This semester’s 10 most anticipated film releases

BY KELLAN BYARS

Multimedia Journalist

Movie theaters are gearing up for a busy spring semester as a wide variety of films are slated for release. From suspenseful thrillers and touching dramas to nostalgic sequels and entertaining originals, check out the top 10 most anticipated movies of the semester:

Crime 101

"Crime 101," which opened Feb. 13, centers on a seasoned detective investigating a series of highly organized jewel thefts along the Pacific Coast. The crimes appear flawless, with no violence and few mistakes, all following a strict set of rules known as “Crime 101.”

As the detective digs deeper, he realizes the robberies are connected to a disciplined crew that prides itself on precision, patience and staying invisible. 

The story unfolds as a methodical cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and the criminals, focusing on strategy rather than spectacle. As pressure mounts, both sides test each other’s limits, revealing how thin the line can be between control and chaos.

Goat

Also opened on Feb. 13 was the animated film "Goat," which explores the world of competitive sports when a small goat named Will gets the chance to play “roarball” in the big leagues. 

The film explores themes of competition, ambition and the pursuit of greatness in the world of competitive sports. Will has to deal with teammates who are not too happy he is on the team, but he is determined to succeed and show that “smalls can ball.”

Wuthering Heights

A new adaptation of Emily Brontë’s book "Wuthering Heights" also started showing on Feb. 13. The classic tale of love and obsession starring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie came to the big screen in a re-adaptation that takes a modern and visually stunning form. 

This film, like the book, follows Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff as they explore a passionate but turbulent love story in the Yorkshire Moors. The beautiful re-adaptation will be a modern rendition of the classic, brimming with angst and tortured drama.

Scream VII

Horror fans also have a chance to return to Woodsboro in "Scream VII," which opens on Feb. 27. The new film continues the franchise’s familiar mix of horror and comedy. We will see a new cast of characters, along with some familiar faces, as they try to solve the mystery of another Ghostface killer whose motivations are rooted in a prior occurrence in the series. 

Along the way, there are nods to what the audience will expect, as well as a discussion about horror movies, reboots and true crime. Once again, there is a mix of horror, witty dialogue and humor, making sure the scare never overshadows the fun.

The Bride

A new take on the Frankenstein story, "The Bride" is scheduled to open on March 6 and will be a new interpretation of traditional monster mythology, based on the concept of the bride of Frankenstein. 

However, rather than simply playing a supporting character, the bride is at the forefront as she tries to figure out what it means to be the bride of Frankenstein. This is, of course, set against the gothic aesthetic and atmosphere expected in the film.

Reminders of Him

"Reminders of Him," arriving March 13, is based on the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover, and the film will be a character-driven drama focusing on themes of redemption and second chances. 

The film follows a young woman as she is released from prison and seeks to reconnect with her daughter and begin her new life, but as she develops unexpected relationships connected to her past, the film delves into themes of grief, forgiveness and healing.

Project Hail Mary

Science fiction takes center stage March 20 with "Project Hail Mary," which follows astronaut Ryland Grace when he wakes up alone on a spacecraft with no memory of his mission. 

As his memories slowly return, he realizes he has been sent on a last-chance effort to save Earth from an extinction-level threat. While the stakes are high, the story balances scientific problem-solving with humor, curiosity and unexpected friendship, giving the film an adventurous and optimistic tone.

Ready or Not 2

Also opening on March 20 is "Ready or Not 2," a sequel that thrives on the frenetic energy of the original horror-comedy. Just when she thought she was safe, Grace finds out that she is being hunted by the world’s elite. 

If they find her, she dies; if not, they lose their power. Grace also discovers her sister is a target. In a race against time, she must figure out how to once again win the childish, yet deadly, game of hide and seek.

Micheal

"Michael" has a scheduled release date of April 24, and the film will be a biopic that follows the story of pop culture sensation Michael Jackson, as well as his journey from being a member of the Jackson 5 as a boy to becoming one of the most significant musicians the world has seen. 

The film will showcase pivotal moments from his long career, describing some of the most important moments of his creation and performance processes in music.

The Devil Wears Prada 2

Finally, the semester closes out with "The Devil Wears Prada 2." The first film was loved by millions, so many are expecting great things from this sequel releasing May 1. The film is again set in the fast-paced world of fashion that was popular in the original but has evolved in the era of social media.

Andy Sachs returns having forged her own career path outside of Runway, bringing her back into Miranda’s orbit under very different circumstances. Now more confident and professionally established, Andy must navigate unresolved tensions from her past while confronting the question of how much ambition she is willing to reclaim.

With a combination of thrills, humor, romance and nostalgia, the film schedule for this spring will satisfy all movie buffs, whether they seek thrillers, emotional experiences or just plain laughs, as cinemas are bound to be filled through the end of the semester.