From now through the end of summer, aka August 31, there will be 130 new flicks that hit the big screens across America. That’s a lot of movie mania to sort through to determine which films land on your “I must get out of the house and see this movie” list. Lucky for you, The Movie Mensch has digested the entire deluge of sizzling summer movie magic and narrowed the must-see movies to eighteen.
Without further ado, we start with the Merc with the Mouth sequel that has us giddy with expectations.
May 18
Deadpool 2
Ryan Reynolds returns to the character that sent him into the superstar stratosphere, Deadpool. In Deadpool 2, DP has his hands full with a villain in Cable (Josh Brolin) that will stop at nothing until his achieves his mission. Cable has landed from the future with one thing on the agenda: Get a kid with mutant powers from present day and eliminate him to help things for the baddie in the future.
Reynolds’ regenerative power-driven hero might need a little help this time out. He gets it in the form of the X-Men moniker knock-off, X-Force (after all this story lives and breathes in the X-Men universe). They are comprised of many, including Domino (Zazie Beetz), Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), Bedlam (Terry Crews) and Shatterstar (Lewis Tan).
Back for more is Morena Baccarin as DP’s best girl and T.J. Miller as his BFF.
May 25
Solo: A Star Wars Story
How did Han Solo become the most rugged, notorious, savvy and triumphant scalawag in the galaxy? If that question begs and answer for you, then the Ron Howard directed Solo: A Star Wars Story is the cat’s meow to heat things up this summer.
Alden Ehrenreich steps into the boots made famous by an icon, Harrison Ford. Talk about a tough job. Some may say there is no upside for the actor. But, kudos for him to tackle what had to be the most challenging gig he’s gotten this far in his young career.
Audiences are promised a journey into the galaxy that takes place years before the events of Star Wars: A New Hope. Solo is a breathtaking driver and pitch-perfect pilot with a penchant for life on the slightly darker side of right and wrong. When he’s recruited by Woody Harrelson’s Tobias Beckett to join a criminal crew, not only does it send him on his destined path, but it introduces him to a BFF in the making in the form of Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover, perfectly cast).
MORE: Tour the Millennium Falcon with Donald Glover!
We’ve also always wondered how Solo and Chewbacca met. Something tells me that question will be answered… and much more courtesy of Howard — one of our most treasured filmmakers. Speaking of the Oscar winner, time cannot go fast enough until release day to see how Howard salvaged this film that was looking like it was going to be a disaster from early reports. Lucasfilm fired initial helmers Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Howard stepped in and on May 25, we head to a galaxy far, far away to see how he did.
June 1
Action Point
There is something about what Johnny Knoxville does that not only brings a coy smile to our face, but often sends us into fits of uncontrollable laughter that lifts the spirits. After the success of his Bad Grandpa, the salacious stuntman and comic actor could have delivered any type of project to Paramount and they would have green lit it.
When he brought them Action Point, execs must have been pinching themselves. Knoxville plays a grandfather (yup, donning that old man makeup once again for hilarious results). But this time out, his story is told through flashbacks. Grandpa waxes poetic about his time as a theme park owner decades prior to the delight of his granddaughter. Before there were safety regulations and the sort, pop-pop’s park was always on the verge of going off the rails. For those who visited Action Park, a fun day would be had by all, even if many went home with injuries from the unregulated fun zone.
The premise alone is pure killer Knoxville. Toss in the fact that it is likely to have the same kind of heart that Bad Grandpa did, amongst its sordid hilarity, as it involves Knoxville’s divorced dad welcoming his daughter for the summer. This thing has hit written all over it. And yes, there are so seriously dangerous (and thus hilarious) stunts done by Knoxville and his actors throughout.
A Kid Like Jake
Claire Danes and Jim Parsons portray parents of a young boy. Even though educators and other parents have great pause at their son Jake’s choices in terms of dress and how he carries himself, his mother and father could not be more supportive. See, Jake likes to wear tutus and is more interested in princesses than trucks.
Everything is fine in the household, Danes and Parsons encourage their son to explore his interests, no matter what others may believe. Then, when the director of Jake’s preschool expresses concerns, suddenly their situation becomes a little less free-spirited and each parent starts to question everything they have done with their child from his birth through this moment.
A Kid Like Jake is an incredibly timely film and shines a spotlight on an issue that parents of 2018 will have to confront as our gender morays are certainly blurring. The thing is, many in our society still subscribe to the strict definitions of the past. Should make for an interesting film that will absolutely spur conversation long after the credits roll. With Parsons and Danes as the leads, prepare for some thespian fireworks to illuminate the screen in a summer film that does not contain superheroes or explosions. The film also stars Oscar winner Octavia Spencer and Priyanka Chopra.
