July is here and it’s HOT. Or is it? This is written in the past so I don’t actually know, but I assume it’s hot because, well, it’s Oklahoma. Aaaand, since it’s (presumably) unbearable out, why not hit your local theater for a flick?
First up, Marvel keeps ‘em coming with Thor: Love and Thunder. A follow-up to Thor: Ragnarok and again directed by Taika Waititi, this is the… *checks notes* … 29th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a phrase I frankly grow more and more tired of saying every month. Chris Hemsworth returns as Thor, with Christian Bale as the villain Gorr the God Butcher and Natalie Portman back as Jane Foster. The plot concerns Thor’s mid-life crisis as he tries to figure out what he wants to do next. The Guardians of the Galaxy will also show up when this hits theaters on July 8.
For your horror and science fiction fix, get ready for Nope. Written and directed by Jordan Peele, this film will be his third after Get Out and Us. The plot revolves around ranch owners James and Jill Haywood (Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer) and the sudden, paranormal events that happen around them. The trailer hints at some otherworldly activities, so I guess we’ll all find out what we’re saying “nope” to on July 22.
For something outside the norm, check out the documentary My Old School. Combining animation, interviews and some lip-syncing work from Alan Cumming, the film centers around a high school in Glasgow, Scotland, in the ’90s. There, a new kid enrolls and climbs the social ladder, only to have the strange secret to his success revealed. The real life story seems wildly engaging, and the animation style evokes the MTV show Daria. You can find out all about the mysteries of this student on July 22.
For the blockbuster action film this month, be sure to see Bullet Train. Starring an ensemble cast including Brad Pitt, Joey King, Michael Shannon and Sandra Bullock, the story concerns Pitt’s character Ladybug, a trained killer who wants out of the business but who is, of course, dragged back for one last job on a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. Several other assassins on board realize all of their objectives are connected, so comedy and fights ensue. Based on the Japanese novel Maria Beetle, this looks like a fun and action-packed film with a great cast and an excellent sense of humor. It releases on July 29. (Note: Just kidding, it moved to Aug. 5 because firm release dates mean nothing!)
Lastly, check out Slow Horses on Apple TV+. The story follows a group of MI5 agents who have made some massive mistakes, landing them in a place called Slough House, a sort of purgatory for screw-ups. Gary Oldman stars as their boss, a crotchety and boozy dude with an unsightly past. It’s a great spy thriller with a second season coming later this year.
