Smith as a blue version of himself, this newest Disney release is sure to turn heads. It’s unclear exactly how this live-action recreation will turn out, but it’s hard to imagine a world in which it’s better than the original. Questionable CGI in the trailers hasn’t yet inspired much confidence. Can Naomi Scott sing better than Emma Watson in “Beauty and the Beast?” Why does Genie have that facial hair? Who is the actor actually playing Aladdin? One way or another, these burning questions will be answered.
My advice: Watch it for Will “Genie” Smith and the Magic Carpet.
“Brightburn” — May 24
While I was initially high on this evil Superman “what-if” origin story, I’ve mellowed out more than I care to admit. Trailers keep showing the exact same four scenes, which makes me wonder if this film is actually longer than 20 minutes. Despite this, the child actor looks incredibly terrifying, and the small-town setting inspires a sense of dread. Will it have a happy ending? I think not, but there’s always a slight chance this ends up being a prequel to the next Superman recasting (Sorry Henry Cavill).
My advice: Wait as long as possible to rent, so you aren’t burned.
“Rocketman” — May 31
First we had “Straight Outta Compton.” Then “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s finally time to rejoice, because “Rocketman” concludes the under-the-radar Music Cinematic Universe (MCU patent pending) trilogy. Is it a trilogy no one asked for? Perhaps. Is it even a trilogy? No comment. But after Elton John’s incredible acting chops on display in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle,” there was obviously no better time to explore his past. I expect cameos both from Rami Malek’s Freddy Mercury and Ice Cube, even if the context isn’t quite there.
The film is destined for greatness, because if “Bohemian Rhapsody” can win any award at all, this should win Best Picture simply by existing.
My advice: Watch it if you’re a David Bowie fan.
“Godzilla: King of the Monsters” — May 31
Godzilla fights large monsters throughout a two-hour cinematic masterpiece that will redefine modern storytelling and emotional resonation. He will eventually win. Maybe he’ll finally talk as well.
My advice: Watch it opening night in IMAX. Likely be disappointed, either because of the film or because Moscow doesn’t have an IMAX.
“Ma” — May 31
Ma, played by Octavia Spencer, is a mysterious woman who befriends local teenagers and offers to host their parties in the basement of her very isolated home. If that premise doesn’t roll in the money, I don’t know what will.
Of course, there’s more to Ma than meets the eye, and she begins to terrorize the teens. Spencer is a phenomenal actress, and the film’s success will likely be dependant on how much she can do with her script.
The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced this may be some kind of hidden documentary on what not do as a mother.
Regardless, it’s a Blumhouse film, so we’re likely in for a treat that rivals the likes of “Truth or Dare.” Wait a second…
My advice: Rent on Amazon Video or wait until it’s inevitably on Netflix.
“The Secret Life of Pets 2” — June 7
Having never seen the first film, I can safely say I’m an expert on the franchise. As a lover of dogs and Patton Oswalt, this looks to be the most accurate representation of animals on the big screen since “Cats & Dogs.” Come for the animals, stay for the plot.
My advice: Watch if you like dogs, cats or rabbits. Begrudgingly watch if you have children.
“Dark Phoenix” — June 7
The latest in the “James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender are better actors than their counterparts” saga, “Dark Phoenix” doesn’t even include X-Men in its title. In Fox’s big farewell to the series, the X-Men must take down Sansa Stark after she absorbs some kind of CGI solar flare during a space mission gone wrong. The Phoenix is unleashed, and this should sound familiar because it’s the exact same thing that happened in “X-Men: The Last Stand.” We all know how that movie turned out, so maybe it’s best to let this one die a quick, painless death as well.
My advice: Wait to see how similar it is to the tragically terrible film it’s based on.
Check back next time for more movie releases in late June and July.
Max Rothenberg can be reached at [email protected]