Definitely running behind schedule with wedding planning becoming part of my daily diet, but there are a number of films that are looking to get some shine in the post-Barbenheimer world.
New In Theaters
The Last Voyage of the Demeter
Director(s): André Øvredal | Writer(s): Bragi F. Schut, Zak Olkewicz, Bram Stoker
Stars: Corey Hawkins, Aisling Franciosi, Liam Cunningham
I have been seeing a lot of mixed reviews on this one already but I like the contained nature of this story. Plus, oceans are already scary enough without having Dracula on your boat. I’ll check it out.
The Pod Generation
Written & Directed: Sophie Barthes
Stars: Emilia Clarke, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Vinette Robinson
I have struggled to connect with Emilia Clarke since her Game of Thrones run but I think it’s been more about role selection than it is about her. That said, this 100% looks like my kind of movie. Plus, having Chiwetel Ejiofor is a really strong selling point and he should provide a good balance.
Limited Release
Jules
Director(s): Marc Turtletaub | Writer(s): Gavin Steckler
Stars: Ben Kingsley, Harriet Sansom Harris, Zoe Winters
Speaking of movies that are 100% my speed, Ben Kingsley + UFO and aliens + Jane Curtin. This just looks so charming and I was just talking about Kingsley on the podcast being one of our finest working actors that doesn’t exactly get talked about in that breath too much anymore. I’m in.
The Eternal Memory
Written & Directed: Maite Alberdi
Stars: Augusti Góngora, Trevor Oggs, Paulina Urrutia
Oh boy! I was getting emotional just watching the trailer so I need to prepare myself to be left in a blubbering puddle of tears after this. Vortex was a film that covered some similar territory and that one hit very close to home, but the stakes are just so much higher for this because it’s a documentary. I’m not ready. But I will watch it, and I will cry.
Aporia
Written & Directed: Jared Moshe
Stars: Judy Greer, Edi Gathegi, Payman Maadi
I’ve got goosebumps! This is another in the legacy of sci-fi films that deal with grief (Archive, Marjory Prime, Swan Song to name a few) and it’s a turn for the genre that I love. I am going to see a screening with a curated Q&A afterward and I am super excited about it now because I thought it was the 2019 film of the same name that was very much not good.
Gran Turismo (Preview)
Director(s): Neill Blomkamp | Writer(s): Jason Hall, Zach Baylin, Alex Tse
Stars: David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe
If this was not based on a true story, I would just probably dismiss it out of hand. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the Gran Turismo games but not all video games need adaptations. It’s out in limited preview right now so I won’t be getting behind the wheel anyway, but I am hopeful that my enjoyment of Neill Blomkamp will carry. me across the finish line.
Inside Man (Theaters + VOD)
Director(s): Danny A. Abeckaser | Writer(s): Kosta Kondilopoulos
Stars: Emile Hirsch, Jake Cannavale, Lucy Hale
There are a surprising amount of movies called Inside Man, but this one is based on the true events of a police detective who attempts to redeem himself by going undercover to bust the mob. Turns out, it’s a slippery slope. There was a time when I thought Emile Hirsch was going to have a massive career, and maybe that hasn’t turned out to be the case thus far but I still tend to be interested in his projects.
King Coal
Director(s): Elaine McMillion Sheldon
Stars: Shane Boris, Heather Hannah, Logan Hill
The coal industry has been in the public eye for at least the past decade in the U.S. and, based on the trailer, I feel like this is going to be an interesting pullback of the curtain.
Medusa Deluxe
Written & Directed: Thomas Hardiman
Stars: Luke Pasqualino, Lilit Lesser, Clare Perkins
This. Looks. Excellent! It has all the color, personality, and character that I love with that great independent spirit. Plus it’s a feature debut with I always like to support. A serial killer, at a hairdressing competition…or is there? Let’s find out!
Operation Napolean (Theaters + VOD Aug. 14th)
Director(s): Óskar Thór Axelsson | Writer(s): Arnaldur Indriðason, Marteinn Thorisson
Stars: Vivian Ólafsdóttir, Jack Fox, Iain Glen
This joint German-Icelandic film lays out a premise that I can get on board with, but it may be overcomplicated. The title plus subtitle is a pretty good indication of what I am talking about. However, I like Iain Glen so if I see this it would be for him.
Trader (Aug. 10th)
Written & Directed: Corey Stanton
Stars: Kimberly-Sue Murray, Shaun Benson, Stephen Bogaert
This trailer has a very unfortunate thumbnail attached. I could go either way on this one. The general premise is appealing, but I am not fully sold. I would wait for VOD or streaming for this one.
