Movies

The 18 summer movies we’re most excited about

BBG News

Surprisingly, with our now accustomed perspectives, the upcoming summer seems quite appealing. We’ve already stepped into the doll shop of “M3GAN 2.0” (June 27), a sequel that’s both wickedly humorous and packed with attitude. Additionally, we had an intriguing conversation with Benicio del Toro, who’s currently experiencing a career peak in Wes Anderson’s cleverly political yet playful film, “The Phoenician Scheme” (May 30). However, what about the rest of the season? Our team members have allowed their anticipations to soar, openly admitting their high expectations for missions that seem impossible, a few superheroes, and indeed, “The Naked Gun.” Here’s our undeniably vital and accurate list of the 18 films you should definitely prepare yourself for this summer.

‘Lilo & Stitch’

(May 23)

Back in 2002, the initial release of “Lilo & Stitch” was praised by a former film critic from The Times as a refreshing change from typical movie formulas. He admired its unique, rebellious humor that felt less constrained and more spontaneous than any Disney film without Pixar involvement in recent memory. Over the years, I’ve grown fond of Disney movies that share this storytelling style. Now, over two decades later, the offbeat, Hawaii-set buddy comedy about a girl who loves Elvis and an unusual blue alien is being adapted for live action. Maia Kealoha plays Lilo Pelekai, while Chris Sanders, who co-wrote and co-directed the original film, reprises his role as Stitch’s voice. Joining the original cast members Tia Carrere, Amy Hill, and Jason Scott Lee are Billy Magnussen, Zach Galifianakis, Hannah Waddingham, and Courtney B. Vance. Needless to say, I can’t wait to embark on this “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.” — Ashley Lee

‘Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning’

(May 23)

Amy Nicholson’s piece suggests that it’s challenging to keep track of the intricate plots in the seven prior adventures of Ethan Hunt, portrayed by Tom Cruise. However, we remember the thrilling visuals: Cruise hanging from various locations such as a ceiling, cliff, skyscraper, airplane, and a falling train. The series was intentionally crafted to go beyond logical consistency. In its early installments, the directors, tones, and even Ethan Hunt’s character changed significantly, transforming him from a boisterous man to a playboy and then a devoted husband. Christopher McQuarrie has directed the last four sequels, and his goal is to put Cruise in potentially dangerous situations onscreen. He represents one of the remaining champions defending the cinematic experience. It seems fitting that Cruise will be concluding his three-decade franchise at Cannes — only the third time he’s ever been there — and it’s hoped that whatever he does next will serve as a reminder that he is not just an action star but also a gifted actor.

‘Bring Her Back’

(May 30)

According to Mary McNamara’s description, the sequel to the horror film “Talk to Me” by twin directors Danny and Michael Philippou focuses on a brother and sister who discover a chilling ritual at their new foster mother’s isolated home. The trailer suggests that Sally Hawkins plays this foster mother, who seems troubled, as evidenced by her care of a very unsettling child, her unusual beliefs about resurrection, her fondness for gruesome corpses, and her use of videotapes. The title hints at an exploration of the terrors of grief, but given that “Talk to Me” had its fair share of jump scares, this new film is likely to include plenty more. (When a cat shows fear, it’s a sign that something ominous is happening.)

‘Materialists’

(June 13)

In a departure from her Oscar-nominated debut “Past Lives,” filmmaker Celine Song explores uncharted territory with “Materialists.” Contrary to appearances, this isn’t just another love triangle set in New York City. Dakota Johnson portrays a professional matchmaker—a role similar to one Song held briefly—who juggles her clients’ inflated expectations amidst the harsh realities of urban dating markets. As she grapples with her own cynicism, Johnson finds herself faced with more than a choice between the wealthy, charming Pedro Pascal and the struggling ex-caterer Chris Evans. Instead, she calculates the chances while trying to account for the elusive factors of love. The film subtly rebels against becoming a glitzy rom-com that glorifies wealth and privilege, transforming into a thoughtful series of hard-hitting dialogues about the role of love, money, and relationships in today’s society. — Mark Olsen

