June has arrived! As we take a moment to realize we’ve (somehow) entered the sixth month of a year that feels like a repeat of the last two, let us reflect on some of the weird, wacky and wild movies hitting theaters in the coming weeks.
First up, a biographical comedy film titled Phantom of the Open. Based on real life “professional” golfer Maurice Flitcroft, the movie stars Mark Rylance as the central character, entering various golfing tournaments despite never having played a real game in his life. The trailer seems to indicate some larger-than-life imaginary moments peppered in with the biographical ones, so it should be an entertaining ride through his hilarious life story. It releases on June 3.
For your creepy fix, check out Watcher. The plot sees an American woman (Maika Monroe) moving to a city in Romania where she doesn’t speak the language. Her apartment window faces another building, where a man appears to be spying on her from his room. The trailer has all the paranoia and quick, frightening images to intrigue fans of thrillers. It hits theaters on June 3.
If you’re looking forward to Adam Sandler taking on another of his rare but compelling serious roles, look no further than Hustle. Sandler stars as a former NBA scout looking to revive his career by recruiting a player with an unclean past. The trailer is mostly Sandler giving a motivational speech meshed with clips of slam dunks and the hardships of training. It looks to be a good, if not by-the-numbers, sports drama, but it’s always a thrill to see Sandler acting with a true passion. This one comes to Netflix on June 10.
Needing another psychological thriller? Check out The Forgiven. With a big name cast including Ralph Fiennes, Jessica Chastain, Matt Smith and Caleb Landry Jones, the film centers on an accident in Morocco and what it means for both the locals and the visitors. Directed by John Michael McDonagh (The Guard, Calvary) and based on the book of the same name, the film is shaping up to hopefully be another wonderfully macabre entry in McDonagh’s line of work. There’s no trailer yet, but the premise and minds behind it are enough to add it to my list. It hits theaters on June 17.
For your musical drama and biopic all in one, don’t miss Elvis. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, known for his over-the-top and lavish filming style, the movie will chronicle the life and times of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) as well as his complicated relationship with his manager Tom Parker, played by Tom Hanks, in a performance I can only describe as truly “going for it.” The trailer has all the pizzazz of a Luhrmann picture, with huge set pieces and dramatic lighting and acting. It releases June 24.
Lastly, watch Severance on Apple TV+ as soon as you can. Wonderful performances, a stunningly wild story and phenomenal set design.
