IMDb Picks: April
Here are the films and TV series premiering in April that IMDb's Editors are most excited to see.
1.
Furious 7
(2015)
Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for his comatose brother. (137 mins.)
Director: James Wan
“ After six increasingly outrageous entries, does the Fast and Furious franchise still have any gas left in the tank? Early reviews suggest it does, with many describing Furious 7 as one of the strongest installments yet. At the very least, it will be the biggest of them, and not just at the box office (where it could earn close to $1 billion worldwide). It has a huge cast – a nice mix of old and new – and a ton of wild set pieces, including cars parachuting out of a plane and a car jumping between two skyscrapers.
There’s also the sentimental value of seeing Paul Walker playing his most popular character in what wound up being his final role before his tragic car accident in late 2013. Reviews imply that the Furious 7 team found a surprising, very emotional way to send him off; word is that there will be few dry eyes in the theater during the credits.
-Ray
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 3rd. ” - IMDb-Editors
There’s also the sentimental value of seeing Paul Walker playing his most popular character in what wound up being his final role before his tragic car accident in late 2013. Reviews imply that the Furious 7 team found a surprising, very emotional way to send him off; word is that there will be few dry eyes in the theater during the credits.
-Ray
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 3rd. ” - IMDb-Editors
2.
5 to 7
(2014)
An aspiring novelist enters into a relationship with a woman, though there's just one catch: She's married, and the couple can only meet between the hours of 5 and 7 each evening. (95 mins.)
Director: Victor Levin
“ I was pulled in by this trailer and its take on fidelity, and I'm happy to see Anton Yelchin in the lead role. Equally satisfying is the chance to see Bérénice Marlohe back on screen after being seduced by her in Skyfall.
--Arno
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 3rd. ” - IMDb-Editors
--Arno
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 3rd. ” - IMDb-Editors
3.
Lambert & Stamp
(2014 Documentary)
A documentary that reveals how the unlikely partnership between aspiring filmmakers Chris Stamp and Kit Lambert produced one of the greatest rock bands in history: The Who. (117 mins.)
Director: James D. Cooper
“ Putting on my old man voice: Back when there were record stores and teenagers clamored to them each week for the latest releases, there were plenty of characters like Kit Lambert and Chris Stamp, who stumbled into infamy as the nascent filmmaker duo collided with The Who, and ultimately became co-managers of the band (they handled Jimi Hendrix for a while there, too).
This looks like the must-see documentary of the month.
--Arno
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 3rd. ” - IMDb-Editors
This looks like the must-see documentary of the month.
--Arno
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 3rd. ” - IMDb-Editors
4.
Outlander
(2014 TV Series)
Follows the story of Claire Randall, a married combat nurse from 1945 who is mysteriously swept back in time to 1743... (64 mins.)
“ I'll admit it, the first half of season one didn't completely sell me until episodes seven and eight, when the producers finally pulled back on the intricate exposition to show how starkly Jamie Fraser's existence in 1743 differed from Claire Randall's more liberated life in 1945.
Now that Claire and Jamie have wedded and bedded, "Outlander" has finally let go of the reins slowing its pacing. Accordingly, the second half of the season roars out of the gate with a heart-stopping resolution to the midseason cliffhanger, and gets more exciting from there.
The story grows darker, too, with surprising twists that made me feverish to watch the next episode, then the next, and the next. Yes, I may have begun my journey feeling lukewarm about "Outlander," but the last moments of the season finale left me profoundly sullen at knowing I'd down many a scotch before getting to enjoy season two. --Melanie McFarland
Premieres: 9pm Saturday, April 4 on Starz. ” - IMDb-Editors
Now that Claire and Jamie have wedded and bedded, "Outlander" has finally let go of the reins slowing its pacing. Accordingly, the second half of the season roars out of the gate with a heart-stopping resolution to the midseason cliffhanger, and gets more exciting from there.
The story grows darker, too, with surprising twists that made me feverish to watch the next episode, then the next, and the next. Yes, I may have begun my journey feeling lukewarm about "Outlander," but the last moments of the season finale left me profoundly sullen at knowing I'd down many a scotch before getting to enjoy season two. --Melanie McFarland
Premieres: 9pm Saturday, April 4 on Starz. ” - IMDb-Editors
5.
Mad Men
(2007 TV Series)
A drama about one of New York's most prestigious ad agencies at the beginning of the 1960s, focusing on one of the firm's most mysterious but extremely talented ad executives, Donald Draper. (45 mins.)
“ In its final season, "Mad Men" is taking a hard look at whether having it all is really possible, and whether the prosperity promised as the reward for hard work is really worth the sacrifice. And without giving away the year in which the midseason premiere takes place, let's say some of the men's fashion choices are veering toward the tragic.
After the series airs its finale, it will not only stand as one of the greatest works in the medium, but as a show that raised the creative bar for television producers and writers. We intend to drink in every moment of this drama's final seven episodes.
