Top 20 Movies to Look Out For In January (2023)

 According to Cat

 
20 - Rock Dog 3: Battle the Beat (1/24)

 
Production/Distribution: Lionsgate, HB Wink Animation, Huayi Brothers Media, Splash Entertainment, Timeless Films
Director: Anthony Bell
Writer: Rob Muir
Actors: Graham Hamilton, Ashleigh Ball, Andrew Francis, Kathleen Barr, Eddie Izzard, Bethany Brown, Nicole Oliver, Doron Bell, Jason Simpson, Donny Lucas, Cathy Weseluck, Richard Newman, Michael Adamthwaite, James Higuchi, Sabrina Pitre, Brian Dobson, Brian Drummond, Andrea Libman
Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Music, Animation
Rated: PG
Length: 1h 30min
 
IMDb Blurb: When the young performers on a music contest show admit they have never heard of Angus Scattergood, Bodi is compelled to join the show to restore the Rock Legend's good name.
 
Happy New Year, everyone!
 
This month’s slate of new release movies has turned out to be slightly underwhelming. This Top 20 is really a mixed bag of films I’m actually really excited about – and the best of the rest because there just wasn’t that much to choose from.
 
Rock Dog 3 fits into the latter category. Honestly, I don’t know why this particular franchise needed another sequel or a full-fledged trilogy. Here we are, though. It looks cute and the core characters still seem to be involved. There are a lot of R-rated movies on this list so Rock Dog 3 also offers some more family-friendly fun.
 
This 3^rd installment is releasing straight to DVD and digital on-demand.
 
19 - Maybe I Do (1/27)

 
Production/Distribution: Endeavor Content, Vincent Newman Entertainment, Vertical Entertainment
Director: Michael Jacobs
Writer: Michael Jacobs
Actors: Diane Keaton, Richard Gere, Setty Brosevelt, Susan Sarandon, William H. Macy, Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Gina Jun, Kirk Kelly, Natalie Ortega
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 35min
 
IMDb Blurb: Michelle (Roberts) and Allen (Bracey) are in a relationship. They decide to invite their parents to finally meet about marriage. Turns out, the parents already know one another well, which leads to some differing opinions about marriage.
 
Maybe I Do lands late enough in January that it’s really in the window of time that fits into pre-Valentine’s festivities. What better time to release a star-studded rom-com?
 
The cast here is really what stood out to me – and then I had a few giggles along the way while watching the trailer. I have a feeling that there will be a chunk of cringe associated with Maybe I Do as well, given the context of the plot. That’s one of the main reasons it’s placed this low.
 
I also tend to avoid stories where the dramatic elements involve cheating – especially when it’s treated in a blasé manner. The trailer didn’t make the best impression with me in that regard. It’s just not my cup of tea. I feel like I could trudge through that, for the most part, if the comedy and the rest of the story have a good enough payoff. I’m willing to give it a chance, at least.
 
Maybe I Do will have a limited theater release. Digital rental and streaming details are unavailable at this time.
 
18 - The Seven Faces of Jane (1/13)

Production/Distribution: Superconductor, Gravitas Ventures
Directors: Julian Acosta, Xan Cassavetes, Gia Coppola, Ryan Heffington, Boma Iluma, Gillian Jacobs, Ken Jeong, Alex Takacs
Writers: Julian Acosta, Xan Cassavetes, Ben Del Vecchio, Ryan Heffington, Tran Ho, Boma Iluma, Nick Iwataki, Gillian Jacobs, Antonio Macia, Alex Takacs, Kaydee Volpi
Actors: Gillian Jacobs, Joel McHale, Sybil Azur, David Balcorta, Sergio Calderón, Angelina Capozzoli, Lupe Carranza, Kamori Clark-McGeoy, Daniela Hernandez, Kevin L. Johnson Jr., Leticia LaBelle, Paris Nicole, Chido Nwokocha, Emanuela Postacchini, Joni Reiss, Anthony Skordi, Soledad St. Hilaire, Breeda Wool
Genre: Drama
Rated: Unrated
Length: 1h 32min
 
IMDb Blurb: Its protagonist is Jane (Jacobs), who finds herself tumbling through a gauntlet of surreal, beautiful and heartbreaking adventures. After dropping off her daughter at a summer camp for the first time, and encouraging her reticent child to engage in new experiences, Jane finds herself heeding her own advice.
 
The Seven Faces of Jane’s trailer was intriguing. It reminded me a bit of Look Both Ways (2022), which we reviewed back in August of this past year. This production, however, strikes me more like it could be closer to an anthology – given the number of directors and writers attributed to the film. That wasn’t entirely clear in the trailer, however.
 
Even if it isn’t an anthology, the concept is interesting. This is also the debut feature-length film where Ken Jeong (Occupation: Rainfall, Extinct, Murderville) has a directorial credit. I’m curious how that will turn out, and whether his comedic voice will shine through to elevate the drama.
 
Single genre drama just isn’t what I’ve been craving lately, and thus its placement.
 
The Seven Faces of Jane is set to have a limited release theatrical run and will also be available right away through digital rental services.
 
17 – Last Resort (1/6)

 

Production/Distribution: Eloïse Films, Saban Films
Director: Jean-Marc Minéo
Writer: Jean-Marc Minéo
Actors: Alex Santi, Angelina Ismalone, Armin Parvin, Clayton Norcross, Jon Foo, Julaluck Ismalone
Genre: Action, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 1h 47min
 
IMDb Blurb: Tells the story of a former special forces soldier who becomes a one-man army when his wife and daughter are taken hostage during a bank robbery.
 
Last Resort seems to be a solid action offering. Fans of the genre should look forward to some cool fight choreography and a story that seems to hit all the right notes to meet expectations. I can’t say that it’s offering anything shiny and new, but there’s nothing wrong with a movie you can just turn your brain off to enjoy now and again.
 
Some bad guys have decided to take the wrong hostages during the bank heist and just wait ‘til the dad mops the floor with the bad guys on his way in to save the day. It’s a pretty straight-forward recipe.  
 
