Coming to Netflix: April 2021
Netflix is leaning into content this month with at least five big budget Hollywood originals as well as a number of classic family-friendly films. (Our reviews for the original movies will be posted on their release dates.)
April 1:
2012When disastrous events foretold in the ancient Mayan calendar start to occur, people are forced to tap their courage and ingenuity to survive. PG-13, Grade: B-
Cop Out This buddy pic stars Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan as cops. Restricted, Content only
Friends with BenefitsAfter tumultuous relationships, good friends Jamie and Dylan decide they just want sex without emotional ties. But their “friends with benefits” deal causes its own complications. Restricted, Content details only
InsidiousParents of three children are convinced that their house is haunted – and are horrified to learn that the problem comes from their son. PG-13, Grade: C-
Legally Blonde When a blonde sorority president and homecoming queen gets dumped by her Harvard-bound boyfriend, she decides to show him that she’s smarter than he thinks. PG-13, Grade: C+
My Fair Lady Turning a flower seller into a society woman is the subject of a bet between a professor and his friend. But it turns out that playing with someone’s life has repercussions in this classic musical. G, Grade: A-
The Possession When a young woman buys an antique box, she unleashes a famished spirit. This horror film is lighter than usual on violent content but still manages to be creepy. PG-13, Grade: C+
The Time Traveler’s WifeBorn with a rare genetic disorder, Henry randomly travels through time. His wife, Clare, does all she can to maintain a relationship with a man who erratically appears across her timeline. PG-13, Grade: C+
Yes Man A disagreeable man decides that he needs a personal reset so he determines to answer “Yes” to every request. PG-13, Grade: C
April 2:
Concrete Cowboy (Netflix Original) When 15 year old Cole is sent to live with his estranged father in Philadelphia, he discovers that urban cowboys really do exist. Restricted
Just Say Yes(Netflix Original) In this Dutch rom-com, Lotte is ditched at the altar just when her sister gets engaged. Unrated
Sky High (Netflix Original) This Spanish thriller follows a gang of young criminals who carry out high stake heists. Unrated
April 3:
Escape from Planet Earth Scorch Supernova is on a rescue mission to the most primitive planet in the galaxy. When his plans go awry, his brother must come to earth to save him. PG, Grade: B-
April 5:
Coded BiasThis thought-provoking documentary examines how racial and gender biases embedded in computer algorithms harm women, minorities, and other disadvantaged groups. PG, Grade: A
April 9:
Thunder Force(Netflix Original) Two middle aged female superheroes use their unusual powers to save their city. PG-13
April 10:
The Stand In (Netflix Original) Drew Barrymore stars as a substance-abusing actress who hires a look-alike to stand in for her while she’s in rehab. Restricted
April 12:
New Gods Nezha Reborn (Netflix Original) A young motorcycle rider is shocked to learn that he is the reincarnation of Nezha and must settle a grudge with the Dragon Clan. Unrated
April 15:
The Master After surviving the horrors of World War II, Freddie Quell struggles to readjust to civilian life. He thinks his problems are over when he meets a self-proclaimed philosopher and joins his religious movement. Restricted, Content details only.
April 16:
Arlo the Alligator Boy (Netflix Original) The young crocodile Arlo Beauregard heads off to New York to find his father. TV-PG
Crimson Peak After her marriage, a young bride discovers that her husband’s home is filled with dangerous secrets in this atmospheric horror film. Restricted, Content details only
Into the Beat(Netflix Original) A young ballerina is attracted to a street dancer in this German musical rom-com. Unrated
The Zookeeper’s Wife After the Nazis invade Poland, the owners of the Warsaw Zoo use their facility as a hiding place for hundreds of Jews. PG-13, Grade: B
April 19:
Miss Sloane Jessica Chastain stars as a lobbyist determined to pass gun control laws in this expose of the insider world of politics. Restricted, Content details only
April 22
Stowaway (Netflix Original) When a man finds himself inadvertently on a spaceship to Mars, there might not be enough life support for everyone. Unrated
April 23:
Tell Me When (Netflix Original) Searching for his roots, a young man decides to travel to Mexico to find his family. Unrated
April 27:
August: Osage County Meryl Streep stars as a strong-minded matriarch in this comedy about the ties that bind. Restricted, Content details only
Battle Los Angeles Aliens attack Los Angeles; soldiers defend the planet. Yada yada yada. The only surprise here is that the battle doesn’t happen in New York. PG-13, Grade: C-
April 29:
Things Heard and Seen (Netflix Original) Amanda Seyfried stars as an artist who has just moved to a new home, only to suspect that both her marriage and her home are filled with darkness. Unrated
April 30:
The Mitchells vs. The Machines(Netflix Original) Originally slated for a theatrical release (and titled Connected), this animated feature follows the antics of a family dropping off their oldest daughter at university. That is, until robots take over the world. PG
