April Movies 2016

Happy April!

Coming this month: Biopics about real-life musicians and sometime bandmates Chet Baker and Miles Davis and follow-ups to two beloved ensemble films: “Dazed and Confused” from writer/director Richard Linklater and “Barbershop” from Ice Cube, and comedies about pushy women from Melissa McCarthy and Susan Sarandon. NOTE: Some of these films are opening on different dates, depending on the location, so check your local listings.

April 1

Everybody Wants Some!! is the “spiritual sequel” to Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused, about college baseball players in 1980. And of course it has a sensational soundtrack.

God’s Not Dead 2 is the sequel to the faith-based hit. A teacher gets in trouble for mentioning Jesus in the classroom and takes the case to court.

Midnight Special The government and a group of religious extremists pursue a man (Michael Shannon) and his son (Jaeden Lieberher), a young boy who possesses special powers.

Born to be Blue Ethan Hawke plays musician Chet Baker.

April 8

The Boss Melissa McCarthy plays a selfish, dicatorial titan of industry who is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading. When she gets out, she has to start over.

Miles Ahead An impressionistic look at the life of the brilliant musician Miles Davis, starring co-writer/director Don Cheadle, with Ewan MacGregor as a Rolling Stone reporter.

Demolition Jake Gyllenhaal is mesmerizing in this provocative story of a man who deconstructs his life after his wife is killed in a car accident. Chris Cooper, who played his father in “October Sky,” plays his father-in-law and boss.

April 15

“Barbershop: The Next Cut” Ice Cube, Anthony Anderson, Eve, and Cedric the Entertainer are back, joined by Nicki Minaj, Common, and Regina Hall.

The Jungle Book Director Jon Favreau (“Elf,” “Iron Man”) brings us a life-action remake of the Rudyard Kipling story and Disney animated classic about the boy raised by animals.

“Sing Street” Writer/director John Carney knows about the liberating joy of music (“Once,” “Begin Again”) and this story about a high school band is absolutely delightful.

The Dark Horse A Maori man who struggles with mental illness becomes the coach of a chess team in this inspirational fact-based story.

April 22

The Huntsman: Winter’s War Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron appear in a sequel to the Snow White movie.

April 29

Mother’s Day In the spirit of the all-star ensemble dramedies “New Year’s Eve,” Garry Marshall pays tribute to mothers of all kinds.

Ratchet & Clank The videogame comes to theaters.

Keanu Key and Peele play best friends who get involved with some scary criminals to try to rescue a kitten named Keanu.

A Beautiful Planet Jennifer Lawrence narrates a love letter to our planet.