Get ready to root for the bad guy.
This weekend, Jonathan Majors arrives in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Kang the Conqueror in the latest “Ant-Man” film. And for those who prefer classic novels to comic books, Liam Neeson plays Raymond Chandler’s noir detective Philip Marlowe in a Hollywood period mystery (and the Oscar-nominated actor’s 100th film!) while Emma Mackey stars as Emily Brontë in a 19th-century romantic drama fictionalizing the creation of the English writer’s greatest (and only!) hit.
Here’s a guide to new movies that will satisfy every cinematic taste, plus some noteworthy theatrical films making their streaming and on-demand debuts:
‘Ant-Man 3’ review:Jonathan Majors shines as Marvel’s ‘Quantumania’ veers off track
If you yearn for a great Marvel supervillain: ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: ‘Quantumania’
The first “Ant-Man” in 2015 was a clever and super-fun heist film. But, alas, those days have passed: The third one is much more of a generic Marvel adventure as Paul Rudd’s shrinking superhero and his family are accidentally sucked into the extremely weird and subatomic Quantum Realm. Some signature whimsy is still there, and more importantly Majors’ imperious and intimidating Kang is worth the price of admission.
Where to watch: In theaters
If you dig Liam Neeson solving mysteries: ‘Marlowe’
Director Neil Jordan sticks to the well-tread, old-fashioned noir script – to a dull, detrimental degree – with this pulpy crime thriller featuring Neeson as the title’s legendary private eye. Set in 1939, when the world is on the precipice of war, a wealthy heiress (Diane Kruger) – and daughter of an A-list Hollywood actress (Jessica Lange) – hires Marlowe to find her ex-lover, who may or may not be dead.
Where to watch: In theaters
If you’re a fan of the literary Brontë sisters: ‘Emily’
There’s a saucy quality and notes of intriguing Gothic weirdness in Frances O’Connor’s directorial debut that follows rebellious young outcast Emily Brontë (Mackey), wracked by the death of her mother. Labeled “strange” by even loved ones, Emily fights to have her artistic voice heard and falls for her French tutor, a young curate (Oliver Jackson-Cohen). If nothing else, you’ll want to read “Wuthering Heights” afterward.
Where to watch: In theaters
If you’ve ever felt like an outsider: ‘Return to Seoul’
Park Ji-min is a standout in director David Chou’s gripping character study as Freddie, a 25-year-old French woman adopted from South Korea when she was an infant. She returns to Seoul on a whim to visit friends, then decides to seek out her biological parents – who have different responses to meeting her. Freddie’s pursuits change her in a thoughtful film about identity, family and mankind’s restless nature.
Where to watch: In theaters
If you like a little horror with your lesbian romance: ‘Attachment’
Here’s hoping queer Jewish folk-horror romance becomes a thing after this refreshing twist of scary-movie tropes. Washed-up Danish actress Maja (Josephine Park) has a meet-cute with Jewish academic Leah (Ellie Kendrick), they fall in love and, after a medical issue, move to London. Leah’s odd and overprotective mom (Sofie Gråbøl) immediately gets in the way and dark family secrets threaten the budding relationship.
Where to watch: Shudder
If you have a nihilistic view of children’s book faves: ‘Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey’
We have the public domain to thank for this brutally underwhelming slasher-fest. After Christopher Robin goes to college, Pooh and Piglet go feral and hunt visitors to the 100 Acre Wood. That includes Maria (Maria Taylor) and her friends, whose girls getaway turns bloody awful. A machete-wielding lumberjack bear is quite a sight and there probably is a smart way to do a killer Pooh movie but this definitely is not that.
Where to watch: In theaters
Also on streaming
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Story Credit: usatoday.com