Welcome back to the Point of Geeks’ monthly Media Round Up! We are halfway through the year already and July is full of options for hungry moviegoers. While it looks like there won’t be another blockbuster of the magnitude of Jurassic World, there will be a little something for everyone. Huge franchises from Mission Impossible to the Terminator are making their return, while Marvel is introducing a brand new superhero to the marketplace in Ant-Man. Plus, it looks like there could be a few unheralded movies coming under the radar. It’s a big month, so let’s get into it!
July 1
Terminator: Genisys
Stars: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke, Jai Courtney, Jason Clarke, Matt Smith
Official Synopsis:
When John Connor (Jason Clarke), leader of the human resistance, sends Sgt. Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back to 1984 to protect Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke) and safeguard the future, an unexpected turn of events creates a fractured timeline. Now, Sgt. Reese finds himself in a new and unfamiliar version of the past, where he is faced with unlikely allies, including the Guardian (Arnold Schwarzenegger), dangerous new enemies, and an unexpected new mission: To reset the future…
If someone traveled back in time and stopped James Cameron from ever creating the Terminator franchise, it is possible that it would erase the Point of Geeks from the timeline as a result. Terminator 1 & 2 are part what inspired my love of film as a kid, so it is hard to not give the franchise a shot. With that being said, expectations for Terminator: Genisys (click for trailer) are very, very low…so we will see what happens.
Magic Mike XXL
Stars: Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Matthew Bomer, Donald Glover, Kevin Nash, Andie McDowell
Official Synopsis:
Picking up the story three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, “Magic Mike XXL” finds the remaining Kings of Tampa likewise ready to throw in the towel. But they want to do it their way: burning down the house in one last blow-out performance in Myrtle Beach, and with legendary headliner Magic Mike sharing the spotlight with them. On the road to their final show, with whistle stops in Jacksonville and Savannah to renew old acquaintances and make new friends, Mike and the guys learn some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways.
If you aren’t into looking at dude’s abdominal muscles, the only other compelling reasons to check out the first Magic Mike was to see the work of director Steven Soderbergh (Traffic) and Matthew McConaughey. Well they aren’t returning this time around, so you probably already have your mind made up if you are seeing this one.
July 10
Self/Less
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Ben Kingsley, Victor Garber, Derek Luke, Matthew Goode
Official Synopsis:
In this provocative psychological science fiction thriller, an extremely wealthy man (Academy Award winner Ben Kingsley) dying from cancer undergoes a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness into the body of a healthy young man (Ryan Reynolds). But all is not as it seems when he starts to uncover the mystery of the body’s origin and the organization that will kill to protect its cause.
While Self/Less has a heavy sci-fi premise, it looks like it may be a chance for Reynolds to stretch his dramatic acting muscles. Since his disastrous turn in Green Lantern, Reynolds has been beefing up his performing chops in smaller films, with stronger talent. It looks like this movie may have some interesting twists and ideas. If not, there is always Deadpool in February.
Minions
Stars: Sandra Bulluck, Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Allison Janney, Steve Coogan
Official Synopsis:
The story of Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment’s “Minions” begins at the dawn of time. Starting as single-celled yellow organisms, “Minions” evolve through the ages, perpetually serving the most despicable of masters. Continuously unsuccessful at keeping these masters–from T. rex to Napoleon–the Minions find themselves without someone to serve and fall into a deep depression. But one Minion named Kevin has a plan, and he–alongside teenage rebel Stuart and lovable little Bob–ventures out into the world to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. The trio embarks upon a thrilling journey that ultimately leads them to their next potential master, Scarlet Overkill (Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock), the world’s first-ever female super-villain. They travel from frigid Antarctica to 1960s New York City, ending in mod London, where they must face their biggest challenge to date: saving all of Minionkind… from annihilation.
There is no denying the power of the Minions. There is something very old-school about their brand of visual comedy that is reminiscent of Looney Tunes’ irreverent style. Having them show up at Villain Con, with the real Comic Con about to take place, also seems inspired. It should be fun to see the Minions’ satirical look at geek culture.
July 17
Ant-Man
Stars: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Corey Stoll, Michael Pena, Evangeline Lilly, T.I., Judy Greer, Bobby Cannavale, Wood Harris
Official Synopsis:
A founding member of Marvel’s The Avengers is brought to the screen for the first time in “Ant-Man.” Armed with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, master thief Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, protect the secret behind his spectacular Ant-Man suit from a new generation of towering threats. Against seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Pym and Lang must plan and pull off a heist that will save the world. “Ant-Man” stars Paul Rudd as Scott Lang, AKA Ant-Man, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne, Corey Stoll as Darren Cross aka Yellowjacket, Bobby Cannavale as Paxton, Michael Peña as Luis, Judy Greer as Maggie, Tip “Ti” Harris as Dave, David Dastmalchian as Kurt, Wood Harris as Gale, Jordi Mollà as Castillo and Michael Douglas as Hank Pym. Directed by Peyton Reed and produced by Kevin Feige, Marvel’s “Ant-Man” delivers a high-stakes, tension-filled adventure on July 17, 2015.
