11 Movies To See In July

June was something of a let down with, albeit, some decent films sprinkled throughout. However, mostly the month featured a list of films that immediately fell off of audience’s radar. Despite there being some high profile talent leading the films and a sequel from an animation titan, nothing felt particularly noteworthy, particularly in the blockbuster realm. July, on the other hand, is exciting due to the bizarre mix and match to be done over the course of the month with everything from a new Marvel Studios film, yet another installment to the “Mission: Impossible” franchise and one of buzzed-about about films of the year, “Sorry to Bother You,” which was a standout at the Sundance Film Festival this past January. It’s an eclectic list and while films such as “Mama Mia: Here We Go Again and “The Equalizer 2” are also things that are happening, they seem less likely to generate conversation like many of the other picks.

“Fireworks”
Cast: Masaki Suda, Mamoru Miyano
Synopsis: On the day when a fireworks display is planned, Norimichi, Yusuke, and their friends at school in a Japanese seaside town cannot agree whether or not fireworks are ‘flat’ or ’round’ when they explode in the sky. With her parents divorcing, the young teenager Nazuna has more serious matters on her mind. Although unknown to the others, Nazuna’s mother intends to take her away after the summer break. When Norimichi and Yusuke race 50 meters in the swimming pool, Nazuna secretly decides that the winner will accompany her when she runs away from home.
What You Need to Know: In terms of mainstream animation, the remainder of 2018 looks bleak with one of the predicted highlights, “Incredibles 2” already arriving in theaters this past month. Instead of putting yourself or anyone you love into the endurance test that will be “Hotel Transylvania 3,” seek out what looks to be yet another GKIDS delight in “Fireworks.” A mind bending story of friendship and love, the film may not look to break high expectations, but at the very least it’s expressing a level of ingenuity and artistry that too many an animated film lack.
Release Date: July 3

“Sorry to Bother You”
Cast: Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Steven Yeun
Synopsis: In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, black telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success, which propels him into a macabre universe of “powercalling” that leads to material glory. But the upswing in Cassius’ career raises serious red flags with his girlfriend Detroit, a performance artist and minimum-wage striver who’s secretly part of a Banksy-style activist collective. As his friends and co-workers organize in protest of corporate oppression, Cassius falls under the spell of his company’s cocaine-snorting CEO Steve Lift, who offers him a salary beyond his wildest dreams.
What You Need to Know: When you think back on it, the fact that we weren’t calling “Sorry to Bother You” the movie event (indie movie event at least) of the summer is insanity when you see a cast that consists of LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, and Steven Yeun. All three are on their way to becoming some of the most interesting actors of their generation and being integrally backed by Boots Riley creates what seems to be one of the most engaging and inventive film of the year. Our critic certainly thought so, promising a picture that is worth staying in the dark about until seeing it for yourself, saying “…we only suggest you prepare yourself for something truly unexpected.”
Release Date: July 6

“Ant-Man and the Wasp”
Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly
Synopsis:  In the aftermath of “Captain America: Civil War,” Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a superhero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope Van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past.
What You Need to Know: Love them or hate them or generally speaking, pretty apathetic, it’s hard to deny that Marvel has been on something of a creative roll for their past few films. The triple threat of the “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” and “Black Panther” proved that the studio had begun to lean on the distinct instincts of the directors they hired, while “Avengers: Infinity War” genuinely left crowds speechless with a daring finish. All of this to say that while it feels like we should be excited for “Ant-Man and the Wasp”, directed again by Peyton Reed, it comes across more like an anti-climatic follow up. Regardless, it’s worth celebrating for it being Marvel’s first (!) film with a female superhero sharing the top billing. Our critic also liked it well enough, calling it “…larger in scale, ambition, and size, but it never forgets the flawed, but lovable human at the heart of its little diorama-like story nor its objective of charming its audience.”
Release Date: July 6