Premieres: 10pm Sunday, April 5 on AMC.
--Melanie ” - IMDb-Editors
After the series airs its finale, it will not only stand as one of the greatest works in the medium, but as a show that raised the creative bar for television producers and writers. We intend to drink in every moment of this drama's final seven episodes.
Premieres: 10pm Sunday, April 5 on AMC.
--Melanie ” - IMDb-Editors
6.
Ex Machina
(2015)
A young programmer is selected to participate in a breakthrough experiment in artificial intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a breathtaking female A.I. (108 mins.)
Director: Alex Garland
“ A few of us here at IMDb – myself included – have had the chance to see 28 Days Later writer Alex Garland’s directorial debut, Ex Machina. We’re all in agreement that it’s one of the smartest, most original sci-fi movies to come along in quite some time. The dialogue is great, the three performances are all strong – in particular, Oscar Isaac as a “bro” tech genius – and the final act leaves you with a ton to discuss. This is an early contender for one of the best movies of the year, and is an absolutely a must-see for sci-fi fans.
-Ray
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 10th. ” - IMDb-Editors
-Ray
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 10th. ” - IMDb-Editors
7.
Daredevil
(2015 TV Series)
A blind lawyer with his other senses superhumanly enhanced fights crime as a costumed superhero. (60 mins.)
“ There are a lot of reasons to look forward to Netflix's take on "Daredevil," starting with the seemingly perfect casting of Charlie Cox as Matt Murdock and Vincent D'Onofrio as Kingpin, and ending with the prayer that this version will finally eclipse that 2003 misfire starring Batfleck.
But mostly we're curious to see how this measures up against all the other superhero titles on television right now -- and glad that we can spin through the entire series in just a couple of sittings.
Regardless of what our verdict ends up being, that Daredevil is getting a decent serialized treatment is likely to be welcomed by comic book fans. --Melanie McFarland
Premieres: Friday, April 10 on Netflix. ” - IMDb-Editors
But mostly we're curious to see how this measures up against all the other superhero titles on television right now -- and glad that we can spin through the entire series in just a couple of sittings.
Regardless of what our verdict ends up being, that Daredevil is getting a decent serialized treatment is likely to be welcomed by comic book fans. --Melanie McFarland
Premieres: Friday, April 10 on Netflix. ” - IMDb-Editors
8.
Clouds of Sils Maria
(2014)
A veteran actress comes face-to-face with an uncomfortable reflection of herself when she agrees to take part in a revival of the play that launched her career 20 years earlier. (124 mins.)
Director: Olivier Assayas
“ Let the manipulations begin, seriously. I love that Kristen Stewart finally has Twilight behind her and can get back to being more of an actress and less of a celebrity, and the thought of her working alongside Juliette Binoche and Chloë Grace Moretz for Olivier Assayas is a promise of some of the finest work from them all.
--Arno
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 10th. ” - IMDb-Editors
--Arno
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 10th. ” - IMDb-Editors
9.
Game of Thrones
(2011 TV Series)
Several noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. (55 mins.)
“ Many "Game of Thrones" fans would likely pick the penultimate episode of the third season (commonly referred to as the “Red Wedding”) as the biggest “game-changer” for the show so far. I’d argue, though, that the fourth season of the show shook things up even more: there were a handful of major deaths, particularly toward the end, and a few key characters made radical changes in location in the final episode.
Yes, I’m being overly vague – there’s always a chance that someone out there reading this isn’t caught up. Or, gasp, hasn’t even started watching. Hey! You! What’s up? Is everything okay? Don’t worry, I won’t judge too much – though I’d like to gently remind you that it’s never too late to start watching what’s undoubtedly one of the absolute best shows on TV right now.
-Ray
Premieres: 9pm Sunday, April 12 on HBO. ” - IMDb-Editors
Yes, I’m being overly vague – there’s always a chance that someone out there reading this isn’t caught up. Or, gasp, hasn’t even started watching. Hey! You! What’s up? Is everything okay? Don’t worry, I won’t judge too much – though I’d like to gently remind you that it’s never too late to start watching what’s undoubtedly one of the absolute best shows on TV right now.
-Ray
Premieres: 9pm Sunday, April 12 on HBO. ” - IMDb-Editors
10.
Silicon Valley
(2014 TV Series)
In the high-tech gold rush of modern Silicon Valley, the people most qualified to succeed are the least capable of handling success... (30 mins.)
“ I knew this comedy's portrayal of the tech industry was spot-on, even though I couldn't bring myself to watch it at first -- it reminded me too much of being at work.
Soon enough, I devoured all of season one and nearly ran out of breath while laughing through the season finale, which is so hilarious that even reading the title makes me stifle giggles.
