11 Movies To See In July

“Skyscraper”
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbell, Noah Taylor
Synopsis: Global icon Dwayne Johnson leads the cast of Legendary’s “Skyscraper” as former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader and U.S. war veteran Will Ford, who now assesses security for skyscrapers. On assignment in China, he finds the tallest, safest building in the world suddenly ablaze, and he’s been framed for it. A wanted man on the run, Will must find those responsible, clear his name and somehow rescue his family who is trapped inside the building…above the fire line.
What You Need to Know: Yes, the film looks like “Die Hard.” Yes, it’s borderline silly that The Rock has a prosthetic leg throughout the film. And of course, if a real person did all those stunts, they’d probably die. But you know what? None of that matters when you sit down and strap in for the latest action film starring Dwayne Johnson. You know what to expect. You’re going to buy the ticket. And you might actually enjoy yourself! If anything, you have a lead actor with charisma for days and the possibility that he can elevate the film into “guilty pleasure” category. Remember, this is the guy that made ‘Jumanji 2’ a fairly enjoyable outing.
Release Date: July 13

“Don’t Worry He Won’t Get Far on Foot”
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Jonah Hill, Jack Black, Rooney Mara
Synopsis: John Callahan has a lust for life, a talent for off-color jokes, and a drinking problem. When an all-night bender ends in a catastrophic car accident, the last thing he intends to do is give up drinking. But when he reluctantly enters treatment — with encouragement from his girlfriend and a charismatic sponsor — Callahan discovers a gift for drawing edgy, irreverent newspaper cartoons that develop an international following and grant him a new lease on life.
What You Need to Know: After the disastrous “Sea of Trees,” director Gus Van Sant had a lot of goodwill to earn back, following a film so aggressively bad and needlessly insensitive. Based on a true story, “Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot” doesn’t quite bring him back to some of his greater options, but it’s leaning in the right decision. With a tremendous cast, lead by the almost always wonderful Joaquin Phoenix, the film plays in the comfortable realm of comedy/drama that allow moments for the entire cast to shine, even if none of them ever get to truly break from their molds.
Release Date: July 13

“Eighth Grade”
Cast: Elsie Fisher, Josh Hamilton, Emily Robinson
Synopsis: Thirteen-year-old Kayla endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of middle school–the end of her thus far disastrous eighth grade year before she begins high school.
What You Need to Know: If we were to pinpoint a modern voice to perfectly capture the life and daily horrors of a middle school aged teenager today, few might’ve raised their hands in support of stand up Bo Burnham. Yet, here we are, and by all accounts, the film is a knockout with a stellar central performance by young star Elsie Fisher. Having debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, the film has been heralded as one that acutely (and sometimes cringe inducingly) mastered the tone of teens and tweens today, especially during a time period in our lives that I’m sure many of us counted as some of our worst (because middle school is a hellscape creation.) Our critic praised it, saying it hit all the right notes, calling it “a “Welcome to the Dollhouse” for the millennial generation. “
Release Date: July 13

“Blindspotting”
Cast: Daveed Diigs, Rafael Casal
Synopsis: Collin must make it through his final three days of probation for a chance at a new beginning. He and his troublemaking childhood best friend, Miles, work as movers, and when Collin witnesses a police shooting, the two men’s friendship is tested as they grapple with identity and their changed realities in the rapidly-gentrifying neighborhood they grew up in.
What You Need to Know: Anyone who was lucky enough to see Daveed Diigs in the seminal “Hamilton” knew that he had the potential to be a breakout star in Hollywood. “Blindspotting,” written by Diigs and long time friend Rafael Casal further showcases his skill set while also proving to be a worthy introduction for Casal. A film with more than a few touchstones for today’s culture and the hateful rhetoric that consumes it, the film proved to be popular upon its debut at Sundance, where our critic called it “visceral,” saying, “you’ll likely leave the theater blown away by Casal and Diggs’ considerable talent, but its Carlos López Estrada’s vision that will haunt you. He’s not only one to watch, he’s a director you should be celebrating as a new cinematic auteur.”
Release Date: July 20