June 8
Ocean’s 8
Debbie Ocean knows the family business and when biz is good, it is really good. Of course, Debbie (Sandra Bullock) is Danny Ocean’s (George Clooney from the Ocean’s 11 movies) estranged sister and after several years in the clink she has emerged with her eyes on a new prize. She wants to assemble a crew of eight wickedly awesome women to rob the Met Gala. Specifically, the multi-million-dollar necklace that will lay around the neck of superstar Daphne Kluger (Oscar winner Anne Hathaway).
Initially, Ocean’s 8 appeared to be a pure cash grab. But, after that first Ocean’s 8 trailer premiered… we immediately thought this film has the potential to be steal up some serious box office mojo. Bullock is joined in the cast by her partner in crime, another Oscar winner, Cate Blanchett (who plays Lou) as they assemble a crew of six others to pull off the heist that will conclude with “none of us being anyone’s prime suspect.”
Rihanna, Mindy Kailing, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson and Awkwafina round out the superstar cast.
Hereditary
Every year a horror movie comes out of nowhere and shocks the world to its core. In 2015, it was The Witch. The producer that brought us that chilling tale returns with what is likely to be 2018’s most horrifying horror flick, Hereditary.
Toni Collette stars as a woman whose life is about to turn upside down. She’s just buried her mother and is trying to have her family return to some sort of normalcy after mom’s elongated suffering. Thing is, mom appeared to be in to some pretty dark things and elements of her past start cropping up — for Collette’s single mom to Charlie (Milly Shapiro) — from the moment of her passing long past her burial. Oh, and when it appears that Charlie has inherited a bit of her grandmother’s eerie nature, things could get quite horrifying with that family. One may never look at the concept of hereditary inheritance the same after witnessing Hereditary.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor
Fred Rogers was the most unlikely of TV stars. His neighborhood became America’s favorite spot to send their kids for many, many years. Won’t You Be My Neighbor is a documentary that chronicles Rogers and his impact on our youth (including this writer) in a way that changed the world. Simply watch the following trailer for the film and try not to use those tissues as you get misty-eyed.
The doc is not only a delightful ode to children’s television that shaped the hearts and minds of an entire generations, but it is a timely piece of filmmaking that has us wishing there was someone like Fred Rogers today to help bring some much-needed sanity to an insane world. His approach was somewhat simple: inject love into any situation and all involved with be better for it. Influence the children, you influence the future. Because of him, is not the world today a better place because of those lessons learned by millions?
June 15
Incredibles 2
It may have taken 14 years, but the super Parr family has returned to once again save the day. That’s right, The Incredibles are back. Pixar and Disney have assembled the whole gang, along with some new vocal talent, to tell a fresh tale that still finds our superhero family living the quiet life, as being a superhero is still a societal no-no.
This time out, Mama Parr, aka Elastigirl, (Holly Hunter) has been tapped by a super-secret government agency to do some work using her superpowers to help out. That means Papa Parr, aka Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), must stay home and take care of the new baby (with its own budding superpowers as teased in that awesome Incredibles 2 trailer) and their two other “super” kids.
Sam Jackson’s Frozone returns, with a slew of other big-name stars lending their vocal talents including Sophia Bush, Jonathan Banks, Catherine Keener, Bob Odenkirk, Isabella Rossellini and Pixar favorite John Ratzenberger. The Incredibles director Brad Bird is back helming, from a script he penned.
June 22
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
After the success of 2015’s Jurassic World, a follow-up is hardly a surprise — especially for a franchise that already has three prior installments. We were a tad bit concerned about the sequel when that first teaser dropped. But, after that stunning Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom full trailer, this thing looks like a gangbuster of a sequel that should please longtime fans and newbies to the Jurassic landscape.
Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard reprise their roles as both are summoned to the island they left in a hurry last time out when the dinosaurs started running amuck. Seems that the dino’s home is self-destructing (volcanos are a tad on the volatile side, aren’t they?) and there’s an all-out effort to rescue those priceless, once extinct, creatures before the island swallows them whole. Along the way, something is not quite right and Pratt’s raptor whisperer, Owen, realizes that he and Howard’s Claire may be pawns in a much larger conspiracy that will put the entire human race on the menu.
One of the reasons this guy is so excited for a return to Jurassic World is an iconic member of the first trilogy, Jeff Goldblum, is reprising his role as Ian Malcolm. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, nothing will. J.A. Bayona takes over the directing duties from Jurassic World’s helmer Colin Trevorrow, who is still very much involved in the sequel as producer and co-screenwriter.
