It’s been a long year, but I have very exciting news… summer movie season is here!!!! Finally, we’re actually getting new content in the theater! Wow, what an exciting time. Let’s take a look at some upcoming releases that are making their way to theaters near you.
May 28th
Cruella
Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Paul Walter Hauser, Joel Fry
Fans were unsure when the first trailer of Disney’s Cruella premiered a few months ago. However, early reviews of the Cruella origin story have been pretty positive. It’s directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Lars and the Real Girl) and stars Emma Stone. How could you doubt the director of I, Tonya, and Emma Stone as your star? That’s a dynamic duo right there. You can read my review of the movie right here.
Where to Watch: In theaters and on Disney Plus Premiere Access
A Quiet Place Part II
Starring Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe
This movie feels like an episode of the Twilight Zone because it was initially set to be released the week of the COVID lockdown. The studio has been waiting for a theatrical release for over a year. Some critics screened it a year ago, while others are just waiting. Well, I guess the time has finally come. In the sequel to the popular thriller, A Quiet Place, the Abbott Family realizes the creatures that hate noise are not the only danger anymore as they face the outside world.
Where to Watch: In Theaters and on Paramount Plus 45 Days after release
June 11
In the Heights
Anthony Ramos, Leslie Grace, Corey Hawkins, Stephanie Beatriz
Based on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s popular Broadway show, In The Heights is making its way to the big screen. It’s sure to be a summer hit. The show follows a variety of characters in Washington Heights. At the center of the story is Usnavi, a bodega owner who dreams of making his way back to his home in the Dominican Republic.
I’ve never seen the show, but the trailers look excellent so far. Lin Manuel is dominating every summer now, from Hamilton last year to In the Heights this year. I’m all for a great summer musical!
Where to Watch: In Theaters and on HBO Max
June 18
Luca
Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Maya Rudolph, Jim Gaffigan
Pixar’s latest film takes place in Italy following an unlikely friendship between a boy and his new best friend who’s hiding an unlikely secret. This Pixar film is skipping the theatrical release and heading straight to Disney Plus in a bit of an unexpected move.
Where to Watch: Disney Plus
July 9
Black Widow
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Rachel Weisz, David Harbor, Florence Pugh
I’m not sure if there has ever been such a major movie where the release date has been moved more than Black Widow. (Maybe the new James Bond, which movie is just in a constant state of limbo at this point. That’s a discussion for another time.) Black Widow was set to come out in May 2020, November 2020, and May 2021. Here I sit typing this as all of those dates have passed. Disney claims it will be out “July 9th.” Okay. I’ve heard that one before. Starting to wonder if this movie exists?
Where to Watch: In Theaters and Disney Plus Premiere Access
July 16
Cinderella
Starring: Camilla Cabello, Billy Porter, Idina Menzel, Minnie Driver
If there’s anything we needed it’s another adaptation of Cinderella. Just kidding. I love Cinderella as much as any other girl who grew up on Disney classics. I watched the animated film all the time growing up. I can quote almost every word from the iconic 2004 Hilary Duff/Chad Michael Murray version. (The critics are wrong on that one. It is a masterclass of teen cinema.) The recent Disney live-action adaptation with Lily James and Richard Madden is lovely! I took multiple theater trips to see it. However, I think we can take a break from Cinderella for a little bit. It’s been done plenty of times.
That being said, we’re not getting a break. It’s happening again with pop star Camilla Cabello in the leading role, Billy Porter as the Fairy Godmother, and Idina Menzel as the Stepmother. So get ready for another re-telling.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins
Starring: Henry Goulding, Samara Weaving, Andrew Koji
Henry Goulding, of Crazy Rich Asians and Last Christmas fame, finally gets to lead his own film in this GI: Joe spin-off as the character Snake Eyes.
Where to Watch: In Theaters
The Last Letter From Your Lover
Starring: Felicity Jones, Joe Alwyn, Shailene Woodley, Calum Turner
This Netflix original film is a romantic drama following a journalist who uncovers a series of letters from the 1960s that uncover a secret love affair. The trailer gives off some mid-2000s Nicholas Sparks movie energy. But there are certainly some days when one needs a mid-2000s Nicholas Sparks knockoff movie.
Where To Watch: Netflix
July 30
Jungle Cruise
Starring: The Rock, Emily Blunt, Paul Giamatti, Jesse Plemmons
Have you ever been on the Jungle Cruise ride at Disney World/Land and thought to yourself, “I wish this was a movie starring Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt with Jesse Plemmons and Paul Giamatti in the supporting cast.” I have amazing news for you. It is! You can watch it on July 30th. The film is based on the popular Disney attraction as a riverboat captain takes a scientist through the dangerous jungle to find a magical tree. From the previews, it looks like the effects might be a little better in the movie than the Disney ride, but we’ll see. It’s hard to live up to the 1970s animatronics. So realistic.
Where to Watch: In Theaters and Disney Plus Premiere Access
Stillwater
Starring: Matt Damon, Abigail Breslin
In this thriller directed by Oscar-winner Tom McCarthy (Spotlight), Matt Damon plays a father who travels to France to help exonerate his estranged daughter, who has been arrested for murder. This looks tense and potentially awards-worthy. On an unrelated note, I hope the band Stillwater from Almost Famous gets back together to provide music for the soundtrack. It’d be a missed opportunity if they didn’t.
Where to Watch: In Theaters
August 6
Annette
Starring: Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard
Another movie musical hitting theaters this summer is Annette, following a stand-up comedian and his opera-singer wife. Their world changes when their daughter Annette is born, a girl with a special gift. The film is directed by French filmmaker Leos Carax with music by Ron and Russell Mael.
Where to Watch: In Theaters
The Suicide Squad
Starring: Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, Joel Kinnaman, John Cena, Viola Davis
I wouldn't say I liked the first Suicide Squad, so I’m not the person to talk to about this sequel. Apparently, several new additions to the cast include a shark character voiced by Sylvester Stalone and someone called Polka Dot Man. So if you love sharks and polka dot men, that’s certainly something to look forward to.
Where to Watch: In Theaters and HBO Max
August 13
Respect
Starring: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald
Jennifer Hudson takes on the role of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin in this highly anticipated biopic. If anyone can pull off this role, it’s gonna be Jennifer Hudson.
Where to Watch: In Theaters
Free Guy
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Taika Waititi, Joe Keery
Ryan Reynolds plays a bank teller who discovers that he’s a character inside of a violent video game. I don’t have a ton of confidence in this because
1. Ryan Reynolds plays practically the same character in every single movie and
2. video game movies rarely work out.
But I see Joe Keery is in the supporting cast, which means I will eventually watch this.
Where to Watch: In Theaters
August 27
The Beatles: Get Back
This documentary from Peter Jackson pieces together footage from the cutting room floor of Michael Lindsay Hogg’s “Let It Be” documentary. It is sure to be a must-watch for Beatles fans documenting The Beatles’ last live performance together in its entirety.
Where to Watch: In Theaters and Disney Plus
This is just a small taste of the many new movies hitting theaters this summer. What are some of the movies you’re most excited to see? I’m happy there are so many new options!