Upcoming Manly Movies: May 2015

Another month, time for another look at what is headed your way this May.  There are quite a few selections here but it has to be said not all of them will prove to be entertaining.  Our picks for this month are going to be Skin Trade, already proven to be a good movie and another little movie by George Miller about speeding cars and such.

Hyena – Out Now

On a limited run now, if you can find it, is Gerard Johnson’s crime thriller Hyena.  Reviewed here. “Good policing doesn’t necessarily mean doing everything by the book. But as the business of crime in London turns to favour the Albanians and Turks, how does a “good” policeman survive?”

Pound Of Flesh – May 7th

It’s nice to see Jean Claude Van Damme included on this list.  With Schwarzenegger and Seagal also offering something, only Bruce Willis and Sylvester Stallone are missing from the big retro guys.  Although this one will have a severely limited run and be mostly VOD/DTV.  “A former black-ops agent (Jean-Claude Van Damme) begins a blood-soaked quest to find the organ thieves who stole his kidney before he could donate it to his dying niece.”

Skin Trade – May 8th

Dolph Lundgren’s long-gestating pet project finally paid off with Skin Trade, also starring Tony Jaa, Michael Jai White, Ron Perlman and Peter Weller.  Reviewed here.  Limited run again, keep an eye out if you want to see this one. “After his family is murdered, a detective (Dolph Lundgren) tracks the culprit (Ron Perlman) to Thailand and teams up with a Thai agent (Tony Jaa) to bring him to justice and take down his human-trafficking ring.”

Maggie – May 8th

Arnold Schwarzenegger will try his hand at drama with the zombie tragedy movie ‘Maggie’.  This is another limited run deal so for those interested, plan ahead.  We will see how Schwarzenegger’s acting chops weigh up as this is more or less a career first for him.  “A devoted father stays by his daughter’s side as a disease transforms her into a zombie.”

Mad Max: Fury Road – May 15th

More sandbox carnage from action genius George Miller.  Arguably a strong contender for the manliest movie of the entire year.  Some European countries will catch this a day or two early, so keep an eye out, if you can find a seat that is.  “Though determined to wander the post-apocalyptic wasteland alone, Mad Max (Tom Hardy) joins Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a fugitive imperator, and her band who are all trying to escape a savage warlord.”

The Mercenary: Absolution – May 15th

Heads up Steven Seagal and Vinnie Jones fans, you can catch both together on the big screen soon, even if you ignore our review outlining that the movie isn’t any good.  Another limited run, probably hard to find.  Why they bothered releasing this in cinemas, limited, in May opposite Fury Road, is beyond me.  “When a contract killer (Steven Seagal) encounters a girl on the run from a mob boss (Vinnie Jones) with powerful political ties, he is torn between protecting the girl, and remaining loyal.”

Good Kill – May 15th

Ethan Hawke is an air force Major resigned to the ignoble position of blowing up farmers in Afghanistan via Arizona drone strikes.  With yet another limited run (I suppose there’s a pattern forming here), Good Kill gets a favourable review from ManlyMovie, but is probably not everyone’s cup of tea.  “An Air Force drone pilot (Ethan Hawke) begins to question the ethics of dropping bombs on Afghanistan from the safety of his post in America”.

Spy – May 22nd

Jason Statham looks set to venture into comedy territory with the upcoming and sort of lesson known ‘Spy’.  In the movie, a CIA analyst goes under cover to infiltrate a dangerous arms dealer’s organization.  Jude Law also makes an appearance.  Director Paul Feig helmed this two hour yarn.  Most international dates have it released in June however.

San Andreas – May 29th

Finally, The Rock stars in this disaster epic, where a helicopter pilot sets out to rescue his daughter after a massive temblor shakes up California.  Disaster flicks can sometimes work, hopefully this one will harken back to the Steve McQueen of old type disaster movie.  Perhaps The Rock can elevate it to that type of status.  But what are the odds it’ll be a showcase for the latest computer processors?