Last Resort is releasing to digital and on-demand services on 1/10, after it has had a few days of theatrical release under its belt.
 
16 - Firenado (1/3)

Production/Distribution: Dark Abyss Productions, Uncork'd Entertainment

Directors: Rhys Frake-Waterfield, Scott Jeffrey
Writer: Tom Jolliffe
Actors: Sian Altman, Nicola Wright, Daniel Godfrey, Leah McInnes, Toby Wynn-Davies, Gordon Joseph Millar, Stuart Falconer
Genre: Action, Disaster, Crime
Rated: Unrated
Length: 1h 18min
 
Rotten Tomatoes Blurb: The film, one to rival Geostorm and The Day After Tomorrow, tells of four scientists that uncover a ground-breaking technology capable of controlling weather. On the first use of the device, it malfunctions and creates a Fire Tornado. As the Firenado leaves a wake of destruction, the group assist in evacuating nearby residents but stumble upon into an organized crime home invasion. Stuck between a rock and a hard place; the group struggle to survive the two threats.
 
Okay, so if you’ve tuned in to our monthly trailer streams here at Trust the Dice, you will likely have heard us discussing Uncork’d Entertainment as a bit of a little-production-company-that-could sort of situation. The productions they release aren’t always at blockbuster caliber but they really get a good one out every once in a while. You likely won’t see any of these up for Oscar consideration, but you stand a good chance to be entertained.
 
Firenado quite possibly could be one of those rare diamonds in the rough. The production value shown in the trailer seemed pretty good, all things considered. I’m curious as to how the fiery tornado, the weather experiment, and the heist elements come together. I’m really rooting for this one – though I wouldn’t go as far as the film comparisons that the blurb on RottenTomatoes had. Hey, Firenado could surprise us all. Who knows.  
 
Firenado is releasing to digital on-demand.
 
15 - Snow Falls (1/17)

Production/Distribution: Colton Tran Films, Skowl Films, Lionsgate Home Entertainment
Director: Colton Tran
Writers: Luke Genton, Colton Tran, Laura M. Young
Actors: Jonathan Bennett, Patrick Fabian, Victoria Moroles, Anna Grace Barlow, Colton Tran, Johnny Berchtold, James Gaisford
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Length: 1h 37min
 
IMDb Blurb: After a winter storm strands five friends in a remote cabin with no power and little food, disorientation slowly claims their sanity as each of them succumbs to a fear that the snow itself may be contaminated or somehow evil.
 
I confess. I have a soft spot for movies that take an old recipe and twist it up with a new element. The premise of Snow Falls might feel really familiar because it’s been done before – in a broad sense, at least. The trailer was giving me serious Cabin Fever (2002) vibes. The twist, however, is that this situation is dealing with isolation due to mysterious power outage and heavy snow.
 
This one feels a little on-the-nose for what broad swaths of the country have been going through this winter with the Arctic blast that came through and buried parts of the northern states in deadly blizzard conditions. For those that might feel triggered due to real-life harrowing snowy conditions – please consider this your warning on this film.
 
The allure and mystery for me regarding Snow Falls centers on the big question – are these young people just going stir crazy and being psychologically affected in some sort of mass hysteria sort of way because of being stranded in those conditions, or is something else going on? The precise midnight power outage and crazy cell phone interference shown in the trailer, coupled with the concept of ‘what if the snow has a contagion’ intrigue me. I want to know what’s really going on, so you can bet I’ll be watching this one as soon as it becomes feasible.
 
Snow Falls is releasing direct to digital on-demand services.
 
14 - Jethica (1/13)

Production/Distribution: Spartan Media Acquisitions, Pretty Ideas
Director: Pete Ohs
Writers: Andy Faulkner, Callie Hernandez, Will Madden, Pete Ohs, Ashley Denise Robinson
Actors: Callie Hernandez, Ashley Denise Robinson, Andy Faulkner, Will Madden, Stephanie Hunt, Alan Palomo, Ross Yingst, Nican Robinson
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Thriller
Rated: Unrated
Length: 1h 12min
 
IMDb Blurb: When Jessica's stalker surprises her in New Mexico, she must seek help from beyond the grave to get rid of him for good.
 
Having a stalker is a terrifying situation. I had a cyber-stalker once, and it was a horrible experience – and that was back in a time before social media was a thing. I can only imagine what that sort of thing would be like now. In-person stalkers are even scarier.
 
Now imagine that your stalker passes and then continues to harangue you from beyond the grave. You can’t exactly put a restraining order on a ghost – in a literal sense, at least.
 
I appreciate that Jethica is approaching this concept with a dark comedy spin. I was entertained by the trailer and I want to get the answers to how this all started – and what happened to the stalker to send him to the afterlife.  
 
Jethica will have a limited theater release before landing on the Fandor platform on 2/14. After that, it is slated to have an exclusive run on Screambox. The exact dates for that were not immediately available.
 
13 – Fear (1/27)

Production/Distribution: Hidden Empire Film Group, Hidden Empire Releasing
Director: Deon Taylor
Writers: John Ferry, Deon Taylor
Actors: Joseph Sikora, Ruby Modine, Andrew Bachelor, Iddo Goldberg, Annie Ilonzeh, Tyler Abron, T.I., Terrence Jenkins, Jessica Allain, Evan Shafran
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Length: 1h 40min
 
Rotten Tomatoes Blurb: A year into living through a worldwide pandemic, a group of friends gather in the remote Tahoe Mountains, to stay at the "Historic Strawberry Lodge". What was supposed to be a much needed getaway and celebratory weekend, quickly turns into a waking nightmare. As the truth about the historic lodge slowly unravels in front of them, this group of friends will be pushed to the brink of survival.
 
This Fear shouldn’t be confused with the 1996 movie of the same name which featured a young Marky Mark as its antagonist. I had a trip down memory lane when I saw this movie title, let me tell you. (Not because of the cast, either. One of my favorite songs came from that soundtrack.) I digress…
 
Focusing on this particular Fear movie, this feels like a pretty straight-forward horror offering. The cast is respectable, and there’s just enough mystery involved with the trailer to leave you with a few questions worth watching for the answers.
 
