Going forward, I’ll be previewing notable movies to be (wide) released within the next 30 days at the beginning of each month. I’ve always found it to be a bit of a hassle to keep track of movies that I’d like to see and when they actually get released, so hopefully this will be a helpful tool for everyone. My “intrigue” rating is on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being a hard pass and 10 being a must-see.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw – Friday, August 2nd
Intrigue: 6
The much-anticipated spinoff for The Rock and Jason Statham’s characters from the Fast & Furious franchise. Trailer is fine. It appears they even dive into the familial background of Hobbs, which is a nice touch. Not entirely sure on the rest of the plot beyond Idris Elba being cast as the baddie named Brixton with Vanessa Kirby (Mission Impossible: Fallout) tagging along as Shaw’s sister. The FF movies have always been a guilty pleasure of mine and this definitely fits the same mold.
The Art of Racing in the Rain – Friday, August 9th
Intrigue: 5
From the studio behind Marley & Me, it’s the story of a race car driver and his dog (who also believes he’s a race car driver). I’m not a fan of this genre of movies, as I’ve written before, but it’s hard not to get a bit of a lump in your throat watching that trailer. I’ll probably pass on seeing another inevitable heart-wrenching dog death but I do appreciate it for putting a bit of a twist into the equation. Milo Ventimiglia (This is Us), Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!), and Kevin Costner star.
Brian Banks – Friday, August 9th
Intrigue: 6.5
Based on the (unfortunately) true tale of one-time USC football player Brian Banks and the false accusation that led to his imprisonment for over a decade. Normally these movies can feel a little stale but the topic here is as relevant as it’s ever been, and it only helps to have talents like Aldis Hodge (Straight Outta Compton) and Greg Kinnear (Little Miss Sunshine) in the lead roles. An interesting directing choice in Tom Shadyac (Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, Liar Liar) doesn’t hurt either.
Dora and the Lost City of Gold – Friday, August 9th
Intrigue: 4.5
Dora finally gets her feature length film but… did we really need this? The trailer isn’t good and contains mostly slapstick humor, which doesn’t bode well for the movie itself. Maybe that’s just part of the marketing plan and they’ll actually have a solid script and plenty of self-awareness? IDK? At least the delightful Michael Pena (Ant-Man) has a part in here and Danny Trejo and Benicio del Toro play the only two other recognizable characters from the show (Boots and Swiper, respectively). Still pretty down on this overall, though.
The Kitchen – Friday, August 9th
Intrigue: 7
Well that’s… something. The Kitchen is based on a book that tells the story of three headstrong wives who continue to run their (mobster) husbands’ business after they’re sent off to prison (which sounds awfully similar to the plot of 2018’s Widows now that I’m typing it out). It’s got a monstrously talented cast list with Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy, and Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) headlining and the likes of Domhnall Gleeson, Common, Bill Camp, and Margo Martindale in supporting roles. Andrea Berloff (Straight Outta Compton) is directing for the first time.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – Friday, August 9th
Intrigue: 5.5
Another movie based on a popular literary series, co-written/produced by renowned horror buff Guillermo del Toro. Trailer offers up some spooky designs but also some really cringy dialogue. I’ve never read the books so maybe that’s why my excitement is a little tempered here. It doesn’t help that no notable names are attached to the cast – but on the flip side, maybe that gives them a little more leeway as far as creativity is concerned.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 – Wednesday, August 14th
Intrigue: 1
As you can probably deduce from my intrigue rating, I have precious little to add to this thing beyond it being a sequel (that no one asked for) to a crap movie (that no one asked for) that’s based on a crap iPhone game. Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Bill Hader, Danny McBride, Peter Dinklage, Sterling K. Brown, Leslie Jones, Awkwafina, and LilRel Howery have their names attached (for who the hell knows why).
47 Meters Down: Uncaged – Friday, August 16th
Intrigue: 5
The sequel to 2017’s 47 Meters Down (which stars Claire Holt and Mandy Moore). The cast is entirely new though and this time follows four girls who go diving in an underwater city – which also happens to house one of the most dangerous shark species on Earth. Honestly, not sure why this was made, seeing as the first one didn’t rate well and didn’t draw good numbers at all at the box office. I guess they’re just trying to take advantage of the typical late-summer shark movie slot for the year.
Blinded by the Light – Friday, August 16th
Intrigue: 6
Definitely has some similar echoes to Yesterday from earlier this summer – although this one is actually based on the real life memoirs of Sarfraz Manzoor (a Pakistani boy who grew up in Britain) and how Bruce Springsteen’s music impacted him. Viveik Kalra stars in his first film with Hayley Atwell (Marvel’s Agent Carter), the only other established name in the credits. No clue how well this turns out but, if nothing else, it’s a good excuse to catch some of The Boss’ more iconic beats on the big screen.
Good Boys – Friday, August 16th
Intrigue: 5.5
Basically Superbad if the main characters were in 6th grade (which tracks, seeing as Evan Goldberg and Seth Rogen are producing). Unfortunately, I don’t see this being nearly as funny or memorable as that one if the trailer is any indicator. Jacob Tremblay (Room, Wonder), Brady Noon, and Keith L. Williams are the top billed cast members with Will Forte (Magruber), Retta (Parks & Recreation), and LilRel Howrey also involved.
Where’d You Go, Bernadette – Friday, August 16th
Intrigue: 7.5
Yet another summer movie based on a novel, although this one sticks out since it’s the latest from director Richard Linklater (Boyhood, Dazed & Confused, School of Rock). This time he crafts a story featuring a former architect who’s taken a break from her public life – but then suddenly goes missing. The premise is certainly a little out there but that’s usually perfect for Linklater, and he’s buoyed by another stellar cast in Cate Blanchett, Billy Crudup (Spotlight, Watchmen), Kristen Wiig, Judy Greer and Laurence Fishburne. I’m definitely here for this.
Ready or Not – Friday, August 23rd
Intrigue: 7
I really like the look of this trailer. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a great horror comedy but there’s plenty of potential with this one (which appears to be some sort of You’re Next/Saw blend). Samara Weaving (Three Billboards) stars as Grace, a woman who is forced to play a twisted game with her in-laws on her wedding night. Andie MacDowell (Groundhog Day) and Adam Brody (The OC) headline the supporting cast.
Angel Has Fallen – Friday, August 23rd
Intrigue: 2
Part three of the “Has Fallen” trilogy (saga?). I have virtually zero expectations here; I’m honestly shocked that they decided they needed another installment of… whatever these are. Cast is fun, though (Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Tim Blake Nelson, Lance Reddick, Nick Nolte, Danny Huston, and Jada Pinkett Smith).