We’ve somehow made it to the end of the summer without the release of any blockbusters or tentpole films in theaters and, all things considered, it was the right decision.
Even still, there have been plenty of great films to enjoy or discover regardless of theatrical releases being put on hold, and August offers up the same level of variety through streaming services, virtual theaters, and on-demand offerings. From a new Seth Rogen comedy that is as odd as anything the actor has ever done to a timely documentary about racism in America and the impossibly real release of “The New Mutants,” August is nothing if not eclectic in its release scheduling. With autumn right around the corner and with comes a sort of sense of normalcy with the fall festival schedule (even in its new design), it will be interesting to see if this level of release variety holds up.
“An American Pickle”
Cast: Seth Rogan, Sarah Snook, John Donahue, Jorma Taccone
Synopsis: Herschel Greenbaum, a struggling laborer immigrates to America in 1920 with dreams of building a better life for his beloved family. One day, while working at his factory job, he falls into a vat of pickles and is brined for 100 years. The brine preserves him perfectly and when he emerges in present-day Brooklyn, he finds that he hasn’t aged a day. But when he seeks out his family, he is troubled to learn that his only surviving relative is his great-grandson is a mild-mannered computer coder whom Herschel can’t even begin to understand.
What You Need to Know: Despite how prolific of a career Seth Rogen has already had both as an actor and filmmaker, there’s still a sense that we haven’t seen all that he can do. Then, a trailer like the one for “An American Pickle” drops and we’re once again surprised by the different paths his producing track goes. If we were to judge by the synopsis alone, there’s nothing about the farcical story that should work. The basic plot points are ludicrous and require a liberal amount of stretching the imagination but the trailer sells the idea on you. Directed by Brandon Trost as his first feature film and written by Simon Rich who also penned the 2013 short story it’s based on “Sell Out” and co-starring “Succession” favorite Sarah Snook, this is largely a project for Rogen to stretch his acting muscles as he plays dual roles.
Release Date: August 6 on HBO Max
“I Used to Go Here”
Cast: Gillian Jacobs, Jemaine Clement, Josh Wiggins, Hannah Marks, Jorma Taccone
Synopsis: Following the lackluster launch of her debut novel, 35-year-old writer Kate Conklin receives an invitation from her former professor and old crush to speak at her alma mater. With her book tour canceled and her ego deflated, Kate decides to take the trip, wondering if returning to her old college as a published author might give her the morale boost she sorely needs.
What You Need to Know: Director Kris Rey and actress Gillian Jacobs make such a strong storytelling pair that it’s shocking to learn that the quietly heartfelt and humanist “I Used to Go Here” is the duo’s first outing together. Jacobs plays Kate, a woman in her 30’s reconnecting with her college self as she’s invited to give a reading from her first novel at her alma mater. The film was supposed to play at the 2020 SXSW but surely will find an audience with its upcoming limited release. A genuine portrait of an artist grappling with what she creates and the paths not taken, with our critic writing, “Rey prods at the mundane indignities of adulthood with a keen eye and a gentle touch, creating a movie that is daffy but not dumb and a heroine who is complicated but not a lost cause. In the end, both leave us with a smile and a little life lesson.”
Release Date: August 7
“Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn”
Synopsis: The story of Yusuf Hawkins, a Black teenager who was murdered in 1989 by a group of young white men in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. Yusuf Hawkins’ death and the official response to it sparked outrage in New York, unleashing a torrent of racial tension and spurring tireless civil rights activism that exposed deep racial prejudices and inequities which continue to plague the country today.
What You Need to Know: With a chilling connection to today’s America, the upcoming documentary “Yusuf Hawkins: Storm Over Brooklyn” is an alarming look at how little has changed in the 30 years since the death of Hawkins. The film, directed by Muta’Ali Muhammad (“Life’s Essentials with Ruby Dee) explores the legacy of his death with interviews from activists, family, and friends who were there at the time of the attack.
Release Date: August 12 on HBO/HBO Max
“Spree”
Cast: Joe Keery, Sasheer Zamata, Mischa Barton
Synopsis: Meet Kurt, from @KurtsWorld96. He dreams of sitting atop a social media empire, but for now, he drives for the rideshare company Spree. Fortunately, Kurt has come up with the perfect way to go viral: #TheLesson. He’s decked out his car with cameras for a nonstop live stream full of killer entertainment – murdering his passengers.
What You Need to Know: For fans of “Stranger Things,” there’s little surprise in Joe Keery looking to make a leap to leading roles as his character Steve is a fan favorite. Directed by Eugene Kotlyarenko (“Wobble Palace”), “Spree” is an interesting choice for the actor’s first leading film role as it focuses on a young man looking to build a social media empire with murderous plans to go viral – a striking difference from the character we’re used to Keery playing. The film seems to err on the side of being needlessly shocking if early responses are anything to go by, so it will be interesting to see how the public responds, considering our collective need for escapism these days.
Release Date: August 14
