What to Watch in March

After two months of several disappointments at the Box Office, Hollywood will be looking for their 2024 to finally kick into gear with a handful of major releases in March. With the likes of “Argylle” and “Madame Web” tanking and failing to capture the hearts of critics or audiences, a lot of pressure has been put on Denis Villeneuve‘s follow up to his Oscar-winning “Dune” to save the cinema by encouraging audiences to return to their local cineplex. “Dune: Part 2” may benefit from exceptional strong reviews and anticipation following its delayed release due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, and may be one one of the biggest films of the year.

Other huge releases in March include the latest instalments in three prolific franchises. First we have the fifth film in the Ghostbusters franchise with “Ghostbusters” Frozen Empire”; then there is “Kung Fu Panda 4”, the long awaiting fourth instalment in the established Dreamworks animation franchise; then the month closes with the latest entry in the juggernaut Godzilla/King Kong universe with the release of “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire”.

With a couple of straggling Academy Award hopefuls from International Film also being released in March, the month is shaping up to be a vast improvement on January and February.

Here is a full breakdown as to what is coming to UK cinemas and streaming throughout the month of March.

Dune: Part Two (12A)

Dir: Denis Villeneuve

Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Dave Bautista, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, Stellan Skarsgard, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem

Synopsis: Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) unites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Lisa Frankenstein (15)

Dir: Zelda Williams

Cast: Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, Liza Soberano, Henry Eikenberry, Joe Chrest, Carla Gugino

Synopsis: A misunderstood teenager and a reanimated Victorian corpse embark on a murderous journey together to find love, happiness, and a few missing body parts.

Spaceman (12A)

Dir: Johan Renck

Cast: Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan Kunal Nayyar, Lena Olin, Isabella Rossellini, Paul Dano

Synopsis: Jakub Procházka (Adam Sandler) was raised by his grandparents in the Czech countryside after being abandoned as a young boy. He works as a scientist before trying to become the Czech Republic’s first astronaut.

Ricky Stanicky (TBC)

Dir: Peter Farrelly

Cast: Zac Efron, John Cena, Jermaine Fowler, Andrew Santino, Lex Scott Davis, William H. Macy

Synopsis: Twenty years after creating the imaginary Ricky Stanicky, three childhood friends still use the non-existent pal as a handy alibi for their immature behaviour. When their spouses and partners get suspicious and demand to finally meet him, the guilty trio decides to hire washed-up actor Rod (John Cena) to bring him to life. However, when Rod takes his role of a lifetime a little too far, they begin to wish they never invented Ricky in the first place.

Imaginary (TBC)

Dir: Jeff Wadlow

Cast: DeWanda Wise, Tom Payne, Taegen Burns, Pyper Braun, Veronica Falcon, Betty Buckley

Synopsis: When Jessica (DeWanda Wise) moves back into her childhood home with her family, her youngest stepdaughter Alice (Pyper Braun) develops an eerie attachment to a stuffed bear named Chauncey she finds in the basement. Alice starts playing games with Chauncey that begin playful and become increasingly sinister. As Alice’s behavior becomes more and more concerning, Jessica intervenes only to realize Chauncey is much more than the stuffed toy bear she believed him to be.

Io Capitano (12A)

Dir: Matteo Garrone

Cast: Seydou Sarr, Moustapha Fall

Synopsis: Longing for a brighter future, two Senegalese teenagers embark on a journey from West Africa to Italy. However, between their dreams and reality lies a labyrinth of checkpoints, the Sahara Desert, and the vast waters of the Mediterranean.

Drive-Away Dolls (15)

Dir: Ethan Coen

Cast: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, Matt Damon

Synopsis: n search of a fresh start, two women embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, Fla. However, things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

Road House (15)

Dir: Doug Liman

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Daniela Melchior, Billy Magnussen, Jessica Williams, Joaquim de Almeida, Austin Post, Connor McGregor

Synopsis: A former UFC fighter takes a job as a bouncer at a rough-and-tumble roadhouse in the Florida Keys, but soon discovers that not everything is what it seems in this tropical paradise.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (12A)

Dir: Gil Kenan

Cast: Finn Wolfhard, McKenna Grace, Paul Rudd, Carrie Coon, Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, Celeste O’Connor, Logan Kim, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts

Synopsis: The Spengler family returns to the iconic New York City firehouse where the original Ghostbusters have taken ghost-busting to the next level. When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must unite to protect their home and save the world from a second ice age.

The Teachers’ Lounge (12A)

Dir: Ilker Catak

Cast: Leonie Benesch, Leonard Stettnisch, Eva Lobau, Michael Klammer, Rafael Stachowiak, Sarah Bauerett, Kathrin Wehlisch, Anne-Kathrin Gummich

Synopsis: Teacher Carla Nowak (Leonie Benesch) decides to get involved when one of her students is suspected of theft. Caught between her ideals and the school system, the consequences of her actions threaten to break her.

Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG)

Dir: Mike Mitchell

Cast: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Bryan Cranston, James Hong, Ian McShane, Ke Huy Quan, Ronny Chieng, Lori Tan Chinn, Dustin Hoffman, Viola Davis

Synopsis: Po (Jack Black) must train a new warrior when he’s chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace. However, when a powerful shape-shifting sorceress sets her eyes on his Staff of Wisdom, he suddenly realizes he’s going to need some help. Teaming up with a quick-witted corsac fox, Po soon discovers that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (12A)

Dir: Adam Wingard

Cast: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen

Synopsis: Godzilla and the almighty Kong face a colossal threat hidden deep within the planet, challenging their very existence and the survival of the human race.

Bleeding Love (15)

Dir: Emma Westenberg

Cast: Clara McGregor, Ewan McGregor, Kim Zimmer, Jake Weary, Devyn McDowell, Vera Bulder

Synopsis: A father takes his estranged daughter on a road trip to get her out of trouble, leading to their strained relationship being tested as they meet all types of strangers along the way.

The Beautiful Game (12A)

Dir: Thea Sharrock

Cast: Bill Nighy, Michael Ward

Synopsis: Mal (Bill Nighy) is the manager of England’s homeless football team, taking his players to Rome with the hope of being crowned champions of the Homeless World Cup. He brings with them a talented striker, Vinny (Michael Ward), who could give them a real chance at winning.