A Reel Preview: The Year in Film 2015, Episode VI

The Summer Movie Season of 2015 thus far has seen plenty of ups and downs; with a handful of major releases pleasing audiences and surpassing expectations, and another fistful coming up way short. The coming month doesn’t look to be much different, with plenty to look forward to and a fair amount to groan over. Here are the notable films of June…

It all sneaks in with…

SPY- Melissa McCarthy is a first-time international secret agent in this comedy of watch-the-fat-girl-fall-down. Co-stars Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, and Jude Law. Directed by Paul Feig (BRIDESMAIDS). 

ENTOURAGE – This comedy is a continuation of the HBO TV series. Stars Kevin Connolly, Adrain Grenier, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, and Jeremy Piven. 

LOVE AND MERCY – Paul Dano (THERE WILL BE BLOOD) plays Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys in this biographical film. Co-stars Elizabeth Banks and Paul Giamatti. It is the directorial debut of Bill Pohlad, who has served as a producer for acclaimed films WILD (2014), BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN (2005), and TREE OF LIFE (2011).

INSIDIOUS 3 – Leigh Whannel, who created the SAW horror series, makes his directorial debut with this supernatural thriller. Stars Dermot Mulroney and Stefanie Scott. 

INFINITELY POLAR BEAR – Mark Ruffalo (THE AVENGERS, ZODIAC), plays a man who suffers from bipolar disorder. Co-stars Zoe Saldana (STAR TREK, AVATAR), and Keir Dullea (2001 A SPACE ODYSSEY). 

JURASSIC WORLD – The fourth installment of the get-chased-by-dinosaurs franchise is directed by Colin Trevorrow, and stars Chris Pratt (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY), Bryce Dallas Howard (THE VILLAGE), and Vincent D’Onofrio (WEDDING CRASHERS). 

MADAME BOVARY – This is the seventh film adaptation of the classic novel of the same name. This version stars Mia Wasikowska (ALICE IN WONDERLAND) and Paul Giamatti. 

INSIDE OUT – Our first Pixar film in two years looks to be one of their most ambitious efforts. The film is set in the mind of a young girl, where her emotions are characters (Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear, and Sadness), who try to lead the girl through her life. Features the voice-talents of Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, and John Ratzenberger. Directed by Pixar veteran Pete Doctor (UP, MONSTERS INC.)

TED 2 – The sequel to the 2012 smash-hit. Seth MacFarlane directs and once again provides the voice of the walking and talking teddy bear. Co-stars Mark Wahlberg and Amanda Seyfried. 

MAX – In what may be the tearjerker of the year, a military dog named Max returns from service in Afghanistan traumatized by his handler’s death…and is adopted by the fallen Marine’s family. Stars Josh Wiggins and Jay Hernandez. 

JAWS – Steven Spielberg’s industry-changing thriller swims back into theatres for a limited two-day run to commemorate the films’ 40^th anniversary (June 21 and 24). 

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Next month, Reel Speak looks at the month of July.