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So ... whatcha watching?

March 17, 2020

So that film you wanted to see in theaters has been pushed back. Now what? 

The movie industry has pulled the brakes on many an upcoming film to be released in theaters this spring. While they will eventually make their way onto screens after the global pandemic makes its exit (we hope) from the U.S., here are a few possible alternatives that are available on various streaming services that may hold you over until they ultimately return to the release calendar. 

A Quiet Place: Part II

Original release date: March 20

New date: TBD

A lucky few got an advance screening of the film March 5, but it was promptly pulled as the COVID-19 virus started cresting in the States. 

To fill the void: You can always revisit the original, now streaming on Amazon Prime, or check out the claustrophobic terror in “Hush,” which follows a deaf writer in an isolated cabin eluding a taunting stalker outside. 

The Climb 

Original release date: March 27

New date: TBD

Two lifelong friends face many challenges in life, including one sleeping with the other’s fiancée in this off-kilter dramedy. The nuanced relationship.

To fill the void: “My Effortless Brilliance,” a 2009 smaller-budgeted comedy that follows two pals trying to restore a broken friendship while on a remote camping trip.

Mulan

Original release date: March 27

New date: TBD

Disney’s epic live-action remake was set to help kick off the blockbuster season but has been pulled so that it can make a bigger splash. 

To fill the void: Those with Disney Plus can always watch the animated 1998 original, or you can stream “Chocolate,” a 2008 Chinese release in which Zen, an autistic teenage girl with powerful martial arts skills, gets money to pay for her sick mother’s treatments.

New Mutants

Original release date: April 3

New date: TBD

Poor “New Mutants” has been so close to hitting the screen about a half-dozen times, only to be yanked for any number of reasons (reshoots, studio bought out by Disney, pandemics). In fact, most of the actors who played teens dealing with their own supernatural powers are now into adulthood. 

To fill the void: “Chronicle,” a 2012 release, intelligently dealt with a group of teens who stumble across an object that imbues them with superhuman powers and must learn to control the results. 

Antlers

Original release date: April 17

New date: TBD

Keri Russell stars in this horror-thriller in which she plays a small-town teacher who uncovers an ancient evil in the woods of Oregon. 

To fill the void: “Wendigo,” in which Malcolm in the Middle’s Erik Per Sullivan travels to the New York woods with his family and they conjure up an evil Native American legend.

F9

Original release date: May 22

New date: April 2, 2021

It looks like the “Fast and Furious” franchise finally hit a roadblock as the ninth entry got pushed back until next year. 

To fill the void: Of course, you have the entire franchise; you just may have to piece it together. The original “The Fast and the Furious” is on commercial cable TV in the weeks ahead, and its sequels –  “2 Fast 2 Furious,” “Tokyo Drift,” “Fast & Furious,” “Fast Five,” “Fast & Furious 6,” “Furious 7,” “F8 of the Furious” and “Hobbs and Shaw” are all available to stream on all major platforms – Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, Microsoft and Redbox for about $3.99.

The Lovebirds

Original release date: April 3

New date: TBD

Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani are a couple whose relationship woes get a tad more complicated when they are implicated in a murder. 

To fill the void: “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” This Netflix original, based on the first book in Jenny Han's bestselling series, follows the story of Lara Jean Covey, a high-schooler whose secret love letters to former crushes accidentally get circulated to their targets.

No Time to Die

Original release date: April 10

New date: Nov. 25, 2020

Daniel Craig’s final (?) turn as Bond apparently has a little more “Time to Die,” as he is being pushed back to November for release. 

To fill the void: Since there are 25 films to choose from, you may have to do some work to find what you want. Here’s a breakdown by your favorite Bonds:

Daniel Craig: “Casino Royale,” is on Hulu, and “Quantum of Solace,” “Skyfall,” and “Spectre” are all available for streaming on the standard platforms for about $4. 

Pierce Brosnan: “Die Another Day,” “Tomorrow Never Dies,” “The World is Not Enough,” and “Goldeneye” are all on Netflix.

Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton (and George Lazenby): Are all available on Google Play, AppleTV, and Amazon for about $3-$4). 

  • Rob is the head of the English and Communications Department at Delaware Technical Community College, where he teaches film. He is also one of the founders of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society. Email him at filmrob@gmail.com.

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