What a bizarre summer it’s been for film. We’ve officially hit the time of the year where people begin compiling their Best of 2019…So Far lists, and ultimately deciding whether the film industry is having a quality year. There’s always greats to be found, but if you’ve been looking to wide releases you’re likely going to be disappointed (at least up until this point), with misjudged remakes, reboots, and sequels dominating the conversation. While July doesn’t promise much by way of rectifying an otherwise mediocre summer release schedule, as always, there are films worth seeking out, be it from strong word of mouth or predicted commercial success. We have more remakes and sequels on the way, but also a return of art house favorites and exciting horror newcomers.
So, let’s dive into it!
“Spider-Man Far From Home”
Cast: Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, Zendaya
Synopsis: Our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European class trip. However, Peter’s plan to leave superheroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent!
What You Need to Know: As Marvel Studios’ 23rd film, the first following the enormous finality of “Avengers: Endgame” and the reported conclusion to the Infinity Saga of the MCU, it’s difficult to think of too much more you haven’t already heard. That being said, the reviews thus far offer high praise once again for the studio, heralding the humor and heart that’s become a mainstay for Tom Holland’s boisterous and bumbling Spider-Man. Our critic wrote, “’Spider-Man Far From Home’ turns all its intelligent themes into a triumphant story of self-belief for Peter Parker.”
Release Date: July 3rd
“Midsommar”
Cast: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, Will Poulter
Synopsis: Dani and Christian are a young American couple with a relationship on the brink of falling apart. But after a family tragedy keeps them together, a grieving Dani invites herself to join Christian and his friends on a trip to a once-in-a-lifetime midsummer festival in a remote Swedish village.
What You Need to Know: Following the immense success of his thrilling feature debut in “Hereditary,” the threat of a sophomore slump loomed large overhead for director Ari Aster’s latest “Midsommar.” Featuring rising star Florence Pugh, the film so far has faced similar reactions to “Us,” Jordan Peele’s follow up to his massively celebrated debut “Get Out,” with both talents being commended for striking out big on their second outing, but criticized for an apparent lack of magic that fueled their freshman outings. For horror fans there’s little to compete, delivering scares in the light of day. Our critic wrote, “Admirable, ambitious and impressive, but ultimately aloof, ‘Midsommar’ has its delights for sure, but it lacks the emotional depth to match the sharp insights it has into the evils of the ambivalent, wishy-washy relationship (run as fast as you can).”
Release Date: July 3rd
“Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love”
Cast: Leonard Cohen, Marianne Ihlen
Synopsis: The documentary starts on the Greek island of Hydra in 1960, where Leonard Cohen, then a struggling and unknown fiction writer, and Marianne Ihlen, a single mother with a young son, became part of a community of expat artists, writers, and musicians. Never-before-seen footage shot by Broomfield and legendary documentarian D.A. Pennebaker makes for a unique portrait of an idyllic 1960’s bohemia.
What You Need to Know: 2019 has offered no shortage to music documentaries. Everyone from Beyonce to Bob Dylan has gotten the cinematic treatment, each delivering singular expressions of their artistic visions. Toss in experimental films such as “Guava Island” and “Anima” and it’s looking to be a very interesting year for how and why musicians are transferring their music to different scales. With “Marianne & Leonard” audiences are given a different point of view, placing the focus not so much of Leonard Cohen’s music but instead on his muse that defined their personal and public lives. The documentary is directed by Nick Broomfield whose prior work includes 2017’s “Whitney: Can I Be Me.”
Release Date: July 5th
“Cities of Last Things (Netflix)”
Cast: Jack Kao, Lee Hong-chi, Louise Grinberg
Synopsis: Three extraordinary nights in the life of an ordinary man- each involving a different woman, each changing his existence for good.
What You Need to Know: The latest foreign film to make it to Netflix’s distribution, “Cities of Last Things” hopefully won’t get overlooked in a season of tentpole theater viewings and blockbusters. Directed by Wi Ding Ho the film is an amalgamation of genres, molding something equal parts fantasy, drama, and thriller with positive results. Having made its premiere at the 2018 Toronto Film Festival, it’s had a long ride to release but as far as we’re able to tell, it’s a beautifully made story of human tragedy worth staying alert for.
Release Date: July 11th