“The Farewell”
Cast: Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, Diana Lin, Shuzhen Zhou
Synopsis: The film follows a Chinese family who, when they discover their beloved Grandmother has only a short while left to live, decides to keep her in the dark and schedule an impromptu wedding to gather before she passes. Billi, feeling like a fish out of water in her home country, struggles with the family’s decision to hide the truth from her grandmother.
What You Need to Know: Awkwafina had a hell of a year in 2018. With a key role in “Ocean’s 8” and playing a genuine scene-stealer in the romantic-comedy hit “Crazy Rich Asians,” she became a well-known name with her comedic performances. However, it looks like 2019 might be even greater for her with her latest film “The Farewell” which won raves at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Written and directed by Lulu Wang, the film was picked up by A24 for worldwide distribution. One of the most anticipated films of the year, our critic joined in the chorus of raves, writing “an immaculately impressive film which tackles its themes of love, loss, and family with such touching profundity; its simple manner makes for a knockout of emotional resonance.”
Release Date: July 12th
“The Art of Self Defense”
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Imogen Poots, Alessandro Nivola
Synopsis: After he’s attacked on the street at night by a roving motorcycle gang, timid bookkeeper Casey joins a neighborhood karate studio to learn how to protect himself. Under the watchful eye of a charismatic instructor, Sensei, and hardcore brown belt Anna, Casey gains a newfound sense of confidence for the first time in his life.
What You Need to Know: With his latest film, director Riley Stearns continues to eschew typical narrative or tonal convention with “The Art of Self-Defense” which finds star Jesse Eisenberg in familiar territory as a mild-mannered man trying to discover inner confidence. Stearns directed the 2014 under-the-radar cult favorite “Faults” and returns five years later with a film equally as offbeat and disconcerting. Our critic who saw it at SXSW called it a “darkly funny look at toxic masculinity,” writing “Stearns does what any good filmmaker should do to make that message stick: he makes us laugh.”
Release Date: July 12th
“Sword of Trust”
Cast: Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins, Marc Maron
Synopsis: When Cynthia & Mary show up to collect Cynthia’s inheritance from her deceased grandfather, the only item she’s received is an antique sword that was believed by her grandfather to be proof that the South won the Civil War. The two attempt to unload the object to a curmudgeonly pawnshop owner & his man-child sidekick Nathaniel.
What You Need to Know: Director Lynn Shelton has had in an interesting career trajectory, always remaining on the outskirts of mainstream films while delivering genuine gems such as “Laggies” and “Your Sister’s Sister” with casts built from indie favorites and a keen eye for stories about women that are nuanced and unabashedly honest. “Sword of Trust” likely won’t bring in any new fans but will continue to give reason to existing ones why she’s one of the more reliable filmmakers today. Marc Maron (on a roll following his standout work in “Glow” and “Easy”) shines along with a strong supporting cast of indie comedy greats such as Michaela Watkins. Our critic saw it at SXSW found it hilarious and wrote, “Human moments punctuate and overlap with the sillier ones, giving “Sword of Truth” a sense of generosity and an emotional core in addition to its laughs.”
Release Date: July 12th
“The Lion King”
Cast: Donald Glover, Beyonce Knowles, James Earl Jones, Seth Rogan
Synopsis: Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother-and former heir to the throne-has plans of his own.
What You Need to Know: Seemingly having an iron fist around the bulk of Hollywood’s output, Disney is planning on keeping this train moving along with the latest in its string of live-action blockbuster remakes. Clearly the studio has massive expectations with “The Lion King,” directed by Jon Favreau. For good reason, considering the immense talent on board from voice work by Beyonce, the return of James Earl Jones for his iconic work as Mufasa to a score by Hans Zimmer. While there will always be room to argue over the necessity of this remake or how the “live-action” retelling of the story strips some of the bountiful vibrancy of the originals magic, what we’ve seen so far looks impressive and will surely be an enormous hit for a studio lacking in losses.
Release Date: July 19th