Summertime and the livin’ is easy. And the lineup of must-see films is growing! With just as many gems flying under the radar as there are highly-anticipated studio giants, June is your month for movies.
“Adrift” (June 1)
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water…
Based on a true story, “Adrift” shares the harrowing account of a young couple, both avid sailors (played by Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin), that get caught in a surprise storm and stranded in the middle of the Pacific. Injured and on a boat in ruins, they must navigate to Hawaii with no aid or die at sea. The trailer alone is such a stressful experience, I’m looking forward to being on the edge of my seat!
“Hotel Artemis” (June 8)
“Hotel Artemis” is set in riot-torn, near-future Los Angeles. Jodie Foster plays The Nurse, who runs a secret, members-only emergency room for criminals. There are rules similar to “John Wick’s” The Continental Hotel. I hope this isn’t a knock off, but considering the success that “John Wick” has had, it’s no surprise Hollywood is trying to replicate it. The plot is intriguing enough to want to go and watch, plus the all-star cast that includes Sterling K. Brown, Sofia Boutella, Jeff Goldblum, Brian Tyree Henry, Jenny Slate, Zachary Quinto, Charlie Day, and Dave Bautista. You had us at Foster and Goldblum.
“Hereditary” (June 8)
What is summer but the “halfway to Halloween” checkpoint?
“Hereditary” not only looks absolutely terrifying but it already resembles a masterwork. Toni Collette leads an impressive cast in a supernatural horror that puts me more on edge, the more I see of it. It’s a tale of dark family secrets and radiates the promise of being much more than what shows on the surface.
“Ocean’s 8” (June 8)
The future is female, y’all. I know what you’re thinking, “Ugh. More lazy franchise work.” or “I’m tired of remakes.” Maybe you’re at your keyboard, right now, about to blow a gasket because ladies doing heists is ruining your childhood. I feel your pain (well, not on the last one), but look at this cast! We’re talking Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Olivia Munn, Bad Girl RiRi, and so many others! This is gonna be a kick-ass ensemble and I’m not going to miss it.
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” (June 8)
MY HEART! This documentary on the life and influence of a certain sweater-wearing icon is sure to be a sweet summer treat, better than an ice cream cone on a hot day. Who doesn’t love Mr. Rogers? It will be a balm to the soul to revisit that wholesome nostalgia and, coming back as an adult, I’ll be interested to become more educated and gain a little insight. I feel that this is a doc that any audience member can get behind!
“Incredibles 2” (June 15)
The next best thing to the Edna Mode spin-off that I always dreamed of! It has been 14 years since the first “Incredibles” film became an instant classic. Move aside, kiddies, because I’m gonna be first in line for this one! I’ve intentionally made a point of staying away from trailers and promotional materials because I want to be as fresh and excited as I was in my youth. But what I have seen promises a loyal return to style and a fresh take on the dynamics of this superfamily. You know you’ll be there.
“Tag” (June 15)
When you see the term “based on a true story”, it usually is accompanied by some kind of harrowing drama or maybe even a supernatural horror, trying to look legit. What you don’t typically expect is a group of grown men playing a vigorous game of tag. “Tag” is that movie. This film looks like so much fun. I initially wanted to write it off as silly but the all-star cast (including Jeremy Renner, Jon Hamm, and Jake Johnson) made me take a second look and, honestly, I’m so looking forward to it!
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (June 22)
What would a summer watchlist be without this ultimate summer blockbuster? You know and love “Jurassic Park.” Chris Pratt won many of us over with “Jurassic World.” Now they’re dangling Jeff Goldblum in front of us and I’m powerless to resist! Some might argue that the “Jurassic” films are getting a little tired and that capturing the magic of the first film has been like trying to capture lightning in a bottle. I tend to agree, but I also think “Jurassic World” did have an interesting twist and I’m curious to see what new scenarios they come up with as they churn out more installments in this franchise (and you know there will be more).
“Sicario: Day of the Soldado” (June 29)
If 2018 has shown us anything, it’s that Josh Brolin has the “gruff badass” character down to a fine science. I think back on films like “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” and have mourned the dearth of cartel busting, Mexican badassery in the American action genre. Brolin appears to be bringing that back (alongside Benicio Del Toro) and this shoot ‘em up promises one hell of a good time! Be on the lookout for my review!
“Uncle Drew” (June 29)
Anyone remember that “Cavemen” TV series based off of the famous GEICO ads? What a trainwreck. That show was a monument to man’s arrogance and I think we all learned a valuable lesson in that ad campaigns do not make for a major creative project. “Uncle Drew” may just prove me wrong. The popular Pepsi ads have given way to a full blown motion picture and… it actually looks pretty funny. Tiffany Haddish and Shaq were the major selling points for me, but the entire trailer has this amazing energy and the whole premise just radiates “shenangians”. I’ll be catching this one at Alamo Drafthouse, because belly laughs are best enjoyed with a beer!
What’s the summer flick that you just can’t miss? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Image Credit: Pixar
Caitlin is a lean, mean writing machine based in Austin, TX. Her love of film began when she was shown “Rosemary’s Baby” way too early in life. Bylines include The Financial Diet and Film Inquiry. Caitlin is a member of the Online Association of Female Film Critics and the Women Film Critics Circle.