Major Theatrical Releases March 2016

Major Theatrical Releases March 2016 

March is the beginnings of Spring, the melting of the months-long snowfall, and an odd time for movies.  There's an interesting mixture of comedy, action and religious-themed films being released, along with one that should've been more suited for a summer release, and a slew of sequels.

That being said, here is the list of films being released nationally for the month of March, 2016.

March 4

London Has Fallen

Starring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Radha Mitchell

Directed by Babak Najafi

Synopsis (imdb.com):
In London for the Prime Minister's funeral, Mike Banning discovers a plot to assassinate all the attending world leaders.

Thoughts:
"Olympus Has Fallen" was a major hit, and a non-stop action thrill ride.  "London Has Fallen" seems to follow the same formula, even having Morgan Freeman's character in an almost identical-looking conference room.  Might not fare as well since it happens in London and not in America's White House, but I can still see it being a big hit.

Zootopia

Starring Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Jenny Slate

Directed by Byron Howard, Rich Moore & Jared Bush

Synopsis (imdb.com):
In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy.

Thoughts:
Disney has hardly made a mistake in their decades-long career, and "Zootopia" doesn't look like it'll be their first mistake.  It looks like a crowd-pleasing film for young and old alike, and will probably be another massive hit for the company.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Starring Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Martin Freeman, Alfred Molina

Directed by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa

Synopsis (imdb.com):
A journalist recounts her wartime coverage in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Thoughts:
This is "based on a true story," so take that worth a grain of salt.  Unfortunately, this comes out the same weekend as a big-budget sequel and kid-friendly film, so it won't fare as well as it should.  Tina Fey looks absolutely hilarious, and I love the subtle humor made in the call letters of the title.

March 11

10 Cloverfield Lane

Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher, Mat Vairo

Directed by Dan Trachtenberg

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Monsters come in many forms. 

Thoughts:
Back in 2008, J.J. Abrams brought "Cloverfield" to theaters, with resounding applause.  The story of a monster attacking New York through the eyes of average citizens was a breath of fresh air, something unique and compelling.  Eight years later, he unleashes this tale, a sequel fans have been pining for, without anyone knowing it.  Not much is known about this sequel, except it seems to take place in a different location, abandoned the found footage format, and enlisted some big names in Winstead and Goodman.  Needless to say, I'm hooked.

The Brothers Grimsby

Starring Sasha Baron Cohen, Mark Strong, Rebel Wilson, Penelope Cruz

Directed by Louis Leterrier

Synopsis (imdb.com):
A new assignment forces a top spy to team up with his football hooligan brother.

Thoughts:
Melissa McCarthy's "Spy" was a golden gem of a comedy, as it made fun of the spy film industry.  "The Brothers Grimsby" seems to want to take that route, but from all the previews it looks like a downright excruciating endeavor featuring Sasha Baron Cohen, who should've quit after "Borat."


 

The Young Messiah

Starring Adam Greaves-Neal, Sean Bean, Rory Keenan, Isabelle Adriani

Directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Tells the story of Jesus Christ at age seven as he and his family depart Egypt to return home to Nazareth. Told from his childhood perspective, it follows young Jesus as he grows into his religious identity.

Thoughts:
Easter is just around the corner, so you'd expect to see some religious-themed films.  This one is unique as it follows the life of a young Jesus, which isn't mentioned in the Bible.  That's the only real unique thing going for it, and audiences might be overexposed after seeing "Risen" last month.

March 16

Miracles From Heaven

Starring Jennifer Garner, Martin Henderson, Brighton Sharbino, Queen Latifah

Directed by Patricia Riggen

Synopsis (imdb.com):
A young girl suffering from a rare digestive disorder finds herself miraculously cured after surviving a terrible accident. Based on the book 'Miracles From Heaven' by Christy Beam.

Thoughts:
"Miracles From Heaven" seem to follow the track of the surprisingly popular "Heaven is For Real," in that it a) focuses on religion; b) centers around a young child who experiences something miraculous; c) has pretty much the same movie poster.  Can lightning strike twice?  Maybe.

March 18

The Divergent Series: Allegiant

Starring Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Naomi Watts, Miles Teller

Directed by Robert Schwentke

Synopsis (imdb.com):
The third installment of the blockbuster Divergent series franchise,Allegiant , takes Tris and Four into a new world, far more dangerous than ever before.

Thoughts:
"The Hunger Games" paved the way for other Young Adult novels to be made into a series of blockbuster hits.  "Divergent" was one of those, but "Insurgent" failed to garner as much good intentions.  Much like the diminishing returns of "The Hunger Games" series, I see a continual drop in the "Divergent" series as well, and with one more film yet to be released, I see this one suffering from it.  Plus the fact the following week comes the release of a very highly anticipated film.  Plus there hasn't been a lot of marketing for this.

March 25

Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice

Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg

Directed by Zack Snyder

Synopsis (imdb.com):
Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on Superman, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis. 

Thoughts:
This is the film that will either make or break the future of The Justice League.  Buzz has been generally negative toward this film, as the previews seem completely discombobulated and all over the place.  What is the story here?  It seems that it wants to tell so many different ones.  Then there's the odd casting choices.  Ben Affleck as Batman has been almost universally panned, and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor also seems like a huge miscast.  Sure, it's going to be a huge hit, but it should've done better marketing beforehand.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

Starring Nia Vardelos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Joey Fatone

Directed by Kirk Jones

Synopsis (imdb.com):
A Portokalos family secret brings the beloved characters back together for an even bigger and Greeker wedding.

Thoughts:
Back in 2002, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" was a critical and financial hit, and was the highest grossing independent film ever.  Nia Vardelos and John Corbett were big names, and it seemed that the world was theirs for the taking.  Then...nothing.  Bomb after bomb after bomb, until both faded to obscurity.  Now, for some odd reason, fourteen years later they decide to try for the gold again.  Much like the very late "Zoolander 2," no one is going to be interested in a sequel over a decade later, especially one that no one asked for.


So there are the major releases for March, 2016.  Here is a list in order from what I think will be the best, to the worst.

Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Zootopia
London Has Fallen
The Divergent Series: Allegiant
10 Cloverfield Lane
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
The Young Messiah
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
The Brothers Grimsby
Miracles From Heaven