Aside from that, it feels like it’s generally paint-by-numbers for horror fans. When you gather in the woods and reveal your darkest fears in a horror movie, you just know that pretty much everyone in that situation is going to die horribly.
 
I think most of us can relate to the basic underlying premise that brings the group of friends together, though. After slogging through this pandemic, connecting with friends in person has been harder to come by – especially at the beginning of everything. Our collective consciousness has had to deal with fears stemming from the global viral situation. I get why they might want to just have a purge of all of that sort of stuff before trying to have a fun getaway at a historic lodge.
 
Of course, that’s when all the haunted house stuff sweeps in to knock everything sideways. Whoops. I’m intrigued to find out the story behind the lodge and what is lurking beneath the surface of Fear.
 
Fear is releasing to a limited theatrical run. Details for on-demand or streaming are not available at this time.
 
12 - When You Finish Saving the World (1/20)

Production/Distribution: CAA Media Finance, Fruit Tree, A24
Director: Jesse Eisenberg
Writer: Jesse Eisenberg
Actors: Julianne Moore, Finn Wolfhard, Billy Bryk, Alisha Boe, Jack Justice, Jay O. Sanders, Eleonore Hendricks, Catherine Haun, Annacheska Brown, Sara Anne, Laura-Love Tode, Mimi Fletcher, Jordyn Aurora Aquino, Monica Sanchez, DezBaa', Kenneth McGlothin, Jeanette Aguilar Harris
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: R
Length: 1h 28min
 
IMDb Blurb: Evelyn and her oblivious son Ziggy seek out replacements for each other as Evelyn desperately tries to parent an unassuming teenager at her shelter, while Ziggy fumbles through his pursuit of a brilliant young woman at school.
 
When You Finish Saving the World’s trailer resonated with me more than I’d like to admit. My mom and I are a lot alike and that was the source of much head-butting when I was younger. Awkward family dynamics in dramas tend to make me squirm, but the comedy woven into this story seems to push past that for me. I actually find myself wanting to watch this one.
 
Of course, part of that is due to the spectacular cast. I love Julianne Moore (Bel Canto, The Woman in the Window, Dear Evan Hansen) and Finn Wolfhard (Stranger Things, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio) and feel they were great choices for these roles.
 
As a little tidbit of trivia, When You Finish Saving the World is an adaptation from the Audible Original of the same name. Wolfhard is the only actor reprising his role in the big-screen version. Both the Audible and the screenplay for the film were penned by Jesse Eisenberg (Zombieland, Vivarium, Resistance). This will also be his directorial debut. I’m interested to see his vision for this story.
 
When You Finish Saving the World will have a limited theatrical release. Information regarding video-on-demand and streaming is unavailable at this time.

11 - The Offering (1/13)

 

Production/Distribution: Millennium Media, DECAL
Director: Oliver Park
Writers: Hank Hoffman, Jonathan Yunger
Actors: Paul Kaye, Nick Blood, Allan Corduner, Emily Wiseman, Jonathan Yunger, Velizar Binev, Nathan Cooper, Anton Trendafilov, Daniel Ben Zenou, Jodie Jacobs, Boyan Anev, Sofia Weldon, Yonko Dimitrov
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Length: 1h 33min
 
IMDb Blurb: A family struggling with loss finds themselves at the mercy of an ancient demon trying to destroy them from the inside.
 
The trailer for The Offering was very effective with its ominous tone and really gave me vibes from the Mortuary Assistant (2022) video game. Of course the two are technically unrelated. Be that as it may, there are some thematic similarities with aesthetics and the whole demon-possessed corpse situation.
 
I concur with Selina’s assertion when we watched the trailer on-stream that it’s really interesting and a fresh new twist that this story is being told from a Jewish perspective. Generally possession movies lean towards general Christianity or Catholicism. This different spin helps elevate this particular movie’s watchability when the general theme has been covered so many times before.
 
The Offering is set to hit theaters for a limited release. Digital on-demand and streaming details are unavailable at this time.
 

10 - New Gods: Yang Jian (1/20)

Production/Distribution: Bilibili, Light Chaser Animation Studios, Zhejiang Dongyang Xiaoyuzhou Movie & Media, GKIDS
Director: Ji Zhao
Writer: Muchuan
Actors: David Chen, Alex Hom, Jason Ko, Liam Kyle, Christine Lin, Nicholas Andrew Louie, Risa Mei, Max Moreno, Luke Naphat, Kamran Nikhad, David Shatraw, Stephanie Sheh, Parry Shen, James Sie, Angela Tran, Kai Wang, Jeff Wong, Jimmie Yamaguchi
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Animation
Rated: Unrated
Length: 2h 7min
 
IMDb Blurb: Fifteen hundred years after the war of gods, the heaven declined. Yang Jian, the God of Erlang, made a living by working as a catcher. One day, Yang Jian was ordered to hunt down a young man, his own nephew.
 
New Gods: Yang Jian promises to be an action-packed adventure through Chinese folklore. It also helps that the visuals are absolutely stunning. I have enjoyed other films in this style and from this production company. I expect this one will also be a great experience.
 
New Gods: Yang Jian will be available in both subtitles and dubbed versions for English speakers. (I didn’t have a chance to research how many languages it will be available in, if any others.)
 
This latest installment in the New Gods series will have a limited theatrical run. Streaming and digital on-demand details are unavailable at this time.
 
9 - The Old Way (1/6)

Production/Distribution: Intercut Capitall, Saturn Films, Tri-Fold Pictures, EchoWolf Productions, Capstone Studios, Saban Films
Director: Brett Donowho
Writer: Carl W. Lucas
Actors: Nicolas Cage, Clint Howard, Abraham Benrubi, Adam Lazarre-White, Dean Armstrong, Kerry Knuppe, Nick Searcy, Noah Le Gros, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Shiloh Fernandez
Genre: Action, Western
Rated: R
Length: 1h 35min
 
IMDb Blurb: An old gunslinger and his daughter must face the consequences of his past, when the son of a man he murdered years ago arrives to take his revenge.
 
