Noah (4 April)

Darren Aronofsky’s much-anticipated Noah is finally on the horizon. This star-studded spectacle, based on the Biblical story, has been filmed so that it could be set in the past or the future. Aronofsky, who directed Black Swan, has been fascinated by the “dark, complicated character” since childhood.

Russell Crowe plays the title character opposite a slew of high profile actors including Anthony Hopkins, Emma Watson, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Connelly and Frank Langella. While animals play an important part of the film, no real animals were used in the making of Noah, with Aronofsky opting for slightly ‘tweaked’ versions instead.

Why watch? If you don’t, you’re going to feel very alone at the water cooler.

Oldboy (4 April)

Before Stoker, South Korean director Chan-wook Park directed the critically acclaimed mystery thriller, Oldboy. The film follows a man who is released after 15 years of captivity, only to discover he must find his kidnapper in five days. As expected, an Americanised remake has found its way to cinemas with the help of director, Spike Lee.

Josh Brolin stars in this somewhat unnecessary iteration a decade after the original. The only point of interest for South Africans is that our very own, Sharlto Copley, has a supporting role. The real question is does every great foreign film need to be star-spangled?

Why watch?  To see if you think Spielberg’s take starring Will Smith would’ve been any better.

Europa Report (4 April)

These days films require a pre-existing fan base of the source material, so it’s refreshing to see a little indie sci-fi thriller defying the odds. The story follows an international crew of astronauts, who lead a privately funded expedition to explore one of Jupiter’s largest moons for signs of life.

April must be Sharlto Copley month, because he also stars in Europa Report alongside a number of up-and-coming actors, including The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’s Michael Nyqvist and Jack Black’s “stunt double’, Dan Fogler. The film-makers have gone to great lengths to ensure scientific accuracy, let’s just hope they don’t lose the plot.

Why watch? Will Sharlto Copley manage to slip in some South African-isms?

The Amazing Spider-Man 2: The Rise of Electro (25 April)

Andrew Garfield is a better Peter Parker than Tobey Maguire and that’s the main reason you need to see this The Amazing Spider-Man series. The action sequences in the trailer make it look like a video game at times, but this one happens to feature a Spider-Man you wouldn’t mind your daughter dating.

He’s got more soul, more humour and just seems more human than Maguire, which automatically scores more dopamine points. Yet, the balance of the sequel lies with the villains: Electro, The Rhino and The Green Goblin – played by Jamie Foxx, Paul Giamatti and Dane DeHaan respectively.

Why watch?  Come on – it’s Spidey.

NEW ON DVD

Last Vegas (7 April)

When Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Kline and Robert De Niro’s names headline a movie poster, you know you’re in for a treat. These Hollywood veterans, nay legends, have a wealth of experience between them and throwing a Hangover style bachelor party in Vegas… well, it’s bound to get interesting. They may have aged, but based on the feel good fun and chemistry at play, they’ve still got what it takes!

12 Years a Slave (7 April)

This Best Picture winner deserves your attention. Steve McQueen has composed a taut, emotionally-charged and important film that covers 12 years in the life of Solomon Northup, a man sold into slavery. The knife-edge direction, powerful Oscar-winning performances and incredible true story make for riveting viewing. It’s emotionally taxing, but will make you truly grateful for every little freedom you have.