Although the calendar might disagree, the movie industry’s “summer season” unofficially ends in the first week of July. This is when the major studios start rolling out their (mostly) B-material: stuff not considered prime (early May through July 4).
The next seven weeks might contain a few gems, but don’t count on it. Once Labor Day has come and gone, the studios place box office receipts on the back burner and move awards-hopefuls to the front of the stove.
Here are some of the more interesting theatrical and streaming titles coming out next month. Please note: All opening dates are subject to change.
July 2
‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’
The seventh installment in the “Jurassic Park” franchise, “Rebirth,” is based solely on brand recognition and an almost guaranteed hit. Because it is penned by the widely respected screenwriter David Koepp (“Black Bag”) and features an all-new cast (led by Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali), it might actually not be a complete waste of time. (Universal)
‘The Old Guard 2’
The first installment from 2020 marked Netflix’s entry into the original superhero feature market. Surprisingly, it was met with both critical and audience approval which practically guaranteed a sequel. Charlize Theron reprises her role as the immortal Andromache of Scythia with support from Uma Thurman, KiKi Layne, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Henry Golding. (Netflix)
‘Heads of State’
In this action comedy, John Cena is a former actor turned president of the United States opposite Idris Elba as the British prime minister. The two men must set aside their political differences when both of their countries come under attack. (Amazon/MGM)
July 4
‘Pretty Thing’
Starring in her ninth feature over the last four years, Alicia Silverstone continues her nearly three-decade comeback attempt that has thus far gone nowhere. Light years removed from her landmark “Clueless” character, the older, wiser Silverstone stars opposite Karl Glusman in what has been described as a toned-down version of “9 1/2 Weeks” or the “Fifty Shades of Grey” franchise. (Shout! Studios)
July 11
‘Superman’
In the longest-running, if not most successful, superhero comic book franchise, the cinematic Superman character is as indestructible as the Man of Steel himself. Written and directed by James Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), this newest version stars relative unknown David Corenswet who, like Christopher Reeve, was also an unknown Juilliard student before he first donned the cape. (Warner Bros.)
‘Sovereign’
Based on real events, the story follows a father and son (Nick Offerman and Jacob Tremblay) who identify as Sovereign Citizens, a group of anti-government extremists, as they venture across the country and find themselves in a standoff with a chief of police (Dennis Quaid), which sets off an intense manhunt. (Briarcliff Entertainment)
‘Daniela Forever’
Equal parts romantic drama, psychological thriller, and high concept sci-fi fantasy, this is easily one of the most original and daring movies of this or any year. After the death of his Italian girlfriend (Beatrice Grannò) in Madrid, an English-Asian DJ (Henry Golding) enters a secretive program designed by Belgian doctors that is designed to allow him to get past his unrelenting grief. (XYZ Films)
July 17
‘Untamed’
This six-part mystery-thriller follows Kyle Turner (Eric Bana), a special agent for the National Park Service who works to enforce human law in nature’s vast wilderness. The investigation of a brutal death in Yosemite sends Turner on a collision course with the dark secrets within the park and in his own past. Co-written and co-created by Mark L. Smith (“The Revenant,” “American Primeval”). (Netflix)
July 18
‘Eddington’
In what will surely turn out to be one of the most controversial and divisive movies of the year, filmmaker Ari Aster goes back to 2020 to examine its wedge issue: the COVID-19 vaccine debate. In a small New Mexico town, tensions simmer, then boil, when the sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) butts heads with the mayor (Pedro Pascal) leading to feuding factions of pro- and anti-vaccine citizens. (A24)
July 25
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’
This is perhaps the most cursed superhero franchise in history. To date, there have been four TV series and four live-action features and all of them have tanked (One was completed and never released). Why anyone thinks this attempt will yield different results is utterly baffling. Very sincerely, best of luck to everyone involved. Break a leg. (Disney/Marvel)
‘The Short Game’
In this family comedy-drama, teen Jeremy (Ben Krieger) is vying for a college golf scholarship awarded to the winner of the state championship. Family issues related to his mother’s recovery from cancer and having to take care of his younger autistic brother Ethan (Owen Himfar) affect how he prepares and plays. (Falco Ink)
‘Happy Gilmore 2’
Nearly three decades after the original, Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Christopher McDonald gather together for another round (some golf humor there). The poster makes the movie look like a golf-hockey hybrid. The Sandler character plays in a benefit tournament in order to raise funds hoping to put his daughter through ballet school. Sounds totally plausible to me. (Netflix)
‘Oh, Hi!’
Recalling the near-perfect “Palm Springs” and “Safety Not Guaranteed” minus the time-travel element, this offbeat romantic comedy stars Logan Lerman (“The Perks of Being a Wallflower”) and Molly Gordon (“Animal Kingdom”). A young couple, in the early stages of a burgeoning romance, head out on a road trip which includes some unexpected detours and roadblocks. (Sony Pictures Classics)
What to Watch for
I’m particularly looking forward to “Sovereign,” “Daniela Forever,” “Untamed,” and “Eddington.”
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