May arrives with nicer weather and plenty of new movies to catch. An eclectic group of stories ensures there should be something for everyone this month.
First off, strap in for a weird time with The Surfer. Starring Nicolas Cage as the titular surfer, the plot concerns his desire to return to his childhood beach to catch some waves with his son – but things quickly go awry. Early reviews are positive, with the film tackling themes of toxic masculinity and what is sure to be another wildly interesting performance from Cage. It releases on May 2.
If you need a hit of adrenaline at 35,000 feet, look no further than Fight or Flight. Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down) stars as a washed up hitman tasked with bringing in a high value target on a flight. However, the plane is full of other hitmen – all aiming to do the same thing. Appearing to be similar in style to Bullet Train (2022), the movie looks to have some fun action, plenty of bullets firing, and a very game Hartnett giving it his all. Whether or not this is a good time is up in the air. The film takes off on May 9.
For a different kind of high-octane action, check out Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt, an IMF agent ready to do the impossible to save the world yet again. The story continues from the previous film, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, with Hunt and his team off to do insane stunts. Big set pieces, a huge cast and one of the biggest estimated budgets for a feature film ever, The Final Reckoningis shaping up to be a true summer blockbuster. Although the movie was originally presented as a send-off to the main character, Cruise doesn’t seem so sure he’s ready to hang it up yet. Either way, the movie should be a good time when it releases on May 23.
If you need a legacy sequel I didn’t think we’d see, don’t miss Karate Kid: Legends. Taking place three years after the events of Cobra Kai (2018-2025) – the spin off TV show about the now adult Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and their revived rivalry – the film follows a new protagonist named Li Fong (Ben Wang, American Born Chinese) and his desire to learn martial arts. Jackie Chan returns as Mr. Han following his appearance in The Karate Kid (2010), a film that wasn’t an established part of the canon but now, apparently, is, as well as Macchio as LaRusso, both there to guide Fong on his path. Hopefully this will hit all the right marks when it releases on May 30.
Lastly, another film from Wes Anderson called The Phoenician Scheme drops this month. Billed as an espionage thriller, the cast list, as usual, is stacked. Names include Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, and Bill Murray. I’m sure Anderson’s iconic style will be on full display when this hits theaters on May 30.
