Excalibur’s spring previews

Scream 4
Release date: April 15, 2011
“What’s your favourite scary movie?” I remember hearing those infamous words from my TV at 11 years old. I was utterly terrified, yet slightly intrigued by this taunting voice, sealed behind a black robe and white mask, dagger-ready hands sliced and diced screaming victims.
In the trilogy, the notorious Ghostface Killer cleverly creates a world of madness and terror for potential victims, including one particular target, Sidney Prescott. When she survived the previous three films, we all breathed a sigh of relief knowing  our beloved Sidney can finally live her life in peace.
Ten years later, after publishing a self-help book, Sidney makes her final tour stop in the town that started it all, Woodsboro. Surrounded by her friends – the quirky-yet-shy Deputy Dewey Riley, the no-holds-barred journalist Gale Weathers and an infinite list of Hollywood faces – she’s forced to put her survival instincts to the ultimate test as the Ghostface Killer returns.
Based on the trailer, Scream 4 is going back to its roots with tongue-in-cheek dialogue, disturbing phone calls and chase sequences that force these characters to adapt to the new rules of horror movies.
Rio
Release date: April 15, 2011
The creators of Ice Age opted to go to a hotter destination in this new animated film. Rio’s characters are voiced by a wide cast including Jesse Eisenberg, Anne Hathaway, George Lopez and Jamie Foxx.
The film centers on Blu (Eisenberg), the last of a rare species, the blue macaw. While Blu lives in Minnesota, a scientist discovers a female macaw in South America, Jewel (Hathaway). When he is sent to Rio, Blu is forced to think over his identity, and once he is joined by Jewel, the two are kidnapped by poachers who want to sell them for a fortune. Meanwhile, they meet a few other colourful characters who guide them through the big bad city.
If it’s a good family film you’re looking for, this one could be a treat.
Water for Elephants
Release date: April 22, 2011
Good news for Twilight fans who can’t get enough of Robert Pattinson: he’s back on the big screen wooing Academy Award winner Reese Witherspoon.
Water for Elephants, based on Sara Gruen’s novel of the same title, tells the story of Jacob (Pattinson), a veterinary student who suddenly experiences the tragic loss of his parents. Living through these events during the Great Depression, Jacob encounters the charismatic yet savvy animal trainer August (Christoph Waltz), who promises to change his life if he agrees to work for him and do as he says.
Upon accepting the offer, Jacob slowly learns the rules of the circus, the main one being not to talk with the beautiful equestrian star, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), who is also August’s wife. As Marlena and Jacob’s inevitable affections for one another start turning into something more, Jacob has to face the reality of the consequences when August realizes Jacob has crossed the line.
Thor
Release date: May 6, 2011
Comic fans, once again, have something to call their own. This spring, Marvel’s Thor is coming in to solve the problem of bad comic adaptations. What makes it slightly better? It’s shot in 3D, of course.
Chris Hemsworth stars as the powerful superhero Thor, whose reckless behaviour lands him in hot water with his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins), the ruler of Asgard. Odin decides to punish his son by sending him down to planet earth to live among the human race. Once there, Thor meets scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who slowly becomes his love interest, and he is forced to learn what it takes to be a true hero as trouble comes their way.
The inclusion of some of the comic’s characters, including Thor’s adoptive brother and nemesis, Loki; his stepmother and Queen of Asgard, Frigga; and childhood friend and warrior, Sif guarantee Thor will be action-packed.