The reason I’m actually really excited to see The Old Way is very simple. This has Nicolas Cage (The Croods: A New Age, Pig, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent) in a traditional western.
 
All of the elements of a typical western genre film are present. There will be horse riding, gun battles, a quaint town with a local saloon, law men with shiny badges, and gorgeous landscape vistas. Then add Cage into the mix. I don’t even know how to process this correctly. I’m giddy.
 
The Old Way falls under the ‘shut up and take my money’ category for sure. This film will have a limited theater release and will be available for on-demand rental beginning 1/13.
 
8 - Plane (1/13)

 

Production/Distribution: Di Bonaventura Pictures, G-BASE, Lionsgate, MadRiver Pictures, Olive Hill Media, Pimienta, Riverstone Pictures
Director: Jean-François Richet
Writers: Charles Cumming, J.P. Davis
Actors: Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Claro de los Reyes, Daniella Pineda, Evan Dane Taylor, Joey Slotnick, Paul Ben-Victor, Remi Adeleke, Tony Goldwyn, Yoson An, Lilly Krug, Tara Westwood, Kelly Gale, Oliver Trevena, Amber Rivera, Ariel Felix, Quinn McPherson, Jeff Francisco, Jessica Nam, Modesto Lacen, Rose Eshay, Ricky Robles Cruz, Haleigh Hekking, Angel Fabián Rivera, Heather Seiffert, Kate Bisset
Genre: Action, Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 1h 47min
 
IMDb Blurb: A pilot finds himself caught in a war zone after he's forced to land his commercial aircraft during a terrible storm.
 
I don’t feel like there are going to be any surprises with Plane. It’s going to be a turn your brain off and enjoy some action type of movie. The trailer gave me vibes along the lines of a mashup of Con Air (1997) and Rambo (2008).
 
Grab your popcorn and settle in while Gerard Butler (Den of Thieves, Hunter Killer, Greenland) and Mike Colter (Luke Cage, Black and Blue, Evil) team up to kick some ass and save some people.
 
Plane is set for a wide theatrical release. Digital rental and streaming information is unclear at this time.
 
7 - Infinity Pool (1/27)

Production/Distribution: Film Forge, Hero Squared, 4 Film, Celluloid Dreams, Croatian Film Association, Elevation Pictures, Eurimages, Neon, Topic Studios, Téléfilm Canada
Director: Brandon Cronenberg
Writer: Brandon Cronenberg
Actors: Alexander Skarsgård, Amanda Brugel, Amar Bukvic, Caroline Boulton, Cleopatra Coleman, Jeff Ricketts, John Ralston, Mia Goth, Roderick Hill, Thomas Kretschmann
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller, Horror
Rated: R
Length: 1h 57min
 
IMDb Blurb:  James and Em Foster are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation in the fictional island of La Tolqa, when a fatal accident exposes the resort's perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence and surreal horrors.
 
What do you get for the wealthy person that has everything? A body double they can watch receiving punishment like a whipping boy of old, of course. Things are far deeper and more twisted than that in Infinity Pool. It’s Brandon Cronenberg (Broken Tulips, Antiviral, Possessor) at the helm, after all. He seems to be leaning into the strange and body horror that his father’s films are well known for. The first cut of Infinity Pool was so out there that it initially received an NC-17 rating and had to be re-edited to bring it down to R. Just let that thought marinate for a moment.
 
Infinity Pool is going to be one wild ride that horror fans are going to want to be on.
 
Of course, then you have the phenomenal cast involved. Alexander Skarsgård (Mute, Big Little Lies, The Northman) and Mia Goth (Everest, Emma., X) caught my attention here.
 
Infinity Pool is set for a theatrical release and details of subsequent digital on-demand or streaming are unavailable at this time. There is a small loophole to that, however. This year’s Sundance Film Festival is going to be a hybrid event with in-person and online participation available. Infinity Pool is one of the festival entrants and will be available online on-demand via the festival for a short window starting 1/24 through the end of the festival’s run.
 
6 - Missing (1/20)

 
Production/Distribution: Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions, Stage 6 Films, Screen Gems
Directors: Nicholas D. Johnson, Will Merrick
Writers: Aneesh Chaganty, Nicholas D. Johnson, Will Merrick, Sev Ohanian
Actors: Nia Long, Storm Reid, Amy Landecker, Daniel Henney, Joaquim de Almeida, Ken Leung, Lisa Yamada, Megan Suri, Thomas Barbusca, Tim Griffin, Tracy Vilar, Zeke Alton
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 51min
 
Metacritic Blurb: When her mother (Nia Long) disappears while on vacation in Colombia with her new boyfriend, June’s (Storm Reid) search for answers is hindered by international red tape. Stuck thousands of miles away in Los Angeles, June creatively uses all the latest technology at her fingertips to try and find her before it’s too late. But as she digs deeper, her digital sleuthing raises more questions than answers...and when June unravels secrets about her mom, she discovers that she never really knew her at all.
 
Missing is said to be the sequel to Searching (2018). It doesn’t seem to be a true sequel situation because none of the characters are shared between the two films, but they are apparently confirmed to be within the same ‘world’ or ‘universe’ even. I’ve seen some articles online about a subtle sub-plot that ran in the background of Searching that was somewhat of a ‘blink and you missed it’ sort of thing. That’s said to be continued into Missing, though to what degree I’m unsure. (I’m going to need to re-watch Searching to see if I can catch it.) You won’t need to have watched the first before this one, however.
 
That aside, Missing is a testament to the online resourcefulness of this current younger generation. I also really appreciate the framework of experiencing the movie via the screens in the manner that Searching started. We’ll get more of that here.
 
I’m curious to find out what the big mystery is and whether or not the mom is ok.
 
