According to Cat
20 – Neon Lights (7/12)
Production/Distribution: Red Hill Entertainment, Twin Fins Productions, Entertainment One, Momentum Pictures
IMDb Blurb: Tech tycoon, Clay Amani, retreats to an off the grid location in search of meaning and peace, with disconnected siblings and their offspring, only to be caught in a bone-chilling killing spree within his new estate.
Neon Lights caught my attention for a number of reasons. At the top of my list, I noticed that Kim Coates (Cold Brook, Fantasy Island, See for Me) seems to be playing a villain-type character in this production. I’m usually down to watch anything he’s involved in. Aside from his talent, the projects tend to be interesting and he plays one hell of a heel. In Neon Lights, however, he’ll also be sharing the screen with his daughter, Brenna Coates (Ice Girls, Coroner, The Sinners), so that’s also a fun bit of trivia to have tucked away while watching everything unfold.
19 – Alone Together (7/22)
Production/Distribution: Lafayette Pictures, Yale Productions, SSS Entertainment, The Forest Road Company, LB Entertainment, Vertical Entertainment
IMDb Blurb: Two strangers embroiled in bad relationships wind up in the same upstate New York Airbnb.
I adore Katie Holmes (Miss Meadows, Logan Lucky, Coda). Not only is she a talented actress, but she is also a patron of the arts – such as dance. When I learned that not only is she starring in Alone Together along with Jim Sturgess (Stonehearst Asylum, Geostorm, Home Before Dark), who is another interesting actor as well; Holmes also wrote the screenplay and directed the film. This is her first movie where she’s worn all 3 hats simultaneously.
18 - Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between (7/6)
Production/Distribution: Ace Entertainment, Lionsgate, TriStar Productions, Netflix
IMDb Blurb: After making a pact to break up before college, Claire and Aidan retrace the steps of their relationship on one last epic date, revisiting familiar and unexpected places as they question: stay together or say goodbye forever?
Netflix has a really strong lineup of movies hitting the streaming platform this July. Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between is the first of several that appears on this list.
17 - Take the Night (7/8)
Production/Distribution: TDP FILMS, SM10 Films, Samaco
Films, Saban Films
IMDb Blurb: When a resentful brother organizes a prank kidnapping, he unwittingly hires career criminals who have plans of their own.
While Take the Night doesn’t have name recognition for me when it comes to the cast, this isn’t really a case where that matters a lot. I was drawn to this movie because of the premise. While Selina and I were watching the trailers, I mentioned that Take the Night looks a lot like a more serious take on the concept from Game Night (2018). Color me curious.
If nothing else, this thriller should offer some
entertainment value. I’m interested to see if they play up the more serious
tone to entirely flip the script from the similar film that has come before, or
if they’ll interject levity with the prank-gone-wrong scenario.
It has an uphill battle for the box office numbers, however,
due to its release date. With huge movies also hitting streaming and theaters
at the same time, it does give me a little pause with some internal debate.
Either the studio feels really strongly about the production and thinks it will
get at least a piece of the proverbial box office pie, or this is a release
that they’re just tossing out just because. I’m crossing my fingers for the
first option, but considering this is going up against a major MCU movie, it
wouldn’t be a good idea to hold my breath.
Take the Night is
set for a limited theater release and will also be available with on-demand
digital rental.
16 - Sniper: The White Raven (7/1)
Production/Distribution: UM Group, AMG Entertainment, Media Move, Well Go USA Entertainment, YJ Creative
IMDb Blurb: After suffering a tragedy at the hand of invading soldiers in Donbas, an Ukrainian physics teacher seeks revenge. He sets his sights on an elite Russian sniper whose elimination could change the tide of the conflict.
We live in crazy times right now. The conflict featured in Sniper: The White Raven is very real and happened when Russia first began to occupy territories within Ukraine. Now, the countries are in a full-scale war with each other as Russia moved in to take over more and Ukrainians are fighting back.
Aside from the fact that the trailer teased a good movie, Sniper: The White Raven can utilize the
box office as a signal boost for the plight of everyone in the war-torn areas.
