Memorial Day At The Movies: 'Maverick,' 'Downton,' & 'Bob's Burgers'

Planning a jaunt to the movie theater this Memorial Day weekend? Luckily, we have a list of premieres that will make your movie trip worthwhile.

For action-adventure fans, experience the supersonic thrills of "Maverick," a sequel to 1986's blockbuster "Top Gun." The new film stars Tom Cruise — who reprises his iconic role of fearless aviator Capt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell — alongside Miles Teller and Jennifer Connelly.

If you're a longtime fan of the famous British soap "Downton Abbey," be sure not to miss the sequel, "A New Era," in which the aristocratic Crawleys (Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery and Laura Carmichael) and their undaunted servants get into a tizzy over a film crew's visit to the palatial estate. Meanwhile, the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) makes a big reveal about her newly inherited French villa.

And if you're looking for a movie for the whole family this weekend, look no further than "The Bob's Burgers Movie," the first-ever film version of the long-running, Emmy-winning animated sitcom.

Cheers!

“Top Gun: Maverick” — Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller; directed by Joseph Kosinsky

Thirty-six years in the making, the much-awaited “Maverick” finally takes off, whooshing and roaring with 1980s nostalgia that is sure to take Gen Xers' breath away — as well as diehard Tom Cruise fans.

In the “Top Gun” sequel, the megastar reprises his role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a top aviator still fearless and defiant after pushing the bounds of gravity — and the chain of command — for more than three decades.

However, this time around, he encounters unexpected turbulence as he crosses paths with Rooster (Miles Teller), a young flyboy with a score to settle.

See it. Check out Patch’s full review of all the visceral thrills at supersonic speeds.

Watch the trailer.

“Downton Abbey: A New Era” — Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery; directed by Simon Curtis

The titular grand manor from the worldwide phenomenon British soap is back, gracing the big screen yet again with romance, pageantry and intrigue. In this sequel, the upstairs Crawley family and their undaunted downstairs servants prepare for the first-ever movie shoot at the abbey.

At once, Lord Crawley (Hugh Bonneville) expresses his stern disapproval, exclaiming that it is a “horrible idea!” After all, how dare these actors and actresses “plastered in makeup” insult the regal beauty of his palatial estate?

Thank goodness, Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) provides a willful voice of reason, making a good case that the movie production will help finance Downton’s much-needed attic repairs.

Meanwhile, the Dowager Countess (Maggie Smith) reveals that she has come into possession of a villa in the South of France. For what reasons? Lord Crawley and his American wife, Lady Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), must make a trip to the French Riviera to uncover the mystery.

See it. Check out Patch’s full review of Downton’s breathtaking splendor.

Watch the trailer.

“The Bob’s Burgers Movie” — H. Jon Benjamin (voice), Kristen Schaal (voice), Dan Mintz (voice); directed by Loren Bouchard and Bernard Derriman

After 12 seasons and 237 episodes, Fox’s animated television series finally comes to life on the silver screen, bringing together the original cast members who have made the comedy show a long-running, Emmy-winning sitcom.

In the film version, the Belcher family owns and operates a small diner on the brink of closure. In no time, we meet the hard-working cook and patriarch Bob (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin), his ever-supportive wife Linda (voiced by John Roberts — yes, a man) and their delightful kids — eldest daughter Tina (Dan Mintz — yes, also a man), son Gene (Eugene Mirman), and youngest daughter Louise (Kristen Schaal).

As the kids are getting ready for their upcoming summer vacation, their parents, meanwhile, are trying to drum up enough business to be able to pay the bank and stay afloat. Then, as if rubbing salt in the wound, a massive sinkhole opens up in front of their restaurant, making their situation more dire than ever.

It is only a matter of time before other complications ensue, setting in motion an incredible murder mystery that could threaten their lives. Will the Belcher family prevail in the end?

See it. Rejoice! There’s no need to watch the entire 237 episodes before making your jaunt to the theater. Audiences — longtime fans of the show and newbies alike — will appreciate all the laughter and fun the movie brings.

Watch the trailer.