“Bad Education”, the best movie of 2020 so far, premieres on HBO Saturday night. In “traditional” movie years, April is considered by many to be a slow period with usually not-so great quality. However, it’s time to abolish that stereotype. Besides “Bad Education” and the “Avengers” installments “Infinity War” and “Endgame”, here are 12 other excellent films released over the past decade in the month of April:
“42” (2013)
This biopic on Jackie Robinson saw the breakthrough performance of Chadwick Boseman and nomination-worthy work from Harrison Ford. I understand why WB decided to open it in April for the start of baseball season, but they could’ve saved it for World Series & Awards Season time in October.
“The Age of Adaline” (2015)
It’s Harrison Ford again! He and Blake Lively starred in this unique romantic drama that I’ve recommended to many since its release.
“Captain America: The Winter Soldier” (2014)
It’s not the most fun installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it’s still arguably the most polished entry in the saga.
“Death at a Funeral” (2010)
Chris Rock. Martin Lawrence. Tracy Morgan. Zoe Saldana. Danny Glover. Kevin Hart. James Marsden. I remember laughing SO HARD when I saw this 10 years ago.
“Hanna” (2011)?
The story. The music. The casting: Saoirse Ronan and Cate Blanchett in dynamite roles. It’s still one of my favorite modern thrillers.
“Heaven is for Real” (2014)?
Greg Kinnear is one of the most underrated actors in the biz. He led this moving faith-based drama.
“The Meddler” (2016)?
Writer/director Lorene Scafaria’s tribute to her mom has an evergreen kind of a soul, largely thanks to Susan Sarandon’s central performance.
“Oceans” (2010)?
Disneynature’s documentaries have incredible footage, and I still recall being awed by the camerawork in this Pierce Bresnan-Narrated film.
“Paterno” (2018)
Al Pacino was fantastic as the former Penn State football coach in this riveting look at one of the biggest sports scandals of this century.
“The Pirates! Band of Misfits” (2012)?
Okay, so remember how I laughed really hard at “Death at a Funeral”? I don’t think I’ve laughed MORE OFTEN during a movie (since I’ve been reviewing movies) than while watching this stop-motion Aardman comedy. The script is genius.
“Storm Boy” (2019)?
One of last year’s best films: this new take on the classic Australian story with Geoffrey Rush.
“Super Troopers 2” (2018)?
If you learn anything from reading this piece, it’s that studios have released some funny comedies in April over the years. This sequel to the cult hit is definitely one of them.