MINNEAPOLIS — We've seen a lot of classics return to the big screen in recent years, but that's left some movie lovers searching for more originality.
Once cord-cutting became commonplace, studios had to move away from traditional television marketing, making sequels and remakes a safer bet for their investment. To date, there have been over 200 releases this year, of which the most popular films or the films that received the widest releases have been sequels or based on existing intellectual property.
Not to mention, we’ve been inundated with so much content since the rise of streaming, it can be hard to wade through what's being released and on what platform.
To keep track, here's a guide for audiences on what and where to find new, original movies this week to help you get excited about the cinema again.
“La Chimera”
A hit at last year's 76th Cannes Film Festival, “La Chimera” is centered around a young British archaeologist who gets involved with an international network of stolen artefacts. Set in 1980’s Tuscany, the film stars Josh O’Connor (“The Crown,” “Challengers”), Carol Duarte, and Vincenzo Nemolato.
Expanding to the Twin Cities this weekend, “La Chimera” is a gorgeous movie that received critical acclaim during last year's festival circuit; even being named one of the top international films of the year. It is written and directed by Alice Rohrwacher.
In theaters April 12th, via Neon
Runtime: 2 hours, 13 minutes
Showtimes by theater: AMC Southdale 16
“Civil War” (R)
From everyone’s favorite independent entertainment company A24, “Civil War” is Alex Garland’s newest adrenaline-fueled, dystopian film following a team of journalists who travel across the United States during an escalating Second American Civil War.
The team of journalists consists of Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, and Stephen McKinley Henderson; Nick Offerman stars as a dictatorial president currently in his third term; and Jesse Plemons is featured as a soldier. “Civil War” premiered at South by Southwest in March of 2024 but hits theaters this weekend, exactly 163 years after the American Civil War began.
In theaters April 12th, via A24
Runtime: 1 hour, 49 minutes
Showtimes by theater: The Alamo Drafthouse, Landmark Lagoon Cinema, Showplace ICON, AMC Rosedale 14, Emagine Willow Creek, AMC Southdale 16, B&B Theatres at MOA, AMC Classic Mounds View, AMC Coon Rapids 16, AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18, AMC Inver Grove 16, Emagine Eagan, Marcus Theatre Oakdale, Emagine White Bear, Woodbury 10 Theatre, Marcus Theatres Southbridge, CMX Odyssey IMAX, Marcus Theatres Rosemount, Emagine Rogers, Emagine Lakeville, Emagine East Bethel, St. Michael Cinema
“Arcadian” (R)
April is the month for dystopian and horror films, so why not throw those themes into one? “Arcadian” sees Nic Cage in his version of “A Quiet Place” as the father of two teenagers, all trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. Creatures who consume all living souls come out at night, causing the day's tranquillity to fade into torment with every sunset.
Cage’s twin sons in the film are played by Jaeden Martell (“It,” “Knives Out”) and Maxwell Jenkins (“Lost in Space,” “Dear Edward”). The film is directed by Benjamin Brewer, who is best known for his visual effects work on “Everything Everywhere All At Once” and for directing the music videos for “Where Are Ü Now,” “2U,” and “Best Friend.”
In theaters April 12th, via RLJE Films
Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes
Showtimes by theater: Showplace ICON, Emagine Willow Creek, AMC Coon Rapids 16, AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18, AMC Inver Grove 16, Emagine Eagan, Marcus Theatre Oakdale, Emagine Rogers, Emagine Lakeville,
“Monkey Man” (R)
The month started off strong with Dev Patel’s long-awaited directorial debut “Monkey Man.” Originally announced in 2018, the Bruce Lee-inspired action film follows Kid (Patel) as he sets out on a campaign of vengeance against India’s corrupt leaders who continually victimize the poor and are also responsible for the death of his mother.
“Monkey Man” stars Pitobash, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Markrand Deshpande. Patel also wrote and produced the film, alongside Jordan Peele who picked up the film with Universal when Netflix decided they may cancel the release and shop the film around.
Released in theaters April 5th, via Universal Pictures.
Runtime: 1 hour, 53 minutes
Showtimes by theater: The Alamo Drafthouse, Showplace ICON, AMC Roseville 14, Emagine Willow Creek, AMC Southdale 16, B&B Theatres at MOA, AMC Classic Mounds View, AMC Coon Rapids 16, AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18, AMC Inver Grove 16, Emagine Eagan, Marcus Theatres Oakdale, Emagine White Bear, Woodbury 10 Theatre, Marcus Theatres Southbridge, CMX Odyssey IMAX, Marcus Theatres Rosemount, Emagine Rogers, Emagine Lakeville, Emagine East Bethel, St. Michael Cinema
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