A Western Front reporter recommends movies to watch over spring break. By Carina Andrews Winter quarter is rough, but spring break is right around the corner and a movie night is just what every student needs to celebrate the end of the quarter. 1) “Ready Player One” Steven Spielberg’s “Ready Player One” comes out March 29. This science fiction action film, based on Ernest Cline’s bestselling novel, is about a future in which the world is in chaos and the only escape is to enter a virtual reality called The OASIS. However, the creator of this extremely popular virtual getaway has just died and left the ownership and fortune that comes from The OASIS to whomever can find a hidden easter egg in the world. The film follows Wade Watts, played by Tye Sheridan, an unlikely hero who is searching for the fortune. “Ready Player One” will be full of video game references that will surely please game-buffs, and with an incredibly talented filmmaker like Spielberg, the film is unlikely to disappoint. For a society that is heading toward more virtual reality, such as games and chat rooms, this future seems possible and is an interesting concept to consider. Critics are enjoying the film and giving it positive reviews with an 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb and 78 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. “Ready Player One” will be a fun date night movie or outing with friends. Where to see it: March 29, Regal Barkley Village or AMC Loews Cascade Mall. Purchase tickets on Fandango here. 2) “Love, Simon” “Love, Simon” follows the story of a 17-year-old high school student who hasn’t told anyone that he is gay. When another student from his school posts anonymously that they are gay, Simon begins to chat with him online and starts to fall in love. The film has been getting many positive reviews since it came out on March 16. With a 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and an eight out of ten on IMDb, “Love, Simon” is being described as a fun, heartwarming film that is better than most other films in the same genre. The film is a huge step forward for Hollywood because it features a gay romance in a genre that doesn’t have the best track record for representation. It would make the perfect date night movie. Where to see it: Out now, Regal Barkley Village. Check out showtimes and buy tickets here. 3) “Isle of Dogs” Coming out on March 23, ”Isle of Dogs” is Wes Anderson’s newest film. This fictional story follows the events that take place after Megasaki City in Japan exiles all of their dogs to “Trash Island.” There, Atari, a young boy voiced by Koyu Rankin, searches for his lost dog with the help of a pack of dogs. “Isle of Dogs” is a stop-motion animated drama adventure film. The art style is reminiscent of Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and rides the line between beautiful and creepy. The cast is rounded out with A-list actors including Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray and Bryan Cranston. The concept of the film is original and with a 97 percent Rotten Tomatoes score, does not disappoint. Plus, who doesn’t like a good dog movie? Where to see it: March 23. There are no current showtimes listed. Check here closer to the release date to view showtimes and purchase tickets. 4) “Tomb Raider” This will be the second time the video game “Tomb Raider” will be brought to the big screen. Angelina Jolie’s 2001 “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” failed to wow critics with a 33 percent Metacritic score, but Alicia Vikander’s new take seems more promising. “Tomb Raider” will be released on March 16. Lara Croft, played by Vikander, is the daughter of an adventurer who disappeared years earlier. The plot line is about her journey to find out what happened to him as she explores his last known location, an ancient tomb off the coast of Japan. Of course, there are people who stand in her way, and that is where the action comes in. From the trailers, there are many scenes that look like they are straight out of the video game, which will catch fans’ attention. However, video game movies do not typically do well, and this film might just be another failed attempt that doesn’t translate to the big screen well. For anyone who is a fan of the video games, or interested in an action packed film, “Tomb Raider” may be worth a watch. Where to watch: March 16, Regal Barkley Village. Click here to purchase tickets and view showtimes. 5) “Midnight Sun” This teen drama might be the perfect terrible chick flick for your spring break date night. “Midnight Sun” is about a teenager, Katie, played by Bella Thorne, who is allergic to the sun. Because of her rare disease, Katie has spent her life sheltered in her home behind protective windows, watching the neighbor boy, Charlie, from afar. One night, Katie ventures out of her house and meets Charlie, and from there they start a relationship based on nightly excursions and a race against the sun. This film will probably be awful, but sometimes a terrible film is just what you need to make sure you aren’t taking life too seriously. It hasn’t been reviewed by any major critic sites as of yet. “Midnight Sun” will be released on March 23. Where to see it: March 23, There are no current showtimes listed. Check here closer to the release date to view showtimes and purchase tickets. 6) “Black Panther” If you haven’t seen “Black Panther” yet, you are missing out. “Black Panther” is the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and follows the story of T’Challa’s return to his kingdom, Wakanda, after the death of his father, King T’Chaka, to take over the kingdom and the role as the Black Panther. This film is so much more than another superhero movie. It is a political statement about racism, oppression and what Africa could be without Western control. The acting, filmography and writing are all absolutely incredible and with a 97 percent Rotten Tomato score, it is safe to say that “Black Panther” has been the best film of the year so far. For a more in depth review of “Black Panther,” read the Front’s review here. Where to see it: In theaters now, Regal Barkley Village. Click here to view showtimes and purchase tickets. Updated March 22, 2018 to add "Love, Simon."
