August is, technically, the last month of summer movie season, so things tend to move a little slower. That being said, there are still a handful of exciting films that are coming our way in the month that herald the eleventh hour of summer vacation. Some look intense, others look like good fun, and all are ready for your hard earned movie dollar to purchase a ticket and enjoy their wares.
If you'd like to relive July's spin 'round the wheel, you can go back to last month's new movie listing here. But if you're ready for a fresh batch of popcorn, then follow us into the showroom for a look at the biggest offerings August has to offer.
The Dark Tower
The film we know as The Dark Tower is an interesting animal in and of itself. While it's technically a sequel to the Stephen King series of novels, it's also going to obviously tie into the mythology of the world that came before. So while fans are worried about all of those concerns, it looks like there's still a fun action movie hiding behind the cloud that's preemptively surrounded this film. It's a good thing it's one of this month's first films, as we're excited to see where this goes.
Opening: Friday, August 4th
Kidnap
If you're looking to jazz up your career, nothing says excitement like a high speed action thriller! Much like Liam Neeson before her, Halle Berry is ready to kick some ass and take some names, as Kidnap sees her fighting to get her son back. Not only that, but this could be the movie that makes the best case for a minivan as a tactical weapon of speed and ferocity. Ok, so maybe that's just a little too much, but in any case, it looks like Berry's ready to give it her all to get her on-screen son back, and that could make for a fun Saturday afternoon at the movies.
Opening: Friday, August 4th
Detroit
At this point of the year, awards season starts to linger on the mind. Dunkirk may be one of the first best picture contenders, but Detroit looks ready to give it a run for its money. Kathryn Bigelow's historical drama recounts the true story of a harrowing incident of police brutality during the Detroit riots in 1967. With a top notch cast that includes Anthony Mackie, Will Poulter and John Boyega, the film's intensity looks to come, in equal parts, from both the cast and the source material. Score another awards contender to keep an eye out for.
Opening: Friday, August 4th
Annabelle: Creation
The Conjuring universe is still growing, and apparently folks weren't satisfied with just one helping of Annabelle, as Annabelle: Creation is just waiting to be unwrapped by the moviegoing public. Call us crazy, but this sequel actually looks pretty spooky. In fact, we'd even say it looks scarier than the first film, and that was still pretty creeptastic. We could have another Oujia: Origin of Evil on our hands, as this sequel looks like it's ready to blow its predecessor out of the water.
Opening: Friday, August 11th
The Glass Castle
Another film that's looking to make an early run at positive Oscar buzz is The Glass Castle, which is based on the heartbreaking memoir written by Jeanette Walls about her tumultuous childhood and her confrontation of such events as an adult. Reuniting Short Term 12's director, Destin Daniel Cretton, and star, Brie Larson, is just the beginning of the incredible roster of talent, as Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts are also part of the film, playing the Walls' family parents. Larson, naturally, plays Jeanette, and it looks like she just might get her second Oscar for this film, if the trailer is any indication. Hopefully the Academy, and audiences far and wide, have plenty of Kleenex to watch this one with.
Opening: Friday, August 11th
The Hitman's Bodyguard
Every now and then, a movie comes along that looks like it was made just for the internet's pleasure. The Hitman's Bodyguard looks like the latest film to hold that honor, as the pairing of Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds looks to be just what the comedy doctor ordered. Two of the most meme-worthy action heroes are ready to try and deliver more bang for the buck, as Reynolds has to protect Jackson as he attempts to testify in a high profile court case. Naturally, chaos and laughter ensue.
Opening: Friday, August 18th
Logan Lucky
Steven Soderbergh's unique brand of comedy is something we're always up for, and Logan Lucky looks like it's going to be everything we'd dreamed his return to be. With Channing Tatum and Adam Driver plotting to steal tons of money from Charlotte Motor Speedway, there's the heist angle that we've always known and loved Soderbergh for. But with a supporting cast that includes Katie Holmes, Hilary Swank and Daniel Craig, the comedic end of the stick looks pretty strong as well. Go ahead and try to stay away from this one; it's impossible.
Opening: Friday, August 18th
Patti Cake$
Turning back once again to the subject of awards buzz, there's a movie that's been slowly building itself a profile of positive buzz over the year: Patti Cake$. Fox Searchlight's latest attempt at festival glory and awards buzz focuses on Patricia Dumbrowski, a Jersey Girl who's ready to become the next rapping sensation. The movie has received a lot of fantastic reviews, and it's looking to parlay that into a nice and early head of steam that'll carry the film to the December prestige chase. Every time we see the trailer, we're reminded of why it might succeed. This truly looks like a film with its heart on its sleeve and a song in its heart.
Opening: Friday, August 18th
Tulip Fever
Love is a risky prospect in any time period. It's even more perilous when that love happens to be between a poor artist and a rich man's wife. Which is why Tulip Fever sounds like the type of movie that'll make you fall in love, but look over your shoulders in the process. Dane DeHaan and Alicia Vikander are the star-crossed pair, with Christoph Waltz playing the husband to Vikander's Sophia. So yeah, knowing Waltz's track record as a cinematic baddie, we'd be careful if we were DeHaan's Jan. If you've been craving a period romance with high art and high stakes, your prayers look like they've been answered.
Opening: Friday, August 25th
