‘Booksmart’ gets boost of social media support | CNN

‘Booksmart’ gets boost of social media support

Lisa Respers France
By Lisa Respers France, CNN
2 minute read
Published 1:33 PM EDT, Wed May 29, 2019
(May 24) -- Don't you dare close your eyes. Disney is taking us back to Agrabah in the live-action adaptation of of the animated classic and it's going to be a must-see for those who loved the original. Sure, the early sneak peeks at Will Smith's genie made people want to close their eyes, but let's hold our breath and hope it gets better.
"Aladdin" —
(May 24) -- Don't you dare close your eyes. Disney is taking us back to Agrabah in the live-action adaptation of of the animated classic and it's going to be a must-see for those who loved the original. Sure, the early sneak peeks at Will Smith's genie made people want to close their eyes, but let's hold our breath and hope it gets better.
Walt Disney Studios/Youtube
(May 24) -- Olivia Wilde makes her movie directing debut with a coming-of-age teen comedy about two friends (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever) who have spent all of high school studying to get into good schools and suddenly realize they've missed out on all the fun. So they decide to try to fill in what they missed in one night, a premise that owes a thematic debt to "American Graffiti." The adult cast includes Lisa Kudrow, Jessica Williams and Wilde's off-screen partner, Jason Sudeikis.
"Booksmart" —
(May 24) -- Olivia Wilde makes her movie directing debut with a coming-of-age teen comedy about two friends (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever) who have spent all of high school studying to get into good schools and suddenly realize they've missed out on all the fun. So they decide to try to fill in what they missed in one night, a premise that owes a thematic debt to "American Graffiti." The adult cast includes Lisa Kudrow, Jessica Williams and Wilde's off-screen partner, Jason Sudeikis.
Francois Duhamel
(May 31) -- Going back to an early title as Warner Bros. builds its "Monsterverse," this latest movie features not only Godzilla but a number of other big names (literally), including Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah. The human actors include Vera Farmiga, Kyle Chandler and "Stranger Things'" Millie Bobby Brown. Brought to life with computer effects instead of men in rubber suits, this is really the teaser for what should be the main event -- "Godzilla vs. Kong," which is scheduled for 2020.
"Godzilla: King of the Monsters" —
(May 31) -- Going back to an early title as Warner Bros. builds its "Monsterverse," this latest movie features not only Godzilla but a number of other big names (literally), including Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah. The human actors include Vera Farmiga, Kyle Chandler and "Stranger Things'" Millie Bobby Brown. Brought to life with computer effects instead of men in rubber suits, this is really the teaser for what should be the main event -- "Godzilla vs. Kong," which is scheduled for 2020.
Legenday and Warner Bros.
(May 31) -- Elton John gets a slightly different kind of biographical treatment than "Bohemian Rhapsody" in this jukebox musical, which uses the rock star's songs to tell the story of his life, including dealing with his sexuality and a whole lot of drug use. Taron Egerton disappears into the role of John, with Jamie Bell as his lyricist partner Bernie Taupin and Richard Madden ("Game of Thrones") as John's manager and (for a time) love interest, John Reid.
"Rocketman" —
(May 31) -- Elton John gets a slightly different kind of biographical treatment than "Bohemian Rhapsody" in this jukebox musical, which uses the rock star's songs to tell the story of his life, including dealing with his sexuality and a whole lot of drug use. Taron Egerton disappears into the role of John, with Jamie Bell as his lyricist partner Bernie Taupin and Richard Madden ("Game of Thrones") as John's manager and (for a time) love interest, John Reid.
Photo Credit: David Appleby/David Appleby
(June 7) -- In this latest installment of the X-Men franchise, Sophie Turner and director Simon Kinberg tell the tale of beloved character Jean Grey being hit by a cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants around, putting her at odds with her own kind. Luckily, the "Game of Thrones" alum has some familiarity with playing a powerful woman trying to shut down the haters.
"Dark Phoenix" —
(June 7) -- In this latest installment of the X-Men franchise, Sophie Turner and director Simon Kinberg tell the tale of beloved character Jean Grey being hit by a cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants around, putting her at odds with her own kind. Luckily, the "Game of Thrones" alum has some familiarity with playing a powerful woman trying to shut down the haters.
Doane Gregory/Marve/Twentieth Century Fox
(June 7) -- Mindy Kaling wrote, produced and co-stars in this comedy set around a late-night TV show and its imperious host, played by Emma Thompson. Kaling's character becomes the first woman on the writing staff, a "diversity hire" as the long-running show struggles. The movie finally hits theaters after a reasonably well-received debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
"Late Night" —
(June 7) -- Mindy Kaling wrote, produced and co-stars in this comedy set around a late-night TV show and its imperious host, played by Emma Thompson. Kaling's character becomes the first woman on the writing staff, a "diversity hire" as the long-running show struggles. The movie finally hits theaters after a reasonably well-received debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
Amazon Studios
(June 14) -- Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Selena Gomez, Chloë Sevigny star in a film in which a peaceful town gets overrun by a zombie horde when the dead start rising from their graves. Basically, an A-list cast takes on the B-movie horror genre and you can bet you'll C me there.
"The Dead Don't Die" —
(June 14) -- Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Selena Gomez, Chloë Sevigny star in a film in which a peaceful town gets overrun by a zombie horde when the dead start rising from their graves. Basically, an A-list cast takes on the B-movie horror genre and you can bet you'll C me there.
Focus Features
(June 14) Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson resurrect the "Men in Black" franchise with F. Gary Gray in the director's chair. Hemsworth and Thompson were previously seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe together, which leads us to believe this is going to be a super pairing.
"Men in Black: International" —
(June 14) Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson resurrect the "Men in Black" franchise with F. Gary Gray in the director's chair. Hemsworth and Thompson were previously seen in the Marvel Cinematic Universe together, which leads us to believe this is going to be a super pairing.
CTMG, Inc. /Sony Pictures
(June 21) --Your favorite gang of toys returns for another adventure. The film follows Sheriff Woody (Tom Hanks( as he goes off on a quest to track down their newest friend, Forky the spork (Tony Hale). You'll also meet another new character, Duke Caboom, voiced by Keanu Reeves. With this being the final film of the nearly 25-year-old franchise, make sure to grab the Kleenex, you know it's going to be a tear jerker. <br />
"Toy Story 4" —
(June 21) --Your favorite gang of toys returns for another adventure. The film follows Sheriff Woody (Tom Hanks( as he goes off on a quest to track down their newest friend, Forky the spork (Tony Hale). You'll also meet another new character, Duke Caboom, voiced by Keanu Reeves. With this being the final film of the nearly 25-year-old franchise, make sure to grab the Kleenex, you know it's going to be a tear jerker.
Pixar/Disney
(June 28) -- Can you imagine a world where The Beatles never existed? We can't either, but director Danny Boyle and writer Richard Curtis do just that in their latest film. This film tells the story of Jack Malik (Himesh Patel), who wakes up after a bus accident to discover he's the only one whose ever heard of the English rock band. Malik, a struggling singer and song writer knows all the words to their greatest hits, and he's about to become very famous. The film also stars Lily James, Kate McKinnon and Ed Sheeran. <br /> <br />
"Yesterday" —
(June 28) -- Can you imagine a world where The Beatles never existed? We can't either, but director Danny Boyle and writer Richard Curtis do just that in their latest film. This film tells the story of Jack Malik (Himesh Patel), who wakes up after a bus accident to discover he's the only one whose ever heard of the English rock band. Malik, a struggling singer and song writer knows all the words to their greatest hits, and he's about to become very famous. The film also stars Lily James, Kate McKinnon and Ed Sheeran.

