Three new movies are opening nationwide this weekend:

smurfsOpening in most theaters is the animated feature Smurfs: The Lost Village directed by Kelly Asbury and starring  Demi Lovato, Rainn Wilson, Joe Manganiello, Jack McBrayer, Danny Pudi and Mandy Patinkin. The film’s original music is composed by Christopher Lennertz (Sausage PartyHorrible Bosses). Madison Gate Records has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as song written by Lennertz & KT Tunstall (click here for the full details). Also now available as a single another original song from the movie, I’m a Lady by Meghan Trainor.

going-in-styleAlso opening wide is the crime comedy Going in Style directed by Zach Braff and starring Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Alan Arkin, Ann-Margret, Joey King, Matt Dillon and Christopher Lloyd. Rob Simonsen (FoxcatcherThe Spectacular NowNerve) has composed the film’s original music. WaterTower Music has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as songs by Dean Martin, Otis Redding, Jamie Cullum, Sonny Rollins & more. Check out our previous article for the full album details.

case-for-christThe third wide release this week is the faith-based drama The Case for Christ  directed by Jon Gunn and starring Mike Vogel, Erika Christensen, Robert Forster and Faye Dunaway. The film’s original score is composed by Will Musser (God’s Not DeadDo You Believe?). Dream Records has released a soundtrack album featuring songs inspired by the movie. Check out our soundtrack announcement for the full album details.

giftedOpening in limited release is the drama Gifted directed by Marc Webb and starring Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Jenny Slate and Octavia Spencer. Rob Simonsen ((500) Days of SummerThe Way Way Back) has composed the film’s original score. Lakeshore Records has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s music. Click here for the full album details and also visit Film Music Magazine for an interview with Simonsen about both his projects opening this weekend.

their-finestAlso opening in limited release is the comedy drama Their Finest directed Lone Scherfig and starring Gemma Arterton, Bill Nighy and Sam Claflin. The film’s original music is composed by Rachel Portman (EmmaThe Cider House RulesChocolat). Varese Sarabande has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score, as well as a number of  ‘pub classics’ performed by the film’s cast. Check out our previous news article for the full album details.

colossalAlso opening in select theaters is the sci-fi thriller Colossal written and directed by Nacho Vigalondo and starring Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Dan Stevens, Austin Stowell and Tim Blake Nelson. Bear McCreary (10 Cloverfield LaneBattlestar GalacticaThe Walking DeadOutlander) has composed the film’s original score. Lakeshore Records has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score today. Click here for the full album details and visit Film Music Magazine for an interview with the composer about his work on the project and also check out a music video for the score on YouTube.

the-assignmentAlso opening in select cities is the action thriller The Assignment directed by Walter Hill and starring Michelle Rodriguez, Tony Shalhoub, Sigourney Weaver, Anthony LaPaglia and Caitlin Gerard. The film’s original music is composed by Giorgio Moroder (ScarfaceFlashdanceAmerican GigoloCat People) and Raney Shockne (The To-Do ListAnger ManagementQueen of the South). No word on a soundtrack release. The thriller premiered at last year’s Toronto Film Festival and is being released in theaters and on VOD by Saban Films.

speech-debateAnother limited release this week is the comedy drama Speech & Debate directed by Dan Harris and starring Liam James, Sarah Steele, Austin McKenzie, Roger Bart, Janeane Garofalo, Wendi McLondon-Covey, Kal Penn, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Skylar Astin and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Deborah Lurie (Dear John9) has composed the film’s original score. Broadway Records has released a soundtrack album featuring one track from the composer’s score, as well as the songs from the movie. Visit our previous article for the full album details.

aftermathAlso opening in limited release is the action thriller Aftermath directed by Elliott Lester and starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Scoot McNairy, Maggie Grace, Kevin Zegers, Hannah Ware and Martin Donovan. The film’s original music is composed by Mark Todd (NightingaleKeith Lemon: The Film). Filmtrax has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score. Check out our soundtrack announcement for the full album details and to learn more about the Lionsgate Premiere release.

the-ticketAlso opening in select theaters is the indie drama The Ticket co-written and directed by Ido Fluk and starring Dan Stevens, Malin Akerman, Kerry Bishé and Oliver Platt. Danny Bensi Saunder Jurriaans (The GiftEnemyMartha Marcy May MarleneThe Discovery) have composed the film’s original music. No soundtrack album has been announced. The drama premiered at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival and is being released in theaters and on VOD by Shout! Factory. Visit the official movie website to learn more about the film.

mineAlso opening in select cities is the thriller Mine written and directed by Fabio Guaglione & Fabio Resinaro and starring Armie Hammer, Annabelle Wallis and Tom Cullen. The film’s original music is composed by Andrea Bonini. Great Temptation has released a soundtrack album last fall when the movie opened overseas. Check out our previous news article for the full album details and for more information about the Well Go USA Entertainment release.

salt-and-fireAlso opening in select U.S. theaters is the thriller Salt and Fire written and directed by Werner Herzog and stars Michael Shannon, Gael Garcia Bernal and Veronica Ferres. Ernst Reijseger (Cave of the Forgotten DreamsThe White DiamondThe White Blue Yonder) has composed the film’s original music. Winter & Winter has released a soundtrack album featuring the composer’s score last fall when the thriller opened overseas. Check out our soundtrack announcement to learn more about the album and film, which is being released stateside by XLrator Media.