The REAL March Madness: Movies

By: Tyler Carlos (@tylos624)
 
As the snow begins to thaw and the season begins to change, it is crazy to believe that March is already here. It seems as though the New Year was just here, when everyone was determined that they would finally stick to their resolutions. But now that those delusions are over, what else can we do but move forward?
 
With March comes some of the most well-known days of the year: St. Patty’s Day, the Ides of March, Daylight Savings…the list goes on. But for some, this March promises even greater things. Things only those a part of nerd culture can fully appreciate. Every week in March 2017 provides new and exciting stories coming to both the big and small screens, most of which have been greatly anticipated for months or even years. Here’s what we have to look forward to in March 2017:
 

March 3rd: Logan

The month starts off with a bang as one of nerd culture’s favorite heroes hits the big screen one last time in Logan. Seventeen years after his first appearance in the X-Men universe, Hugh Jackman will portray the adamantium-clawed Wolverine again, this time, as Old Man Logan. In a future where most mutants have disappeared, Logan is called into back into battle to protect a young girl with shockingly familiar abilities. Starring alongside Jackman are Patrick Stewart as Professor Xavier and newcomer Dafne Keen as X-23. While we are all sad that this will be Jackman’s final hoorah as Wolverine, we can all agree that he has created one of the greatest on-screen comic book heroes of the century thus far. Jackman himself has even said that Logan is his love letter to Wolverine, and that this is the right time for him to bow out. But not before we get to see what will hopefully be the best of all the X-Men films to date. And with an R rating, no less. What else could we ask for?
 

March 10th: Kong: Skull Island

The king has returned. From Gareth Edwards, director of Godzilla (2014), comes the newest incarnation of one of film’s most iconic monsters. Kong: Skull Island will bring audiences to the home of the giant ape King Kong, where a group of explorers will find more than they imagined. The filmmakers lined up an all-star cast, including Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, and John C. Reilly. Unlike previous versions about the giant ape, it seems that filmmakers are adding a bit more comedy to this film without cutting out any of the giant-monster/gun-slinging battles we love. While the drama will certainly be there, the explosive action and dynamite cast will, I’m sure, make Kong: Skull Island the best Kong yet.
 

Also March 10th: Tangled: Before Ever After

After Tangled premiered in 2010, we all believed that Rapunzel and Eugene lived happily ever after. We even got a bit of proof with the animated short Tangled: Ever After, where we got to see Rapunzel and Eugene’s wedding. But now, it seems there is more to the story. Somewhere between Tangled and Tangled: Ever After, Rapunzel’s magical blonde hair grew back, and now she has to learn to deal with it on top of all her new responsibilities as a princess. Everyone is back: Rapunzel, Eugene, Maximus, Pascal, even King Dad and Queen Mom. Starring Mandy Moore and Nerd 001 himself Zachary Levi, Tangled: Before Ever After promises fun adventures for both young and old fans of the original film. The TV movie premieres on Disney Channel on March 10, and will also bridge into Tangled: The Series, airing on Disney Channel.
 

March 17th: Beauty and the Beast

When the news first broke that Disney was going to begin developing live-action versions of their animated films, it was inevitable that Beauty and the Beast would receive one. Now, after two years of anticipation, the wait is almost over. After both Cinderella (2015) and The Jungle Book (2016) did not include much of the music from the original animated films, I was ecstatic to learn that the live-action Beauty and the Beast would indeed be a full-fledged musical, including all the original songs and even a few new ones from Alan Menken. Disney even released a glimpse of the opening number “Belle,” which only solidified how magical this film will be. There’s even a small reference to Harry Potter! Directed by Bill Condon, the film stars Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor, Ian McKellan, Stanley Tucci, and Emma Thompson.
 

Also March 17th: Iron Fist

The final Defender arrives. After being presumed dead for 15 years, Danny Rand returns to New York City with many secrets. But despite his mysterious past, Danny is ready to reclaim his family legacy and company. However, he also comes home with a mission – to take down those criminals that have infiltrated the upper ranks of his company and his city. The show stars Finn Jones as Danny Rand, as well as Rosario Dawson returning as Claire Temple. If Marvel’s other Netflix shows are any indication, Iron Fist promises to be an intense and exceedingly thrilling introduction of New York City’s final Defender.
 

March 24th: Power Rangers

“It’s Morphin Time!” If you were a kid in the nineties, odds are those words mean a lot. Well, they’re about to come back in a whole new way. The original Rangers are back in a new interpretation that is sure to incite extreme nostalgia in old Power Rangers fans. The film will somewhat follow the original show; however, the story has been updated for modern audiences. The film follows five teenagers who become superpowered heroes destined to defend the Earth against an alien menace seeking vengeance. The film stars Elizabeth Banks as Rita Repulsa, Bryan Cranston as Zordon, and Bill Hader as Alpha 5. Go Go, Power Rangers!
 

March 31th: Ghost in the Shell

Based on the internationally acclaimed manga of the same name, Ghost in the Shell follows a human-cyborg hybrid called The Major who deals with some of the world’s worst criminals and extremists. In this film, she is hunting down a cyber terrorist, all while trying to rediscover the life she lost before she became a cyborg. The film stars Scarlett Johansson, who has spoken about her understanding of the weight on her shoulders to deliver strongly with such an iconic manga character. Overflowing with fight scenes and insane graphics, Ghost in the Shell will no doubt be a great way to round off such a fun month of entertainment.
 

The upcoming month promises so many fun adventures for film and story lovers everywhere. It’s been a relatively slow year thus far, but March will no doubt be the month that launches this crazy year of film. Happy March, fellow nerds!

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via The Nerd Machine

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