July

Tammy (Ben Falcone) Rated R – July 4 – After losing her job and learning that her husband has been unfaithful, a woman hits the road with her profane, hard-drinking grandmother. Starring Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Dan Aykroyd, and Mark Duplass

Yay! Another Melissa McCarthy movie where we get to laugh because the writers/directors only know how to use her weight as comedic leverage. Her husband is in the driver seat as his first written and directed feature film. I smell a disaster waiting to happen. Maybe my low expectations will get blown away? Doubtful. WATCH IT ON NETFLIX! 

Earth to Echo (Dave Green) Rated PG – July 4 – A group of friends investigate a series of bizarre text messages they receive after a construction project begins in their neighborhood. Starring Teo Halm, Astro, Reese Hartwig, and Ella Wahlestedt

E.T. meets Batteries Not Included meets Super 8. It’s been done before, but this time in the form of a PG, found footage movie that’s actually suitable for kids. Interesting angle, but will it be fresh enough to stand on its own? The young actors appear don’t appear to be annoying, so that’s a plus. I’d give it a whirl. MATINEE IT! 

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Matt Reeves ) Rated PG-13 – July 18 – Survivors of the simian plague trigger an all-out war between humanity and Caesar’s growing forces. Starring Gary Oldman, Keri Russell, Andy Serkis, Jason Clarke, and Kodi Smit-McPhee

Here’s another sequel, like 22 Jump Street, that came into being after a very surprising predecessor. And after Reeve’s comments at WonderCon, I am far more interested in it now that I know that it’s more than a war between the species. The concept in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is grand, and I can’t wait to see the evolution of this world. Not to mention Andy Serkis putting on another spectacular motion capture performance alongside a great cast. SEE IT! 

Sex Tape (Jake Kasdan) Rated R – July 18 – A married couple wake up to discover that the sex tape they made the evening before has gone missing, leading to a frantic search for its whereabouts. Starring Jason Segel, Cameron Diaz, Rob Corddry, and Jack Black

Who asked for this? I honestly want to know. This would have been funny maybe 10 years ago when all of the celebs’ sex tapes were leaking out, but the comedy scene in the trailer is tepid and uninspired. Not to mention the lack of chemistry between Diaz and Segel have together. WATCH IT ON NETFLIX! 

Planes: Fire & Rescue (Roberts Gannaway) Rated G – July 18 – When world-famous air racer Dusty learns that his engine is damaged and he may never race again, he must shift gears and is launched into the world of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces with veteran fire and rescue helicopter Blade Ranger and his team, a bunch of all-terrain vehicles known as The Smokejumpers. Together, the fearless team battles a massive wildfire, and Dusty learns what it takes to become a true hero. Starring Dane Cook, Julie Bowen, Ed Harris, and Regina King

The first Planes was boring and I fell asleep. There is nothing interesting about Rusty or the world of Planes. For a franchise that was originally set to go direct-to-home video they are really pushing it here. Planes did make a decent haul, but it was only because parents had nothing else better to give their children at the time, and it will most likely happen again based on the smart scheduling of Disney. SKIP IT! 

Jupiter Ascending (Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski) Unrated – July 25 – In the future, a young destitute human woman gets targeted for assassination by the Queen of the Universe, and begins her destiny to finish the Queen’s reign. Starring Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Sean Bean, and Douglas Booth

In the Wachowskis I trust. Cloud Atlas did not receive the praise it should have gotten, but folks still remember The Matrix trilogy as one of the most insane experiences they have ever witnessed in theaters. Never lacking in the visuals, Jupiter Ascending looks gorgeous and with beautiful people such as Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum, the film will have no problem keeping your attention to the screen at all times. I just hope Sean Bean doesn’t die this time, like he tends to do. The story is fascinating and should be an interesting ride. SEE IT! 

Hercules (Brett Ratner) Unrated – July 25 – Having endured his legendary twelve labors, Hercules, the Greek demigod, has his life as a sword-for-hire tested when the King of Thrace and his daughter seek his aid in defeating a tyrannical warlord. Starring Dwayne Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane, and Joseph Fiennes

Hahaha no. After seeing the horrendous trailer and witnessing The Legend of Hercules bomb gloriously, I cannot say I want to see another Hercules movie this year; even based on the fact that The Rock kills a lion and wears it on his head. I hope it is as great as Battlefield Earth. WATCH IT ON NETFLIX! 

Continue Reading for August Releases!