June 29
Sicario: Day of the Soldado
Some were quite upset that the sequel to 2015’s Sicario would not feature Emily Blunt. Sure, Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro both return, but Blunt’s heroine is notably missing. Let’s see the flick and see how they handle it before we sound an alarm about females being underrepresented in Hollywood action movies (they are, without a doubt). But this particular story focuses on drug cartels being added to the terrorist organization list and how that allows the Department of Defense to join the fight with the DEA in bringing down those who are poisoning our country with their wares.
Brolin’s Agent Graver has taken the leash off Del Toro’s Gillick and as such, things will get a little messy. So messy, in fact, that their efforts may start a war with the Mexican government.
This flick has must-see written all over it, and that is largely due to the fact that Taylor Sheridan is back as the screenplay writer. His work on the first film is stunning on so many levels, and he has since gone on to hone his already gifted craft with stellar work (Hell or High Water, Wind River). Returning to the series he started should make Sicario: Day of the Soldado one of summer’s highest highlights.
July 6
Ant-Man and the Wasp
Ant-Man landed in 2015 and had no business being as wildly entertaining and insanely awesome as it was with Paul Rudd starring as the tiny hero with the enormous heart. The Marvel comic character is one of the most beloved in their canon and his journey from the pages of the comic books to the silver screen didn’t come easy. Edgar Wright (Baby Driver) dropped out as writer-director and that meant that Peyton Reed had to pick up the pieces as helmer with a huge assist from new screenplay co-writer Adam McKay (Anchorman).
Turns out, the tone was pitch-perfect, and the film became an enormous success, right along all those other super superhero movies from the Marvel Studio imagination. A sequel, always a no-brainer when it comes to Marvel movies, would be green-lit and this time out, our tiniest hero would get some help in the form of Evangeline Lilly’s The Wasp. Her potential for the character was teased in the first film and with her fully taking flight in Ant-Man and the Wasp, look for the quips, the action, the romantic and comedic chemistry to all go off the charts.
MORE: First look at Ant-Man and The Wasp!
Reed is back behind the camera for this film that is supposedly going to take place before the events of Avengers: Infinity War, thus explaining Ant-Man’s absence from that blockbuster. Michael Douglas returns as Hank Pym, and joining the cast is Michelle Pfeiffer as Janet van Dyne. For fans of the comic book series, that could not be better news. After those July 4 fireworks fade, look for Ant-Man and the Wasp to set off their own explosions at cinemas everywhere.
July 13
Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot
Joaquin Phoenix stars as a man who is having his challenges trying to stay on a sober path and getting his life on track. When an accident leaves him in a wheelchair and suddenly sober (this time for good), he works his injured hands to the best of his ability and produces a series of cartoons that are simultaneously hilarious and controversial. He’s got a new lease on life and after witnessing director Gus Van Zant’s latest, do not be surprised if you have one too!
John Callahan adapted his book for the silver screen and from every early indication, Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot is going to be that summer movie that has the potential to break the sequel-superhero stranglehold on audiences’ attention. For those who like an explosion and action sequence free experience at the cinemas this warmer season, Van Zant (who has given us so many classics, including one of my favorites, Good Will Hunting) has produced something that will tick all the emotional boxes.
Jonah Hill stars as Phoenix’s best pal, and is joined in the cast by Rooney Mara, Jack Black, Kim Gordon and Ronnie Adrian.
Eighth Grade
July 13 has not one, but two untraditional summer movie releases that should resonate with adult audiences and viewers seeking more from their films than racing hearts from suspense and action. Eighth Grade is the second film that will vie for those audience members’ attention and let’s hope that after being filled with the true power of cinema and all it delivers, those who see one will also spend their other weekend night witnessing the other.
Eighth Grade shines the spotlight on Elsie Fisher, who delivers a star-making turn as Kayla. She is in the titular grade and writer-director Bo Burnham paints a picture that utterly nails the most awkward year of those awkward years in a manner that is entertaining, enlightening, heartwarming and heart breaking.
The film chronicles Kayla’s final week in Eighth Grade and it serves as an experience that will catapult her emotionally, mentally, physically and esoterically into the challenge that is the institution of high school. Josh Hamilton stars as her father, Mark. He is a man who is doing the best he can to raise his daughter and instill in her the confidence that is needed to navigate those treacherous waters of that time period.
Eighth Grade has come off the festival circuit and been declared the most astounding of achievements. We suspect that this film is not only for those audiences craving more from their summer movies than what Hollywood gives us, it will appeal to anyone who has survived the titular experience and lived to tell the tale. Yeah, like every single soul on the planet!
July 20
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
It has been a decade since ABBA songs came to life on the big screen in Mamma Mia!, the movie musical that became an international smash. Using the Swedish supergroup’s biggest hits, the film told the story of a daughter (Amanda Seyfried) and a mother (Meryl Streep) exploring the challenges of their relationship, one made ever so complicated by the fact that Seyfried’s Sophie and Streep’s Donna have no idea who Sophie’s father is. It could be one of three men (played by Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgård). The Broadway musical effortlessly sang and danced to the silver screen and when all was said and done, audiences probably thought that all was, well… said and done.
