Ah, July, the height of summer. Some call it the “dog days” of summer. Call it whatever you want, it all means the same thing… it’s hotter than hell out and we’d rather entertain ourselves in the comfort of the A/C, watching some movies.
Here’s what we’re seeing in July!
“The First Purge” (July 4)
Let’s get real for a second. Have any of us really, truly decided how we feel about this series? I was a fan of “The Purge” and found the concept refreshing. Nothing quite kills “refreshing” like a whole series. But, here we are, with a story that could actually be interesting… the events leading up to the very first Purge. Of all the concepts introduced across the “Purge” movies, this has been the one that I’m most interested in.
Regardless of what side of the political fence you fall on, many of us agree that the nation and politics have fallen to some level of shit. So, why not indulge your cynical streak this Fourth of July?
“Ant-Man and the Wasp” (July 6)
All aboard the Marvel hype-train! WOO-WOO!!!!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, “Ant-Man” remains one of my all-time favorite superhero movies and, personally, I consider it a standout in the MCU. I’m enamored with the characters and have been hungry for more! Ant-Man is returning with his second standalone feature and this time he’s bringing along The Wasp. YAAASSS!
I’m looking forward to seeing if Evangeline Lilly’s Wasp takes as much of a central role as the promotions for this film would have you believe.
“Sorry to Bother You” (July 6)
2018 and my home city of Austin have something in common: they’re keeping it weird. 2018 has been the year of the “weird” movie. More specifically, weird and detailed universes. Peel back another layer and 2018’s preferred brand of weird is cult stories. Recent horror favorite, “Hereditary”. The LA intrigue of films like “Hotel Artemis” and “Under the Silver Lake”. Even the indie scene is getting touched by the weirdness, see “They Remain”.
“Sorry to Bother You” looks like the next in 2018’s weird lineup. And it looks colorful and funny and aware and provocative and it has had me at “hello”. The trailers are already promising an interesting commentary on race and wealth and society, all wrapped up in a bright and sardonic package with a weird “what has he gotten himself into?” bow on top! Lakeith Stanfield has slowly been working his way into my heart with a consistently interesting body of work. I can’t wait to watch him work in “Sorry to Bother You”
“Hotel Transylvania 3” (July 13)
I’m a little hot and cold when it comes to the “Hotel Transylvania” movies. The first one was fun and unique and surprisingly heartwarming; I have fond memories of really wanting to hate that movie. It has worked its way into my icy critic heart and thawed me, slightly.
Suffice to say that the sequel did not have the same impact.
With this third installment, I find myself cautiously optimistic. The premise of “lonely protagonist seeks a mate” is a little tired and I dread seeing it play out with this particular set of characters. But the vacation setting and the concept of a monster cruise looks incredibly fun and promises all kinds of creative shenanigans. I can’t help but give it a chance!
“Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” (July 20)
There are compelling movies and then there’s fluff. “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” is fluff in its purest, most fantastic form. I don’t care what you think of the first one. I don’t care how lame you think bright musicals are. I don’t care if you are asking yourself, “Who asked for this?” I am grabbing my mother and I’m pre-gaming with some Prosecco and I’m coming opening weekend with stars in my eyes and a song in my heart.
Cher and Meryl worship is good for the soul. So here we go again!
“Eighth Grade” (July 13)
Give me Bo Burnham in a writer/director combo, tackling the cringey but hilarious world of being a teen in the age of social media and I’m buying a ticket. ‘Nuff said.
The positive reception of the film, post-Sundance, is another boost. I’ll be there!
“The Equalizer 2”
I’ve got three good reasons why this one is an absolute must:
- What is summer without an explosive action film?
- This sequel promises to bring all the punch of its predecessor (and the first one was a damn good time!)
- Denzel.
“Generation Wealth”
From the brilliant mind behind “The Queen of Versailles”, “Generation Wealth” is a take no prisoners, in your face criticism of our culture of excess.
If the previous work of Lauren Greenfield is any hint of what’s in store, “Generation Wealth” is going to be absolutely mandatory viewing. Cynicism has inadvertently become an underlying theme of our July picks, but we embrace it. Burn down the establishment! Eat the rich! Get off of Instagram for Christ’s sake!
I assume that’s what we’ll all be chanting after seeing this one.
Any titles we missed? Which of these “must sees” are you most looking forward to? Holler at us in the comments!
Featured image credit: Marvel Studios
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.