Reel Speak is a blog which likes to keep things positive;
cynicism and unwarranted negativity need not apply here. But facts are facts,
and there’s no way getting around the fact that the Summer Movie Season of 2016
has been a stinkbomb equal to the size of a Godzilla-fart. The good news is
there are only four weekends left in the season before Oscar Season kicks in,
and between now and then we have some interesting releases to look forward to.
Here are the notable films for the month of August.
SUICIDE SQUAD – The third film in Warner Brother’s adaptations
of the DC Comics superheroes, in which a team of villains are assembled to do
some good. Stars Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Joel Kinnaman, Viola Davis, Jai
Courtney, Jay Hernandez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Scott Eastwood, Cara
Delevingne, and Jared Leto as The Joker. It is directed by David Ayer, who
directed the biggest piece of shit movie of the last decade, SABOTAGE in 2014.
THE LITTLE PRINCE – This adaptation of the beloved classic novel
has seen many delays in its release, but finally sees the big screen this
month. It is a 3D stop-motion animated film with the voices of Jeff Bridges,
Rachel McAdams, Paul Rudd, Marion Cotillard, Benicio del Toro, James Franco,
Ricky Gervais, Paul Giamatti, and Albert Brooks. It is directed by Mark
Osborne, who directed KUNG FU PANDA (2008).
SAUSAGE PARTY – This R-rated animated film is a spoof on
Disney and Pixar films in which a sausage journeys to discover his own
existence. Features the voices of Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, and Jonah Hill.
PETE’S DRAGON – Disney has decided to remake their beloved,
yet rarely-talked-about 1977 film in which a young boy befriends a dragon.
Stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban, and Robert
Redford. It is directed by David Lowery, who helmed the magnificent AIN’T THEM
BODIES SAINTS in 2013.
FLORENCE FOSTER JENKINS – Multiple-Oscar nominee Meryl
Streep plays a heiress in New York who aspires to become an opera singer. Based
on the true-life story of Florence Foster Jenkins, who was known for her poor
singing ability. Co-stars Hugh Grant.
HELL OR HIGH WATER – Chris Pine and Ben Foster play two
brothers who plan a bank robbery to save their family farm. Jeff Bridges
co-stars.
BLOOD FATHER – Mel Gibson steps back in front of the camera
as an ex-con looking to protect his daughter from drug dealers.
ANTHROPOID – A WWII film based on the true story of
Czechoslovakian operatives conspiring to assassinate an SS General. Cillian
Murphy and Toby Jones star.
BEN-HUR – The fourth film adaptation of the novel by Lew
Wallace since 1907 is directed by Timur Bekmambetov (WANTED, ABRAHAM LINCOLN:
VAMPIRE HUNTER).
WAR DOGS – Jonah Hill and Miles Teller play two idiots who
get a government contract to supply weapons to U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
IMPERIUM – Daniel Radcliffe (HARRY POTTER), plays an
undercover FBI agent.
A TALE OF LOVE AND DARKNESS – Natalie Portman (BLACK SWAN),
directs and stars in this adaptation of the autobiographical novel of the same
name, taking place in Jerusalem during the first years of independent Israel.
*
Next month, Reel Speak previews the first month of Oscar
Season.
The Florence Foster Jenkins movie should be of local interest since the main character was from and is buried in Wilkes-Barre. Also keep your eye out for "All In Time" filmed in Wilkes-Barre, Pittston, Plains, and Lancaster and set to be released soon after a very successful tour of the film festival circuit!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that about Florence Foster Jenkins. Thanks for the tip!
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