As season two starts, though, the nerd herd at Pied Piper faces the new challenge of being the hot kids in town, and having stumbled upon their game-changing innovation by accident, the new scrutiny they'll face could end up crushing their sanity. (Well, everyone except for Erlich's, and maybe Gilfoyle's, who takes comfort in having Satan as his co-pilot.)
The brilliance of "Silicon Valley" cannot be understated, or adequately captured in metrics. You simply have to watch. -- Melanie McFarland
Premieres: 10pm Sunday, April 12 on HBO. ” - IMDb-Editors
Soon enough, I devoured all of season one and nearly ran out of breath while laughing through the season finale, which is so hilarious that even reading the title makes me stifle giggles.
As season two starts, though, the nerd herd at Pied Piper faces the new challenge of being the hot kids in town, and having stumbled upon their game-changing innovation by accident, the new scrutiny they'll face could end up crushing their sanity. (Well, everyone except for Erlich's, and maybe Gilfoyle's, who takes comfort in having Satan as his co-pilot.)
The brilliance of "Silicon Valley" cannot be understated, or adequately captured in metrics. You simply have to watch. -- Melanie McFarland
Premieres: 10pm Sunday, April 12 on HBO. ” - IMDb-Editors
11.
Orphan Black
(2013 TV Series)
A streetwise hustler is pulled into a compelling conspiracy after witnessing the suicide of a girl who looks just like her. (44 mins.)
“ It seems like forever since the last season of "Orphan Black" was on and I am ready for my Clone Club fix. The upcoming season will put the focus on the male clones and I'm a bit wary of it. One of the things that I love about the many faces of Tatiana is that her characters are so distinct that you can forget she's playing all the roles. So far we've only seen a little of what Ari Millen can do but it seems like they are relying onscars and facial hair to distinguish between his many characters. But I'm willing to give it a chance.
--Michelle
Premieres: 9pm Saturday, April 18, on BBC America. ” - IMDb-Editors
--Michelle
Premieres: 9pm Saturday, April 18, on BBC America. ” - IMDb-Editors
12.
The Water Diviner
(2014)
An Australian man travels to Turkey after the Battle of Gallipoli to try and locate his three missing sons. (111 mins.)
Director: Russell Crowe
“ I'm not sure how I missed it but I just recently discovered Russell Crowe's directorial feature debut which is finally getting a U.S. release after a successful fun overseas. The film was nominated for five Australia Academy Awards and won three awards (it tied for Best Film with The Babadook). As I was watching the trailer, I was so moved by the beautiful cinematography I was pleasantly surprised to see it was shot by Andrew Lesnie, whose work includes The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, I am Legend, and Rise of the Planet of the Apes. This is a film I definitely want to see on the big screen.
- Michelle
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 24th. ” - IMDb-Editors
- Michelle
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 24th. ” - IMDb-Editors
13.
Adult Beginners
(2014)
A young, narcissistic entrepreneur crashes and burns on the eve of his company's big launch. With his entire life in total disarray... (90 mins.)
Director: Ross Katz
“ I like the thought of Nick Kroll paired with Mark and Jay Duplass (the brothers are in producer mode here) now that I've acclimated to their respective forms of comedy. Like Amy Schumer, it's no surprise to see Kroll working out adulthood issues on the big screen after breaking through on TV, and I'm looking forward to seeing him play a relatable character.
--Arno
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 24th. ” - IMDb-Editors
--Arno
Release Info: Opens in theaters on April 24th. ” - IMDb-Editors
14.
Happyish
(2015 TV Series)
On his birthday, Thom Payne gets the gift of insignificance and also a new boss. He suspects his ED pills are interfering with his anti-depressants... (30 mins.)
Director: John Cameron Mitchell
“ Having seen the initial sizzle reel for this comedy after Showtime announced its pick-up, and resolving to set my DVR to record it based on that small preview alone, it was tough to imagine anyone other than the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in the lead role. To say he was perfect is putting it subtly.
That said, Steve Coogan and Kathryn Hahn are fabulous comedic talents on their own; together, they display a wonderful chemistry that I can't wait to see more of. Plus, the comedy's central idea of struggling to maintain relevance in a culture idolizes youth, materialism and vacuous trends, is likely to strike a chord among a large swath of viewers. This might be just the happy pill Showtime's comedy stable needs.
Premieres: 9:30pm Sunday, April 26, on Showtime.
--Melanie McFarland ” - IMDb-Editors
That said, Steve Coogan and Kathryn Hahn are fabulous comedic talents on their own; together, they display a wonderful chemistry that I can't wait to see more of. Plus, the comedy's central idea of struggling to maintain relevance in a culture idolizes youth, materialism and vacuous trends, is likely to strike a chord among a large swath of viewers. This might be just the happy pill Showtime's comedy stable needs.
Premieres: 9:30pm Sunday, April 26, on Showtime.
--Melanie McFarland ” - IMDb-Editors