This story of a physics teacher taking up arms against the invaders is similar
to what is happening on a mass scale in Ukraine right now. Every-day citizens
are joining the fight to defend their homes and families.
Fans of military and war movies should find this right up
their ally.
Sniper: The White
Raven is set for release in select theaters and will be available for
digital on-demand services.
We stand with Ukraine.
15 - Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (7/15)
Production/Distribution: Moonriver Content, Superbe Films, Hero Squared, Elysian Films, Hungarian National Film Fund, Umedia, Entertainment One, Sierra / Affinity, Focus Features, United International Pictures
IMDb Blurb: A widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own.
Next up is something completely different!
I fell in love with the trailer for Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Lesley
Manville (Phantom Thread, Maleficent:
Mistress of Evil, The Crown) in the role of Mrs. Harris seems fairly
magical – in the down-to-earth, right-place-right-time lucky sort of way. This
is precisely the sort of feel-good story that the world needs right now. This
tale of a housekeeper getting a chance to chase a dream – which happens to be a
couture dress – is a whimsical romp, and I’m here for it. It helps that the
character seems to be a bit of a spitfire, which will make the comedic elements
all the more interesting.
Other notable cast members include Jason Isaacs (Operation Mincemeat, Agent Game, Good Sam)
and Isabelle Huppert (Right Here Right
Now, Mrs. Hyde, Frankie). I like the fact that Isaacs seems to play an
amicable character who seems to have positive interactions with Mrs. Harris if the trailer is to be believed. He seems to get type-cast as a villain or
just an unpleasant person so often.
Mrs. Harris Goes to
Paris is also a novel adaptation. I’ve not read this particular book, but
it was written by a well-established author, Paul Gallico. The Adventures of Mrs.
Harris is a series of 4 books; so there is a possibility if this first
installment performs well that we may see a sequel.
As it stands now, there isn’t a lot of information about Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris where
on-demand rental is concerned. This production is set for a wide theatrical
release now and should appear on a streaming service at the beginning of
October. It is unknown at this time which streamer will carry it.
14 - Hot Seat (7/1)
Production/Distribution: BondIt Media Capital, Buffalo 8 Productions, Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films, Grindstone Studios, Verdi Productions, Grindstone Entertainment Group, Highland Film Group, Lionsgate
IMDb Blurb: An ex-hacker is forced to break into high-level banking institutions, another man must try to penetrate the booby trapped building to get the young man off the hot seat.
In any other year, Hot Seat might be a contender as a summer blockbuster action flick. This year, with MCU dropping a huge title this month, it’s not going to get the traction it would have otherwise. All the same, this hostage-by-hacker thriller has all the elements of a great popcorn movie.
While I have to side-eye some of this director’s prior work,
I have hope for Hot Seat based on the
trailer and the fact Mel Gibson (Machete
Kills, Boss Level, Agent Game) is attached to the production. There weren’t
any red flags that jumped out at me, and Gibson – while not quite the headliner
he used to be – has been involved with solid projects in recent years. I was feeling a little nostalgic callback to
his role in the Lethal Weapon (1987)
franchise with his new bomb squad character.
Hot Seat does
sport at least a couple other notable cast members such as Shannen Doherty (90210, Undateable John, Fortress) as a
law enforcement shot-caller and Kevin Dillon (How to Be a Gentleman, Buddy Games, A Day to Die) as the man in the
titular Hot Seat, itself.
Hackers, explosions, and S.W.A.T teams – oh my!
Hot Seat is set
for a limited theater release starting today, and will also be available for digital
on-demand rental. It is unclear at this time when it will be available on
streaming services, or when it will release on a platform.
13 - Rubikon (7/1)
Production/Distribution: Samsara Filmproduktion, Graf
Film, Carinthia Film Commission, Filmfonds Wien, Filmstandort Austria, ORF
Film/Fernseh-Abkommen, Österreichisches Filminstitut, IFC Midnight, Filmladen,
Signature Entertainment
IMDb Blurb: Following a catastrophe on Earth, the planet is covered in a toxic fog. The crew in the space station, must decide whether to risk their lives to get home and search for survivors, or stay safe in the station's "algae symbiosis system."
