The current movie industry loves to move the goalposts
around, as studios release Summertime fare in the Spring and possible awards
contenders in the Summer. This July is an example of that way of thinking; as
it is packed with light-hearted action, comedy, along with a few possible peeks
into Oscar-land. Here are the notable films for the month of July.
It all travels back with…
TERMINATOR GENISYS – The fifth entry in the sci-fi franchise
with the bizarre sub-title features Arnold Schwarzenegger reprising his role as
the killer cyborg from the future. This time around, the role of Sarah Connor
is held down by Emilia Clarke (GAME OF THRONES), with the human doorknob, Jai
Courtney (A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD) playing Kyle Reese. Co-stars J.K. Simmons
(WHIPLASH) and Jason Clarke (ZERO DARK THIRTY). Directed by Alan Taylor (THOR:
THE DARK WORLD).
MAGIC MIKE XXL – The sequel to the male-stripper
comedy-drama from 2012 arrives with Channing Tatum (FOXCATCHER) returning in
the buff. Co-stars Joe Manganiello, Andie MacDowell, Amber Heard, Jada Pinkett
Smith, and Elizabeth Banks.
MINIONS – Those funny little yellow bastards from the
DESPICABLE ME films get their own spinoff. This computer-animated romp features
the voice talents of Sandra Bullock, Jon Hamm, Steve Coogan, Geoffrey Rush, and
Michael Keaton.
SELF/LESS – In this mind-messer-upper sci-fi flick, Ben
Kingsley (IRON MAN 3) is a dying wealthy man who transfers his consciousness into
the body of a healthy young man (Ryan Reynolds).
BOULEVARD – The late Robin Williams, in his final screen
role, plays a man in search of himself in this drama. Directed by Dito Montiel
(EMPIRE STATE).
ANT-MAN – Marvel Studios wraps up Phase 2 of their ongoing
series of connected films and kicks off the third with one of their more
obscure characters from their catalog. Paul Rudd (ANCHORMAN) plays the
shrinking hero, and he is joined by Michael Douglas (!), Judy Greer, Corey
Stoll, John Slattery, Hayley Atwell, and Evangeline Lilly (THE HOBBIT).
TRAINWRECK – This screwball comedy has Amy Schumer playing a
career-minded woman finding true love. Co-stars Tilda Swinton, Bill Hader,
Colin Quinn, Ezra Miller, Marisa Tomei, and Daniel Radcliffe (HARRY POTTER).
Directed by Judd Apatow (THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN).
MR. HOLMES – In what may an early Oscar contender, Ian
McKellen (X-MEN, THE LORD OF THE RINGS), plays a 93 year-old Sherlock Holmes
who is called out of retirement to solve an old case of his. Co-stars Laura
Linney and is directed by Bill Condon (GODS AND MONSTERS, DREAMGIRLS).
IRRATIONAL MAN – Another possible awards-contender, Woody Allen
writes and directs this mystery drama in which a philosophy professor finds
himself in an existential crisis. Joaquin Phoenix (HER), plays the professor,
and he is joined by Emma Stone and Parker Posey.
PIXELS – Based on the most-excellent short-film of the same
name, classic video-game characters from the 1980’s come to life and attack the
Earth. Stars Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Monaghan,
Brian Cox, Sean Bean, Pac-Man, and Donkey Kong.
SOUTHPAW – Another early hopeful-contender. Jake Gyllenhaal
(NIGHTCRAWLER), plays a boxer trying to keep his family together. Co-stars
Rachel McAdams, Naomie Harris, Forest Whitaker, Victor Ortiz, and Tyrese
Gibson. Directed by Antoine Fuqua (TRAINING DAY), and written by Kurt Sutter
(SONS OF ANARCHY).
AMERICAN HEIST – Loosely based on the 1959 film THE GREAT
ST. LOUIS BANK ROBBERY, this heist film has two brothers pulling off a major score.
Stars Adrien Brody (THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL), Hayden Christensen (STAR WARS),
and Jordana Brewster.
VACATION – In the fifth installment of the NATIONAL LAMPOON’S
VACATION series, Ed Helms (THE HANGOVER), plays a grown-up Rusty Griswold
taking his family on vacation. Co-stars Christina Applegate, Chevy Chase,
Beverly D’Angelo, and Chris Hemsworth (THOR).
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: ROGUE NATION – The fifth installment of
this franchise has Tom Cruise back as super-spy Ethan Hawke. Co-stars Jeremy
Renner (THE AVENGERS), Simon Pegg (SHAUN OF THE DEAD), Alec Baldwin, and Ving
Rhames. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie (JACK REACHER).
*
Next month, Reel Speak previews the final month of the
Summer Movie Season.
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