Although haters treat megastar Angelina Jolie like “she who must not be named,” we celebrate the big-screen return of the actress in the flesh. Two-time Oscar winner Robert Stromberg goes from special-effects master to director for this fantasy about the dark personage who put Sleeping Beauty (the wonderful Elle Fanning) in a near-permanent slumber. May 30
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have an unlikely impresario backing them for their big-screen close-up: Clint Eastwood. Yes, the iconic director of “Mystic River” and “Unforgiven” takes on the Tony-winning Broadway about one of the biggest musical acts of the ’60s. June 20
John Carney directed the romantic gem “Once,” about an Irish busker and a Czech immigrant bonding deeply over music. He returns to the same neighborhood (romantic friendship with a melody) if a different city (New York) and a new couple, or possible couple. Keira Knightley plays the ex of a rocker (Adam Levine). Mark Ruffalo plays the ex-record exec who discovers her. We expect them to make beautiful music together. July 4 NY/LA
Oh those McDonagh lads: director-screenwriter John Michael and playwright-filmmaker Martin. The brothers craft darkly amusing, deftly searing tales, each in his own way. Here John Michael reteams with Brendan Gleeson ( ) for a very different — tonally — drama about a priest who’s told in the confession booth about an upcoming murder — his own. Aug. 1 NY/LA
“The Hundred-Foot Journey.” There is really nothing like a dame. The one in question here is Dame Helen Mirren, who portrays a French chef none too happy that an immigrant family opens an Indian eatery 100 feet from her highly celebrated restaurant. Steven Knight adapted ‘ best seller. The tale has a gifted sous chef in director Lasse Hallström — “My Life As a Dog” “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and “Cider House Rules.” Aug. 8
