Reel Facts & Opinions: The Year In Film 2014: Episode VI

Believe it or not, the Summer Movie Season of 2014 is nearing its halfway point. Here are the notable films for the month of July.

 It all arrives with…

EARTH TO ECHO – In what looks like E.T. meets THE GOONIES with a sprinkle of BATTERIES NOT INCLUDED, a trio of pre-teens befriend a small alien and work to get him home. Presented in a “found-footage” format.

 DELIVER US FROM EVIL- A horror movie released in the summer is usually not a good sign, but this Eric Bana-led creeper is directed by Scott Derrickson; who brought us SINISTER (2012) and THE EXORCISM OF EMILY ROSE (2005).

 TAMMY – If you enjoy seeing Melissa McCarthy make a fool of herself, this movie is for you. Co-stars Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates, and Dan Aykroyd.

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES – The sequel to RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES continues the story of genetically evolved apes led by Caeser (motion-captured by Andy Serkis). Co-stars Jason Clarke (ZERO DARK THIRTY), Gary Oldman, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Directed by Matt Reeves (LET ME IN).

 

BOYHOOD – In what may be the film of the year…Richard Linklater (BEFORE MIDNIGHT), shot this film with the same cast over a period of 12 years, telling a story through the eyes of a child who literally grows up on screen. Stars Patricia Arquette and Ethan Hawke, with Ellar Coltrane as the boy who grows into a man.

RAGE – Nic Cage stars as a businessman with a dark past. Co-stars Peter Stormare, Rachel Nichols, and Danny Glover.

THE PURGE: ANARCHY – The sequel to THE PURGE in which society lifts all laws one day a year and everyone goes nuts for no reason. Stars Frank Grillo (WARRIOR, THE GREY).

SEX TAPE – If you enjoy seeing Jason Segel and Cameron Diaz make fools of themselves, this movie is for you.

PLANES: FIRE AND RESCUE – This is a sequel to Disney’s PLANES (2013), which was a spinoff to Pixar’s CARS (2006). Features the voices of Dane Cook and Ed Harris.

HERCULES – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars as the muscled-out mythological hero. Directed by Brett Ratner (RUSH HOUR, RED DRAGON), and co-stars Joseph Fiennes, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, and John Hurt.

LUCY – Scarlett Johansson (HER, THE AVENGERS) stars as a young woman whose physical and mental abilities are enhanced, making her a human weapon. Co-stars Morgan Freeman, and is directed by Luc Besson (THE PROFESSIONAL, THE FIFTH ELEMENT).

A MOST WANTED MAN – This will be your last chance to see the late great Phillip Seymour Hoffman in a serious role before he appears in another dumbassed HUNGER GAMES movie. Centered on an immigration scandal, it co-stars Rachel McAdams, Willem Dafoe, Robin Wright, and Daniel Bruhl (RUSH). Directed by Anton Corbijn (THE AMERICAN).

 

*

Next month, Episode VII looks at the final month of the Summer Movie Season.