March is a hangover month for mainstream cinema. It’s the month that traditionally follows the Academy Awards, or, as they’re better known, the Oscars. It also brings about the start of a relatively quiet period for Oscar-bait movies – the calm before the summer blockbuster storm. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty to look forward to (there’s always the 2019 awards season), as you are about to find out.
Here is a list of ones to watch this month, with a top three in particular to pay attention to (each title contans a link to a trailer):
You Were Never Really Here (9th)
A.k.a A Beautiful Day, the Cannes Film Festival winner of Best Actor for Joaquin Phoenix and Best Screenplay for director Lynne Ramsay (We Need to Talk About Kevin) based on Jonathan Ames’ novel, You Were Never Really Here has all the backing for a decent movie experience, particularly with Phoenix receiving rave reviews for his performance here. If we’re talking about Oscar-bait for next year already, this is certainly one to mark in the calendar.
Tomb Raider (16th)
It’s about time Lara Croft had her true day in the sun. Despite the general lack of enthusiasm surrounding Angelina Jolie’s interpretation in Simon West’s 2001 adaptation, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and 2003 sequel, Hollywood has never given up on the first lady of video games. And now we have darling of the moment, Alicia Vikander, stepping into the dirty boots of a young and inexperienced Croft based on Crystal Dynamic’s 2013 video game reboot. Having been well cast and with a relatively unknown director in Roar Uthaug, could this be the adaptation fans of the game have been awaiting? (As a die-hard fan, I’ll get back to you on that.)
Gringo (9th)
Another drugs-based comedy, but with a bit of a twist. What appears most exciting about Gringo, judging by the trailer, is David Oyelowo flexing some hidden comedic talents. With an awesome supporting cast (including Joel Edgerton, whose brother, Nash, directs), many of whom have proven their comedic abilities in the past, this could be the one for some light-hearted entertainment amongst the action and dramas of the month.
Other March releases:
Red Sparrow (1st)
Game Night (2nd)
Mom and Dad (2nd)
Michael Caine’s My Generation (14th)
Mary Magdalene (16th)
Peter Rabbit (16th)
A Wrinkle in Time (23rd)
Unsane (23rd)
Pacific Rim: Uprising (23rd)
Ready Player One (29th)
Midnight Sun (30th)
Isle of Dogs (30th)
Blockers (30th)
Dawn of the Tapes 