Missing is set for a theatrical release and digital on-demand and streaming info is not available at this time. I imagine it will eventually land on Hulu after the 45 day window, considering this is a Sony film.
 
5 - The Pale Blue Eye (1/6)

 

Production/Distribution: Cross Creek Pictures, Grisbi Productions Le, Streamline Global Group, Netflix
Director: Scott Cooper
Writers: Louis Bayard, Scott Cooper
Actors: Charlie Tahan, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Christian Bale, Fred Hechinger, Gillian Anderson, Harry Melling, Lucy Boynton, Robert Duvall, Simon McBurney, Timothy Spall, Toby Jones
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Horror, Crime
Rated: R
Length: 2h 8min
 
IMDb Blurb: A world-weary detective is hired to investigate the murder of a West Point cadet. Stymied by the cadets' code of silence, he enlists one of their own to help unravel the case - a young man the world would come to know as Edgar Allan Poe.
 
It feels like I’ve been waiting for The Pale Blue Eye to release for forever. This was one of the few films we made an exception for this month. It was in contention or even listed on a previous Top 20 month. We don’t usually like to repeat, but considering the scarcity of good material eligible for consideration this month, and the delay of the Netflix release for The Pale Blue Eye, here we are.
 
I love Edgar Allen Poe. While The Pale Blue Eye is not derivative of any of his work specifically, it is an adaptation of a novel that features him as a character. Much like a movie we reviewed in 2022, it focuses on Poe’s time as a military cadet and postulates that dark and sinister occurrences during that time helped fuel the burgeoning writer’s sense of macabre and mystery.
 
Of course, then you take a look at the cast and it’s a foregone conclusion that The Pale Blue Eye should be at least an intriguing watch with the likes of Christian Bale (The Big Short, Ford v Ferrari, Amsterdam), Gillian Anderson (The X-Files, Crooked House, The Crown), Robert Duvall (Crazy Heart, Widows, Hustle), Harry Melling (The Current War, The Old Guard, The Devil All the Time), Toby Jones (The Electrical Life of Louis Wain, The Wonder, Empire of Light), Timothy Spall (Early Man, The Corrupted, The Last Bus), and Lucy Boynton (Don't Knock Twice, Rebel in the Rye, Bohemian Rhapsody) on board.
 
The Pale Blue Eye will be available on Netflix.
 
4 - Shotgun Wedding (1/27)

Production/Distribution: Mandeville Films, Maximum Effort, Nuyorican Productions, Lionsgate, Amazon Prime Video
Director: Jason Moore
Writer: Mark Hammer
Actors: Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Lenny Kravitz, Cheech Marin, Jennifer Coolidge, Alex Mallari Jr., Callie Hernandez, D'Arcy Carden, Desmin Borges, Héctor Aníbal, Melissa Hunter, Sônia Braga, Steve Coulter
Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance
Rated: R
Length: 1h 40min
 
IMDb Blurb: A couple's extravagant destination wedding is hijacked by criminals. In the process of saving their families, they rediscover why they fell in love in the first place.
 
A blend of rom-com and action is actually how I prefer my romantic comedies. Sometimes they feel less cheesy when there are chases, fight scenes, and explosions going on.
 
I really enjoyed the trailer for Shotgun Wedding and have been eagerly awaiting its release. I think Jennifer Lopez (Second Act, Hustlers, Marry Me) and Josh Duhamel (Night of the Animated Dead, Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Bandit) have great chemistry for these parts and both have the range to pull off these characters well. Cheech Marin (Cars 3, The War with Grandpa, Maya and the Three) is also in this as well!
 
Shotgun Wedding is releasing as an Amazon Prime Video original.
 
3 - M3GAN (1/6)

 

Production/Distribution: Atomic Monster, Blumhouse Productions, Divide/Conquer, Universal Pictures
Director: Gerard Johnstone
Writers: Akela Cooper, James Wan
Actors: Allison Williams, Amie Donald, Arlo Green, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jack Cassidy, Jen Van Epps, Jenna Davis, Kimberley Crossman, Kira Josephson, Michael Saccente, Natasha Kojic, Ronny Chieng, Stephane Garneau, Violet McGraw
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Horror
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 42min
 
Moviefone Blurb: A brilliant toy company roboticist uses artificial intelligence to develop M3GAN, a life-like doll programmed to emotionally bond with her newly orphaned niece. But when the doll's programming works too well, she becomes overprotective of her new friend with terrifying results.
 
What could possibly go wrong with a life-size AI doll?
 
I have a feeling we’re going to find out the precise answer to that question in M3GAN. That doll is horrifyingly creepy – even when it’s just standing there and not ganking people.
 
I’m telling you, stuff like this is what’s going to make the ‘rise of the machines’ happen eventually. Let’s’ all take this as a cautionary tale, yes?
 
I’m excited to see the mayhem unfold. M3GAN is set to creep out audiences on the big screen in a theatrical release. Details for digital on-demand and streaming aren’t available at this time.
 
2 - House Party (1/13)

 
Production/Distribution: New Line Cinema, SpringHill Entertainment, The Hideaway Entertainment, Warner Bros., HBO Max
Director: Calmatic Will
Writers: Stephen Glover, Jamal Olori
Actors: Allen Maldonado, Andrew Santino, Anthony L. Fernandez, Aviel Ayoung, Bill Bellamy, Bottara Angele, Chinedu Unaka, Christopher Wolfe, D.C. Young Fly, Jacob Latimore, Jason Toler, Karen Obilom, Lester Purry, Maria Arroyo, Melvin Gregg, Michael Heidemann, Nakia Burrise, Olivia Sky, Paris Nicole, Ren Burttet, Rotimi, Shakira Ja'nai Paye, Tamera Kissen, Tosin Cole, Trevion Twosifix Pleasant
Genre: Comedy
Rated: R
Length: 1h 40min
 
Metacritic Blurb: Aspiring club promoters and best buds Damon and Kevin are barely keeping things together. Out of money, down on their luck and about to lose the roofs over their heads—and freshly fired from their low-lift jobs as house cleaners—the pair needs a huge windfall to make their problems go away. In a ‘what the hell?’ move, they decide to host the party of the year at an exclusive mansion, the site of their last cleaning job, which just happens to belong to none other than LeBron James. No permission? No problem. What could go wrong?
 
