It’s only June and already it feels like many of the hottest films of the summer have come and gone (in part becathe use blockbuster season is starting earlier and earlier each year). “Avengers: Infinity War,””Deadpool 2,” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story” have all debuted in theaters to varying levels of success, and before July hits with more Marvel, a “Mission: Impossible” sequel and Dwayne Johnson proving he can make any premise seem even remotely alluring due to his sheer level of charm, we have a month to explore a more eccentric variety of titles. There’s no shortage of genres to explore with horror films that seem terrifying, Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock looking fabulous in an action/heist film, and a visit from Mister Rogers.
“American Animals”
Cast: Evan Peters, Ann Dowd, Barry Keoghan, Blake Jenner
Synopsis: The unbelievable but true story of four young men who brazenly attempt to execute one of the most audacious art heists in US history. Determined to live lives that are out of the ordinary, they formulate a daring plan for the perfect robbery, only to discover that the plan has taken on a life of its own.
What You Need to Know: A “based on a true story” heist film from the director that brought you the critically adored documentary “The Imposter,” Bart Layton has managed to blend reality with narrative storytelling. With a tremendously stacked cast of the up-and-comer types such as Barry Keoghan,who grabbed hold of our attention last year with “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” and “Dunkirk,” even if it’s not to everyone’s taste as was the case with our review, it will be a home to some bolstering talent.
Release Date: 6/1
“Ocean’s 8”
Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway
Synopsis: Upon her release from prison, Debbie, the estranged sister of legendary conman Danny Ocean, puts together a team of unstoppable crooks to pull of the heist of the century. Their goal is New York City’s annual Met Gala, and a necklace worth in excess of $150 million.
What You Need to Know: There’s a pretty valid argument to be made that instead of regurgitating old stories led by men and replacing them with female casts, Hollywood should instead hunker down and actually create original stories for that same female talent. That being said, just looking at the cast for “Ocean’s 8,” or, hell, just looking at Cate Blanchett’s jaw-droppingly fabulous wardrobe has been enough to bolster some excitement. It may not reinvent the wheel, so to speak, but it already looks to be far more fun than the 2016 “Ghostbusters” remake with a cast that, along with Blanchett, seem to be having a blast.
Release Date: 6/8
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Cast: Fred Rogers
Synopsis: From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville (“20 Feet from Stardom”),“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” takes an intimate look at America’s favorite neighbor: Mister Fred Rogers. A portrait of a man whom we all think we know, this emotional and moving film takes us beyond the zip-up cardigans and the land of make-believe, and into the heart of a creative genius who inspired generations of children with compassion and limitless imagination.
What You Need to Know: It’s almost surprising to learn the longevity of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” which ran from 1968 to 2001. Despite the shows ultimately timeless and poignant messages of acceptance, tolerance and unwavering optimism, there was simultaneously a snapshot-in-time feel to the show which imbues it with a specific sense of nostalgic affection. What makes it all the more special however is how much you learn from the show once you’ve grown up, looked past the sweaters and puppet populated towns, and realize those messages in their entirety. “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” an expected feel good weeper, is something of a treasure to seek out in 2018, where the morality of one single man could inspire many in small moments and simple, generous gestures.
Release Date: 6/8
“Hereditary”
Cast: Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, Ann Dowd
Synopsis: When the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, her daughter’s family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry.
What You Need to Know: What movie sounded so terrifying that a certain writer may have sworn off of even watching a single trailer? If you are to believe the hype (our critic called it a game-changer), “Hereditary” is one of the scariest films to be released in years with an incredible performance from Toni Collette. Our critic who saw it when it debuted at Sundance said, “’Hereditary’ refuses to employ cheap thrills, creating its cinematic scares with atmosphere, and continuously reinventing itself at every turn.”
Release Date: 6/8