Yeah, yeah, yeah … we know summer is all about the blockbuster and how much money they can make and how many records can they break.
Yadda. Yadda. Yadda.
But then there’re the movies that fall in between those releases. Many times, those movies can offer better storytelling, nuance and performances than what the major studios are pumping out to the masses.
I’m not saying all of these films listed here are going to be hits, but I definitely feel that they at least deserve your attention.
Viewer discretion: Some trailers may contain subject matter or language that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Release Date: June 8, 2018
Main Cast: Fred Rogers, Joanne Rogers, Miscellaneous
Synopsis: This documentary explores the life, career and legacy of Fred Rogers and his classic children’s program, “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.”
Tyler’s Take: When I first saw the trailer for this doc, I got surprisingly emotional and I honestly don’t know why. I watched “Mr. Rogers’” some as a child, but I personally wasn’t majorly impacted by the program. Having said that, I think the tone of the film may be heartwarming and a great recommendation for anyone who loved this show in their lifetime.
“Under the Silver Lake”
Release Date: June 22, 2018
Main Cast: Andrew Garfield, Jimmi Simpson, Riley Keough
Synopsis: A man becomes infatuated with symbols and deeper meanings after a girl he likes from his apartment complex seems to vanish overnight.
Tyler’s Take: Writer-director David Robert Mitchell made waves with his excellent indie-horror flick “It Follows.” This film looks a bit bizarre, but it might be another excellent entry from the FSU alum.
“Sorry To Bother You”
Release Date: July 6, 2018
Main Cast: Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Danny Glover, Armie Hammer, Steven Yeun
Synopsis: In an alternate version of Oakland, a black telemarketer learns that by using a “white guy’s voice” he can climb the corporate ladder. This leads to some crazy revelations within his company.
Tyler’s Take: Lakeith Stanfield is becoming a great gem based on his work in both “Atlanta” and the Oscar-winning “Get Out.” Just based on the premise, I’m very excited to see what this film has to offer in terms of the analysis of race in the workplace with a potentially bonkers plot.
“Whitney”
Release Date: July 6, 2018
Main Cast: Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown, friends and family of the pop star, Miscellaneous
Synopsis: This documentary explores the life and music of Whitney Houston with new interviews with friends and family members.
Tyler’s Take: Whitney Houston’s death in 2012 was one of the most shocking moments in music history for our generation. As a diehard fan, I think this is an important film that can provide more context to the troubled pop star’s life, who struggled with drug addiction in the 1990s and on. With the revelation that Houston was molested by a family member discussed in this film, “Whitney” could shed light on what caused the woman with the golden voice to fall so far from her potential.
“Eighth Grade”
Release Date: July 13, 2018
Main Cast: Elsie Fisher, Emily Robinson, Josh Hamilton
Synopsis: A teen aims to survive the last week of a terrible eighth-grade year as she prepares for high school.
Tyler’s Take: This is the feature-film debut for standup comedian Bo Burnham, who is known for raunchy comedy sets mixed with musical numbers. This film seems like a major departure for Burnham, who wrote and directed the film. This could be a great character study on teens today and how they interact with each other and consume social media. Plus, I’m sure many of us will get flashbacks to the horror that was eighth grade.
“Hot Summer Nights”
Release Date: July 27, 2018
Main Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Alex Roe, William Fichtner, Thomas Janes
Synopsis: A boy’s coming-of-age tale involves spending a summer in Cape Cod and dealing dope.
Tyler’s Take: After Chalamet’s incredible performances in both “Call Me By Your Name” and “Lady Bird,” I’m excited to see this guy continue to work on interesting projects. I’m hoping this is a sleeper hit.
“Christopher Robin”
Release Date: Aug. 3, 2018
Main Cast: Ewan McGregor, Chris O’Dowd, Hayley Atwell, Jim Cummings, Toby Jones, Brad Garrett
Synopsis: Christopher Robin, now a grown-up, working-class family man, reunites with Winnie the Pooh and others from his childhood.
Tyler’s Take: Take my money! I mean, this film could end up being terrible, but I honestly hope it makes me cry. Director Marc Forster previously brought us “Finding Neverland,” which was a nice take on the creator of Peter Pan.
“BlacKkKlansman”
Release Date: Aug. 10, 2018
Main Cast: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Topher Grace, Laura Harrier
Synopsis: An African-American police officer from Colorado infiltrates a local Ku Klux Klan chapter and becomes its leader.
Tyler’s Take: Director Spike Lee is bringing this real-life story to the silver screen and just sounds like an interesting premise. The film is based on the book, “Black Klansman” by Ron Stallworth.
“Crazy Rich Asians”
Release Date: Aug. 17, 2018
Main Cast: Constance Wu, Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Ken Jeong
Synopsis: Three affluent Chinese families prepare for a major wedding in Singapore. One of the women discovers that her boyfriend is incredibly rich and meets his disapproving mother.
Tyler’s Take: It’s important for Hollywood to bring visibility to other cultures and tell stories we haven’t heard before. This film is based on the best-selling novel, and I think it could be a great watch for those interested in romantic comedies from a different perspective.
“Replicas”
Release Date: Aug. 24, 2018
Main Cast: Keanu Reeves, Alice Eve, Thomas Middleditch
Synopsis: A scientist becomes obsessed with bringing back his wife and kids after they all die in a traffic crash.
Tyler’s Take: Seems hokey, but it could be a hit.
