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As one who loves watching movies, it’s good to be back in the theater, watching films on the big screen. To celebrate my return to the movie theater, I joined the Regal Unlimited program. For $18 a month I can watch as many movies as I want.
I’m enjoying popping off to catch a film when I have a couple of free hours. During this recent heat wave, the cool, dark theater offers relief along with entertainment. Check out last month’s films and then grab a snack and a cup of tea and read about the July movies. No spoilers.
July Movies
I enjoyed another broad range of films in July. Movies included fun animation, English romance, one of my favorite superheroes, a book adaptation and another spooky offering from the brilliant Jordan Peele. The sixth film I hoped to watch in July has not yet arrived at my local theater. I hope Mrs Harris Goes to Paris makes it to Joplin next month.
Here are the five July movies with a brief synopsis and what I love about each one.
Minions: Rise of Gru
Cast: Steve Carell, Pierce Coffin ( who does ALL the voices of the minions), Alan Arkin, Taraji P Henson, Michelle Yeoh, Russell Brand, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Lucy Lawless, Danny Trejo and Julia Andrews.
Rating/Length: PG, 1 hour 27 minutes
Currently playing in theaters.
Synopsis: This prequel in the Despicable Me franchise transports us to 1976 where 12 year old Gru dreams of becoming the world’s greatest supervillain. To pursue his dream, Gru contacts the Vicious Six, hoping to join the nefarious group he idolizes after the leader is ousted. The minions arrive and become Gru’s helpers and friends. Young Gru’s initial interview with the Vicious Six doesn’t go well…and things quickly go downhill from there!
What I love about this movie: I’ve seen all of the Despicable Me films with my granddaughter Aubrey. Even though she is now 13, we declared a girls’ day and watched Minions: The Rise of Gru together along with my sister and her two granddaughters. It’s a cute, fast paced film that kept us laughing. And as a bonus for those who actually lived in the 70s, like me, there are lots of hilarious nods to that time period.
Mr Malcolm’s List
Cast: Freida Pinto, Sope Dirisu, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Ashley Park and Theo James.
Rating/Length: PG, 1 hour 57 minutes
Currently showing in theaters or rent/buy on Prime Video.
Synopsis: This Regency romance features London’s most eligible bachelor Mr Malcolm, who is intent on finding the perfect wife. Ever practical, Mr Malcolm looks for a woman who ticks off all the boxes on his list of desired character qualities. When Julia Thistlewaite doesn’t make the cut, after an evening at the opera with Mr Malcolm, she seeks revenge. Julia discovers what’s on the list and convinces her friend Selina to play the role of his ideal match. Is it the perfect payback? Or is romance actually blooming between Selina and Mr Malcolm?
What I love about this movie: This romantic comedy, an expansion of a 2019 short film, is geared toward the audience that loves the Netflix series, Bridgerton. As a fan of that series, I enjoyed Mr Malcolm’s List. And while critics seem to miss the point of the cast diversity, I appreciate that greatly. It’s a heart warming view of the world, as it could be.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Taylor John Smith, Harris Dickinson, David Strathairn, Michelle Hyatt and Sterling Macer Jr.
Rating/Length: PG-13, 2 hours 5 minutes
Currently playing in theaters.
Synopsis: Kya Clark raises herself to adulthood after her family abandons her in the marshes of the deep south. The townspeople call her Marsh Girl and consider her a wild and mysterious outsider.
Marsh Girl is ridiculed, ignored and shunned until the town golden boy is found dead. After a link between him and Kya is discovered, she is accused of his murder. Kya is taken by force out of her beloved marsh and stands trial, defended by retired attorney Tom Milton.
Why I love this movie: Where the Crawdads Sing is based on the best selling novel by Delia Owens. I tried reading the book but got put off by the author’s writing style. Watching the film, I felt glad that I didn’t read the novel first. It is an intense, heart touching story that twists and turns, with the wild marsh as a gorgeous backdrop. Perhaps now I’ll try reading the book again.
Thor: Love & Thunder
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, Tess Thompson, Taika Waititi and Russell Crowe.
Rating/Length: PG-13, 1 hour 58 minutes
Currently playing in theaters.
Synopsis: Thor’s travels with the Guardians of the Galaxy and his search for personal peace are interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher. After Thor parts ways with the Guardians, he enlists the help of King Valkyrie, his friend Korg and surprisingly, his ex-girlfriend Jane. Jane arrives looking like Thor and wielding his former hammer, Mjonir. Together the eclectic group uncovers the mystery behind Gorr’s vengeance and seeks to stop him before he destroys everything.
What I love about this movie: In the Marvel Universe, Thor is my second favorite superhero, right behind Iron Man. This romp of a film is fun, humorous and filled with action and adventure…and a few touching moments as well. My daughter Elissa accompanied me to this showing and we laughed throughout the movie.
NOPE
Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, Brandon Perea, Michael Wincott and Steven Yeun.
Rating/Length: R, 2 hours 10 minutes
Currently playing in theaters.
Synopsis: Siblings OJ and Emerald co-own Haywood Ranch, a facility that trains horses for films, commercials and events. They face tough financial decisions concerning the ranch after their father dies in an unexplainable freak accident.
When an unidentified flying object begins to appear over the ranch, and horses disappear, the brother and sister wonder if this is their chance to create wealth. With the help of a techie salesman, they set out to capture the UFO on film and present the proof for financial gain…before their competitive showman neighbor can do the same.
What I love about this movie: I’m a fan of writer and director Jordan Peele, creator of the films Get Out and Us. While his movies are considered in the horror genre, they are so much more than that. I love Jordan’s movies because there’s always a deeper message there to uncover and examine. His films make me think while also providing riveting stories…and a few jump scares!
Have You Watched Any of These Movies?
That’s my July round up of movies.
I sincerely hope Mrs Harris Goes to Paris plays at my local Regal Theater soon. And I’m hard pressed to choose a favorite out of this bunch of films. They all entertained. Where the Crawdads Sing and Nope had the biggest impact. Thor made me laugh the most. Mr Malcolm’s List was pure joy and Minions brought the laughs as well.
Have you seen any of these films? Which was your favorite?
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