CALIFORNIA—Going to the movies is a time-honored tradition that people all over the world love, and for good reason! Escape into a sci-fi future world, go on an adventure with some of your favorite superheroes, follow a fairytale to its happily ever after, or scare yourself silly: there’s something for everyone! Whether it’s an outing with the family or a date night with a new special someone, heading to the movies is a great way to spend an evening. If you’re a movie fan in California, these are the most exciting films you’ll be able to catch on the big screen this month.
The Best Movie Theaters in California
If you were wondering where to go to see a movie in California, these are some of the best cinemas in the state:
- TCL Chinese Theaters, LA
- The Castro Theater, San Francisco
- The Egyptian Theater, LA
- ArcLight Cinemas, LA
- Orinda Theater, Orinda
1. Elio
This is definitely a good one for a family evening out. Elio is a sweet little boy, but he has his head in the clouds, or rather…outer space. Elio knows there’s somewhere out there where he’ll fit in, somewhere where things will seem bright and fun to him, and he’s about to get a lot closer to it than he thinks. Essentially becoming an intergalactic hitchhiker, Elio is beamed up and taken to the Communiverse, a jewel-bright interplanetary paradise that’s become a home base to species from all over space. But what Elio didn’t anticipate is that he’d be mistaken for Earth’s leader and end up having to navigate an intergalactic crisis of enormous proportions. Can he get through it in one piece and still live out his alien abduction dreams?
“Elio” features the voices of Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Zoe Saldaña as Aunt Olga, Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa, and Shirley Henderson as OOOOO. Directed by Madeline Sharafian (“Burrow” Sparkshort), Domee Shi (“Bao” short, “Turning Red”), and Adrian Molina (co-screenwriter/co-director of “Coco”), and produced by Mary Alice Drumm (associate producer of “Coco”).
2. Ballerina
Fans of the John Wick universe have been waiting with bated breath for this one to release. “Ballerina” follows the life of, unsurprisingly, a talented young dancer called Ok-Ju. Her happy life is turned upside down when her entire family is murdered, and she’s left with very few good options as she moves forward alone. Ok-Ju is thrown into the dark and dangerous world of assassins and targets, and she allows her thirst for revenge to take her down some twisty, hazardous roads.
Though this is a spinoff, John Wick set a precedent of keeping the narrative of the franchise’s films deeply personal and centered on the emotions and experiences of the main character. Ok-Ju has some things to learn about herself and the world around her, and the price she has to pay is a steep one.
“Ballerina” is directed by Len Wiseman and written by Shay Hatten. The film stars Ana de Armas in the titular role, Gabriel Byrne, Catalina Sandino Moreno, and Norman Reedus in supporting roles. Anjelica Huston, Lance Reddick (his final screen appearance before his untimely passing), Ian McShane, and Keanu Reeves reprise their roles from the John Wick franchise.
3. How To Train Your Dragon
The live-action remake of “How to Train Your Dragon” has caused a significant stir among besotted fans of the original animation. The latest in a long line of live-action remakes (some good and some not so good), this fun-filled romp across the fictional island of Berk in the Outer Hebrides sounds like a great time.
The film follows precisely the same course as the original: Hiccup, son of the village chief, Stoick the Vast, has spent his entire life hearing how terrifying dragons are…especially the elusive Night Fury. Hiccup isn’t exactly one of the cool kids, preferring a peaceful life to the aggression and violence of his clan. His misguided attempt to change his ways and make his father proud brings him face to face with the very thing his people fear most – a Night Fury.
This is a story of becoming yourself and challenging the standards around you when you realize they’re based on lies or an unjust standard. It’s a story about finding your voice and charting your own path through life – perfect for kids and adults alike.
“How to Train Your Dragon” stars Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur, and Gerard Butler, who reprises his role as Stoick the Vast from the HTTYD animated film franchise. It’s the first DreamWorks live adaptation, so we might see more from this company in the future.
4. 28 Years Later
“28 Days Later” is what many consider to be a genre-defining film. Among zombie film fans, the movie is either loved or not appreciated at all. Polarizing though it is, the fans who have been watching and re-watching the first film for decades have been begging for a sequel as long as the movies have been around. Finally, they’re getting their wish.
Nearly 30 years after the rage virus escaped from a supposedly secure bioweapons facility and ran rampant across the face of the earth, society has found ways and means of scraping by as quietly as possible. In some places, forced quarantine is still in effect, and living around the infected is the only way to exist. One group of survivors located on a small island attached to the mainland by one well-manned causeway has made do since the tragedy. One member of the group decides the time is right to venture into the mainland and see what things are like, but he has no idea that a mutation of the original virus has spread, too.
The film stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes. It also marks the return of director Danny Boyle and cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle to the series, both of whom worked on the original. Cillian Murphy is also on board as executive producer.
Off To The Movies
You’ve got a lot to choose from if you’re looking for a chance to go to the movies this month. Order your popcorn (with butter, of course), grab a slushie, and take your seat for the ride of your life.
