The Forever Purge
While I still don’t consider myself a fan of the very first film, I do otherwise have a soft spot for this franchise. I like how it’s basically as close to a series of modern day exploitation films that somehow have been embraced by audiences. This is apparently supposed to be the final film, which is disappointing, but I hope in knowing that, the filmmakers, particularly series mastermind James DeMonaco is able to bring a sense of closure and finality. One thing I’m digging is the change in location, pulling away from the urban setting, and having this take place in Texas, which I’m sure will provide ample opportunity for on-the-nose commentary. Bring it on, I can’t wait to see it.
The Forever Purge hits theaters on July 2nd.
The Protégé
Maggie Q, Michael Keaton, and Samuel L. Jackson in a new Martin Campbell action movie? Sign me up, that is all I need to know. This looks like a blast. Campbell is super reliable with action movies, even something as recent as The Foreigner was really solid. The action here looks clean, well choreographed, and this cast is aces. This looks like my cup of tea through and through, and I can’t wait to check it out.
The Protégé hits theaters on August 20th.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage
I was not a fan of Venom as a whole, but I will say all the weird, funny, and dopey stuff that went on through the middle portion of that film that seemed to really resonate with folks was the most entertaining part of that film. Can’t say the same for the first and final acts. For the longest time, I had no idea what to think of a sequel, especially with that silly “there’s gonna be carnage” line from Woody Harrelson in a Ronald McDonald wig. However, when it was announced that Andy Serkis will direct, I was curious, and after seeing this trailer, I think I might be sold. From the looks of it, it’s doubling down on all the goofiest elements of that first film, and if it can maintain that chaos and energy, I think this could end up being a really great time. Count me in.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage hits theaters on September 24th.
Stillwater
The whole setup with the daughter here kinda reminded me of that Amanda Knox story from…over a decade ago…damn. Anyway, so I wondered if this was base don a true story because it certainly feels like it does, but nope, it doesn’t seem to be. I actually couldn’t help but laughing because Matt Damon in this looks like a hundred guys I run into on a daily basis, he nails that Southern dad look. Other than that, it looks interesting enough, and it’ll be interesting to see Tom McCarthy do something that’s a touch more genre-y than his usual stuff.
Stillwater opens in theaters on July 30th.
Fatherhood
I suppose we got a taste of Kevin Hart’s dramatic capabilities in The Upside, which I was not all that into, though that wasn’t necessarily his fault. However, him collaborating with a filmmaker as accomplished as Paul Weitz, and with a story that is very much his wheelhouse, I think, if anything, Hart has a better chance at coming off strong here. I do like what I see so far, and I dig the supporting players who are involved. These kinds of movies aren’t always my cup of tea, so I can’t say this is something I’m looking forward to, but it is one I am curious about.
Fatherhood will be released on Netflix on June 18th.
Lisey’s Story
Pablo Larraín is a busy man. His film, Ema, is finally getting an official release, after a brief stint through Mubi early last year, his is in the middle of production for Spencer, the Princess Diana film starring Kristen Stewart, which might be released in time for awards season, and now there’s this series that I only just heard about that is written by Stephen King himself. I haven’t heard much of this story, but apparently the novel is King’s favorite of his work. That’s certainly exciting, and with the people in front of and behind the camera here, it all looks really cool, and eight episodes doesn’t seem all that demanding. I’ll try to give this a look.
Lisey’s Story will be released on Apple TV+ on June 4th.
Thoughts on any of the trailers? Feel free to discuss in the comments!