Some April Picks–(or Not)

I’m not over the top about any of these, but they are worth a look.

Roofman (2025 Fandango) Mixed reviews of this one based on a true life anti-hero: ex-soldier robs McDonalds but doesn’t harm the employees. Sorry–but spoiler alert needed here: He ends up living in a Toys R Us store. Believe it or not, there is a love story that keeps it all together as a film. Kirsten Dunst and Channing Tatum’s performance strengthens this kinda wobbly but enjoyable film. It’s not an academy award contender but definitely worth a watch.

The Choral (2025 Apple) The critics were mixed in their ratings about this film too. I was also a little leery because my pal, Angus, who generally dislikes most of the movies I inflict on him, loved this. But he was right. It’s a lovely, meditative film set in Yorkshire, England at the onset of World War I. Although not specifically based on a true story, it is inspired by the history and importance of British village choirs. The music is great and I love Ralph Fiennes who does a fine job as a finicky conductor, recently returned home from Germany.

Sorry Baby (2025 HBO Max and others) The central character, Agnes, an English major graduate student is attempting to recover from the trauma of a sexual assault from a revered professor. The film’s concern is with her small inroads to recovery. She’s so depressed/repressed that her return to health is slow going in spite of the support of a close friend and a rewarding job teaching. It’s a little dreary, but intervals of humor and insight, strong performances and a likable protagonist kept me watching.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles (2026 Apple) Yet another English major as victim of a libidinous, narcissistic professor, Margo’s response differs greatly from that of Agnes, though. She’s pretty tough. Margo’s single parenting mother (Michelle Feiffer) is a former Hooters waitress and her mostly absent father is a retired pro wrestler just out of rehab. So far it’s pretty amusing and watchable with characters that avoid cliches. And I’m learning so much about sex opportunities on social media.

Berenice Bobs Her Hair (1976 Kanopy) Joan Silver (“Hester Street” “Crossing Delancey”) directed this rather delightful filming of the F. Scott Fitzgerald short story. Shelley Duvall–need I say more? She’s terrific and funny. The costumes are fabulous and the story very amusing. Written over one hundred years old, Fitzgerald’s story is evidence that in so many ways “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose” .

Young Sherlock Holmes (2026 Prime) It’s an amusing series with great costumes. Suspension of disbelief is the mantra, but it’s fun to keep guessing–there are so many surprises. If you are a real Holmes fan, you might find it disappointing that this series lacks the careful clue building and uncanny observational skills of the original, but maybe that comes when he’s older. At this point he and Moriarty are BFF’s. There is only the slightest of hints as to their future parting of ways. The casting is interesting. Of course Colin Firth and other BBC regulars are there. Fiennes offspring abound. Ralph Fiennes’ brother Joseph plays Holmes’ father and Hero Fiennes Tiffin (Joseph and Ralph’s nephew) plays Sherlock. Max Irons as Mycroft Holmes (not in the Fiennes family) is the son of the fabulous Jeremy Irons. But the most interesting performance is by Donal Finn (Moriarty) who has no famous progenitors. He is one of eight children reared on a rural Irish farm. The costumes and settings are terrific. Wales and Oxford seem to be the primary locations.