A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2015, Episode V

 The calendar may still say Spring, but the traditional start of the Summer Movie Season is about to begin. Here is a look ahead at the notable films of the monstrous month of May. 

It all assembles with: 

AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON – Joss Whedon (AVENGERS, SERENITY) returns to direct the 11^th film in Marvel Studios’ unprecedented ongoing and expanding universe of superhero films. The ensemble cast includes Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Bettany, Andy Serkis, Cobie Smulders, Don Cheadle, James Spader…and a few more surprises. Read Reel Speak's review HERE

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD – This is the fourth film version of the 1874 novel by Thomas Hardy. Stars Carey Mulligan (DRIVE), Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen, and Juno Temple. 

HOT PURSUIT – Reese Witherspoon (WILD) headlines this action comedy film with Sofia Vergara. 

Directed by Anne Fletcher (THE PROPOSAL)

MAGGIE – Arnold Schwarzenegger makes a departure from his usual dumbassed action roles in this independent horror film. Co-stars Abigail Breslin (SIGNS, ZOMBIELAND).

PITCH PERFECT 2 – Anna Kendrick (INTO THE WOODS) headlines the sequel to the 2012 smash hit. Directed by Elizabeth Banks. 

MAD MAX: FURY ROAD – George Miller, who brought us the cult-hit franchise MAD MAX/THE ROAD WARRIOR, continues his own saga in this loose reboot. Stars Tom Hardy (WARRIOR, THE DARK KNIGHT RISES), Charlize Theron, Nicholas Hoult, Zoe Kravitz, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

GOOD KILL – Andrew Niccol, director of the magnificent THE TRUMAN SHOW (1998), returns with this drama in which Ethan Hawke plays a U.S. Air Force pilot charged with flying drones. Co-stars January Jones, Zoe Kravitz, and Bruce Greenwood. 

SLOW WEST – A British/American action thriller set in the Old West. Stars Michael Fassbender (SHAME, PROMETHEUS), Ben Mendelsohn (THE DARK KNIGHT RISES), and Kodi Smit-McPhee (THE ROAD, LET ME IN). 

EVERY SECRET THING – Based on the crime novel of the same name. Stars Diane Lane, Elizabeth Banks, Dakota Fanning, and Nate Parker. 

TOMORROWLAND – This highly secretive science fiction/mystery film is directed by Brad Bird (THE INCREDIBLES), and has roots in Walt Disney’s original fantastical vision for Disneyland. Stars George Clooney, Britt Robertson, and Judy Greer. 

POLTERGEIST – A remake of the 1982 classic. Directed by Gil Kenan (CITY OF EMBER, MONSTER HOUSE), it stars Sam Rockwell (MOON), Jared Harris, and Rosemarie DeWitt. 

SAN ANDREAS – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson headlines this disaster thriller in which he combats an earthquake. Co-stars Carla Gugino (SIN CITY). 

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Next month, Reel Speak previews the month of June.