Universal Pictures
(July 2) -- It's summer, so obviously another superhero film is coming your way. Marvel Studios' sequel to "Spider-Man: Homecoming" picks up where "Avengers: Endgame" leaves off, with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) mourning the death of his mentor, Tony Stark. But during a trip to Europe with his buddies, he gets an offer to team up with Quentin Beck "Mysterio," played by Jake Glyyenhaal. The film also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau and Marisa Tomei. <br />
"Spider-Man: Far From Home " —
(July 2) -- It's summer, so obviously another superhero film is coming your way. Marvel Studios' sequel to "Spider-Man: Homecoming" picks up where "Avengers: Endgame" leaves off, with Peter Parker (Tom Holland) mourning the death of his mentor, Tony Stark. But during a trip to Europe with his buddies, he gets an offer to team up with Quentin Beck "Mysterio," played by Jake Glyyenhaal. The film also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Zendaya, Cobie Smulders, Jon Favreau and Marisa Tomei.
Marvel
(July 12) -- If you loved Awkwafina in "Crazy Rich Asians," you're about to fall in love with her all over again in this drama written and directed by Lulu Wang. Awkwafina plays Billi, a Chinese-American who goes to China to visit her dying grandmother. The family knows that their matriarch has been diagnosed with lung cancer, but she doesn't. Keeping this news begins to tear the family apart, with Awkwafina's character feeling like she's betraying her. <br />
"The Farewell" —
(July 12) -- If you loved Awkwafina in "Crazy Rich Asians," you're about to fall in love with her all over again in this drama written and directed by Lulu Wang. Awkwafina plays Billi, a Chinese-American who goes to China to visit her dying grandmother. The family knows that their matriarch has been diagnosed with lung cancer, but she doesn't. Keeping this news begins to tear the family apart, with Awkwafina's character feeling like she's betraying her.
Sundance
(July 12) -- In this promising summer comedy, Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) is a struggling Uber driver with one star reviews when a cop named Vic (Dave Bautista) gets in his car to go after some drug dealers. Adding to the strangeness, Vic's just had Lasik surgery and takes Stu for a ride. "Stuber" also stars Iko Uwais, Natalie Morales and Mira Sorvino. <br />
"Stuber" —
(July 12) -- In this promising summer comedy, Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) is a struggling Uber driver with one star reviews when a cop named Vic (Dave Bautista) gets in his car to go after some drug dealers. Adding to the strangeness, Vic's just had Lasik surgery and takes Stu for a ride. "Stuber" also stars Iko Uwais, Natalie Morales and Mira Sorvino.
Mark Hill/CNN
(July 19) -- Do I really need to say more than Beyoncé? She's a star voice in this eagerly awaited remake of the beloved 1994 animated Disney film, along with notable cast that includes Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Billy Eichner and John Oliver. They lend their voices to what is reportedly a shot-by-shot remake, using computer generated animation. I kind of don't even care how they did it, with all that talent and James Earl Jones reprising his role from the original. Audiences are waiting to see if it will at all compare to the original. My prediction? Hakuna Matata.
"The Lion King" —
(July 19) -- Do I really need to say more than Beyoncé? She's a star voice in this eagerly awaited remake of the beloved 1994 animated Disney film, along with notable cast that includes Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Billy Eichner and John Oliver. They lend their voices to what is reportedly a shot-by-shot remake, using computer generated animation. I kind of don't even care how they did it, with all that talent and James Earl Jones reprising his role from the original. Audiences are waiting to see if it will at all compare to the original. My prediction? Hakuna Matata.
Disney
(July 26) --The cinephile in me goes a bit crazy whenever there's a new Quentin Tarantino film coming out. Thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, who play a TV actor and his stuntman, respectively, "Once Upon a Time" looks promising. The film is set in Hollywood in 1969, which lends itself to all types of plot line deliciousness.
"Once Upon a Time in...Hollywood" —
(July 26) --The cinephile in me goes a bit crazy whenever there's a new Quentin Tarantino film coming out. Thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, who play a TV actor and his stuntman, respectively, "Once Upon a Time" looks promising. The film is set in Hollywood in 1969, which lends itself to all types of plot line deliciousness.
Sony Pictures International
(August 16) - This one is being described as "Superbad" for sixth-graders, so buckle up for three 12-year-olds with a penchant for swearing and intrigued by sex, drugs and alcohol. The trio embarks on some shenanigans that is sure to make parents of middle-schoolers check their phones to see what they're kids are up to. We suspect this could also be a sweet and comical coming-of-age film.
"Good Boys" —
(August 16) - This one is being described as "Superbad" for sixth-graders, so buckle up for three 12-year-olds with a penchant for swearing and intrigued by sex, drugs and alcohol. The trio embarks on some shenanigans that is sure to make parents of middle-schoolers check their phones to see what they're kids are up to. We suspect this could also be a sweet and comical coming-of-age film.
Universal Pictures
(August 16) -- I read the Maria Semple comic novel this film is based on. If the movie is even half as good, it should be a hit. Cate Blanchette, Kristen Wiig and Judy Greer star in this tale of a Bernadette, a wife and mother whose teenage daughter tries to piece together her story after her mom disappears. A stellar cast and "Boyhood" director Richard Linklater at the helm? Yes please!
"Where'd You Go, Bernadette" —
(August 16) -- I read the Maria Semple comic novel this film is based on. If the movie is even half as good, it should be a hit. Cate Blanchette, Kristen Wiig and Judy Greer star in this tale of a Bernadette, a wife and mother whose teenage daughter tries to piece together her story after her mom disappears. A stellar cast and "Boyhood" director Richard Linklater at the helm? Yes please!
Annapurna Pictures
17 summer movies to be excited about
CNN  — 

