In March it will be dark to colorful: thanks to “The Batman”, “Morbius” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2”.
A fast-paced hedgehog, a modest card counter, parallel mothers and two very different bat men: in March it will be colorful to dark on the cinema screen. The films “The Batman”, “The Card Counter”, “Parallel Mothers”, “Morbius” and “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” ensure this.
“The Batman,” March 3
For the past two years, Bruce Wayne has been roaming the dark streets of Gotham City as Batman (Robert Pattinson, 35), terrifying the city’s criminals. With Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis, 57) and Lieutenant James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright, 56) as his only confidants amidst a corrupt network of officials and high-ranking figures, the lone avenger has established himself as the sole agent of vengeance among his fellow citizens. When a hitman targets Gotham’s elite with a series of sadistic attacks, a trail of cryptic clues leads the world’s best detective deep underground, where he encounters characters such as Selina Kyle aka Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz, 33) and Oswald Cobblepot aka Penguin (Colin Farrell, 45) scores.
Assessment:
Superheroes can also defy the corona pandemic at the box office. Spider-Man impressively delivered this insight with his milestone “No Way Home”. If not Batman himself, who could be preparing to top it off again? With Robert Pattinson, an extremely interesting personality slips into the suit of the Dark Knight. One who, like Heath Ledger (1979-2008) as the Joker, could bludgeon the prophecies of doom from the apron with the bat fist. In addition, the character mimes Paul Dano (37) and Colin Farrell, staged by Matt Reeves (55) – comic fan heart, what more could you want?
“The Card Counter,” March 3
William Tell (Oscar Isaac, 42) is guilty. The soldier in a special unit was in prison for ten years, while his superior got off scot-free. In his cell, William perfected the art of card counting. Free again, he begins to roam from casino to casino. In order not to attract attention, he keeps the stakes low – with success – until young Cirk (Tye Sheridan, 25) crosses his path. The two share a common enemy, and Cirk seeks to recruit the ex-soldier for his revenge plan.
Assessment:
At first glance, “The Card Counter” sounds like a nerve-racking thriller with high stakes on and off the casino table. Above all, there is an interesting character study behind Paul Schrader’s new film, in which actor Oscar Isaac can once again demonstrate his breadth.
“Parallel Mothers,” March 10
Two wives, two pregnancies, two lives. Janis (Penélope Cruz, 47) and Ana (Milena Smit, 25) are both expecting their first child and accidentally meet in the hospital shortly before the birth. Both are single and unintentionally pregnant. Janis, middle-aged, has no regrets and is overjoyed in the hours leading up to the birth. Ana is the exact opposite. The teenager is scared, traumatized and finds little support from her mother Teresa (Aitana Sánchez Gijón, 53).
Assessment:
“Parallel Mothers” by XX is in competition this year for two Oscars: “Best Film Music” (Alberto Iglesias, 66) and for “Best Actress” (Penélope Cruz). Anyone who is not yet familiar with the work of Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar (72) should at least get a feel for one of his other films. His art is special, elegantly staged and often provocative.
“Morbius”, March 31
dr Morbius (Jared Leto, 50), suffering from a dangerous blood disorder, dares a desperate quest to help himself and the people who share his fate. What initially appears to be a fundamental success soon unleashes a dark abyss in Morbius. Will good override evil, or will Morbius succumb to his new inexplicable needs?
Assessment:
Despite countless films, the studio has not yet been able to directly prove that Marvel can also create serious and dark antiheroes. But who better to do it than Hollywood’s number one chameleon, Oscar winner Jared Leto? Above all, he will want to show that his excursion as a joker in “Suicide Squad”, which critics labeled as poor, was not the best he could give a comic universe. And in the future probably also in a direct clinch with Spider-Man and/or Venom.
“Sonic the Hedgehog 2”, March 31
After settling in Green Hills, Sonic wants to prove he has the makings of a real hero. Opportunity is not long in coming when his nemesis, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey, 60) and his new partner Knuckles is challenged and put to the ultimate test. The villain duo is on a quest to find a mysterious emerald that has the power to destroy entire civilizations. It’s a good thing that even the most energetic hedgehog in the world is getting reinforcements and has buddy Tails at his side from now on.
Assessment:
“Sonic the Hedgehog” was a prime example of how it can pay off for a film studio to listen to fan base feedback. Because when the first trailer for the strip appeared, the fans immediately went on the barricades given the look of the traditional video game character shown in it. Film studio Paramount reacted to the criticism, revised the design and postponed the theatrical release – with success. As a thank you for the critical ability, “Sonic” blossomed into a surprise hit, the strip brought in 320 million US dollars at the worldwide box office. So it’s no wonder that the film, which threatened to become a massive flop, is now even making its way to the sequel.