‘28 Years Later’

(June 20)

23 years have passed since the chilling horror movie “28 Days Later” was first released, and 16 years since its sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” debuted – but when you’re dodging swift-moving zombies, keeping track isn’t a priority! The original duo, director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland, team up once again for the beginning of a new trilogy that arrives at a time when their initial nightmare feels incredibly relevant. With the rage virus still rampant, a group of survivors, among them Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson portraying a couple, live in cautious seclusion on an island fortress – until one of them ventures across to what’s left of the mainland. Garland’s dystopian perspective and Boyle’s intense pacing continue to align flawlessly, and reports indicate that significant portions of the film were filmed using an iPhone 15, offering a frantic doomscroll-like realism. Unlike most summer films that offer an escape, this one seems more like an intense form of exposure therapy. — Josh Rottenberg

‘F1’

(June 27)

Maverick.” Not surprising, considering it’s from the same creative team – director Joseph Kosinski, writer Ehren Kruger, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, who also brought us the 2022 Tom Cruise blockbuster. However, in this tale, race cars replace fighter jets. The story unfolds around a retired Formula One driver (Brad Pitt), who’s charming but past his prime. He’s drawn back into the game to mentor a promising young racer (Damson Idris). It seems likely that they won’t see eye-to-eye at first, but it’s a safe bet that they’ll develop a reluctant mutual understanding. While character development might not be the main draw of this film, the thrill and roar of the engines are certain to satisfy. Coincidentally, or perhaps intentionally, its release comes just a week after Father’s Day. – Glenn Whipp

‘Sorry, Baby’

(June 27)

The significance of Sundance’s placement on the calendar lies in the fact that movies shown there early in the year can frequently serve as benchmarks for the rest of the film industry. For instance, “Sorry, Baby,” which received the festival’s screenwriting award, has yet to be surpassed in terms of its freshness, originality, and energy. This groundbreaking debut by director-writer-star Eva Victor chronicles a few years in the life of a young woman living in a small college town as she transitions from being a graduate student to a junior professor, all while navigating the aftermath of a traumatic incident. Victor skillfully balances raw emotional intensity with an eccentric comedic sensibility, portraying the tentative steps towards growth that often involve lingering pain but continued progress nonetheless. — Mark Olsen

‘Superman’

(July 11)

From the time Christopher Reeve debuted as Superman on screens in 1978, Hollywood has found it challenging to keep the original superhero aloft. Numerous reboots, sequels, and origin stories have come and gone, yet none fully encapsulated the character’s full mythic essence or core humanity. Now, James Gunn – who is known for directing “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Suicide Squad,” and has been chosen to revamp the DC Universe – is giving it a try. The film titled “Superman” serves as Warner Bros.’ ambitious attempt at restarting (or re-starting), featuring David Corenswet in the cape as a younger Clark Kent, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Gunn has hinted at a return to sincerity, but this production will undoubtedly retain his signature blend of quirky humor amidst grandeur and a few endearing oddball characters (including Superman’s flying dog Krypto). After years of dark deviations, Superman might finally get to embody what he was always intended to be: a beacon of hope, flying high when we (and Hollywood) need him the most. – Josh Rottenberg

‘Eddington’

(July 18)

2 years after directing Joaquin Phoenix through a three-hour psychological turmoil in “Beau Is Afraid”, director Ari Aster teams up with Phoenix once more for a genre-blending project described as a “film noir western dark comedy”. The movie, titled “Eddington”, is set in a small New Mexico town during the COVID-19 pandemic. It revolves around a sheriff (Phoenix) engaged in an escalating conflict with the mayor (Pedro Pascal), as the town becomes divided along deeper ideological lines. The film, which also features Emma Stone, Austin Butler, and Luke Grimes, shifts Aster’s focus from supernatural themes to the equally bizarre and threatening aspects of modern American society. With plot details being kept secret until its Cannes premiere, audiences can only speculate about where the story goes. However, with Aster at the helm, uncertainty is all part of the experience. – Josh Rottenberg

‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’

(July 18)

Slasher series focusing on attractive youths pursued by a lethal assassin are tough to put an end to. The latest installment receiving a second wind is “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” a remake of the 1997 chiller featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Phillippe, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Freddie Prinze Jr. – a production that birthed two unremarkable sequels and a TV show that was axed after a single season. This new movie revisits the storyline of the first: A gang of teens concealing a lethal car accident are being hunted by a ruthless killer wielding a menacing hook. The film seems to emulate the structure of the most recent “Scream” films – the newly tormented characters may seek aid from survivors of the initial films. Hewitt, who is currently co-starring in “9-1-1,” and Prinze, who retired from the Hollywood limelight in 2008, are reuniting, presumably with a few more years of life experience under their belts. – Greg Braxton

‘Together’

(July 30)

Alison Brie and Dave Franco’s unconventional romance, titled “Together,” has been generating buzz at film festivals such as Sundance without revealing much about its plot. The couple, who are married in real life, portray Millie and Tim, a pair whose relationship appears to be fading until an unusual and distressing event binds them together, both physically and symbolically. Some have speculated that the film might be called “Mildew,” but it’s likely not. The debut director, Michael Shanks, is said to be unsparing with gory practical special effects, and Brie and Franco are reportedly unafraid to bring their convincing and authentic intimacy to the characters. The film has been described as strange, disgusting, funny, and emotional, with a love scene that is said to be extraordinary. With such high expectations, “Together” certainly piques my curiosity. — Amy Nicholson

‘The Naked Gun’

(Aug. 1)

The storyline remains familiar: A man finds a woman, loses her, then a tragic airship accident claims her life; now, 37 years later, an unexpected sequel has emerged that I’m eagerly anticipating. Executing a spoof of a spoof is more challenging than Leslie Nielsen’s Lt. Frank Drebin performing forward handsprings with a gun in tow. However, director Akiva Schaffer, known for his self-aware comedies like “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping,” excels at reimagining ideas and distorting them with Silly Putty. Even Schaffer’s previous work, “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers,” was well-received, and he reunites here with its writers, Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. In this spinoff, Liam Neeson plays the son of Leslie Nielsen’s character, also named Lt. Frank Drebin – if their soundalike initials didn’t already confuse you enough. Neeson’s name has become a joke due to his focus on grim and repetitive action-thrillers post “Taken.” Let’s hope this reboot serves as a fresh start for him. – Amy Nicholson

‘Freakier Friday’

(Aug. 8)

The original and the sequel have always featured exceptional talents rising to prominence: Jodie Foster in 1976 and Lindsay Lohan in 2003. Now, it makes sense that this late sequel introduces a new talented face, Julia Butters, who demonstrated her prowess in “Once Upon a Time … in Hollywood.” However, many will attend for the long-awaited reunion of Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, a duo whose chemistry still sizzles. Both seem like veterans, worthy of a triumphant return in modern nostalgia. Initially, most acclaim went to Curtis, particularly when she played the villain. But could it be Lohan’s turn now? If she can shed her recent reserve and truly shine, I couldn’t ask for a more welcomed Hollywood comeback. — Joshua Rothkopf

‘Weapons’

(Aug. 8)

In the trailer for “Weapons,” Zach Cregger’s sequel to the 2022 horror sensation “Barbarian,” we hear a voice saying, “Those kids walked out of those houses on their own.” There was no one who pulled them or forced them. This reminded me of my children during the summer when they would do the same thing, and the peace and quiet that followed were welcome. However, the eerie whispers and foreboding music in this trailer suggest something more sinister is happening.

