If the winter blues are dragging you down, these exciting films are something bright to look forward to in the upcoming months. From action to comedy, romance to thrillers, there’s a little something for everyone hitting theaters soon.
- “Dune: Part 2”
The highly anticipated sequel to the “Dune” movie, which premiered in 2021, is finally hitting theaters on March 1. This space-desert sci-fi was one of the most exciting films of 2021, and its sequel brings the return of Timothee Chalamet and Zendaya back to the world of Frank Herbert’s “Dune” universe. Along with Chalamet and Zendaya’s building chemistry, fans will also get to see Austin Butler and Florence Pugh join this star-studded cast as Paul Atreides (Chalamet) embarks on a revenge quest to destroy the villains who killed his family.
- “Kung Fu Panda 4”
On March 8, the fourth movie in the beloved “Kung Fu Panda” series will be released in theaters. Fun for kids and adults alike, the fourth installment of the series will star all the familiar favorites: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan and Lucy Liu. This time around, our favorite cartoon panda, Po, will face off against an evil chameleon as he searches for the new dragon warrior. This film is sure to be a funny and heartfelt addition to the “Kung Fu Panda” universe.
- “Love Lies Bleeding”
Also opening on March 8, this romance/action film directed by Rose Glass will be hitting the big screen with a bang. Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian star as a gym manager and bodybuilder who fall in love and embark on a journey through the American West before becoming entrapped in violence and lies. Lust and violence collide in this simultaneously nail-biting and swoon-worthy film that you’ll just have to see to believe.
- “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”
Premiering on March 22, the latest addition to the world of Ghostbusters stars Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon and Finn Wolfhard (“Stranger Things”). The film will take place in New York as the new generation of ghost fighters take on the most harrowing villain yet, an ancient force that leaves its victims literally frozen in fear. This supernatural comedy brings back some of the original ghostbusters cast and settings in a film that will delight new and long-time “Ghostbuster” fans alike.
- “Monkey Man”
Opening on April 5, “Monkey Man” is a “John Wick” style action/thriller directed by and starring Dev Patel, who also co-wrote the film. Patel stars as an underground bare-knuckle fighter who goes on a vengeful rampage throughout the underbelly of Mumbai. Sure to keep your heart racing and blood pounding throughout, this will be a must see for action lovers.
- “Abigail”
Calling all horror fans, “Abigail” starring Melissa Barrera and Alisha Weir may be a new favorite. Premiering on April 19, this horror features a ragtag group of criminals who are tasked with babysitting a kidnapped 12-year-old ballerina. What they don’t know is that this girl is a vampire, and they’ll be lucky if they can survive the night. A vampire ballerina horror certainly isn’t unoriginal, and this film is full of twists and turns that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
- “Challengers”
Zendaya as a former tennis star turned coach, plus a steamy love triangle, yes please! This tennis flick, directed by Luca Guadagnino, stars Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist alongside Zendaya as she plays Tashi, a former tennis prodigy who now coaches her husband. The past collides with the present when her husband faces off against her former boyfriend and sparks fly on and off the court. This exciting romance/sports film premieres on April 26.
Grace Giger can be reached at [email protected]