Spring movie preview: 15 flicks getting buzz this season

ABOVE: Watch Global News entertainment reporter John R. Kennedy talk about four movies coming out this spring.

TORONTO — Spring is here and studios are warming up audiences for the big summer blockbusters with a slate of films that appeal to all demographics.

The season’s new releases include action, animation, comedy, horror, romance and intrigue — and even a little music. There’s also an early contender for the biggest blockbuster of the year.

Here are 15 spring flicks coming out between before summer hits (on June 21) that are getting lots of buzz.

Home – March 27

Jim Parsons, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Steve Martin lend their voices to the adorable characters in this animated alien comedy based on Adam Rex’s 2007 book The True Meaning of Smekday.

Get Hard – March 27

Will Ferrell and Kevin Hart star in this comedy about a businessman convicted of insider trading who hires his black employee to teach him how to survive in jail. Problem is, Hart’s character has never been to jail but needs the cash. The movie has already been criticized for perpetuating racist and homophobic stereotypes but its star power will likely put it on top.

Furious 7 – April 3

The seventh chapter in the Fast & Furious franchise is the last one to star Paul Walker, who died during filming. Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Tyrese Gibson are among the stars reprising their roles.

The Longest Ride – April 10

The latest adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel, this one stars Scott Eastwood (yes, Clint’s son) as a bull riding champion whose relationship with a young woman (Britt Robertson) starting a job in New York is tested. The movie spans generations, a la Notebook. Canadians Lolita Davidovich and Gloria Reuben are also in the cast.

Child 44 – April 17

This mystery-thriller from Daniel Espinosa (Safe House) is based upon the 2008 novel of the same name by Tom Rob Smith. Tom Hardy plays an agent trying to solve a series of brutal murders of children in Stalin’s Soviet Union. The cast includes Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman and Noomi Rapace.

The Age of Adaline – April 24

Filmed in Vancouver, this romantic fantasy stars Blake Lively as a woman who has lived a very lonely life because she hasn’t aged in decades. Her life is turned upside down after she falls for a handsome philanthropist (Michiel Huisman). Harrison Ford appears as Huisman’s father.

The Avengers: Age of Ultron – May 1

Not to be confused with The Age of Adaline, this Marvel flick brings back Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and the rest as the Avengers try to save the planet from a peacekeeping program gone awry. The first Avengers movie grossed a staggering $1.5 billion at the box office.

Hot Pursuit – May 8

This comedy from director Anne Fletcher (The Proposal, The Guilt Trip) stars Reese Witherspoon as an bumbling police officer tasked with protecting Sofia Vergara, the widow of a drug dealer, from the bad guys. Sean Penn and David Oyelowo also pop up in the movie.

Pitch Perfect 2 – May 15

Pitch Perfect grossed a surprising $113 million in 2012 so it’s no surprise there’s a sequel. This one is directed by Elizabeth Banks, who starred in the original (and reprises her role in this one). This time, the Barden Bellas compete in an international show choir competition that no American ensemble has ever won. Most of the cast, including Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson, are back.

Mad Max – Fury Road – May 15

The Mad Max franchise gets a reboot for a new generation with Fury Road, which stars Tom Hardy in the role originated by Mel Gibson. The post-apocalyptic action film was directed by George Miller, who made the first three films, and also stars Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult.

Poltergeist – May 22

This remake of the 1982 classic was filmed in Southern Ontario in late 2013 and was originally scheduled to open in November 2014, then bumped to July 25, 2015, then moved up to May. Sam Rockwell and Rosemarie DeWitt are parents who seek the help of a parapsychologist (Jared Harris) when their daughter (Kennedi Clements) is abducted by supernatural forces.

Tomorrowland – May 22

George Clooney stars in this fantasy flick directed by Brad Bird (The Incredibles) and largely shot in British Columbia. Not a lot is known about the story, which seems to involve a girl (Britt Robertson) who gets a magic pin that opens up an alternate reality. Clooney is an inventor who takes her on a journey.

San Andreas – May 29

Dwayne Johnson, the artist formerly known as The Rock, stars in this CGI-heavy movie about a rescue pilot who sets out to find his daughter after a massive earthquake hits California. Did we mention it’s in 3D?

Entourage – June 5

The big screen spinoff of the popular cable series has Adrien Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Jerry Ferrara, Jeremy Piven and Kevin Dillon reprising their roles.

Inside Out – June 19

An animated feature set inside the head of a little girl who lets five emotions — Anger, Joy, Disgust, Fear and Sadness — guide her. The family-friendly flick features the voices of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Mindy Kaling and Lewis Black.