I’ve been hearing about this new House Party movie for a while now. My initial feelings were mixed, given that there were already 5 movies in the franchise that Kid N’ Play started back with the original in 1990. However, with this reboot, we’re getting a new and more updated take on the story without re-hashing what’s gone on in the past.
 
The concept of this House Party incarnation is actually a great setup for a hilarious movie and I have found myself actually really excited to see it. The cameos alone make this film worthwhile – and that allegedly includes the OGs Kid N’ Play popping in to the party.
 
I’m also a bit giddy as a Whovian that Tosin Cole (Unlocked, Pirates, Till) is one of the leads here. I don’t remember seeing him in much until he crossed my path on Doctor Who (2005-) as a companion of the 13^th Doctor from 2018-2021. I digress…
 
House Party was originally set to be released directly to HBO Max, however with the recent merger with Discovery, the studio decided to give the film a theatrical run. You can bet it will land on the streaming platform after the now customary 45 day window. I wasn’t able to locate on-demand details at this time.
 
1 - Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (1/12)

Production/Distribution: Miramax, STX Films, Tencent Pictures
Director: Guy Ritchie
Writers: Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies, Guy Ritchie
Actors: Aubrey Plaza, Bugzy Malone, Cary Elwes, Conor MacNeill, Eddie Marsan, Eugenia Kuzmina, Hugh Grant, Jason Statham, Josh Hartnett, Kaan Urgancioglu, Lourdes Faberes, Max Beesley, Peter Ferdinando, Sam Douglas
Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
Rated: Unrated
Length: 1h 54min
IMDb Blurb: Special agent Orson Fortune and his team of operatives recruit one of Hollywood's biggest movie stars to help them on an undercover mission when the sale of a deadly new weapons technology threatens to disrupt the world order.
 
We’ve finally reached my #1 pick for January of 2023. “Finally” is also the appropriate word when it comes to Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. I’ve been chomping at the bit for this movie to be released for well over a year now. I really don’t know why it got delayed, but here we are. There were hints at the time
 
This was another of our exceptions this month, because Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre was actually listed on a prior Top 20 – but that was back in March of 2022. It was my #5 pick that month. Most of what I said can be summarized by an excerpt from that article entry: “When you put Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes, Aladdin, Wrath of Man) and Jason Statham (The Expendables, Redemption, The Meg) together, magic happens.”
 
There’s so much more to love about Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. I wish it were available now rather than having to wait for mid-month. There will be a theatrical release followed by HBO Max after 45 days. Digital on-demand information is not available at this time, but I can imagine they’ll want to get this one out there sooner than later considering how long its been on the shelf.

Movies to Look out For

According to Selina

Teen Wolf: The Movie .20

Beautiful Beings .19

Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre .18

In From the Side .17

Fear .16

Firenado .15

The Seven Faces of Jane .14

Jethica .13

The Old Way .12

Snow Falls .11

Pathaan .10

Plane .9

Shotgun Wedding .8

Infinity Pool .7

The Pale Blue Eye .6

M3GAN .5

Missing .4

The Offering .3

New Gods: Yang Jian .2

House Party .1

FAQ:

          What makes a movie eligible for Trust the Dice’s Top 20?

Top 20 Movies to Look Out For In July (2022)

According to Cat

 

20 – Neon Lights (7/12)

Production/Distribution: Red Hill Entertainment, Twin Fins Productions, Entertainment One, Momentum Pictures
Director: Rouzbeh Heydari      
Writers: Dana Abraham, Nikolas Benn, Rouzbeh Heydari
Actors: Kim Coates, Dana Abraham, Jazz Brar, Trevor Smith, Brenna Coates, Brit MacRae, Erika Swayze, René Escobar Jr., Stephen Tracey, Lauren Howe
Genre: Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 1h 30min
 
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.
 
Neon Lights also happens to be Dana Abraham’s (Bedtime Stories for Men, The Rub, Good Sam) full-length feature debut.
 
The story for Neon Lights has me guessing. It’s clear that the tech mogul on the brink of losing everything is working through some issues. The big question is whether or not the murders start happening at the hands of someone else on his behalf or if Coates’ character represents an aspect of his fragmented psyche taking his therapist’s recommendation to deal with the trauma in his past a little too literally.
 
Either way, I’m down for a psychological thriller that dabbles in the slasher genre. Neon Lights is set for a theatrical release and will also be available for digital rental.
 
19 – Alone Together (7/22)
 

Production/Distribution: Lafayette Pictures, Yale Productions, SSS Entertainment, The Forest Road Company, LB Entertainment, Vertical Entertainment
Director: Katie Holmes
Writer: Katie Holmes
Actors: Becky Ann Baker, Derek Luke, Jim Sturgess, Katie Holmes, Luke Kirby, Melissa Leo, Mike Iveson, Spenser Granese, Tanner Pastore, Zosia Mamet
Genre: Drama, Romance
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 38min
 
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.
 
The story in Alone Together is something fresh and new – something Hollywood needs desperately. The idea was born from this global pandemic we’re all still in the midst of, but the narrative seems to shine a positive light on the time spent in lockdown rather than spin a tale about the horrors of the illness or the like. Let’s face it, the reality of what the world has collectively experienced has been awful; but we don’t have to dwell on the negatives.
 
The trailer for Alone Together gave a glimpse of a story that felt organic and generally uplifting. We could all use a dose of good feels this summer.
 
Alone Together will have a limited theater release on the 22^nd of July, and will be available for digital on-demand services as of July 29^th.
 
