Big-budget blockbusters to look out for
The release of double hit Beauty and the Beast and Ghost in the Shell has marked the start of the traditional Hollywood blockbuster season. With Easter and the school holidays approaching here are some of the big-budget flicks you can look forward to over the next few months.
THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE
The breakout star of The Lego Movie, Will Arnett’s Batman’s solo spin-off finally offers a mostly family friendly take on Gotham’s favourite vigilante. This time he has to learn to share his Bat-space with young ward Robin and battle The Joker. The impressive vocal cast also includes Michael Cena, Zach Galifianakis, Rosario Dawson and Ralph Fiennes.
FATE OF THE FURIOUS
The once seemingly dead franchise that keeps going from strength to strength steps up another gear with the addition of Charlize Theron and Helen Mirren into the high-octane mix. Rumour has it that the action this time will be set in New York, but most interest will centre on how the franchise gets on without the late Paul Walker.
THE BOSS BABY
Alec Baldwin voices the title character in this animated adventure about a suit-wearing, briefcase-carrying baby who pairs up with his seven-year old brother to stop the dastardly plot of the CEO of Puppy Co. Other members of the voice cast include Lisa Kudrow, Jimmy Kimmel and Tobey Maguire.
GUARDIAN OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 (APRIL 25)
The Marvel Cinematic Universe carries on its merry way with the return of cinema’s breakout stars of 2014. Groot, Gamora, Drax and Rocket are this time helping in the search for Peter Quill’s true parentage. Nathan Fillion and Kurt Russell are new additions.
SNATCHED (MAY 18)
Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn star in this comedy about a young woman who, after being dumped by her boyfriend, persuades her ultra-cautious mother to travel with her on an exotic holiday. The film is Hawn’s first since 2002’s The Banger Sisters.
KING ARTHUR (MAY 18)
Sherlock Holmes‘ Guy Ritchie directs this latest take on the legendary British King. Sons of Anarchy‘ s Charlie Hunnam is the man wielding the sword.
THE CIRCLE (MAY 25)
Emma Watson teams up with Tom Hanks for this sci-fi thriller about a woman who lands a dream job at a powerful tech company, only to uncover a nefarious agenda that will affect the lives of her friends, family and humanity. It was also Bill Paxton’s final film role.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES (MAY 25)
When Johnny Depp wasn’t battling Australian officialdom, he was making this fifth instalment of the actionadventure franchise. This time, his Jack Sparrow is searching for Poseidon’s trident, while trying to avoid the attentions of Javier Bardem’s Captain Salazar.
WONDER WOMAN (JUNE 1)
DC’s Amazon princess finally gets the big-screen treatment in this Batman vs Superman prequel which sees her leaving her island home to explore the world. Chris Pine and Robin Wright join Gal Gadot for the ensuing action.
THE MUMMY (JUNE 8)
Tom Cruise takes over from Brendan Fraser in this reboot of Universal’s monster franchise. This time it is an ancient ‘‘princess’’ who is awoken and plans to wreck havoc around the globe.
CARS 3 (JUNE 22)
Owen Wilson’s Lightning McQueen is back and aiming to prove to a new generation of racers that he’s still the best race car in the world. Joining the vocal cast this time are Castle‘ s Nathan Fillion and Scandal‘ s Kerry Washington.
DESPICABLE ME 3 (JUNE 29)
This third outing for Gru and his girls sees the emergence of the former megalomaniac’s twin brother Dru. South Park’s Trey Parker is set to play the movie’s big bad – Balthazar Bratt, a former child star obsessed with the character he played back in the 1980s.
SPIDER MAN: HOMECOMING (JULY 6)
Following his introduction in last year’s Captain America: Civil War, Tom Holland’s Peter Parker attempts to balance his life in high school with his career as the web-slinging superhero. Expect Robert Downey Jnr’s Tony Stark to at least make an appearance.