You can check the records. The idea of an Ant-Man movie has always seemed appealing to us. (Watch the trailer here.) Stories about shrinking people are always fun adventures and this one happens to feature one of the preeminent members of the Marvel universe. This is the second Marvel film this summer and it is the one we have been anticipating the most. Hopefully there is more than meets the eye.
Trainwreck
Stars: Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, Brie Larson, LeBron James, Tilda Swinton, Ezra Miller, Colin Quinn, John Cena, Method Man
Official Synopsis:
Since she was a little girl, it’s been drilled into Amy’s (Schumer) head by her rascal of a dad (Colin Quinn) that monogamy isn’t realistic. Now a magazine writer, Amy lives by that credo—enjoying what she feels is an uninhibited life free from stifling, boring romantic commitment—but in actuality, she’s kind of in a rut. When she finds herself starting to fall for the subject of the new article she’s writing, a charming and successful sports doctor named Aaron Conners (Bill Hader), Amy starts to wonder if other grown-ups, including this guy who really seems to like her, might be on to something.
There has been a lot of positive buzz for Amy Schumer’s comedy Trainwreck. It is already evident that the movie is going for broke and with Judd Apatow (The 40 Year Old Virgin) at the helm, it could be something special. We will also get to see Lebron James in his first big movie role. It’s hard to imagine that this won’t end up either hilarious or a true trainwreck and I can’t wait to find out.
July 24
Pixels
Stars: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Michelle Monaghan, Peter Dinklage, Josh Gad, Brian Cox
Official Synopsis:
When aliens misinterpret video-feeds of classic arcade games as a declaration of war against them, they attack the Earth, using the games as models for their various assaults. President Will Cooper (Kevin James) has to call on his childhood best friend, ’80s video game champion Sam Brenner (Sandler), now a home theater installer, to lead a team of old-school arcaders (Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage) to defeat the aliens and save the planet.
I have mixed feelings about this movie. The logical part of my brain is demanding that I don’t waste any time or mindpower trying to decipher Adam Sandler and Kevin James’ terrible brand of comedy. While the creative side doesn’t want to miss out on seeing Pac-Man, Q-bert, and Paperboy, on the big screen. This one is too close to call…
Southpaw
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker, Rachel McAdams, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Victor Ortiz
Official Synopsis:
From acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua (“Training Day”) and screenwriters Kurt Sutter (“Sons of Anarchy”) and Richard Wenk (“The Mechanic”), “Southpaw” tells the riveting story of Billy “The Great” Hope, reigning Junior Middleweight Boxing Champion of the World (Academy Award® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal). Billy Hope seemingly has it all with an impressive career, a beautiful and loving wife (Rachel McAdams), an adorable daughter (Oona Laurence) and a lavish lifestyle. When tragedy strikes and his lifelong manager and friend (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson) leaves him behind, Hope hits rock bottom and turns to an unlikely savior at a run-down local gym: Tick Willis (Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker), a retired fighter and trainer to the city’s toughest amateur boxers. With his future riding on Tick’s guidance and tenacity, Billy enters the hardest battle of his life as he struggles with redemption and to win back the trust of those he loves.
It has been proven that boxing movies are the perfect canvas for drama. It looks like Antoine Fuqua’s Southpaw is no exception to the rule. It also looks like Jake Gyllenhaal is fighting mad after getting snubbed by the Academy for his performance in Nightcrawler last year and he wants a rematch. Hopefully it isn’t too formulaic, but it looks worth a ticket!
July 29
Vacation
Stars: Ed Helms, Christina Applegate, Leslie Mann, Chris Hemsworth, Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo
Official Synopsis:
The next generation of Griswolds is at it again—and on the road for another ill-fated adventure. Following in his father’s footsteps and hoping for some much-needed family bonding, a grown-up Rusty Griswold (Ed Helms) surprises his wife, Debbie (Christina Applegate), and their two sons with a cross-country trip back to America’s “favorite family fun park,” Walley World.
In the 80’s, there weren’t many comedies funnier that National Lampoons’ Vacation and Christmas Vacation. It captured the agony, fun, and bizarre nature of family vacations in some of the most hilarious ways possible. It is even more encouraging that the story will continue the Griswold’s story a generation later. Get ready for “Holiday Road” to get stuck in your head all over again.
July 31
Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
Stars: Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, Alec Baldwin, Ving Rhames
Official Synopsis:
Ethan and team take on their most impossible mission yet, eradicating the Syndicate – an International rogue organization as highly skilled as they are, committed to destroying the IMF.
A large part of the success of Mad Max: Fury Road was the refreshing real-life stunt work which made the movie stand out from the pack. Tom Cruise is probably the most notable actor since Jackie Chan, to put his own life at risk by doubling as his own stuntman, in an attempt to make authentic films. It’s also hard to not be entertained by the Mission Impossible franchise. This is a great way to close out the month.
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Source: Coming Soon