Between Two Worlds
Director(s): Emmanuel Carrère | Writer(s): Florence Aubenas, Emmanuel Carrère, Hélène Devynck
Stars: Hélène Lambert, Louise Pociecka, Steve Papagiannis
Based on a true story plus Juliette Binoche equals I’m in. This kind of strikes me as Nomadland call and response.
3 Days in Malay
Director(s): Louis Mandylor | Writer(s): Brandon Slagle
Stars: Louis Mandylor, Donald Cerrone, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackon
You can tell the mark of quality when you see Donald Cerrone and Rampage Jackson in the cast. I can’t really take either of them seriously enough to suspend my disbelief for something like this.
Go West
Director(s): Stephen Meek | Writer(s): Jeremy Warner
Stars: Sean Astin, Natalie Madsen, Whitney Call
Not to be confused with several other films that share the title, this looks more like Monty Python meets The Oregon Trail and honestly, I’m into it.
King on Screen
Director(s): Daphné Baiwir
Stars: Mike Flanagan, James Caan, Frank Darabont
If you are a fan of Stephen King’s books, the film adaptations of his work, or just the horror genre as a whole, then you’ll probably want to check this out. I will!
Love Life
Written & Directed: Kôji Fukada
Stars: Win Morisaki, Fumino Kimura, Tomorô Taguchi
Korean cinema is doing some wonderful things and I am interested in this one, but I also feel like if what I saw in the trailer was correct then it may have spoiled a fairly big plot point. So, be warned. If you don’t watch the trailer then just know that this is a relationship melodrama about marriage and family.
Match Me If You Can
Director(s): Marian Yeager | Writer(s): Betsy Morris
Stars: Georgina Reilly, Wilson Bethel, Brian George
I have heard horror stories of online dating, but sadly this comedy doesn’t come across as a particularly funny vehicle for those. Plus, if it ends the way it appears in the trailer, then it’s not really doing anything worthwhile in the genre either. Pass.
Streaming & Digital
The Thing Behind the Door (VOD/Digitial Aug. 8th)
Director(s): Fabrice Blin | Writer(s): Fabrice Blin, Jean-Marc Toussaint
Stars: Séverine Ferrer, David Doukhan, Clémence Verniau
I will be keeping any expectations at a minimum, but World-War-I-era witchcraft, bloodletting, and zombies sound like it could be a good time.
Wolf Hollow (VOD/Digitial Aug. 8th)
Director(s): Mark Cantu | Writer(s): Mark Cantu, Brian Ceponis
Stars: Felissa Rose, Hannah Fierman, Lynn Lowry,
When I first saw the title, I thought didn’t this movie come out a few years ago? Turns out, that was The Wold of Snow Hollow. Anyway, low-budget werewolves? Yes, please.
Summoning the Spirit (VOD/Digitial Aug. 8th)
Director(s): Jon Garcia | Writer(s): Zach Carter, Jon Garcia
Stars: Krystal Millie Valdes, Ernesto Reyes, Jesse Tayeh
Darkstar Pictures is getting busy lately and I like it. Did I just see a sasquatch? Hell yeah! This is an interesting mix of creature-feature, tourist horror, and cult horror. I’m glad I won’t have to chase this one down.
Love in Taipei (Paramount+ Aug. 10th)
Director(s): Arvin Chen | Writer(s): Mackenzie Dohr, Charlie Oh, Abigail Hing Wen
Stars: Ross Butler, Ashley Liao, Nico Hiraga
On the surface, this looks like a less funny version of Joyride that falls into the normal trappings of rom-coms. At least you can take a chance from your couch. It’s probably fine at what it wants to do, but pass.
Heart of Stone (Netflix)
Director(s): Tom Harper | Writer(s): Greg Rucka, Allison Schroeder
Stars: Jing Lusi, Jamie Dornan, Paul Ready
Every time I see one of these and realize what Netflix is doing with their money, I am reminded of them crying poor. Whether its Chris Hemsworth, Ryan Reynolds, or now Gal Gadot, this just isn’t what I want from Netflix. It doesn’t stand out in any meaningful way and Gadot alone is not enough to make this interesting.
Red, White & Royal Blue (Amazon Prime Video)
Director(s): Matthew López | Writer(s): Casey McQuiston, Matthew López, Ted Malawer
Stars: Jemma Redgrave, Thomas Flynn, Bridget Benstead
I already don’t care about the vast majority of stories designed around British royals, but I will extend some grace to certain projects that intrigue me based on casting, like Spencer. This is not Spencer. Hopefully, it’s decent because it’s based on a book I haven’t read either but, obviously, there is a fan base.
Thanks for reading! I still believe word of mouth is the best way to help, so if you enjoy what I’m doing, please tell somebody. And if you have a comment, I’d love to hear it! Liking, subscribing, and sharing go a long way too. As usual, be well, be safe, and have fun no matter how you get your movies!