I am very excited about the release of Rubikon. In the wake of the trailer, I have so many questions that I desperately need answers for. What causes the toxic gas on Earth? Do the astronauts stranded on the space station actually head back to try and save what’s left of the planet’s population or do they spiral and self-destruct along with Earth’s last hope?
You just can’t beat a good Sci-fi space epic.
While I don’t recognize the cast, the fresh faces reinforce
the story’s concept that this narrative takes place in the future. The production
quality also looks phenomenal. Rubikon
is the full-length feature debut for the writer and director, so take that for
what you will. I, however, have a good deal of hope for this movie.
Rubikon is set to
release in theaters for a limited run and is also available for digital
on-demand rental. Streaming service details are unclear at this time.
12 - Not Okay (7/29)
IMDb Blurb: When a resentful brother organizes a prank kidnapping, he unwittingly hires career criminals who have plans of their own.
While Take the Night doesn’t have name recognition for me when it comes to the cast, this isn’t really a case where that matters a lot. I was drawn to this movie because of the premise. While Selina and I were watching the trailers, I mentioned that Take the Night looks a lot like a more serious take on the concept from Game Night (2018). Color me curious.
16 - Sniper: The White Raven (7/1)
Production/Distribution: UM Group, AMG Entertainment, Media Move, Well Go USA Entertainment, YJ Creative
IMDb Blurb: After suffering a tragedy at the hand of invading soldiers in Donbas, an Ukrainian physics teacher seeks revenge. He sets his sights on an elite Russian sniper whose elimination could change the tide of the conflict.
We live in crazy times right now. The conflict featured in Sniper: The White Raven is very real and happened when Russia first began to occupy territories within Ukraine. Now, the countries are in a full-scale war with each other as Russia moved in to take over more and Ukrainians are fighting back.
15 - Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (7/15)
Production/Distribution: Moonriver Content, Superbe Films, Hero Squared, Elysian Films, Hungarian National Film Fund, Umedia, Entertainment One, Sierra / Affinity, Focus Features, United International Pictures
IMDb Blurb: A widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress, and decides that she must have one of her own.
Next up is something completely different!
14 - Hot Seat (7/1)
Production/Distribution: BondIt Media Capital, Buffalo 8 Productions, Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films, Grindstone Studios, Verdi Productions, Grindstone Entertainment Group, Highland Film Group, Lionsgate
IMDb Blurb: An ex-hacker is forced to break into high-level banking institutions, another man must try to penetrate the booby trapped building to get the young man off the hot seat.
In any other year, Hot Seat might be a contender as a summer blockbuster action flick. This year, with MCU dropping a huge title this month, it’s not going to get the traction it would have otherwise. All the same, this hostage-by-hacker thriller has all the elements of a great popcorn movie.
13 - Rubikon (7/1)
IMDb Blurb: Following a catastrophe on Earth, the planet is covered in a toxic fog. The crew in the space station, must decide whether to risk their lives to get home and search for survivors, or stay safe in the station's "algae symbiosis system."
I am very excited about the release of Rubikon. In the wake of the trailer, I have so many questions that I desperately need answers for. What causes the toxic gas on Earth? Do the astronauts stranded on the space station actually head back to try and save what’s left of the planet’s population or do they spiral and self-destruct along with Earth’s last hope?
12 - Not Okay (7/29)
Production/Distribution: Makeready, Searchlight
Pictures, Disney+, Hulu
IMDb Blurb: An ambitious young woman (Zoey Deutch) finds followers and fame when she poses as the survivor of a deadly attack, but she soon learns that online notoriety comes with a terrible price.
11 - 1UP (7/15)
Production/Distribution: Buzzfeed Studios, CR8IV DNA, Just Entertainment, Leonine Distribution, Amazon Prime Video, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, Lionsgate
IMDb Blurb: Follows a gamer who quits her college esports team due to sexism from her male counterparts.
I am super excited to see gaming and E-sports rising into more mainstream awareness. Not that long ago, being called a “gamer” wasn’t always a glowing recommendation about a person. In current times, someone can become almost a household name by playing video games – whether by streaming or by participating in competitive game-play. Schools have developed E-sports programs. It’s very promising for the future. Gaming is such an inclusive activity. Just about anyone can do it, if you have some aptitude – and hey, it’s fun! I digress.
