Hereditary (6/8)
“When Ellen, the matriarch of the Graham family, passes away, her daughter’s family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry. The more they discover, the more they find themselves trying to outrun the sinister fate they seem to have inherited as it slowly destroys everything they know.”
Having seen this film at Sundance I can vouch for it being one hell of a horror movie complete with great scares, striking imagery, and a highly memorable ending. Even better, it features two incredible performances by Toni Collette and Alex Wolff that work to raise the emotional stakes to truly affecting levels.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (6/8)
“An exploration of the life, lessons, and legacy of iconic children’s television host Fred Rogers.”
I’d like to blame Chris Campbell for the presence of a documentary in our most-anticipated list for summer 2018, but he wasn’t alone in voting for it. Everyone knows Mr. Rogers was a gift to the world, and this doc promises to confirm that while also clearing out your tear ducts along the way.
The Incredibles 2 (6/15)
“Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) is left to care for Jack-Jack while Helen (Elastigirl) is out saving the world.”
It’s probably to be expected that the only animated film to make the cut here is a Pixar release, and it is a sequel to one of their most popular efforts pretty much guaranteed it a spot. I’m more of a Bug’s Life guy, but I’m thrilled at any opportunity to see (or in this case hear) Holly Hunter on the big screen so I’m in for this family’s next adventure.
Damsel (6/22)
“A businessman travels West to join his fiancée in the mountains.”
I saw and loved this one at Sundance too, and this synopsis is aces. Fans of Mia Wasikowska, Robert Pattinson, deadpan comedy, and 2015’s underappreciated Slow West should avoid any trailers that drop and just seek this one out as soon as it opens.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (6/22)
“When the island’s dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen and Claire mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event.”
Meh. I have nothing against the Colin Trevorrow, but after the lackluster Jurassic World, the only thing about this movie that appeals is J.A. Bayona (The Impossible, The Orphanage) in the director’s chair.
Under the Silver Lake (6/22)
“Centers on a man named Sam (Garfield) who becomes obsessed with the strange circumstances of a billionaire mogul’s murder and the kidnapping of a girl. Riley Keough as Sarah, Sam’s new neighbor. Topher Grace as Sam’s friend who helps him with an investigation surrounding a missing woman.”
A new film from the director of It Follows and The Myth of the American Sleepover should be on everyone’s must-see list. The fact that it’s a modern-day noir starring Andrew Garfield and Riley Keough just seals the deal. That said, we can probably assume right now that Topher Grace plays a secret bad guy.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (6/29)
“The drug war on the US-Mexico border has escalated as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border. To fight the war, federal agent Matt Graver re-teams with the mercurial Alejandro.”
The absence of Emily Blunt hurts, but I am fully onboard for more violently unapologetic action with Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin. If nothing else, how can you not be curious why he’s shooting his gun that way?!
The First Purge (7/4)
“The film will be a prequel that will focus on the events that lead up to the very first Purge event.”
The three previous Purge films are a mixed bag with 2014’s Anarchy being the best of the bunch, so it’s anyone’s guess how this entry will fare. The absence of Frank Grillo is unfortunate but understandable seeing as it’s a prequel, but hopefully, the film finds a charismatic performer for audiences to hitch their interest onto.
Sorry to Bother You (7/6)
“In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success, propelling him into a macabre universe.”
I missed this one at Sundance like an idiot, but I won’t make the same mistake twice. Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer, Steven Yuen, Terry Crews, and more fill out what looks to be a crazily inventive comedy about the difficulties of being yourself.
Related Topics: Summer Movies
