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

The Oscars are over, 2014 is officially put to rest, and the desolate days of Movie Siberia (January and February) are waning…which means it’s time for The Year in Film 2015 to warm up. Here is a preview for the notable releases for the month of March. 

It all gets technical with….

CHAPPIE – Director Neil Blomkamp (DISTRICT 9) brings us another grim look at the future; this time through the eyes of a self-aware robot. This sci-fi flick stars Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver, and Dev Patel (SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE). Sharlto Copley provides the voice of the robot. 

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL – The long awaited sequel to the 2012 surprise hit. Stars Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel, David Strathairn and Richard Gere. 

CINDERELLA – Director Kenneth Branagh, who has helmed Shakespeare’s HENRY V and Marvel’s THOR, brings us a live-action adaptation of the Disney classic. Lily James stars as the title role, Helena Bonham Carter is the Fairy Godmother, and Cate Blanchett (ELIZABETH) is the Wicked Stepmother. Hayley Atwell (Marvel’s AGENT CARTER) rounds out the cast as Cinderella’s mother. 

RUN ALL NIGHT – Liam Neeson in yet another shoot-em-up flick. He is joined by Joel Kinnaman (ROBOCOP 2014), and Ed Harris (APOLLO 13). 

THE COBBLER – Adam Sandler in another comedic goldmine.

ANARCHY – A gritty film about a war between dirty cops and a biker gang. Stars Ed Harris, Milla Jovovich, and Ethan Hawke (BOYHOOD).

THE DIVERGENT SERIES: INSURGENT – Another set of teen-novels gets adapted for the big screen; this second film in the series involves a futuristic Chicago in which fugitives hunt for allies while on the run. Stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Kate Winslet, Octavia Spencer, Zoe Kravitz, Miles Teller, and the human doorknob….Jai Courtney.

THE GUNMAN – Seemingly looking to ride the coattails of Liam Neeson’s success as an aging action star, Sean Penn stars as a retired assassin pulled back into action. Stars Idris Elba (THOR), Javier Bardem (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN), and Ray Winstone (THE DEPARTED). Directed by Pierre Morel (TAKEN).

ACCIDENTAL LOVE – Director David O’ Russell, who has been nominated for multiple Oscars in recent years for THE FIGHTER, SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, and AMERICAN HUSTLE…directs this quirky comedy in which a freak accident leaves a woman with a nail lodged in her head. Stars Jake Gyllenhaal (NIGHTCRAWLER), Jessica Biel, James Marsden, Catherine Keener, Tracy Morgan, James Brolin, and Kirstie Alley. 

SERENA – This troubled film, which has been in production for what seems like a thousand years, gets a quiet release. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence unite once again...this time as a couple heading up a logging business in the 1920’s. Toby Jones and Rhys Ifans co-star. 

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Next month, Episode IV of The Year in Film 2015 previews the month of April.