1Up tackles sexism
in the gaming community in a fun way. It’s a real issue, unfortunately. That
being said, this is exactly the sort of “sports” comedy that is right up my
lane. Imagine, if you will, Pitch Perfect
(2012) – but with video games instead of singing. There are some key
differences in the plots, of course, but I got the impression from the trailer
that the overall vibe is similar.
Director, Kyle Newman (Spartacus:
Blood and Sand - Motion Comic, The Crazies, Barely Lethal), was at the helm
of Fanboys (2009). With that, he established that he has the
ability to give us a funny story that is entertaining while still being
respectful of the geek culture being represented.
I am also jazzed about the cast involved with 1Up. Ruby Rose (John Wick: Chapter 2,
The Meg, The Doorman) is a badass that always seems to be effortlessly
cool. From what I gathered from the trailer, her role as a professor and coach
feels like a good fit. Paris Berelc (Confessional, Alexa & Katie, Hubie
Halloween) and Taylor Zakhar Perez (Embeds, The Kissing Booth 2, Minx)
definitely have good on-screen tension and chemistry as leads of the respective
teams in this ensemble cast.
The trailer for 1Up
had me cracking up. Just keep in mind that while video games take a center seat
in the story here, this is definitely not a movie for kids.
You can bet I’ll be watching this as soon as possible and
you can bet that we’ll be providing a review for you, too.
1Up is releasing
directly to Prime Video subscribers.
IMDb Blurb: An ambitious young woman (Zoey Deutch) finds followers and fame when she poses as the survivor of a deadly attack, but she soon learns that online notoriety comes with a terrible price.
This contemporary dramatic comedy looks to be a good cautionary tale about being honest on social media. The trailer wasn’t available yet when we went through our list for streaming, but as soon as it came out, I knew that Not Okay was definitely going to be on my Top 20 list.
Zoey Deutch (Buffaloed, Zombieland: Double Tap, The Outfit) and Dylan O'Brien (American Assassin, Love and Monsters, Infinite) have worked together before on The Outfit (2022) and will be able to tap into that shared screen chemistry and comfortability factor for Not Okay. That will definitely come through in their performances. Further, Karan Soni (Deadpool, Trolls 2: World Tour, Miracle Workers) is absolutely hilarious.
I am curious as to what happens to the lead after she posts the fake vacation that gets her into hot water – and whether or not any action elements come into play, considering the terrorist attack that she has to lie about.
Not Okay will release on Hulu for subscribers.
Production/Distribution: Buzzfeed Studios, CR8IV DNA, Just Entertainment, Leonine Distribution, Amazon Prime Video, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, Lionsgate
IMDb Blurb: Follows a gamer who quits her college esports team due to sexism from her male counterparts.
I am super excited to see gaming and E-sports rising into more mainstream awareness. Not that long ago, being called a “gamer” wasn’t always a glowing recommendation about a person. In current times, someone can become almost a household name by playing video games – whether by streaming or by participating in competitive game-play. Schools have developed E-sports programs. It’s very promising for the future. Gaming is such an inclusive activity. Just about anyone can do it, if you have some aptitude – and hey, it’s fun! I digress.
10 - Vengeance (7/29)
Production/Distribution: Blumhouse Productions,
Divide/Conquer, Focus Features
IMDb Blurb: A radio host from New York City attempts to solve the murder of a girl he hooked up with and travels down south to investigate the circumstances of her death and discover what happened to her.
Vengeance is a movie that feels close to home. Not in the conspiracy-riddled death and revenge sort of way but in the fact that Texas is my ‘neighbor.’ If I were to drive about 20 minutes West of where I live, I’d hit the border. I don’t think you have to be a resident of Texas, or even the South to understand the humor derived from the culture shock involved in a lot of the comedy within Vengeance. I was giggling during the trailer, however. You’d think that some of the scenes referenced in the teaser are too over-the-top to be real… but it’s not terribly far from the ‘way things actually are.’
B.J. Novak (Saving Mr.
