The First Purge
Aside from the first one, I quite enjoy the Purge franchise. I like that within the studio system, we’re able to bring a franchise that’s essentially a series of overtly political exploitation films. This one in particular is significant, not just because we’re going back to the very first Purge, but the film itself is not directed by James DeMonaco, who has wrote and directed all three films prior.
Instead, he will serve as producer and writer while Gerard McMurray will direct hot off his Sundance hit, Burning Sands. It’ll be interesting to see some new blood in this franchise, especially since people of color have increasingly become the focus, so it would make sense that they would hire a relative newcomer like McMurray to bring in some authenticity here.
Also, I somehow missed that Marisa Tomei will be in this! That’s pretty neat.
The First Purge will hit theaters on the 4th of July, because of course.
The Meg
Come on, how can anyone watch that trailer and not be immediately sold? It’s Jason Statham versus a giant shark! The rest of the cast looks pretty good too, and it’s directed by Jon Turteltaub, who may not be the greatest director in the world, but having done the National Treasure movies, he clearly has a way of working with projects that pean on the more sillier side of things.
Also, it’s weirdly refreshing that they used the original, Bobby Darin version of “Beyond the Sea” as opposed to those slow, moody covers that somehow dominated movie trailers the past few years after the Inception “BWAAA” went out of style. So, yeah, this looks like an absolute blast, I can’t wait.
The Meg will be unleashed on August 10th.
Ocean’s 8
Not crazy about James Corden, but everything else looks great. Admittedly, I think this project would’ve been far more interesting if it had a female director attached instead of Gary Ross, but I suppose a co-writing credit to an Olivia Milch is something.
The lack of Awkwafina in both the trailers is a bit weird. I found her to be a scene stealer in Neighbors 2, so I’m excited to see what she does here. Aside from that, it’s a solid trailer. Heist movies are tons of fun, and this looks like another fun heist movie. Hopefully, the online discourse around it won’t be as toxic as some other female driven projects.
Ocean’s 8 will be in theaters June 8th.
Hot Summer Nights
This seems like another one of those “guy gets involved in shady business and quickly finds himself way in over his head” movies, but I like Timothée Chalamet, and I like Maika Monroe. It’s from a first time writer/director, Elijah Bynum, and it looks like he knows what he’s doing. There’s lots of energy here, and hopefully there’s enough interesting things to make this stand out over others just like it.
Hot Summer Nights will hit select theaters on July 27th.
American Animals
Another heist movie! I actually heard some cool things about this one from Sundance earlier this year, so I’ve been waiting for a good look at this thing. And yeah, this looks really cool.
This is from a UK filmmaker, Bart Layton, who has only done documentary work before this, with his biggest one being 2012’s The Imposter, which I heard nothing but great things about. This looks really exciting and vibrant, and I can’t wait to see this one.
American Animals will be in select theaters starting June 1st.
Hearts Beat Loud
I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been impressed with Brett Haley’s work, and this one looks like it will continue his streak of small, mature, and likable dramas. Nick Offerman and Kiersey Clemons look adorable as a father-daughter duo, and there’s clearly a lot of heart put into this. I’m a sucker for feel-good movies like this, especially if there’s a musical element, so this is one I’m highly anticipating.
Hearts Beat Loud will hit theaters on June 8th.
Mary Shelley
Mary Shelley is from director, Haifaa al-Mansour, known famously for being the “first female Saudi filmmaker.” She made it big with her excellent 2012 film, Wadjda, but hasn’t done anything since. At least, until now with this story about the titular character’s relationship with Percy Bysshe Shelley, which ended up inspiring her to write Frankenstein.
As much as I am looking forward to it, it was hard to ignore the bad word of mouth that came out its premier at the Toronto International Film Festival late last year. I don’t know how much of that is festival hyperbole, but it is best to keep your expectations in check.
Mary Shelley will open in theaters May 25th and VOD June 1st.
Dark Crimes
Well…they can’t all be winners, I guess. I suppose it’s cool to see Jim Carrey again, kind of. I saw that Netflix Andy Kaufman documentary, and it didn’t necessarily make me soften up to him. I’m not fully convinced that this premise will hold under scrutiny. I’m all for a moody, sleazy crime movie, but when they go wrong, boy, do they go wrong. The rest of the cast looks solid enough, but I’m not really convinced with this.
Dark Crimes will have an early DirecTV release on April 19th followed by a limited theatrical release on May 11th.
Ideal Home
Steve Coogan and Paul Rudd as a gay couple who have to take in a kid? Sure, I’ve heard worse ideas. This is from Andrew Fleming, the writer/director behind The Craft, and Hamlet 2, among others. I’m curious only because of the talent involved, and I hope the jokes don’t feel reductive and as obvious as it seems like here.
Not a lot to say about this one. The concept is cute, and I like the actors, but it could really go either way.
Ideal Home has no U.S. release date at the moment, but it will be released in Australia on June 21st.
The Wife
Can you believe Glenn Close hasn’t won an Academy Award yet? She’s been nominated six times, but never won. Crazy how some things work out. Either way, she looks stellar here, as does Jonathan Pryce. It’s nice to see older actors being given meaty roles. Plus, it’s nice to see
Christian Slater in a movie where it doesn’t seem like he’s only there for a paycheck.
This seems like one of those movies that will fall under the radar as the year goes on, especially given the release being just before what is typically considered “Oscar season,” but it looks very interesting and thoughtful and timely.
The Wife will be released in select theaters starting August 3rd.
Thoughts on any of the trailers? Feel free to discuss in the comments below!