“The Toxic Avenger”
Peter Dinklage stars as a different type of superhero in the gross-out “The Toxic Avenger” from “Green Room” filmmaker Marcon Blair. A remake of the 1984 film, the story takes place in a fantasy world where, following a freak accident, a man transforms into a mutant vigilante known as Toxie. Jacob Tremblay, Taylour Paige, Julia Davis, Jonny Coyne, Elijah Wood, and Kevin Bacon also star.
Release Date: In theaters August 29 via Iconic Events Releasing.
“The Roses”
A remake of the 1989 film “The War of the Roses,” director Jay Roach and screenwriter Tony McNamara bring “The Roses” to a new generation. Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman star as the tumultuous couple as ugly, hidden resentments emerge when one half of the couple begins to see their career take off while the other nosedives. The cast is full of comedic talent, including Andy Samberg, Allison Janney, Sunita Mani, Ncuti Gatwa, Jamie Demetriou, Zoë Chao, and Kate McKinnon.
Release Date: In theaters August 29 via Searchlight Pictures.
“Caught Stealing”
Darren Aronofsky returns to the ‘90s in his latest American crime thriller, “Caught Stealing,” from a screenplay written by Charlie Huston. The film follows a former baseball player, played by Austin Butler, who finds himself entangled in the criminal underworld in New York City. Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Griffin Dunne, Bad Bunny, and Carol Kane.
Release Date: In theaters August 29 via Sony Pictures Releasing.
“A Little Prayer”
It’s been quite a long journey to getting to see “A Little Prayer” on the big screen. The film, directed by “Junebug” filmmaker Angus MacLachlan, had its premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. David Strathairn stars as a man who learns that his son is cheating on his wife and takes efforts to protect his daughter-in-law. Jane Levy, Dascha Polanco, Will Pullen, Anna Camp, and Celia Weston round out the cast.
Release Date: In theaters August 29 via Music Box Films.
“Love, Brooklyn”
Another Sundance premiere, “Love, Brooklyn,” follows three individuals – all living in Brooklyn – as they navigate love, loss, career, and friendship. Rachel Abigail Holder directs in her directorial debut. Based on the screenplay by Paul Zimmerman, the film stars André Holland, Nicole Beharie, DeWanda Wise, Roy Wood Jr., Cassandra Freeman, and Cadence Reese.
Release Date: In theaters August 29 via Greenwich Entertainment.
Honorable Mentions: August is unusually busy. Beyond the above titles, there’s also the indie thriller “She Rides Shotgun” starring Taron Edgerton, which premiered on August 1. The animated “Boys Go to Jupiter” premieres August 8 alongside the music documentary “It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley” and the serial killer horror, “Strange Harvest.”
Action-fantasy “Red Sonja” hits theaters August 13, while later that week spotlights a trio of independent releases with “Happyend,” “East of Wall,” and “Went Up the Hill.” The psychological thriller “Lurker” premieres August 22, along with the Sophie Turner-led “Trust.” The horror survival film “Run” closes out the month, premiering August 29.