18 - Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between (7/6)

Production/Distribution: Ace Entertainment, Lionsgate, TriStar Productions, Netflix
Director: Michael Lewen         
Writer: Ben York Jones, Amy Reed, Jennifer E. Smith
Actors: Jordan Fisher, Talia Ryder, Ayo Edebiri, Djouliet Amara, Emily Haine, Jennifer Robertson, Julia Benson, Nico Hiraga, Patrick Sabongui, Sarah Grey
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Rated: TV-14
Length: 1h 22min
 
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.
 
Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between is a teen rom-com at its core, but the trailer gave me hope that this would offer us a fresh take on the well-worn, and often repetitive, genre. Rather than a story about the lead-up to a romance, this movie gives us a tale that picks up in the middle of a well-established relationship and takes us through what the couple has set as a pre-determined ending. I absolutely adore the concept of the “last date” consisting of all the reminders of “firsts.”
 
I’m not entirely familiar with most of the cast; however, Jordan Fisher’s (To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, Turning Red, The Flash) star is on the rise and I’m generally excited to see his new projects as he’s transitioned out of his early Disney work.
 
You can bet that we’ll be offering a review for Hello, Goodbye and Everything in Between shortly after its Netflix release this month.
 
17 - Take the Night (7/8)

 

Production/Distribution: TDP FILMS, SM10 Films, Samaco Films, Saban Films
Director: Seth McTigue
Writer: Seth McTigue
Actors: Antonio Aaron, Ashwin Gore, Bobby Nish, Brennan Keel Cook, Grace Serrano, Kelvin Han Yee, Roy Huang, Sam Song Li, Seth McTigue, Shomari Love
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 22min
 
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
Director: Marian Bushan
Writers: Marian Bushan, Mykola Voronin
Actors: Aldoshyn Pavlo, Andrey Mostrenko, Maryna Koshkina, Roman Semysal, Zakhar Shadrin
Genre: Drama, War
Rated: R
Length: 2h 0min
 
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
Director: Anthony Fabian        
Writers: Anthony Fabian, Carroll Cartwright, Keith Thompson, Olivia Hetreed, Paul Gallico
Actors:  Alba Baptista, Anna Chancellor, Ben Addis, Christian McKay, Ellen Thomas, Freddie Fox, Isabelle Huppert, Jason Isaacs, Jeremy Wheeler, Lambert Wilson, Lesley Manville, Lucas Bravo, Rose Williams, Roxane Duran
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: PG
Length: 1h 32min
 
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
Director: James Cullen Bressack         
Writers: Leon Langford, Collin Watts
Actors: Anna Harr, Eddie Steeples, Kate Katzman, Keith Jardine, Kevin Dillon, Lydia Hull, Mel Gibson, Michael Welch, Sam Asghari, Shannen Doherty
Genre: Thriller
Rated: R
Length: 1h 39min
 
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
Director: Magdalena Lauritsch
Writers: Magdalena Lauritsch, Jessica Lind, Elisabeth Schmied
Actors: Daniela Kong, George Blagden, Hannah Rang, Jonas Gerzabek, Julia Franz Richter, Konstantin Frolov, Ljubisa Gruicic, Mark Ivanir, Nicholas Monu, Stephanie Cannon
Genre: Sci-Fi
Rated: Unrated
Length: 1h 50min
 
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)

 

Production/Distribution: Makeready, Searchlight Pictures, Disney+, Hulu
Director: Quinn Shephard        
Writer: Quinn Shephard          
Actors: Brennan Brown, Dylan O'Brien, Embeth Davidtz, Gwyneth Anne Trumbore, Karan Soni, Mia Isaac, Nadia Alexander, Negin Farsad, Peter Patrikios, Sarah Yarkin, Zoey Deutch
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Rated: R
Length: 1h 40min
 
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. 

 

11 - 1UP (7/15)

Production/Distribution: Buzzfeed Studios, CR8IV DNA, Just Entertainment, Leonine Distribution, Amazon Prime Video, Ascot Elite Entertainment Group, Lionsgate
Director: Kyle Newman
Writer: Julia Yorks
Actors: Aviva Mongillo, Hari Nef, Jordan Madley, Kyle Newman, Lolita Milena, Naomi Kyle, Nicholas Coombe, Paris Berelc, Ruby Rose, Taylor Zakhar Perez
Genre: Comedy, Sport
Rated: R
Length: 1h 22min
 
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.

 
10 - Vengeance (7/29)

 

Production/Distribution: Blumhouse Productions, Divide/Conquer, Focus Features
Director: B.J. Novak
Writer: B.J. Novak
Actors: Ashton Kutcher, B.J. Novak, Boyd Holbrook, David Hight, Dove Cameron, Eli Bickel, Grayson Berry, Isabella Amara, Issa Rae, Ivan Hernandez, J. Smith-Cameron, Lio Tipton, Melissa Chambers, Nathaniel Augustson, Ryan Hammond, Sarah Minnich, Sean Dillingham, Zach Villa
Genre: Comedy, Mystery, Thriller
Rated: Unrated
Length: 1h 34min
 
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)

 

Production/Distribution: Xolo Productions, Saban Films
Director: Diego Hallivis
Writers: Diego Hallivis, Julio Hallivis
Actors: Jenna Ortega, Eric Dane, Allen Maldonado, Andrew Kaempfer, Beau Billingslea, Bella Ortiz, Brett Cullen, Camila Fabra, Catherine Hannay, Catherine McCafferty, Cristian Paredes, Dorothy Lawrence, Jorge Diaz, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Yumarie Morales, Paloma Bloyd, Michael Batista, Tiffany Brown, Lluís Febrer, Philip Harvey, Troy James, Ana Isabel Mena, Matthew Moreno, Mauricio Pedroza, Suni Reyes, Pepín Tre, Ileana Wilson, Phil Young
Genre: Comedy, Horror
Rated: R
Length: 1h 38min
 
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
Director: Chris Williams         
Writers: Nell Benjamin, Chris Williams
Actors: Baraka May, Benjamin Plessala, Dan Stevens, Jared Harris, Karl Urban, Kathy Burke, Kaya McLean, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Zaris-Angel Hator
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Rated: PG
Length: 1h 55min
 
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)

 

