Release Radar – July 30th, 2021

Somehow, I lost track of what day it was and completely forgot to do this. In the interest of consistency, I’m going to proceed anyway with an abridged version.

The Green Knight (Theaters)

Written & Directed by: Dave Lowrey

Starring: Dev Patel, Alicia Vikander, & Joel Edgerton

This has been one of the most highly anticipated films of the last couple years and I actually went to see it last night. I’ll save the full review for after the weekend, but give a brief overview. If you’ve seen some David Lowrey’s movies you’ll be used to the slow pacing. The 2hr 10m runtime feels much longer through the first and second acts, but it picks up down the stretch. Dev Patel gives the performance that I think most were hoping for in the lead and there are some enjoyable supporting performances to back him up. There’s a lot of creativity and myth building present in the storytelling and it was nice to see a different kind of presentation for this kind of film.

Jungle Cruise (Theaters & Disney+ Premium)

Directed by: Jaume Collet-Serra, Written by: Michael Green, John Requa, & Glenn Ficarra

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, & Edgar Ramírez

The big action blockbusters tend not to be my go-to choices but if there were ever a movie to mimic the experience of a theme park ride most accurately, this would be it. Even though I didn’t buy in on the franchise as a whole, I enjoyed the first Pirates of the Carribean so I don’t see any reason why this wouldn’t be similarly enjoyable.

Nine Days (Theaters)

Written & Directed by: Edson Oda

Starring: Winston Duke, Zazie Beetz, & Benedict Wong

When it comes to Avante-Garde filmmaking, this is the kind of modern cinema you talk about. It’s Edson Oda’s feature debut and it doesn’t look like he held back. Colorful, mysterious, and backed by a fantastic cast, there are fewer films I’ve wanted to see more so far this year.


What Else Is New

Enemies of the State (Theaters + VOD)

Directed by: Sonia Kennebeck

Starring: Joel Widman, Stuart Anderson, & Nemo Baletic

The year of the documentary keeps on rolling with yet another very intriguing project. This film takes a look at a family that is put under the investigative microscope of the U.S. government when their son is exposed as one of the founders of the internet hackers known as Anonymous.

The Exchange (Theaters + VOD)

Directed by: Dan Mazer, Written by: Tim Long

Starring: Ed Oxenbould, Avan Jogia, & Justin Hartley

It’s the 80s, it’s high school, and Tim has no friends, so he looks to a foreign exchange student program to make a connection. What he gets isn’t quite what he expected, but it turns out to be just what he needed. This one looks like it could be pretty funny and I’m excited to see Justin Hartley play the weirdo gym teacher.

Stillwater (Theaters)

Directed by: Tom McCarthy, Written by: Tom McCarthy, Marcus Hinchey, Thomas Bidegain, & Noé Debré

Starring: Matt Damon, Camille Cottin, & Abigail Breslin

I’m not 100% sure if this is based on a true story, but it sounds like some stories I’ve heard on the news. Matt Damon stars as a father who travels to France to rescue his daughter from prison after she’s arrested for a crime she says she didn’t commit. As far as crime thrillers go, this one looks like it should be pretty solid. Damon is always a strong performer and having him leading the way gives the film a strong backbone.

Sabaya (Theaters)

Written & Directed by: Hogir Hirori

Last but not least, this documentary follows a group that heads into Syria’s Al-Hol in order to rescue women being held as sex slaves by Isis. This sounds incredibly interesting but you’ll probably need a strong stomach.


As usual, if you like what I’m doing, please like, subscribe, and share. Be well, and have fun at the movies!