Banks, The Office, The Mindy Project) has set himself up as a triple-threat
in the movie industry as writer, director, and leading man with Vengeance marking his full-length
feature debut in the director’s chair. If the trailer is a true indication of
the overall experience for Vengeance,
I’m definitely going to want to see more of his storytelling in the future.
The plot looks interesting and engaging, and there’s a great
ensemble cast on board. Issa Rae (Little,
The Lovebirds, Insecure), Dove Cameron (The
Angry Birds Movie 3, Schmigadoon!, Good Mourning), Lio Tipton (Better Start Running, Continue, In Space
with Markiplier Part 1 & 2), Ashton Kutcher (Personal Effects, Jobs, Annie), and Boyd Holbrook (Gone Girl, Narcos, Logan) are just a few
of the noteworthy cast members.
Vengeance will be
releasing in theaters initially. It is unclear when the film will be available
for on-demand services or streaming.
9 - American Carnage (7/15)
IMDb Blurb: A radio host from New York City attempts to solve the murder of a girl he hooked up with and travels down south to investigate the circumstances of her death and discover what happened to her.
Vengeance is a movie that feels close to home. Not in the conspiracy-riddled death and revenge sort of way but in the fact that Texas is my ‘neighbor.’ If I were to drive about 20 minutes West of where I live, I’d hit the border. I don’t think you have to be a resident of Texas, or even the South to understand the humor derived from the culture shock involved in a lot of the comedy within Vengeance. I was giggling during the trailer, however. You’d think that some of the scenes referenced in the teaser are too over-the-top to be real… but it’s not terribly far from the ‘way things actually are.’
9 - American Carnage (7/15)
Production/Distribution: Xolo Productions, Saban Films
IMDb Blurb: After a governor issues an executive order to arrest the children of undocumented immigrants, the newly detained youth are offered an opportunity to have their charges dropped by volunteering to provide care to the elderly.
American Carnage took me by surprise with its trailer. The beginning feels like it sets up for a drama with heavy social commentary regarding immigration policy. Then everything suddenly goes sideways into some sort of dystopian alternate reality. I think my mouth dropped open and I jumped when the shenanigans really kicked off in the latter part of the teaser. I just wasn’t expecting anything like that to happen and it caught me entirely off guard.
I really enjoy movies that subvert your expectations –
especially when it looks like it’s going to cover a heavy dramatic topic and
the concept gets flipped on its ear as in American
Carnage. The message is still there underneath it all. There’s just a more
insidious horror landscape beating the concept over the viewer’s head with the
undertones.
The production team has done a fabulous job of casting for American Carnage. Brett Cullen (The Dark Knight Rises, Under the Dome,
Reminiscence) is no stranger to playing an elected official, as he’s
portrayed a governor in The West Wing
(1999-2006) and a congressman in another project. I’ll watch just about anything
that Jenna Ortega (The Babysitter: Killer
Queen, Scream, X) is in, as well. It’s been a lot of fun to watch her
stretch her proverbial wings now that she’s transitioned into projects aimed
mostly for adult viewers rather than Disney Channel’s target audience. She’s
becoming quite the horror movie staple lately.
American Carnage
is set for theater release, as well as digital on-demand rental on the same
day.
8 - The Sea Beast (7/8)
Production/Distribution: Netflix Animation, Netflix
IMDb Blurb: When a young girl stows away on the ship of a legendary sea monster hunter, they launch an epic journey into uncharted waters - and make history to boot.
I was almost bouncing in my seat when I first watched the trailer for The Sea Beast, and I’m still excited every time I’ve seen it since. I want one of those little blue monsters! I hope that the little girl in the movie gets to keep it. I digress…
The Sea Beast
looks absolutely amazing. This animated movie looks like it could have come
straight from Disney or Dreamworks – but it’s Netflix. The writers and director
on board for this film are at the top of their game. Director, Chris Williams (Bolt, Big Hero 6, Moana), helmed some of
my favorite animated movies of the last decade or so.
Honestly, someone could have told me that Karl Urban (Star Trek Beyond, Thor: Ragnarok, The Boys),
Dan Stevens (Lucy in the Sky, Blithe
Spirit, Earwig and the Witch), and Jared Harris (Chernobyl, Carnival Row, Morbius) are in a movie together. I would
have watched without even knowing what it was. That is one awesome talent
combination. Of course, the rest of the cast isn’t anything to sneeze at –
these were just the names that caught my immediate intense attention.
I can tell you I’ll be watching The Sea Beast with my family and we’ll be reviewing it
soon here on Trust the Dice.
The Sea Beast releases exclusively on Netflix.
7 - Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (7/15)
IMDb Blurb: After a governor issues an executive order to arrest the children of undocumented immigrants, the newly detained youth are offered an opportunity to have their charges dropped by volunteering to provide care to the elderly.
American Carnage took me by surprise with its trailer. The beginning feels like it sets up for a drama with heavy social commentary regarding immigration policy. Then everything suddenly goes sideways into some sort of dystopian alternate reality. I think my mouth dropped open and I jumped when the shenanigans really kicked off in the latter part of the teaser. I just wasn’t expecting anything like that to happen and it caught me entirely off guard.
8 - The Sea Beast (7/8)
Production/Distribution: Netflix Animation, Netflix
IMDb Blurb: When a young girl stows away on the ship of a legendary sea monster hunter, they launch an epic journey into uncharted waters - and make history to boot.
I was almost bouncing in my seat when I first watched the trailer for The Sea Beast, and I’m still excited every time I’ve seen it since. I want one of those little blue monsters! I hope that the little girl in the movie gets to keep it. I digress…
7 - Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (7/15)
Production/Distribution: Nickelodeon Movies, Align,
Aniventure, Blazing Productions, Flying Tigers Entertainment, GFM Animation,
Huayi Brothers Media, Huayi Tencent Entertainment Company, Paramount Pictures
International, Shaw Organisation, United International Pictures, Huayi Brothers
Media, Nickelodeon Movies, Paramount Animation, Paramount Pictures, Paramount
Pictures do Brasil, Sky Cinema, The Searchers
IMDb Blurb: Hank, a loveable dog with a head full of dreams about becoming a samurai, sets off in search of his destiny.
I would love to have been a fly on the wall in the writers’ room for Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank. The conversations that took place to get this end-product story as an animated remake of the Mel Brooks (Hotel Transylvania 2, Leap!, Toy Story 4) classic Blazing Saddles (1974) had to be pure comedy gold. Initially, I thought for sure that this was an update and reboot for Hong Kong Phooey (1974-1975) – considering the character design…right down to the bathrobe-like attire. Alas, that would be incorrect.
I looked it up, though. Articles confirmed the source of the
inspiration. More recent articles, however, have used the word ‘homage’ rather
than ‘remake.’ That seems more appropriate. At the very least, the production
clearly has Brooks’ blessing since he’s credited among the writing staff and
voices the Shogun character in the actual film.
I digress…
Regardless of where it came from, the premise is silly fun,
and will be entertaining for families. Aside from that, the cast is absolutely
insane. In addition to the legendary Brooks, the cast includes Samuel L.
Jackson (The Hitman's Bodyguard, The Last
Full Measure, What If...?), Michelle Yeoh (Boss Level, Star Trek: Discovery, Everything Everywhere All at Once),
George Takei (The Terror, Love Monster,
Hit-Monkey), Djimon Hounsou (Captain
Marvel, A Quiet Place Part II, The King's Man), and Gabriel Iglesias (Mr. Iglesias, Space Jam: A New Legacy, Maya
and the Three)… and that’s not even all of the big names.
Paws of Fury: The
Legend of Hank is set to release directly to theaters. It is unclear at
this time when it will become available for digital on-demand rental; however, it
will become available on Paramount+ in 45 days.
6 - Minions: The Rise of Gru (7/1)
Production/Distribution: Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment, Cinemundo, Toho-Towa, United International Pictures, Universal Pictures Argentina, Universal Pictures International
IMDb Blurb: The untold story of one twelve-year-old's dream to become the world's greatest supervillain.
My family and I absolutely adore the Minions movies. We’ll watch them all, regardless of how many they make. (Probably.) This one looks absolutely bananas, and I’m here for it. Its appearance on this list pretty much goes without saying.
Minions: The Rise of Gru is set to release exclusively to theaters initially. The date it will become available as a digital on-demand rental is unclear. There is confirmation, however, that 4 months after theater release, Minions 2 will appear on the Peacock network and then 10 days later on Prime Video.
5 - DC League of Super Pets (7/29)
Production/Distribution: Warner Animation Group, DC Entertainment, Seven Bucks Productions, A Stern Talking To, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros., Karo Premiere, Kinomania, Warner Bros. Pictures Germany, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Singapore
IMDb Blurb: Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime side by side in Metropolis. However, Krypto must master his own powers for a rescue mission when Superman is kidnapped.
When my daughter was younger, Krypto The Super Dog (2005-2006) was a show she really enjoyed. We’re a comic-loving household and really got a kick out of it. When we saw the first trailer in the theater, she grabbed my hand and whispered intensely to me that we NEEDED to see this one.
My answer? Well of course!
Let’s be real, though. The minute it became clear that Dwayne
Johnson (Jumanji: The Next Level, Red
Notice, Young Rock), Kevin Hart (Central
Intelligence, The Secret Life of Pets 2, The Man from Toronto), and Keanu
Reeves (John Wick, Replicas, The Matrix: Resurrections)
were all going to be in a movie together, it became a must-see situation.
I expect some good feels and a fun summer movie for families
to enjoy and laugh together.
DC League of Super
Pets is also releasing exclusively to theaters initially. Digital on-demand
information is unavailable at the time of this article, however, because this
is a DC property, it will likely land on HBO Max within 45 days of release.
4 – The Princess (7/1)
IMDb Blurb: Hank, a loveable dog with a head full of dreams about becoming a samurai, sets off in search of his destiny.
I would love to have been a fly on the wall in the writers’ room for Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank. The conversations that took place to get this end-product story as an animated remake of the Mel Brooks (Hotel Transylvania 2, Leap!, Toy Story 4) classic Blazing Saddles (1974) had to be pure comedy gold. Initially, I thought for sure that this was an update and reboot for Hong Kong Phooey (1974-1975) – considering the character design…right down to the bathrobe-like attire. Alas, that would be incorrect.
6 - Minions: The Rise of Gru (7/1)
Production/Distribution: Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment, Cinemundo, Toho-Towa, United International Pictures, Universal Pictures Argentina, Universal Pictures International
IMDb Blurb: The untold story of one twelve-year-old's dream to become the world's greatest supervillain.
My family and I absolutely adore the Minions movies. We’ll watch them all, regardless of how many they make. (Probably.) This one looks absolutely bananas, and I’m here for it. Its appearance on this list pretty much goes without saying.
Minions: The Rise of Gru is set to release exclusively to theaters initially. The date it will become available as a digital on-demand rental is unclear. There is confirmation, however, that 4 months after theater release, Minions 2 will appear on the Peacock network and then 10 days later on Prime Video.
5 - DC League of Super Pets (7/29)
Production/Distribution: Warner Animation Group, DC Entertainment, Seven Bucks Productions, A Stern Talking To, Warner Bros. Animation, Warner Bros., Karo Premiere, Kinomania, Warner Bros. Pictures Germany, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Singapore
IMDb Blurb: Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime side by side in Metropolis. However, Krypto must master his own powers for a rescue mission when Superman is kidnapped.
When my daughter was younger, Krypto The Super Dog (2005-2006) was a show she really enjoyed. We’re a comic-loving household and really got a kick out of it. When we saw the first trailer in the theater, she grabbed my hand and whispered intensely to me that we NEEDED to see this one.
4 – The Princess (7/1)
Production/Distribution: 20th Century Studios, Original
Film, Altitude Film Entertainment, Disney+, Hulu
IMDb Blurb: When a strong-willed princess refuses to wed the cruel sociopath, she is kidnapped and locked in a remote tower of her father’s castle. With her vindictive suitor intent on taking her father’s throne, the princess must save the kingdom.