The new film “Booksmart” has some major boosters.

Several stars, including Taylor Swift, Ryan Reynolds and Natalie Portman, have been using social media to encourage folks to see the movie that marks the directorial debut for actress Olivia Wilde.

The movie follows two high school students who try to cram in all the fun they missed while they were busy studying.

Swift reposted a story on Instagram from one of the film’s cast members, Diana Silvers, which showed Silvers changing the words to Swift’s hit “Delicate,” urging people to see her movie.

Reynolds tweeted, “BOOKSMART. Don’t walk, RUN to see this. Today and all summer. Holy s**t.”

“I have seen it once an I’m gonna go again this weekend,” Mindy Kaling tweeted. “That’s how much i love this hilarious, poignant movie! Come see #booksmart with me!”

The decision to release a coming-of-age comedy during a busy Memorial Day weekend was questioned by some industry observers, but the film’s distributor downplayed the importance of “Booksmart’s” modest opening.

“We have always believed, and actually proven, that we have a movie that audiences love, and we are expecting the film to play well into the summer,” United Artists Releasing Distribution President Erik Lomis told the Los Angeles Times. “We are not quitting on this great film. We’re confident that it’s going to leg out.”

Director Wilde acknowledged the marketing challenge in a tweet on Monday.

“A wide release for a small film is def a major gamble. I’m lucky my first movie is in any theater at all! Also proud a movie like this can be seen by the entire country at once. We made @Booksmart for everyone,” she wrote.

Those who have seen it, appear to love it.

The film boasted a 97 percent fresh rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes.