April 2022 PHX Movie Picks

“The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent”

Spring has sprung and with beautiful weather some of the year’s most highly anticipated films, including director Roger Eggers’ third feature “The Northman” and the meta-Nic-Cage comedy “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.” These films have been generating buzz for years and now they’re finally hitting the big screen. From new releases to retrospectives, here are six films (and series) we’re most excited to see in theaters this April.

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“Everything Everywhere All At Once”

Directing duo Daniels, made up of Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, tackle the multiverse through the lens of a laundromat owner with a broken marriage and relationship with her daughter. It’s a kaleidoscope of kung-fu, sci-fi, colors, textures, hot dogs, and butt plugs. Daniels are throwing everything they possibly can in front of the camera and somehow it works. It’s such a genuine experience that’ll have you calling your partner to tell them how much you love them. Rated R. 

“Ambulance”

Michael Bay has a bit of a reputation for creating massive budget action films full of explosions, contrasting colors, quick cuts, and impressive set pieces. His latest “Ambulance” is no different, delivering an entertaining and outlandish tale about a stolen ambulance and $32 million dollars. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Jake Gyllenhaal star alongside a standout performance by Eiza Gonzalez. Rated R.

4.22

“The Northman”

With “The VVitch” and “The Lighthouse,” director Roger Eggers solidified himself as a strong and unique voice in the genre space. Now, he bursts into the action scene with his third feature “The Northman,” a Viking revenge epic full of blood, gore, and guttural screams. It sports an all-star cast featuring Alexander Skarsgard, Claes Bang, Nicole Kidman, Ethan Hawke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Willem Dafoe, and Bjork in her first role since “Dancer in the Dark.” Rated R.

“The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent”

Nick Cage plays Nick Cage in this meta-comedy as he tries to find ways to deal with his massive debt. He takes a deal to spend a day with his biggest fan. But it all spirals downhill and Cage must channel his most iconic performances to save the day. It’s silly, sure, but it’s also surprisingly charming and reminds us why we all love Nicolas Cage so damn much. Rated R.

4.1 – 4.28

Rage With The Cage Film Series at Harkins Theaters

Before you head to see Nick Cage in “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” check out the Harkins Theater Rage With The Cage series. Throughout April, the theater chain will screen “Moonstruck,” “Valley Girls,” “Face/Off,” “Ghost Rider,” and “Kick-Ass” in honor of the iconic actor. It’s an interesting mix of Cage’s work and definitely shows off his range as a performer. All-access pass $15. Harkins Theaters: multiple locations; www.harkins.com 

4.15 – 5.1

Master of Suspense Series at Pollack Tempe Cinema

Alfred Hitchcock is, well, the master of suspense and a father of modern horror. His work wasn’t just horrifying, but tense, engaging, surprising, and brilliant. This series pays homage to Hitchcock, with screeners of “Strange on a Train” on April 15-17, “Shadow of a Doubt” on April 22-24 and “Vertigo” on April 30-May 1. $3.50. Pollack Tempe Cinema: 1825 East Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ 85284; pollacktempecinemas.com 

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