I am really looking forward to watching The Princess. In fact, it has steadily climbed up the ranks in my list ever since we watched the trailer on-stream. It keeps growing on me and I’ve found myself enjoying the overall concept of the movie more and more. Jamming out to Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” with the trailer is also epic. I digress…
This is a departure from the typical roles that we’ve seen
Joey King (Radium Girls, Slender Man, The
In Between) in, and I’m all here for it. She rules the trailers like an
absolute badass. I can’t wait to see her bashing heads and taking names in this
fantasy flick. I love that the role isn’t a ‘damsel in distress’ and that her
character isn’t afraid to take a stand for what she believes, and moreover take
matters into her own hands to fix the situation rather than waiting for someone
to come to the rescue.
I am also a fan of Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace, Seven Psychopaths, Black Widow) and Dominic
Cooper (Dracula Untold, Agent Carter,
Preacher). It will be fun to see them on the villain team.
A hearty thank you goes out to Hulu for creating this
content for adults with an R rating to give the story of The Princess the free reign to be as violent as it needs to be. The
only concern that has me giving The
Princess a little side-eye is the fact that the production is directed by Le-Van
Kiet (House in the Alley, Furie, The
Ancestral). This is the same director responsible for The Requin (2022). I had such high hopes for what we jokingly
dubbed ‘raft: the movie’ – and it was an absolute disaster. Please oh please
don’t let the awesomeness of The Princess
come down to the editing. (I have a good feeling, though.)
As I mentioned, The
Princess is releasing directly to Hulu so you won’t have to wait to watch
if you have a subscription. You can bet we’ll be bringing you a review ASAP, as
well.
3 - NOPE (7/22)
IMDb Blurb: When a strong-willed princess refuses to wed the cruel sociopath, she is kidnapped and locked in a remote tower of her father’s castle. With her vindictive suitor intent on taking her father’s throne, the princess must save the kingdom.
I am really looking forward to watching The Princess. In fact, it has steadily climbed up the ranks in my list ever since we watched the trailer on-stream. It keeps growing on me and I’ve found myself enjoying the overall concept of the movie more and more. Jamming out to Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” with the trailer is also epic. I digress…
3 - NOPE (7/22)
Production/Distribution: Monkeypaw Productions, Universal Pictures, United International Pictures, Universal Pictures Argentina, Universal Pictures International
IMDb Blurb: The residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.
Simply put, Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us, Candyman) is a mad genius when it comes to the horror genre. Watching one of his movies really goes without saying. Peele plus aliens is a dream combination. I can’t wait to see what happens with NOPE. (Also, what is up with the face of that lady wearing a hat with a veil?!)
2 - The Gray Man (7/15)
Production/Distribution: AGBO, Netflix, Roth Films, Roth/Kirschenbaum Films, Stillking FilmsDirector:
IMDb Blurb: When the CIA's most skilled operative-whose true identity is known to none-accidentally uncovers dark agency secrets, a psychopathic former colleague puts a bounty on his head, setting off a global manhunt by international assassins.
Netflix is firing all cylinders this month. The Gray Man is exactly what you would expect a summer blockbuster action movie to be – and subscribers will be able to stream it from anywhere as soon as it releases. I, honestly, can’t wait.
1 - Thor: Love and Thunder (7/8)
Production/Distribution: Fox Studios Australia, Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, Forum Hungary, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Argentina, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Finland, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Germany, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Japan, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Norway, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Italia
IMDb Blurb: Thor enlists the help of Valkyrie, Korg and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster to fight Gorr the God Butcher, who intends to make the gods extinct.
Was there even any doubt that the MCU movie was going to be my #1?
Movies to Look out For
According to: Selina
Minions: The Rise of Gru .20
Hot Seat .19
She Will .18
Don't Make Me Go .17
1UP .16
Alone Together .15
Where the Crawdads Sing .14
Hello, Goodbye and Everything In Between .13
Mr. Malcolm’s List .12
DC League of Super Pets .11
Pursuasion .10
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris .9
Anything's Possible .8
The Sea Beast .7
The Gray Man .6
The Princess .5
Vengeance .4
American Carnage .3
Thor: Love and Thunder .2
NOPE .1
FAQ:
What makes a movie eligible for Trust the Dice’s Top 20?
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