“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets”
Synopsis: In the 28th century, special operatives Valerian and Laureline embark on a mission to the astonishing city of Alpha, where a dark force threatens the peaceful existence of the City of a Thousand Planets.
What You Need To Know: Going off of the trailers alone, director Luc Besson has created something visually bonkers. In the books as the most expensive movie ever produced in France, the film looks to be an extravagant space epic. From the mind behind “The Fifth Element” and “Lucy,” the film looks to be building off of the goodwill of the director’s hits, and if it all comes together right, this should be the science fiction/fantasy we’ve been hoping for, a big and bold operatic drama set in a more fantastical universe.
Release Date: July 21st
“Atomic Blonde”
Synopsis: Lorraine Broughton, a top-level spy for MI6, is dispatched to Berlin to take down a ruthless espionage ring that has just killed an undercover agent for reasons unknown.
What You Need To Know: If one of the many wonderful things “Mad Max: Fury Road” succeeded in is making Charlize Theron a bonafide action star, that’s all the more kudos to the already well-accoladed film. In “Atomic Blonde” Theron gets the chance to fully lead this no-nonsense shoot em out action flick, directed by “John Wick” helmer David Leitch. Our critic at SXSW was mixed, saying, “Given that the film gives us ample time to catch our breath in-between the punching, kicking and shooting it will be easier to wish that it had all been condensed into an accessible YouTube video of just the action bits.”
Release Date: July 28th
“Landline”
Synopsis: When two sisters suspect their father may be having an affair, it sends them into a tailspin that reveals cracks in the family façade. The two try to uncover the truth without tipping off their mother (Edie Falco) and discover the messy reality of love and sex in the process.
What You Need To Know: Following the release of 2014’s “Obvious Child” there was very little that could dissuade us from seeing director Gillian Robespierre and actress Jenny Slate’s latest team up effort “Landline.” With a pointed and distinct voice the talented duo once again bring to life characters that are refreshingly real and flawed, in a film that perhaps doesn’t touch the magic of their first outing together (likely an unfair way to assess any film), but keeps enough of the charm to make the film a must see.
Release Date: July 21st (limited)
“Person To Person”
Synopsis: During a single day in New York City, a variety of characters grapple with the mundane, the unexpected, and the larger questions permeating their lives. An investigative reporter struggles with her first day on the job, despite help from her misguided boss; a rebellious teen attempts to balance her feminist ideals with other desires; and a young man seeks to reconcile with his ex-girlfriend, even as her brother threatens revenge. Meanwhile, an avid music lover traverses the city in search of a rare record for his vinyl collection.
What You Need To Know: While her co-star Ilana Glazer has made her way to the big screen with a big role in “Rough Night,” her equally hilarious “Broad City” co-star Abbi Jacobson is getting her chance to shine with the indie flick “Person to Person.” Co-starring another cult-favorite sitcom alum, Michael Cera, and director Dustin Guy Defa’s first since 2011’s “Bad Fever” the film should be an interesting NYC tale for those looking for something a bit different.
Release Date: July 28th (limited)
Honorable Mentions: Considering the frightening talks (or lack thereof) among some regarding climate change, follow-up documentary “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” directed by Jon Shenk and Bonni Cohen is a timely and scary watch. Similarly there’s documentary “Chasing Coral” which explores the terrifyingly-named existence of “coral bleaching” which will be released through Netflix. Joshua Z. Weinstein‘s “Menashe” explores the life of a grocery store clerk who works tirelessly to make ends meet and be a fitting father for his son. Lastly, the unique “Brigsby Bear” starring Kyle Mooney, Claire Danes and Mark Hamill and directed by newcomer Dave McCary has gotten strong notices since Sundance and is worth tracking down.
