April 2015 Movie Prequel Guide: A Checklist

As we get ready to usher in April 2015, it’s about time for another Prequel Guide. For those that don’t know, the beginning of the month is reserved for looking ahead at all the prequels, novels, or whatever is needed in order to catch up on all the non-original films of the month.

Normally, these things run long because, well, Hollywood isn’t the most original industry. However, between the big releases of Cinderella, Insurgent, and next month’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, April doesn’t have as many options.

What I did find is below and is broken up into Essential, Useful, and Extra depending on how pressing the “prequel materials” are.

Essential:
The Fast and the Furious franchise – Furious 7 is undoubtedly the biggest movie of April. Originally slated for last year, the film was delayed due to the tragic death of Paul Walker. Everything I’ve seen so far makes me think the seventh adaptation will be very memorable. If you get a chance, check out the other six movies, including Tokyo Drift which will finally be made relevant this weekend.

Useful:
“The Longest Ride” by Nicholas Sparks – Another year, another Nicholas Sparks adaptation. While I’m definitely not going to be lining up to see the latest film, there’s obviously a demographic out there that eats up these movies. It wouldn’t hurt (or maybe it would) to read the book first.

Useful:
“Child 44” by Tom Rob Smith – One of the most under-the-radar wide releases of the month is Child 44. I don’t know how, either, because the movie stars Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, and Noomi Rapace. If you’re interested in the WWII pic, check out the 2008 novel first.

Useful:
Paul Blart: Mall Cop – Normally, I’m all for watching the prequels before the sequels. That’s not the case with the comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2. I haven’t seen the first but I can’t see its plot having a lot of impact on the unnecessary sequel.

Useful:
Memoir by Michael Finkel – True Story – which has a cast that includes Jonah Hill and James Franco – seems like a comedy. However, when you actually read about the movie, it sounds like a really dramatic and enticing film. If you want more insight on the story, try to read the memoir by Michael Finkel (who is played by Hill in the film).

There you have it! If I missed any, please add them in the comments.

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