Cinema is so back!
May has a star-studded lineup of films that embrace everything we love about the movies — Anne Hathaway slaying in a good rom-com and Ryan Gosling back in his silly action era.
From romantic flicks that embrace aging, like The Idea of You and Mother of the Bride, to ensemble-heavy comedies like The Fall Guy and IF, this month is eager to leave spring in style.
In order of premiere date, here are 5 upcoming movies releasing in theaters and on streaming that we are looking forward to watching:
1. The Idea of You — Streaming on Prime Video, May 2
The Idea of You sounds ridiculous in theory.
When 40-year-old Solène finds herself in a relationship with Hayes, the lead singer of her daughter’s favorite band, she isn’t prepared for the challenges his fame will present. Yet she cannot deny that their chemistry is something worth fighting for.
The rom-com’s premise, with a boy band and Coachella trailer meet-cute, could be plucked from a One Direction fan fic. However, with Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine as the leads, this film has the chemistry and acting chops to create a guttural romance.
Film Synopsis: The Idea of You centers on Solène, a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solène must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter’s trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes, and there is an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn’t long before Hayes’ superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solène soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for.
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Nicholas Galitzine, Ella Rubin, Annie Mumolo, Reid Scott, Perry Mattfeld, Jordan Aaron Hall, Mathilda Gianopoulos, Meg Millidge, Raymond Cham Jr., Jaiden Anthony, Viktor White, Dakota Adan
Trailer:
2. The Fall Guy — In Theaters, May 3
As movies like Barbie and The Nice Guys prove Ryan Gosling is a comedic force, The Fall Guy looks to capitalize on his charming humor and action-lead qualities with an ensemble film on steroids.
This meta movie-within-a-movie sees Gosling’s battered stuntman go on a real-life rescue mission full of danger and bad guys in hopes of winning back over the director — played by formidable action queen Emily Blunt.
Backing the two leads are Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s missing movie star and Hannah Waddingham’s merciless producer.
Film Synopsis: Colt Seavers, a battle-scarred stuntman who, having left the business a year earlier to focus on both his physical and mental health, is drafted back into service when the star of a mega-budget studio movie — being directed by his ex, Jody Moreno — goes missing.
While the film’s ruthless producer maneuvers to keep the disappearance of star Tom Ryder a secret from the studio and the media, Colt performs the film’s most outrageous stunts while trying (with limited success) to charm his way back into Jody’s good graces. But as the mystery around the missing star deepens, Colt will find himself ensnared in a sinister, criminal plot that will push him to the edge of a fall more dangerous than any stunt.
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Winston Duke, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Hannah Waddingham, Stephanie Hsu
Trailer:
3. Tarot — In Theaters, May 3
Is heart-pounding horror more your style? Tarot is the latest scary flick to hit theatres this year, and it comes with a cast of promising rising stars.
When some foolish friends decide to do a Tarot card reading with someone else’s deck, they unleash a curse that forces every cardholder to live out the fates depicted in their reading. The ensemble soon finds themselves in a race against their deaths to defy the future fate has dealt them.
Film Synopsis: When a group of friends recklessly violates the sacred rule of Tarot readings – never use someone else’s deck – they unknowingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death to escape the future foretold in their readings.
Cast: Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Avantika, Wolfgang Novogratz, Humberly González, Larsen Thompson, Jacob Batalon
Trailer:
4. Mother of the Bride — Streaming on Netflix, May 9
If you’re looking for a low-stakes and goofy romantic getaway reminiscent of Ticket to Paradise, Mother of the Bride has that entertaining combination of borderline Hallmark innocence and ranchy wackiness going for it.
When two ex-lovers find out their daughter and son are getting married in a bombshell wedding announcement, they try to keep their disdain for each other on the down low. However, as they spend time together, Brooke Shields and Benjamin Bratt’s characters learn that their love story may not be over.
Film Synopsis: Lana’s daughter Emma returns from abroad and drops a bombshell: she’s getting married. In Thailand. In a month! Things only get worse when Lana learns that the man who captured Emma’s heart is the son of the man who broke hers years ago.
Cast: Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove, Benjamin Bratt, Rachael Harris, Sean Teale, Chad Michael Murray
Trailer:
5. IF — In Theaters, May 17
It is a children’s movie starring Ryan Reynolds, with a reunion between The Office’s John Krasinski and Steve Carell. IF promises to be a solid entry for families to watch.
A magic adventure about imaginary friends and reconnecting adults with their childhood, IF boasts an ensemble of famous voices as the film’s forgotten imaginary creatures.
Film Synopsis: From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. IF stars Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.
Cast: Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., Alan Kim, Liza Colón-Zayas, Steve Carell
Trailer:
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What movies will you be watching this May? Share your picks in the comments below! And catch up with our April movie picks right here.
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Alicia Gilstorf
Alicia is a writer from Canada. She credits her passion for TV and film to superheroes, workplace comedies, cheesy holiday movies, and coming-of-age stories.
