Hey gang! Welcome back to Trailer Party, our occasional feature in which we check out trailers for some upcoming movies—only sometimes YA-related—and then determine whether we should give up any of our precious reading time to go see them in theaters.
So what’s opening in the next few months?
Release Date: May 15
In Order of Appearance: Dakota Fanning, Danielle Macdonald, Elizabeth Banks, Common, Nate Parker, Diane Lane and Renée Elise Goldsberry
Most Fist-Pump-Worthy Moment: Elizabeth Banks’ character facing off with Diane Lane's.
Bonus Factor: Elizabeth Banks in a serious role.
Theater, Netflix or Sick Day: Netflix. I’m not a huge fan of movies that deal with the kidnapping of kids—a dislike that will only get worse, I’m sure, when I’m a mother—but there’s something spookily interesting about this one, like there’s definitely more to it than meets the eye. But I think I’d prefer to find out what that is from the comfort of my own couch, surrounded by my dogs and my husband.
Release Date: May 22
In Order of Appearance: Jude Law, Melissa McCarthy, Miranda Hart, Allison Janney, Rose Byrne and Jason Statham
Most Fist-Pump-Worthy Moment: It’s a toss up between Melissa McCarthy’s character kicking a (probably evil) dude in the junk and her quip, “Who puts a roof on a scooter?! What are you, the Pope?”
Bonus Factor: I’m sorry, did you not see this cast?
Theater, Netflix or Sick Day: Theater. The combination of the cast, the spoofy nature of the movie, and the fact that it’s a Paul Feig creation likely means a whole lot of laughs. And what’s better than sharing a laugh with a theater-full of your closest strangers?
Release Date: May 29
In Order of Appearance: Carla Gugino, The Rock, Paul Giamatti, Ioan Gruffudd and Alexandra Daddario
Most Fist-Pump-Worthy Moment: Carla Gugino’s leap into The Rock’s outstretched hand.
Bonus Factor: The Rock. The Rock makes everything better. (If you don’t follow him on Instagram, you really should. The man is a master of the hashtag.)
Theater, Netflix or Sick Day: I’m wavering between Theater and Sick Day. On the one hand, this is the kind of movie that was made for the big screen.* On the other, as someone who was born and lived in California until I was 8 (and who rode out the 1989 Loma Prieta quake), the idea of a massive earthquake is something that frightens me to my very roots. Additionally, I foresee this becoming one of those movies (e.g., The Day After Tomorrow, which I love) that airs frequently on TV, so I’ll likely end up seeing parts of it often when there’s nothing else on.
*I know. Technically, they're all made for the big screen. But you know what I mean!
Release Date: June 19
In Order of (Vocal) Appearance: Diane Lane, Kaitlyn Dias, Lori Alan, Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Bill Hader and Phyllis Smith
Most Fist-Pump-Worthy Moment: When Joy says “We can’t always focus on what’s going wrong. There’s always a way to turn things around,” followed by Sadness’ smile.
Bonus Factor: Rainbow Unicorn! If that’s not a sign this is a movie made for FYA, I don’t know what is.
Theater, Netflix or Sick Day: Theater. Especially if I can figure out a way to get my 6-year-old niece (who lives in Oregon, while I live in Texas) to go with me … But even if I can’t.
Release Date: June 19
In Order of Appearance: Shameik Moore, Tony Revolori, Kiersey Clemons, A$AP Rocky, Zoë Kravitz, Blake Anderson, Rick Fox and Chanel Iman
Most Fist-Pump-Worthy Moment: Kiersey Clemons’ character slapping Blake Anderson’s for being an idiot.
Bonus Factor: This doesn't look like "yet another teen movie." Plus: How adorable is Shameik? I also love the look of this movie—the colors, the costumes, the sets. (The movie also features new songs from Pharrell Williams, which may or may not be a bonus. See: “Happy.”)
Theater, Netflix or Sick Day: Netflix. I definitely want to check this movie out, but I don’t think I need to see it on the big screen. If I hear good things, however, I’d easily be persuaded to change my mind.
Release Date: July 31
In Order of Appearance: Ben Kingsley, Matthew Goode, Ryan Reynolds, Derek Luke and Natalie Martinez
Most Fist-Pump-Worthy Moment: That car crash, man. I bet it comes after a major chase scene.
Bonus Factor: Matthew Goode being evil. What’s he up to, hmmm?
Theater, Netflix or Sick Day: Sick Day. As much as I like the people in this movie, and as much as I enjoy a good thriller, I’m just not sure there’s enough about it that interests me to make me want to spend my money on a movie ticket. I would like to eventually see it, however, if only to know what happens with the two minds warring over the one body.
So party people? Are you looking forward to any of these flicks? Did we miss any movies that you’re really excited about? Share your thoughts or other trailers below!