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
Directors: Mark Koetsier, Rob Minkoff, Chris Bailey
Writers: Ed Stone, Nate Hopper, Norman Steinberg, Andrew Bergman, Alan Uger, Mel Brooks, Richard Pryor
Actors: Aasif Mandvi, Cathy Shim, Djimon Hounsou, Gabriel Iglesias, George Takei, Kylie Kuioka, Mel Brooks, Michael Cera, Michelle Yeoh, Ricky Gervais, Samuel L. Jackson
Genre: Animation, Action, Comedy
Rated: PG
Length: 1h 37min
 
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
Directors: Kyle Balda, Brad Ableson, Jonathan del Val
Writers: Matthew Fogel, Brian Lynch
Actors: Alan Arkin, Danny Trejo, Dolph Lundgren, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Julie Andrews, Lucy Lawless, Michelle Yeoh, Pierre Coffin, Russell Brand, Steve Carell, Taraji P. Henson, The RZA
Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Rated: PG
Length: 1h 27min
 
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
Directors: Jared Stern, Sam Levine
Writers: Jared Stern, John Whittington
Actors: Ben Schwartz, Dascha Polanco, Diego Luna, Dwayne Johnson, Jameela Jamil, John Krasinski, Kate McKinnon, Keanu Reeves, Kevin Conroy, Kevin Hart, Marc Maron, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Middleditch, Vanessa Bayer
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Rated: PG
Length: 1h 40min
 
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)

 

Production/Distribution: 20th Century Studios, Original Film, Altitude Film Entertainment, Disney+, Hulu
Director: Le-Van Kiet
Writers: Ben Lustig, Jake Thornton
Actors: Joey King, Olga Kurylenko, Antoni Davidov, Katelyn Rose Downey, Alex Reid, Ed Stoppard, Kristofer Kamiyasu, Fergus O'Donnell, Dominic Cooper, Vasil Toshev, Dawn Sherrer, Veronica Ngo
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
Rated: R
Length: Unknown
 
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)

 
Production/Distribution: Monkeypaw Productions, Universal Pictures, United International Pictures, Universal Pictures Argentina, Universal Pictures International
Director: Jordan Peele
Writer: Jordan Peele
Actors: Barbie Ferreira, Brandon Perea, Conor Kowalski, Daniel Kaluuya, Donna Mills, Jennifer Lafleur, Keith David, Keke Palmer, Mark Casimir Dyniewicz, Michael R. Busch, Michael Wincott, Sophia Coto, Steven Yeun, Terry Notary, Wrenn Schmidt
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Rated: Unrated
Length: 2h 15min
 
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?!)
 
The fact that Daniel Kaluuya (Kick-Ass 2, Sicario, Queen & Slim), Keke Palmer (Alice, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, Lightyear), and Steven Yeun (Mayhem, Sorry to Bother You, Trollhunters: Rise of the Titans) is really icing on the cake. Excellent actors and a phenomenal production team add up to the promise of one hell of a scary movie.
 
NOPE is set for an exclusive theater release. It is anticipated that the film will become available for on-demand rental approximately 16 days later and will land on Peacock within 45 days.
 
2 - The Gray Man (7/15)

Production/Distribution: AGBO, Netflix, Roth Films, Roth/Kirschenbaum Films, Stillking FilmsDirector:
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Writers: Mark Greaney, Joe Russo, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Actors: Alfre Woodard, Ana de Armas, Billy Bob Thornton, Callan Mulvey, Chris Evans, Dhanush, Jessica Henwick, Julia Butters, Rege-Jean Page, Ryan Gosling, Scott Haze, Wagner Moura
Genre: Action, Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Length: 2h 2min
 
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.
 
The trailer is packed wall to wall with a showcase of this movie’s outstanding production value and highlights of the back and forth between Ryan Gosling (La La Land, Blade Runner 2049, First Man) and Chris Evans’ (Gifted, The Red Sea Diving Resort, Lightyear) characters. It looks like even Ana de Armas (The Informer, Knives Out, No Time to Die) gets to join in on the banter. I nearly lost it at the mention of “trash stache” and the “…if you want to make an omelet, you’ve got to kill a few people…” lines. I have a feeling that The Gray Man will be full of memorable moments like that. Moreso, it’s refreshing seeing Evans getting a chance to have fun by playing an antagonist character.
 
The fight choreography and stunts look amazing, and the elements of a spy thriller are on point. I see this riding the top of the Netflix watch-list for a good while.
 
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
Director: Taika Waititi
Writers: Taika Waititi, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, Stan Lee, Jason Aaron
Actors: Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt, Christian Bale, Karen Gillan, Matt Damon, Melissa McCarthy, Natalie Portman, Russell Crowe, Taika Waititi, Tessa Thompson, Bradley Cooper, Sam Neill, Matt Damon, Pom Klementieff, Jaimie Alexander, Vin Diesel, Luke Hemsworth, Dave Bautista, Sean Gunn, Clariza Vicente, Akosia Sabet
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Rated: PG-13
Length: 1h 59min
 
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?
 
Thor: Love and Thunder has so many elements to be excited about. Chris Hemsworth’s (Bad Times at the El Royale, Men in Black: International, Spiderhead) Thor is among my top 3 favorite current MCU characters. Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, JoJo Rabbit, The Mandalorian) has a firm grasp on the material and is a masterful storyteller. When you put that together with an amazing cast that has worked together on oodles of films in the same characters, you get magic.
 
That’s what I expect to see on the screen – magic.
 
Of course, Christian Bale (The Fighter, The Dark Knight Rises, Ford v Ferrari) is the newcomer to the MCU scene. Though, Bale is like a chameleon in the best of ways. He utterly transforms himself for his roles, and it’s eerie. His villain character for Thor: Love and Thunder is just ominously sinister – just from his appearance in the trailers.
 
Thor: Love and Thunder is set to release in theaters and will be available for on-demand rental. It goes without saying that this Thor installment will land on Disney+ for streaming, though that won’t happen until August 24^th.
  

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?