‘Top Gun’ sequel finally lands
It only took 36 years, but the sequel to “Top Gun” is finally landing in theaters.
But Tom Cruise and company aren’t flying solo on Memorial Day Weekend.
Here’s what’s new in Milwaukeearea theaters starting Friday, as well as some of the new movies available on streaming and on demand this week.
‘Top Gun: Maverick’
Short version: Tom Cruise is back as Maverick, that Navy pilot with the need for speed, who 30 years after heading into the danger zone is called back to train today’s Mavericks-to-be for a special mission — including the son (Miles Teller) of his dead wingman. Jon Hamm, Jennifer Connelly, Glen Powell and Val Kilmer co-star in this longawaited sequel, which so far is getting super-strong reviews and is carrying with it the expectation of being the summer’s box-office savior.
Where you can see it: AMC Mayfair Mall; Avalon Theater; Marcus Theatres’ Bistroplex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, Saukville, Showtime, Southgate, South Shore cinemas; Silverspot Cinema.
‘The Bob’s Burgers Movie’
Short version: In the big-screen adaptation of the cult-hit animated TV series, the Belchers’ hopes for a successful summer are dampened by a sinkhole that opens in front of their burger stand. Can the kids figure out the mystery in time to save the business? Either way, expect the same off-kilter comedy, which just finished its 12th season.
Where you can see it: AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres’ Bistroplex Southridge, Hillside, Majestic, Menomonee Falls, Movie Tavern Brookfield Square, North Shore, Ridge, Saukville,
Showtime, Southgate, South Shore cinemas; Silverspot Cinema.
‘Montana Story’
Short version: With their abusive father in a coma, an estranged brother and sister return home to gain some closure — and to confront dark truths about their shared past. Haley Lu Richardson and Owen Teague give first-rate performances in this gut-wrenching, heartfelt drama from co-directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel (“The Deep End,” “What Maisie Knew”), which was one of the gems that screened at this year’s Milwaukee Film Festival.
Where you can see it: AMC Mayfair Mall; Marcus Theatres’ Majestic, South Shore cinemas.
‘Throw Momma From the Train’ and ‘The Babadook’ at Times Cinema
“Mothering May,” this month’s programming theme at the Times Cinema, 5906 W. Vliet St., concludes with “Throw Momma From the Train,” at 6:30 p.m. May 27-29 and June 1; and “The Babadook,” 9 p.m. May 27-28 and 6:30 p.m. June 2. Tickets are $11. Info: timescinema.com.
‘Smokey and the Bandit’ at Marcus Theatres
The 1977 Burt Reynolds road comedy “Smokey and the Bandit” revs into theaters for 45th anniversary screenings this week. The largely improvised hit comedy is showing at 4 p.m. May 29 and 7 p.m. June 1 and at Marcus Theatres’ Majestic, Ridge and South Shore cinemas. Tickets are $13. Info: marcustheatres.com.
Indian action epic ‘RRR’ at Oriental Theatre
How big is “RRR”? The Telugu-language action epic, about two superwarriors who take on the British Raj and the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1920s India, is the third-highest grossing movie of all time in India — and it only came out in March. (”RRR,” standing for “rise, roar, revolt,” also did very well in limited release in the United States, despite its three-hour runtime.) The movie is being brought back to U.S. theaters for one night only, June 1; in Milwaukee, it’s showing in the main hall at the Oriental Theatre at 7 p.m. Admission is $12. Info:
Free outdoor movies in Milwaukee this week
The free outdoor movie season is finally here. The first screening, in The Amp in Greenfield’s Konkel Park, 5151 W. Layton Ave., is “Sing 2,” showing at dusk May 29 as part of Dan Jansen Family Fest. Info: City of Greenfield WI Dept of Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
New movies on demand
“Zero Contact”: In this virtually produced thriller, a dead tech genius’ (Anthony Hopkins) last act is to put together a team to stop a “globe-killing” event. Available May 27.
“There Are No Saints”: Imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, a man comes up with a plan to avenge his murdered wife and rescue his son, who’s been kidnapped and taken to Mexico in this action movie written by Paul Schrader. Available May 27.
“Bleeding Audio”: The near-rise, fall and (maybe) redemption of the Matches, a pop-punk band from Oakland, California, is the focus of this documentary. Available May 27.
“Sunken Roads: Three Generations After D-Day”: This documentary follows a group of D-Day veterans as they retrace the route of their experiences in World War II on the 70th anniversary of the landing. Available May 30.
“The Wobblies”: This restored 1979 documentary tells the story of the Industrial Workers of the World, an ambitious organization that tried to create “one big union” uniting all workers in the early part of the 20th century. Available May 31.
Recent release available on demand: “Father Stu,” May 31.
New movies on streaming services
“We Feed People”: Director Ron Howard profiles World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit organization founded by chef Jose Andres to bring healthy food to people in crisis situations. (The documentary had its local premiere at the Milwaukee Film Festival this year.) On Disney+ May 27.
“Kick Like Tayla”: Professional boxer and Australian rules football player Tayla Harris, and her battle against sexism and cyber-bullying in sport, is profiled in this documentary. On Amazon Prime Video May 27.
Recent releases debuting on streaming services: “Emergency,” on Amazon Prime Video May 27; “The Banquet,” on AMC+ May 27; “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore,” on HBO Max 30; “Gamestop: Rise of the Players,” on Hulu May 31; “The Last Tourist,” on Hulu June 1; “City of Queens,” on Peacock June 1; “Blue Bayou,” on HBO Max June 1.