Barbenheimer Day has finally arrived! The box office and movie fans of all shapes and sizes have been waiting for this day for quite some time. Plus with the delay on Dune, this just become the definitive premier weekend of the year. Let’s get to it.
New In Theaters
Barbie
Director(s): Greta Gerwig | Writer(s): Great Gerwig, Noah Baumbach
Stars: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae
Come on Barbie, let’s go party! When I went to the theater to see Oppenheimer there were a lot of folks dressed up in their finest pink to see Barbie too. It’s a good weekend for movies to have two high-profile films, both with a lot of hype and big fan bases! If I didn’t have to edit this and the podcast both today, I would have just done the doubleheader.
Cobweb
Director(s): Samuel Bodin | Writer(s): Chris Thomas Devlin
Stars: Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr, Cleopatra Coleman
I like Lizzy Caplan, Antony Starr, and Woody Norman from their various projects so I know the key performances are in good hands. I have been enjoying the horror renaissance so I will check this out.
*Oppenheimer (+IMAX) – Editor’s Pick*
Director(s): Christopher Nolan | Writer(s): Christopher Nolan, Kai Bird, Martin Sherwin
Stars: Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon
I gave this my Editor’s Pick because I went and saw this on Friday morning and kept my expectations in check, but it was still pretty damn great. The cast, the score, the tone, and the tension were all wonderful and Cillian Murphy should have had a role like this a long time ago. Will see it again as my quest for reasonable seats in 70MM IMAX resumes.
Limited Release
The Beanie Bubble
Director(s): Kristin Gore, Damian Kulash | Writer(s): Kristin Gore, Zac Bissonette
Stars: Sarah Snook, Zach Galifianakis, Elizabeth Banks
Apple has some good originals this week. I’m sure a lot of people don’t even know what Beanie Babies were but the craze was real and I love the cast for this one! I will probably just wait until next week for it to hit the streaming platform though.
Fear the Night (+VOD)
Written & Directed by: Neil LaBute
Director(s): | Writer(s):
Stars: Ito Aghayere, Maggie Q, James Carpinello
I dunno why Maggie Q didn’t get top billing on IMDB because it’s clearly her movie. This pretty much looks like Becky but less colorful and more serious. Could be fun.
See You on Venus (+VOD)
Director(s): Joaquin Llamas | Writer(s): Victoria Vinuesa
Stars: Virginia Gardener, Rob Estes, Alex Aiono
I wish this movie actually had something to do with the planet Venus. I would have settled for the goddess Venus, or even the Venus de Milo. Plus, the whole movie is given away in the trailer so there isn’t much of a draw.
Stephen Curry: Underrated
Director(s): Peter Nicks
Stars: Stephen Curry, Bob McKillop, Jason Richards
Steph has a great story, one of the best stories in modern basketball. An underdog who blossomed into the game’s biggest superstar. I will watch this, but I’m not in a rush.
The Island
Director(s): Shaun Paul Piccinino | Writer(s): Michael Caissie, Philippe Martinez
Stars: Donald Brooks, Kishorn Charles, Frank Corbie
When I think of The Island, I think about Michael Bay’s 2005 sci-fi action flick that I love and I am going to keep in that way.
Natty Knocks
Director(s): Dwight H. Little | Writer(s): Benjamin Olson
Stars: Charlotte Fountain-Jardim, Thomas Robie, Noen Perez
I know B-movie horror when I see it, and this is definitely it. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for it in my viewing habits, it just won’t be high on the list this week.
Return to Dust
Written & Directed by: Ruijun Li
Stars: Renlin Wu, Hai-Qing, Guangrui Yang
A pair of outcasts are set up in an arranged marriage and dismissed by their respective families, forcing the two to work together in order to survive. It looks like a warmhearted story about finding love in peculiar places but also about the value of humility and finding happiness even on the lowest economic rung.
Mother, May I?
Written & Directed by: Laurence Vannicelli
Stars: Daphne Gaines, Kyle Gallner, Michael Giannone
Many horror films have turned to grief in recent years and this too looks to play with that idea and the supernatural. I’m team Gallner, so I will be happy to support this one.
Streaming& Digital
The Deepest Breath (Netflix July 19th)
Written & Directed by: Laura McGann
Stars: Stephen Keenan, Alessia Zecchini
The ocean is scary enough without trying to hold my breath all the way to the bottom. This is like the opposite of Free Solo but no less intriguing or dangerous. Of my fears, drowning is the most tangible so I am sure this one will freak me out a little bit.
They Cloned Tyrone (Netflix)
Director(s): Juel Taylor | Writer(s): Tony Rettenmaier, Juel Taylor
Stars: John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris
This one looks so good! It looks at least in part like a mix of Black Dynamite and Sorry to Bother You, both of which I really like. Plus, the cast is great with Jamie Foxx, John Boyega, and Teyonah Parris leading the way. I would like to get this one checked off the watchlist this weekend.
Superpowered: The DC Story (MAX)
Stars: Rosario Dawson
I would have to imagine this will encompass more than just Rosario Dawson. She is excellent but the trailer indeed led me to believe there are more folks involved than her. Should be interesting if handled correctly.
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!