May preview: 4 films you need to see this month

Each month we look at the most-anticipated films coming out. Scroll down to learn more. 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (May 5)

In 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy did the unthinkable, taking a relatively unknown cast of anti-heroes and turning them into box office gold. Using a combination of comedy, action and a classic rock soundtrack, Guardians managed to appeal to both comic book aficionados and casual fans alike, and was actually the third highest-grossing film for Marvel (right behind The Avengers and Iron Man 3.) For the sequel, they doubled down on everything that made the first such a success. Even Vin Diesel, who voiced Groot, a tree-like character who could only say "I am Groot," is back, but this time he is upping his range to voice baby Groot. It's the same three words but in a higher pitch, but don't be surprised if he steals the whole movie. — Jesse Kinos-Goodin

Everything, Everything (May 19)

Another best-selling YA novel is about to hit the big screen. Everything, Everything, a novel by Nicola Yoon, follows a girl named Madeline Whittier who suffers from severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). What that means is that she's allergic to the outside world and is essentially quarantined in her own home. But in comes cute new neighbour, Olly, who strikes up a relationship with Madeline through written notes held up to their windows and, eventually, text messaging. With a strict mother and an incurable illness, Madeline struggles to find a way to be with Olly, but readers of the book will know that this story contains many twists and turns that'll keep you glued to the screen the entire time. — Melody Lau  

Alien: Covenant (May 19)

Director Ridley Scott expands on his Alien universe with the second instalment in his prequel trilogy. Alien: Covenant picks up where 2012's Prometheus left off, and stars Michael Fassbender as Walter, an android assisting a ship on its way to establish a colony in uncharted space. Because this is the Alien universe, things get sticky (both figuratively and literally) as the crew has to fight terrifying xenomorphs. But more importantly, Scott has made a case that his original vision still has legs, especially after such ill-fated spin-offs like 2004's Alien vs. Predator. As such, expect plenty of myth-building mixed with the squeamish moments that have made the franchise a beacon of the body horror genre. — JK-G

Wakefield (May 19)

Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner star in this drama that premiered at last year's Toronto International Film Festival. Adapted from an E.L. Doctorow short story, Cranston plays Howard Wakefield, a man so disillusioned with the routine of his job and suburban life that he decides to hide out from his family in the attic while he secretly observes them react to his absence. It's not a short-term stunt, however, and Wakefield's extended stay has irrefutably permanent effects on his wife and family, while making him realize and reconcile truths about his past, present and future. — Del Cowie