We are not going to lie; this weekend offers probably the most timid selection of new titles both on streaming and in theaters compared to the rest of April. Still, that does not mean there aren’t some great releases that some fans will be excited to check out. Younger moviegoers, or those who hold strong onto nostalgia, have Hell of a Summer and A Minecraft Movie to check out. Alternatively, two new movies debut this weekend, including a thoughtful drama for dog lovers in The Friend and the Pedro Pascal-led action comedy Freaky Tales. Meanwhile, a batch of new movies get a limited release this weekend, including Gazer, The Luckiest Man in America, and Screamboat.
Here is everything of note coming out for the weekend of April 4, 2025, and why Hell of a Summer is poised to be your best bet for entertaining in the theater.
‘Hell of a Summer’ Is a Slasher Throwback
Paying homage to the slashers of the ’80s and ’90s, including their love of over-the-top violence and potential for humor, Hell of a Summer follows the camp counselors at Camp Pineway as they deal with a masked killer taking them out one by one. The suspicion falls on outcast 24-year-old camp counselor Jason Hochberg (Fred Hechinger) as the man behind the slayings, forcing him to try to convince others of his innocence while he tries to stop the killer.
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Hell of a Summer credits, which include co-writing, co-directing, and starring roles for Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk, will be reason enough for many younger horror fans to visit the theaters and check out this latest throwback slasher flick. The name draw alone may help boost the movie at the box office, as Julian Roman notes in his 2.5/5 review of the film: “A strong lead performance from Fred Hechinger and a few moderate giggles saves the film from a lack of mystery, questionable cinematography, and a one-note supporting cast that struggles to hold your interest.”
Other Movies in Theaters and Streaming To Check Out This Weekend
A Minecraft Movie is far from a critical darling, including our own Julian Roman, who gave it a modest 2/5 in his review. Still, chances are that the nostalgia is strong enough that A Minecraft Movie will likely make bank at the box office and draw in old and young audiences despite its shortcomings. While unlikely to make waves, The Friend offers an endearing story that should draw a crowd with the love of dogs at its core. Will Sayre notes in his review that the charm of Apollo, the giant great Dane, is undeniable. Alternatively, those looking to tune in and turn off their brain can enjoy Freaky Tales, which MovieWeb’s Julian Roman calls “bonkers fun” but “lacks substance.”
Several films with a limited theatrical release are flying more under the radar. The Luckiest Man in America offers a loving tribute to game shows of the past backed by strong performances; you can read our review here. For horror fans, Screamboat is looking to cash in on Steamboat Willie’s public domain status. However, the movie has a bit of bite to back up its absurd premise, with David Howard Thornton of Terrifier fame stepping into the giant shoes of the murderous mouse. Finally, the thriller Gazer offers a nice little piece of noir for fans of the genre; read our review here. While streaming is pretty bereft of content this weekend, horror fans should make a point to check out 825 Forest Road on Shudder.