Guess again.
The cast is back on that glorious Greek island and this time out, Sophie is pregnant (she knows who the dad is, her husband Sky (Dominic Cooper)). But, the struggle is still there in the form of her utter fear at becoming a mother. It is under that premise that we go back in time and discover how Sophie (played as a younger woman by Lily James) managed to have a baby by herself and triumph in the role of mother. All, again, to the soundtrack of ABBA’s most beloved tracks.
We never thought we needed a sequel to Mamma Mia. It was all wrapped up in a nice little bow that still is one of our favorite movie musicals to this day. Then, that Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again trailer dropped, and it instantly shot onto our list of 2018 summer movie must-sees.
Who’s ready to be the Dancing Queen? After all, there is no such thing as too much ABBA!
July 27
Mission Impossible: Fallout
The sixth Mission Impossible film has one thing going for it already and that is it produced one of the best trailers of the year, if not the best. That Mission Impossible: Fallout trailer did exactly what a beautifully brilliant teaser is supposed to do. 1) It informed audiences what to expect from the upcoming film. 2) It featured its star front and center, sure, but also provided insight into the ensemble that supports the man above the movie’s moniker on the poster. 3) The cost for all involved was laid out tantalizingly and 4) The final moments left you gasping for air.
Every time I witnessed that trailer before another film, it was an event. That should never be underestimated in terms of putting butts in seats. One particular screening saw the audience erupt in cheers after its harrowing conclusion.
Now, in terms of story… Ethan Hunt (Cruise) has been screwed over one too many times by his government and when his team is forced to go underground, their will be catastrophic consequences for all involved. The last two MI films have been the finest of the series and there has been an undeniable electric momentum building towards Fallout. Few flicks this summer that have our anticipation burning up in the red like Mission Impossible: Fallout has done. To think, it all started with a trailer. If that teaser doesn’t win the Golden Trailer title next year, it will be a crime of the highest order. It is one that will be studied for decades.
August 10
The Meg
Jason Statham versus an enormous prehistoric shark (that someone forgot to inform it that it was extinct) has summer popcorn fun fest written all over it.
Director Jon Turteltaub (National Treasure movies) knows a thing or two about taking what could be contrived action plots and bringing them to life in the most undeniably thrilling ways. This Jaws meets Jurassic Park thriller is custom made for Statham’s classic quips and in-over-his-head cinematic moments that we hope will add up to at least one instance where the action hero punches the titular monster right in the nose. Hey, one can dream.
Another thing… we suspect that this will be one of those action movies with larger-than-life premises that never shies away from embracing exactly what it is. That tongue will firmly be planted right inside the cheek throughout and it should also be noted that its release date is also a stroke of brilliance. By the time August rolls around each summer, audiences have a bit of fatigue for the ridiculous. But, for a film that smartly sizzles in its silliness, viewers will turn out in droves. The Meg, we predict, will be one of those movies.
August 17
Crazy Rich Asians
One of the year’s most anticipated films finally debuts when Kevin Kwan’s blockbuster novel, Crazy Rich Asians, hits the big screen from director Jon M. Chu (Now You See Me 2, G.I. Joe: Retaliation).
The film is a triumph on many levels, not the least of which is it is a tentpole summer movie that has a cast completely comprised of Asian actors and directed by a man whose family hails from China. But, what makes this film special is the same reason the book was so resonant. Its story is so universal.
Rachel (Constance Wu) has been dating her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding) and the two are clearly in love. The next big step for them is Nick taking Rachel to Asia to meet his family for an epic wedding. Something Nick never mentioned was that his family is wealthy, like extraordinarily rich — dare we say, “Crazy Rich?” How will that change the relationship, if it all? Also, Nick has an overbearing mother that makes her disapproval of his choice in girlfriends clearly known.
See, how cannot relate to that?! Should make for a fun ride for all.
August 24
Papillon
Henri Charrière iconic book Papillon comes to the silver screen for the first time since the 1973 Steve McQueen classic. This time, it’s Charlie Hunnam tackling the title role. Henri ‘Papillon’ Charrière is imprisoned on a remote island and he has had just about enough.
Joining Hunnam in director Michael Noer’s emotionally-driven thrill ride is Rami Malek (who will soon be seen as Freddie Mercury in the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody) as Louis Dega, Henri’s partner in crime for this epic prison break.
The book has long been one of our personal faves and after appreciating McQueen’s turn as the legendary character, it’ll be fascinating to see what Hunnam will bring to the part that has transcended eras.