“Despicable Me 3“Cast: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Trey Parker, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Russell Brand, Jenny Slate, Pierre Coffin
Synopsis: Balthazar Bratt, a child star from the 1980s, hatches a scheme for world domination. Expect a lot of cartoony violence and an abundance of minion-related tomfoolery.
What You Need to Know: Illumination Entertainment is a bonafide cash cow, and even with a little less than a decade under their belt, they’ve already got their formula to a science. Your mileage might vary, but speaking for myself, I know that — despite my best intentions — I shamefully find myself giggling at the Minions more than I would like to readily admit. Does that mean I’m excited for this one? I’ll let you judge.
Release Date: June 30th
“The Beguiled“
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, Colin Farrell, Angourie Rice, Oona Laurence
Synopsis: At a girls’ school in Virginia during the Civil War, where the young women have been sheltered from the outside world, a wounded Union soldier is taken in. Soon, the house is taken over with sexual tension, rivalries, and an unexpected turn of events. Expect some Southern not-quite-hospitality.
What You Need to Know: Sofia Coppola‘s filmmaking career isn’t necessarily spotless, but when it’s good, it’s all kinds of good. Based on what we’ve seen of “The Beguiled,” a re-adaptation of Thomas Cullinan‘s novel, which was previously made into a film back in 1971 with Clint Eastwood as the male lead, there’s good reason to believe this remake might be a return to form. From the moody period atmosphere to the highly exceptional cast at the forefront, there’s a lot working in this movie’s favor, and we’re eager to see it.
Release Date: June 30th
“Spider-Man: Homecoming“Cast: Tom Holland, Robert Downey Jr., Michael Keaton, Tony Revolori, Zendaya, Angourie Rice, Marisa Tomei, Donald Glover, Martin Starr, Jon Favreau, Logan Marshall-Green, Bokeem Woodbine, Stan Lee
Synopsis: Following the events of “Captain America: Civil War,” Peter Parker attempts to balance his life in high school with his career as the web-slinging superhero Spider-Man. Expect web-swinging.
What You Need to Know: Even the least casual filmgoers knows Spider-Man movies aren’t necessarily a rarity these days. But this one is distinguished by the fact that it’s the first to be directly connected to the MCU, which means Peter Parker/Spider-Man, now played by Holland, can interact with various characters in that extended cinematic universe, much like he did in “Captain America: Civil War” last year. Based on what we’ve seen, Peter will get chummier with Tony Stark/Iron Man. Did someone say “father figure?”
Release Date: July 7th
“A Ghost Story“Cast: Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara
Synopsis: In this singular exploration of legacy, love, loss, and the enormity of existence, a recently deceased, white-sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to try and reconnect with his bereft wife. Expect some melancholy and a ghost in a white bedsheet.
What You Need to Know: Between “Ain’t Them Bodies Saints” and last year’s “Pete’s Dragon” remake, writer-director David Lowery is on a roll these days. According to reports from Sundance, the filmmaker quite possibly made his best film to date with “A Ghost Story,” which reunites Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara for another quietly affecting and literally haunting look at loss and the emptiness laid within. This is almost certainly one you’re going to want to check out — preferably on the big screen, if possible.
Release Date: July 7th
“War For The Planet Of The Apes“Cast: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Amiah Miller, Karin Konoval, Judy Greer, Terry Notary
Synopsis: After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. Expect a lot of talking chimps waging war against the humans.
What You Need to Know: The ape apocalypse continues, and we come to our darkest, most intense chapter in the surprisingly great prequel trilogy. “War For The Planet Of The Apes” has a lot to live up to, especially coming after ‘Rise‘ and “Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes.” But with Matt Reeves back in the director’s chair and Serkis, once again, at the center of this impeccable series, we expect some more ape greatness.
Release Date: July 14th
“Dunkirk“Cast: Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, Harry Styles, Tom Hardy, Fionn Whitehead
Synopsis: Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire, Canada, and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II. Expect some intense war drama.
What You Need to Know: Whenever Christopher Nolan makes a new film, it’s an event. “Dunkirk” is no exception. There’s a lot riding on Nolan’s newest film, which might be both his most ambitious and grounded, realistic picture of this career, but if it lives up to its anticipation and expectations, we might be looking at the director’s first real awards contender.
Release Date: July 21st
“Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets“Cast: Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, John Goodman, Ethan Hawke
Synopsis: A dark force threatens Alpha, a vast metropolis and home to species from a thousand planets. Special operatives Valerian and Laureline must race to identify the marauding menace and safeguard not just Alpha, but the future of the universe. Expect a galaxy-exploring young-adult sci-fi adventure.
What You Need to Know: Betting on Luc Besson can be a fool’s errand. That said, even the most pessimistic naysayer might still find themselves dazzled and stunned by what the director has cooking with his most expensive, audacious film to date. There’s a chance “Valerian And The City Of A Thousand Planets” could be the next “Star Wars,” and there’s a chance it could become the next “Jupiter Ascending.” But we’d love to see Besson make a comeback in a big way, and this movie might be the one to do it.
Release Date: July 21st
“Atomic Blonde“Cast: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, Bill Skarsgård, Sofia Boutella, John Goodman, Toby Jones, Eddie Marsan
Synopsis: An undercover MI6 agent is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents. Expect a lot of well-choreographed ass-whopping.
What You Need to Know: Charlize Theron kicking ass and taking names in Europe. If that doesn’t get your blood pumping, what if we told you “Atomic Blonde” comes from uncredited “John Wick” co-director and future “Deadpool 2” helmer David Leitch, and is based on the graphic novel “The Coldest City” by Antony Johnston and Sam Hunt? Does that get a rise out of you? If not, get your pulse checked. You might be dead.
Release Date: July 28th
“The House“Cast: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Ryan Simpkins, Allison Tolman, Jason Mantzoukas, Cedric Yarbrough, Andrea Savage, Michaela Watkins, Sam Richardson, Steve Zissis
Synopsis: A dad convinces his friends to start an illegal casino in his basement after he and his wife spend their daughter’s college fund. Expect a lot of gambling and comedic shenanigans.
What You Need to Know: Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler are two of the most beloved, well-known comedy figures working in Hollywood today. It’s surprising they haven’t made a movie before. It’s possible the forgettably titled “The House” isn’t going to live up to their potential; in fact, it’s most certainly not going to, based on the middling first trailer. But if they can, ahem, bring down the house with this one, we’re there.
Release Date: June 30th