The High Five: March

March sees the theatrical release of some of the movies I saw at AFI Fest back in November, including the solid cult-based drama Faults and the only movie I've ever walked out of in my life, Jauja, starring Viggo Mortensen, whose handsomeness couldn't overcome the audacious boredom that permeated that film, lulling me to sleep and then out of my seat and onto the train home.  Hopefully these five movies are more worthwhile.

1. While We're Young (March 27) - The more I see the trailer for Noah Baumbach's latest, the more excited I get.  After tackling the confusing wilderness of being in one's twenties with the all-timer Frances Ha, Baumbach turns his attention to middle age, as a couple (the director's Greenberg star Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts) befriend a younger couple (Adam Driver and Amanda Seyfried), bring a fresh new energy to their lives.  The cast is brilliant, and I imagine that Baumbach has whipped up some great material for them; he's such a keen observer of city life, of human interaction, of listlessness and inspiration.  To juxtapose free-spirited twenty-somethings with older, but perhaps no more wiser, counterparts, should bring a wealth of wit and humor.  If Mistress America sees release this year (following its Sundance premiere last month), I will forever celebrate 2015 as the Year of Baumbach.

2. Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (March 29) - This one's a first for the High Five, as Going Clear isn't opening in theaters, but will rather bow on HBO in late March.  But the film shot to the top of my list following its premiere at Sundance, which stirred up lots of buzz and, from the Scientologist community, backlash.  Based on the book of the same name, master documentarian Alex Gibney delves into the Church of Scientology, the way it works, and the memories of those who have managed to get out.  The film has received criticism for not presenting much new material, but for those of us who haven't read the book, that's no problem.  The church's vocal denouncement of the film only makes me want to see it more; due to some press list I'm on, I even received an e-mail from them decrying the film as one-sided and false.  As someone who, on occasion, has to walk by the creepily bright Hollywood lobby with friendly faces posted outside, I can't wait to dig into this.

3. Frozen Fever (March 13) - Why not have a couple of firsts for this month's edition?  Frozen Fever is the first outing for the characters of Disney's modern classic since Frozen, though I imagine it won't be the last.  The short is attached to Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella, which looks fine but rather uninspired (though Cate Blanchett, I think, will make it worth sitting through).  When I buy my ticket, though, it'll be to see Frozen Fever, which finds the Elsa and Kristoff planning a birthday party for Anna.  Elsa gets a cold, which, of course, causes chaos.  The film reunites the directors and cast, and even features a new song (!!!) by the masterful Bobby Lopez and Kristin Anderson-Lopez.  Disney is smart to flex their Frozen muscle; I'm sure it'll help get butts (like mine) in seats for a movie that might otherwise not break out (it probably would anyways).

4. Seymour: An Introduction (March 13) - Some of my favorite documentaries in recent years have been about musicians.  Searching For Sugar Man, 20 Feet From Stardom, and Keep On Keepin' On particularly stand out, as much for their stories of fascinating people as for their musical insights.  Seymour: An Introduction looks like it could join that list for me, and it gets little extra boost for being Ethan Hawke's directorial debut.  The film is a portrait of Seymour Bernstein, whose illustrious career is only matched by his generous spirit as a teacher.  The film looks to be a loving tribute to not only Bernstein, but to the study of and community centered on music, as well.  Should be stirring stuff.

5. Insurgent (March 20) - I read Veronica Roth's series, and even kind of enjoyed the first two.  But I was completely taken aback at how well Divergent turned out.  What was interesting but pretty lifeless on the page became engaging and exciting on the screen, thanks in large part to Shailene Woodley, who turned Tris into a captivating heroine to rival Katniss.  Because of her, I'm excited about this follow-up, because it'll be an even more dynamic showcase for the young actress's impressive range.  The book started slow and became awesome about halfway through, but if the first movie was any indication, this one could scrap the lame stuff and kick the action and emotion into higher gear right off the bat.  If all else fails, I'll just stare at Theo James and think up some steamy fan fiction to make it through.

Other Notable Releases: Chappie (March 6), Merchants of Doubt (March 6), The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (March 6), An Honest Liar (March 6), Cinderella (March 13), It Follows (March 13), The Cobbler (March 13), Amour Fou (March 13), Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter (March 13), Zombeavers (March 20), Cupcakes (March 20), Home (March 27), Serena (March 27), White God (March 27)