Expect theaters to be flooded with action-adventure films this month, from the anticipated release of “The Avengers: Age of Ultron” to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s 3-D action-thriller “San Andreas.” But for the moviegoers who require more than an explosion scene and continuous combat, here’s a list of four movies released in May that promise neither.
“Aloha”
“Aloha” is the newest movie from esteemed director Cameron Crowe, creator of “Say Anything,” “Jerry McGuire” and “Almost Famous.” The romantic comedy follows a military contractor (Bradley Cooper) who gets assigned to return to Hawaii, forcing him to balance both his ex-wife (Rachel McAdams) and new co-worker and potential love interest (Emma Stone).
The all-star cast doesn’t stop there. Watch out for roles from Alec Baldwin, Danny McBride, John Krasinski and Bill Murray. A cast full of Oscar nominees combined with the beautiful backdrop of the Hawaiian countryside, “Aloha” is sure to fulfill your rom-com expectations.
National Release Date: May 29
Where: All major theaters
“Welcome To Me”
A comedy from breakout director Shira Piven, “Welcome to Me” features Kristen Wiig who plays an Oprah-obsessed woman with borderline personality disorder. The former “Saturday Night Live” star is supported by performances from James Marsden, Linda Cardellini and Wes Bentley.
With $86 million in her pocket, Wiig’s character buys her own talk show to discuss nothing in particular — much to the chagrin of the network. The film tackles the touchy topic of mental illness while managing to tease out laughs from the audience.
National Release Date: May 8
Where: All major theaters
“Every Secret Thing”
After two teen girls (Dakota Fanning and Danielle MacDonald) are released from a seven-year jail sentence for murdering a baby, another child goes missing from their town. An investigation is launched, headed by detective Nancy Porter (Elizabeth Banks), who is still haunted by the mysteries surrounding the original case that put two girls behind bars seven years ago.
Based on the best-selling novel by Laura Lippman, “Every Secret Thing” features a cast of strong female characters, including Diane Lane, the mother of one of the convicted girls, Oscar-nominated director Amy Berg and Oscar-winning actress-turned-producer Frances McDormand.
National Release Date: May 15
Where: On demand @ Vudu
“I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story”
“I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story” centers around the quirky man behind Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch from “Sesame Street”. The heartwarming documentary uses old footage from Spinney’s youth, marriage and early years with “Sesame Street” and current footage of Spinney, who is now 81 years old.
For former “Sesame Street” fans, the film is sure to bring back memories, unveiling the man inside the yellow bird costume.
National Release Date: May 6
Where: Violet Crown on May 13 @ 7:45 p.m.
