April is flying by, and with it, showers of the best new movies on demand. This week’s releases feature some of the latest and greatest titles to grace cinemas, including Academy Award-winning South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho’s star-studded sci-fi dark comedy Mickey 17, as well as the Jack Quaid-led raucous action comedy Novocaine. Another movie to keep an eye out for this week is Magazine Dreams, a drama starring controversial actor Jonathan Majors as a lonely grocery store worker whose obsession with bodybuilding leads him down a destructive path. Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, Mike O’Hearn, and Harrison Page also have featured roles in this Elijah Bynum-written and directed title. These are just a few of the films that are available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, YouTube, and through your cable service this week. Check out what movies are available to buy or rent on demand now.
Bong Joon Ho’s latest hit is Mickey 17, a sci-fi dark comedy film about a space expedition’s expendable crew member, Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), who is used as a test subject in the process of colonizing the ice planet Niflheim. Every time Mickey dies, the crew creates a new clone with restored memories, although his personality tends to go through changes with each new printing. This becomes extremely evident when a presumed-dead Mickey 17 comes face-to-face with his latest clone, the brash and volatile Mickey 18, putting his entire existence at risk while a potential war brews on Niflheim between the human invaders and native "Creepers."
This recently released action-comedy film stars Jack Quaid as Nathan Caine, a mild-mannered bank employee who is born with a rare condition that makes him unable to feel physical pain. When his co-worker and dream girl, Sherry Margrave (Amber Midthunder), is suddenly kidnapped at work by a gang of bank robbers, Nathan decides to use his condition as a sort of superpower as he fights and endures lots of violence to save Sherry at all costs.
In an exclusive interview, Bong Joon Ho shared insights about his fascination with the concept of "human printing." He stated, "The phrase ‘human printing’ shouldn’t even exist—‘human’ and ‘printing’ just don’t belong together. That contradiction immediately strips away any notion of dignity." This exploration of identity and the dehumanizing cost of technological progress is a central theme in Mickey 17.
Reflecting on Robert Pattinson's performance, Bong Joon Ho remarked, "Robert Pattinson surprised me every day on set. He took the character of Mickey to places I hadn’t even imagined." Pattinson's portrayal of Mickey Barnes as an average, low-class person in extraordinary circumstances is something the director found particularly compelling.
Meanwhile, Naomi Ackie plays Nasha, Mickey’s companion, who is depicted as the powerful and valiant one in their relationship, flipping the typical male-female dynamic. Bong Joon Ho noted, "Nasha is someone Mickey really depends on." The director also highlighted the performances of Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette, who portray the authoritarian couple leading the colonization mission. Ruffalo’s character, Kenneth Marshall, is described as a narcissist surrounded by a cabal of yes-men, while Collette’s character, Ylfa, adds a unique twist to the narrative.
Despite the anticipation surrounding Mickey 17, the film has faced challenges at the box office. Released on March 7, 2025, the film had a budget of $118 million but made only $19 million in its opening weekend. After a month in theaters, it has grossed $127 million worldwide, which has raised concerns for Warner Bros. about the film's financial viability.
However, there is a silver lining for Pattinson, as Mickey 17 marks his fourth consecutive film to surpass the $100 million mark. This streak began with his role in Christopher Nolan's Tenet, which grossed $365 million, followed by The Batman, which made $772 million. His previous record of three consecutive $100 million films ended 14 years ago, and this new achievement signifies a resurgence in his box office appeal.
The actor’s trajectory has been remarkable since his breakout role in the Twilight series, where he became a household name. After distancing himself from big-budget films for nearly a decade, Pattinson has successfully reestablished himself as a bankable star by collaborating with acclaimed directors like Bong Joon Ho and Hayao Miyazaki.
Looking ahead, Pattinson has two more films slated for release later in 2025: Die, My Love and The Drama. Both projects have the potential to continue his box office streak, especially as they feature popular co-stars. Additionally, he is set to appear in Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey in 2026, as well as the highly anticipated Dune 3 and The Batman Part II in 2027.
As audiences flock to theaters to catch the latest releases, the conversation around Mickey 17 continues to evolve. The film's exploration of complex themes, combined with its unique narrative structure, has garnered attention and sparked discussions among viewers and critics alike. Bong Joon Ho's ability to blend humor with profound philosophical questions creates a cinematic experience that resonates deeply.
In the streaming landscape, Mickey 17 is now available on various platforms, allowing viewers to experience the film's visual detail and immersive sound from the comfort of their homes. As the month progresses, more noteworthy titles are expected to emerge, keeping audiences engaged and entertained.
In summary, April 2025 is proving to be a vibrant month for movie releases, showcasing diverse stories and talented filmmakers. With Mickey 17, Novocaine, and Magazine Dreams leading the pack, viewers have a rich selection of films to explore across multiple platforms.