Cregger’s spec script sparked a fierce bidding war two years ago, with Cregger ultimately securing a significant payday and creative control, as long as the test screenings didn’t fail. The film also garnered a talented cast, including Josh Brolin and Julia Garner. The mystery of why 17 children left their homes simultaneously early one morning is what the movie will unravel. Is it a Pied Piper-like phenomenon, a viral TikTok party, or perhaps a new Trader Joe’s tote bag? We’ll find out soon enough, according to Glenn Whipp.

‘Highest 2 Lowest’

(Aug. 22)

In 2006, Denzel Washington teamed up with director Spike Lee for “Inside Man,” a film that thrived on the intensity of a hard-hitting crime script and an array of captivating co-stars. This collaboration seems to be repeated in this remake of Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller, “High and Low.” The story revolves around a dynamic businessman whose progress is halted by a kidnapping incident and subsequent ransom negotiations. From what we know, this movie promises to showcase Denzel Washington’s eloquence, as he maneuvers situations to his advantage, perhaps even overstepping the mark at times.

The filming locations around Brooklyn are sure to be a delight, and the cast includes Jeffrey Wright, ASAP Rocky, and Ice Spice, making her screen debut. — Joshua Rothkopf

‘Honey Don’t!’

(Aug. 22)

As a cinephile, I’m thrilled about an upcoming movie based in Bakersfield – it’s not just the location that piques my interest, but the intriguing cast and plot! The film, titled “Honey Don’t!”, stars Margaret Qualley as a private investigator and Aubrey Plaza as a mysterious character. I can hardly wait to see their dynamic unfold on screen.

This dark comedy revolves around Honey O’Donahue, played by Qualley, who is investigating the deaths surrounding a peculiar church. The enigmatic cult leader, portrayed by Chris Evans, seems to be involved in some way. “Honey Don’t!” is actually the second installment of a planned trilogy from co-writers Ethan Coen and Tricia Cooke, following their 2024 film “Drive Away Dolls”. Qualley was also part of that production, along with Geraldine Viswanathan who has since become a star in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The filmmakers have previously described their work as “silly” and “trashy”, and I wholeheartedly agree – we could use more lighthearted, offbeat lesbian films! — Tracy Brown

‘Caught Stealing’

(Aug. 29)

Director Darren Aronofsky is recognized for creating intense, disquieting films like “Requiem for a Dream” and “The Whale.” However, there’s an element of unpredictability in his work that could explain the production of “Caught Stealing,” which appears to be a lighthearted, spirited heist movie. This film, set in late-’90s New York City, follows Austin Butler as Hank Thompson, a former baseball player turned struggling bartender who is pursued by various underworld figures for reasons he doesn’t fully comprehend. The story, based on the 2004 novel by Charlie Huston (who also penned the screenplay), abounds with peculiar events and eccentric characters played by stars such as Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Regina King, and Bad Bunny. In a possible reference to the seemingly similar “After Hours,” its star Griffin Dunne is also featured. With all indications pointing towards enjoyable entertainment in the upcoming summer season. — Mark Olsen

‘The Roses’

(Aug. 29)

Intrigued by the cast of this modern adaptation of the 1989 film “The War of the Roses,” I was particularly drawn to Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch. They portray a restaurant owner and architect whose marriage crumbles when her professional success outshines his stagnation. Despite her acclaimed dramatic roles in shows like “The Crown” and “The Lost Daughter,” Colman showcases her versatility as both a heart-wrenching actress and a comedian, seamlessly blending tragedy with humor in projects such as “Fleabag” and “The Favourite.” Cumberbatch leans more towards dry humor, but even in his roles as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Strange, he revealed an unexpected comedic side.

To make the production even more enticing, director Jay Roach (“Austin Powers”) is at the helm, joined by a talented supporting cast that includes Andy Samberg, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, and Ncuti Gatwa. The script is penned by Tony McNamara, and with all these elements combined, “The Roses” seems poised to deliver an unforgettable portrayal of those timeless laughing/crying masks.
— Mary McNamara

Read More

2025-05-16 13:32

Previous post Top gainers and losers
Next post Christopher Nolan’s star-studded epic The Odyssey will do something no movie has ever done