This week the studios will load audiences with a number of spring and summer releases including the blockbuster hit "Insurgent" and the Indie hit "Far From the Madding Crowd." These pictures will compete with the upcoming theatrical releases including "Fantastic Four."

The Week's Highlights

"The Divergent Series: Insurgent": A year after the release of "Divergent," Lionsgate and Summit teamed up for the second installment. The new film continues Tris' story as she escapes from the wrath of Jeanine and begins an uprising against the society. The film sees the return of Shailene Woodley, Kate Winslet, Miles Teller and Theo James. Naomi Watts and Octavia Spencer join the cast in this action-packed blockbuster. Although reviews were not ecstatic when it opened in March and box office was lower than its predecessor, it is likely to interest fans of the original Veronica Roth novel. Additionally, it should obtain a following for those anticipating the next installment due out next year.

"Far from the Madding Crowd": For those looking for something more Indie, then this Fox Searchlight film is just right. Based on the Thomas Hardy novel of the same name, this Carey Mulligan starrer will be released after obtaining a strong reception at the box office and with critics. The film tells the story of Bathsheba Everdene, an independent woman who attracts the interest of three suitors with whom she falls in love. Directed by Thomas Vinterberg, this movie is already obtaining Oscar buzz, especially for Mulligan, who seems to be having an impressive year. While there is already another film based on this novel, this movie will definitely garner interest from the book's fans and period film lovers.

Other releases

For those not interested in any of these films, there are other films being released including "True Story" starring James Franco and Jonah Hill. The movie is based on the true story of Michael Finkel and Christian Longo. The film opened at Sundance to mixed reviews and later scored a short-lived theatrical run. Latin Post stated, "'True Story' is a solid drama with some of the best performances from James Franco and Jonah Hill's respective careers.

Kate Winslet's "A Little Chaos" can be an alternative to "Far from the Madding the Crowd" as it is also a period piece and has a lighter tone. While reviews are not as solid and buzz was not as high, Winslet's stardom will definitely guarantee interest.

Mia Wasikowska's "Madame Bovary" is also another period film, which could also serve as an alternative to the Thomas Hardy adaptation.

Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy fans can look forward to "Child 44," which flopped back in April. While reviews were bad and Summit barely gave it a theatrical run, the star power is attractive. It also does not hurt that the film is set during Cold War, a popular time period that Hollywood has chosen to focus on as of late.

Other interesting releases this week include Mads Mikkelson's "The Salvation" and the Sundance hit "Adult Beginners" starring Bobby Cannavale and Rose Byrne.

Hailee Steinfeld's boxing drama "Barely Lethal" also seems like an interesting choice for sports fans as well as the Christian based film "Do you Believe?." The final release of the week is "Freetown."

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