We’re in July, which means we are in the heart of the summer movie season! Oscar-winning screenwriter ofJojo RabbitTaika Waititiputs his whimsical and cheeky spin on the highly anticipatedThor: Love and Thunder, the latest installment in Marvel’sThorfranchise. If you thought one Thor was exciting, then what about two? Taking fromJason Aaron’sMighty Thorcomic book storylines, this colorful adventure seesNatalie Portman’s Jane Foster wielding Mjölnir.
There are plenty of stories to explore outside the MCU.Minions: The Rise of Grutells us exactly how Gru (Steve Carell) pursued his villainous destiny as a child.Chris EvansandRyan Goslinggo head-to-head inThe Gray Man, the latest action-thriller from the acclaimedRusso Brothers.Jordan Peele’s latest projectNopeabout a small town that’s haunted by a mysterious alien presence is sure to drum up some scares and social commentary. Plus, aJane Austenadaptation withDakota Johnson,B.J. Novak’s feature directorial debut withVengeance, a heart-breaking film of love and lava in the National Geographic documentaryFire of Love, and theDaisy Edgar-Jones’ starring role in the murder thrillerWhere the Crawdads Sing.
Grab your popcorn and put fresh batteries in your remote! Let’s take a closer look at what movies will be hitting the big and small screens in July.
RELATED:10 Most Exciting Upcoming Animated Films to Look Forward to
Minions: The Rise of Gru
Release Date: July 1 in Theaters
Behind every villain is a colorful origin story.Minions: The Rise of Grutakes place in the 1970s after the prequel events ofMinionswhen little Gru (Steve Carell) first teams up with his mischievous Minions Kevin, Bob, Stuart, and newbie Otto. At the ripe old age of 12, Gru is already fascinated by evil geniuses, specifically the infamous group known as the Vicious 6. When he hears they might need a new member, Gru concocts a plan with his cute yellow companions to be accepted into the team of villains. It’s sure to be ba-nan-as!
Mr. Malcolm’s List
Mr. Malcolm’s got a list, and he’s checking it twice. Based on the novel of the same name bySuzanne Allain(who also wrote the screenplay)Mr. Malcolm’s Listbrings us back to 19th century Englandand follows Mr. Malcolm (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) a wealthy, posh suitor looking for the woman who checks every box on his list. After Julia Thistlewaite (Zawe Ashton) is rejected by Mr. Malcolm, she recruits her friend Selina Dalton (Freida Pinto) to pull off a daring revenge scheme. But what happens if Selina falls for him in the process?
Fire of Love
Release Date: July 6 in Theaters
Love, lava, and a legacy. Directed bySara Dosaand narrated byMiranda July,Fire of Lovedocuments the blistering true love story of French volcanistsKatiaandMaurice Krafftwho spent their entire lives getting up close and personal with volcanoes. Though they knew their research would inevitably kill them, the duo never questioned the passion that brought them together. The sensational and stunning documentary hadits world premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Release Date: July 8 in Theaters
Is that…Jane? Directed by Taika Waititi, who also co-wrote the heroic adventure withJennifer Kaytin Robinson,Thor: Love and Thunderpicks up after the events ofAvengers: Endgame, and follows Thor (Chris Hemsworth) who’s just trying to figure things out. He’s made peace with the fact that his superhero days are over, but the only problem is, they’re reallynot. When Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale) shows up and vows to eliminate the gods, Thor is determined to eliminate him first, with a little help from his friends Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Korg (Waititi), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), and his ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who, to his surprise, is the new and improved Mighty Thor. Buckle up for the most Marvel-ous ride of the summer.
RELATED:Natalie Portman on ‘Thor: Love and Thunder,’ Deleted Scenes, and Playing The Mighty Thor
The Sea Beast
Release Date: July 8 on Netflix
Do you see that sea beast? Directed byChris Williams, who also directedBig Hero 6andMoana,The Sea Beastfollows Maisie (Zaris-Angel Hator), a young girl with an appetite for adventure. She meets her favorite beast slayer Jacob Holland (Karl Urban) and expresses her interest in joining him on his monstrous quest. Even though Jacob declines her offer, Maisie sneaks herself onto the ship and is determined to join the team. Will this unexpected duo find common ground and rid the sea of menacing creatures?
Persuasion
Release Date: July 15 on Netflix
What happens when you are reunited with the one that got away? Based on the novel of the same name by Jane Austen,Persuasionstars Dakota Johnson as the fourth-wall-breaking Anne Elliot, a woman who was persuaded eight years ago by her uptight family to not marry Frederick Wentworth (Cosmo Jarvis) due to his financial insecurity. When he makes an unexpected reappearance, Anne must confront her old emotions and decide if she will let him get away once again. The film also starsHenry GoldingandRichard E. Grant. Are you persuaded yet?
The Gray Man
Release Date: July 22 on Netflix
An epic game of cat and mouse. Directed byAnthonyandJoe Russo, the brothers behind heroic movies such asCaptain America: Civil WarandAvengers: Endgamecomesthe star-studded filmThe Gray Man. Based onMark Greaney’s novel of the same name, this action thriller stars Ryan Gosling as Court Gentry (also known as “The Gray Man”), an expert CIA operative who steps into boiling hot water when he accidentally unearths “dark agency secrets.” He quickly becomes the target of psychopathic ex-colleague Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans), and is forced to travel the world and elude Lloyd’s maniacal, mustachioed grasp. The film also starsAna de Armas,Billy Bob Thornton,Regé-Jean Page, andJessica Henwick.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Release Date: July 15 in Theaters
No one can be trusted. Produced byReese Witherspoonand based on the best-selling book of the same name byDelia Owens,Where the Crawdads Singfollows Kya (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a girl who was abandoned by her family at a young age in the 1950s and was forced to survive in the North Carolina marshes. She becomes romantically involved with quarterback Chase Andrews (Harris Dickinson), but after she ends their relationship and he’s found dead, Kya is suddenly the main suspect in a murder trial.
Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris
There’s nothing wrong with being a dreamer. Based on the 1958 novel byPaul Gallico,Mrs. Harris Goes to Parisstars Oscar nominated actressLesley Manvilleas Ada Harris, a widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London who becomes fixated on acquiring a luxury Dior dress. To her friends, this seems like a preposterous goal, but the optimistic Mrs. Harris is ready to go to Paris and enjoy the fruits of her labor. The film also starsIsabelle Huppert,Jason Isaacs, andRose Williams.
Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
He’s a dog in a cat’s world. InPaws of Fury: The Legend of Hank(which is a loose animated adaptation of the comedy classicBlazing Saddles),Michael Ceravoices Hank, a dog determined to become the next best samurai in his village. The only problem is, he’s surrounded by cat villagers and feels like a total outcast. Fortunately, Jimbo (Samuel L. Jackson) is willing to take Hank under his paw and train him. Will Hank be able to defeat the evil and righteous Ika Chu (Ricky Gervais)? The movie also featuresMel Brooks,George Takei,Michelle Yeoh, andGabriel Iglesias.
