Two new movies are opening nationwide this holiday weekend:

x-men-apocalypseExpected to top the weekend box office is X-Men: Apocalypse directed by Bryan Singer and starring James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn, Lucas Till, Evan Peters and Kodi Smit-McPhee. The film’s original music is composed by John Ottman (X2X-Men: Days of Future PastThe Fantastic FourSuperman Returns) who also serves as the movie’s editor, as well as a co-producer. Sony Classical has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score. Click here for the full album details. Also visit SoundWorks Collection for a video interview with Ottman about his work on the project, as well as Film Music Magazine and Examiner for more interviews.

alice-through-the-looking-glassAlso opening wide is the fantasy adventure Alice Through the Looking Glass directed by James Bobin, produced by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Anne Hathaway, Rhys Ifan, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Timothy Spall. Danny Elfman (Alice in Wonderland, Spider-ManBatmanMen in BlackCharlie and Chocolate FactoryAvengers: Age of Ultron) has composed the film’s original music. Walt Disney Records has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score. Check out our previous article for the full album details. Also visit Trailer Addict for a video interview with Elfman about his work on the sequel.

the-ones-belowOpening in limited release is the thriller The Ones Below written and directed by David Farr and starring Clémence Poésy, Stephen Campbell Moore, David Morrissey and Laura Birn. The film’s original music is composed by Adem Ilham (In the Loop). No soundtrack album has been announced. The Ones Below follows a young couple in a tiny London suburb who become involved in a psychological battle of wills with the tenants in the apartment downstairs. The thriller premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival and is being released in theaters and on VOD by Magnolia Pictures’ Magnet Releasing. Visit the official movie website for more information.

unlocking-the-cageAlso opening in limited release is the documentary Unlocking the Cage directed by Chris Hegedus & DA Pennebaker. The movie follows animal rights lawyer Steven Wise in his unprecedented challenge to break down the legal wall that separates animals from humans. James Lavino (Wiener-DogBurning Blue) has composed the film’s original music. No word yet on a soundtrack release, but two tracks are available on the composer’s official movie websiteUnlocking the Cage premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and is being released by First Run Features in association with HBO Documentary Films. Visit the official movie website to learn more about the film.