Must-watch movies of April 2023

As a new month begins, the excitement for the upcoming releases peak amongst film-enthusiast. Although April is not as fortune as March in terms of must-watch movies, there are a few that stand tall above the others. A 40 year-old fan-favourite video game finally adapted into the big screens, the story of one the world’s biggest boxers and more. On top of that, this month’s star lineup is nothing short of spectacular with the likes of Matt Damon, Nicolas Cage, Jake Gyllenhaal and more that will provide quality entertainment for audiences worldwide.

Out of all this month’s releases, these are AulaNews’ top-5 must-watch movies of April 2023:

AIR

Director: Ben Affleck

Starring: Matt Damon, Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck

Genre: Drama

Release date: 5th of April

AIR portrays the unforeseen partnership between Nike’s just-starting basketball division and a then rookie Michael Jordan that would be a complete game changer. The career defining gamble by a team on the brink of losing it all would turn the world of sports and contemporary culture around with the creation of the Air Jordan brand. Based on the real events of a mother who always believed on her son’s talent and the basketball legend who would become the greatest of all time. 

Ben Affleck’s return to directing comes in a different genre than usual, but nevertheless fans are yearning for the chance to watch it. One lucky viewer was fortunate enough to see one of the earlier screenings before release said that “Affleck’s first non-crime film will be a cinema classic” on a comment on IMDB. Although some are disappointed that Michael Jordan himself is not part of the project, the cast handpicked by Affleck and his unquestionable quality in storytelling makes AIR one of the must-watch films this month. 

The Covenant

Director: Guy Ritchie

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Alexander Ludwig and Anthony Starr

Genre: Action/Thriller

Release date: 21st of April

In Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant, sergeant John Kinley is joined by the local interpreter Ahmed on his last mission to Afghanistan. Once there, his team is ambushed, and they are the only two to survive. Ahmed fought tooth and nail to help an injured Kinley escape, putting his own life at risk. Back in the USA, Kinley finds out that Ahmed and his family were left behind despite the promise made by the army and decides to return to Afghanistan to pay his debt and save his friend.  

The Covenant could easily be written off as yet another American soldier is the hero in foreign land. However, Guy Ritchie takes this overused and exhausted trope and twists it around, putting the local interpreter Ahmed as the first hero. The American Hero only comes in later and to offer foreign aid rather than to save other Americans. These changes alone would be enough to catch the public’s eye. Add to it an excellent director and a well-rounded cast, and there is a quality movie waiting to be watched.  

Renfield

Director: Chris McKay

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Nicholas Hoult and Ben Schwartz

Genre: Comedy/Horror

Release date: 14th of April

The tale of Dracula is modernised in Renfield. The vampire’s loyal servant Renfield has no choice but to answer to his narcissistic master’s every bidding which includes finding his next victim. After centuries of servitude, Renfield wants to leave the shadow of the Prince of Darkness and see what life can be about. Only issue now is figuring out a way to end his co-dependency. 

Even though it may seem as an odd-ball amongst all these other films, Renfield earns its spot in AulaNews’ pick for April’s must-watch. Having Oscar-winner Nicolas Cage playing second fiddle is no small feat, but the American actor has shared that it was a life-long dream of his to play Dracula. On top of that, a vampire movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously is always welcome, especially after the poor numbers shown by ‘Morbius’. So, the combination of a motivated Cage, humorous script with hints of horror/terror and a fan-favourite them justifies its spot on this list.

Big George Foreman

Director: George Tillman Jr.

Starring: Khris Davis, Forest Whitaker and Sonja Sohn

Genre: Drama

Release date: 28th of April

The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World tells how Big George Foreman went from a gold medal in the Olympics to being a World Heavyweight champion, passing by the Rumble in the Jungle against Muhammad Ali in Zaire to finally finding his faith, retiring and becoming a preacher. However, when financial hardship struck both his family and church, Foreman has no choice but to return to the ring at the age of 45 to become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history. 

Last month, Creed III was one of the most expected movies and now, once again, a boxing film finds itself amongst the top of people’s must-watch lists. Unlike its March’s counterpart, Big George Foreman tells a true story that many are unaware of, but will be delighted to live through the powerful storytelling of George Tillman Jr. And the spectacular acting of Khris Davis who does an undoubtedly astonishing job at portraying one of the greatest of all time in the ring.  

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Directors: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic

Starring: Chris Pratt, Charlie Day and Anya Taylor-Joy

Genre: Adventure

Release date: 5th of April

The Super Mario Bros. Movie tells the story of Mario, a plumber from Brooklyn. Alongside princess Peach and Toad, Mario has to travel through the Mushroom Kingdom to find his brother Luigi. Only together will they be able to defeat the merciless fire-breathing Koopa known as Bowser and save the world!

Life-long Nintendo and Mario fans are very excited for the release of this movie. With that being said, the choice of Chris Pratt to voice Mario was met with a lot of scrutiny as people don’t see ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ star as the right fit. However, directors Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath have said that “for the way that Mario is characterized in our film, he is perfect for it”. Pratt himself added that he tried a few things until he eventually landed on something that he is proud of and eager to have people see and hear. So, with all of that in mind, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is definitely high on the must-watch list of April. 

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