By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
This July, movie enthusiasts have a plethora of options to indulge in, ranging from superhero team ups to heartwarming dramas. Here’s a rundown of the most unmissable movies to watch and stream this month.
1. Crossing
Levan Akin, the Swedish Georgian writer director known for "And Then We Danced," returns with "Crossing," a poignant queer drama. The film follows Lia (Mzia Arabuli), a retired teacher, as she journeys from Batumi in Georgia to Istanbul in search of her estranged transgender niece. With the help of a trans rights lawyer (Deniz Dumanli), she discovers a vibrant community. Hannah Strong from Little White Lies describes it as "sweet without being cloying," a love letter to Georgian and Turkish culture.
Release Date: 19 July (UK, US, Ireland)
2. MaXXXine
Ti West's "X" series continues with "MaXXXine," a unique slasher franchise. Mia Goth reprises her role as Maxine Minx, now in Hollywood in 1985, pursuing her dream amidst a series of murders. The film stars Bobby Cannavale, Elizabeth Debicki, Lily Collins, and Kevin Bacon. West told Empire that the movie contrasts the "shiny parts of Hollywood" with its "seedy parts."
Release Date: 5 July (US, Canada, UK, Ireland)
3. Twisters
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, "Twisters" is a followup to the 1996 hit "Twister." Starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar Jones, this film explores storm chasers navigating increasingly destructive tornadoes due to climate change. Screenwriter Mark L Smith highlights the film's focus on the expanded tornado alley and the impact of climate change.
Release Date: 17 July (Internationally)
4. Deadpool & Wolverine
The much anticipated team up of Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is here. Directed by Shawn Levy, this film blends postmodern comedy with superhero action. Levy promises "unexpected jokes and moments" thanks to the camaraderie between Reynolds and Jackman.
Release Date: 26 July (Internationally)
5. The Imaginary
"The Imaginary," directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, is an animated adaptation of AF Harrold's novel. It follows Rudger, a supernatural boy who saves imaginary friends from the evil Mr. Bunting. Kristy Puchko of Mashable praises it as a film that feels like a "cousin to Studio Ghibli's fantastical family."
Release Date: 5 July (Netflix, Internationally)
6. Fly Me to The Moon
This romantic comedy, set against the backdrop of the 1960s space race, stars Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. Tatum plays a NASA engineer, while Johansson is an advertising executive hired to promote the Apollo program. BBC Radio 2’s James King calls it a "sparkling romcom" with serious panache.
Release Date: 12 July (Internationally)
7. Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande
This documentary chronicles the British funk band Cymande, who found fame in the US but struggled in the UK. Featuring interviews with fans like Mark Ronson, Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian describes it as an "education and a goodnews story."
Release Date: 26 July (US)
8. Longlegs
Osgood Perkins directs "Longlegs," a horror film starring Maika Monroe as an FBI agent and Nicolas Cage as a Satan worshipping serial killer. Screen Anarchy’s J Hurtado calls it a "masterpiece" and one of the most harrowing cinematic experiences of the year.
Release Date: 12 July (US, UK, Canada, Ireland)
9. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Eddie Murphy returns as Axel Foley in the fourth installment of the "Beverly Hills Cop" series. Joined by original cast members and newcomers like Taylor Paige and Joseph Gordon Levitt, director Mark Molloy emphasizes Murphy's improvisational genius.
Release Date: 3 July (Netflix, Internationally)
10. Despicable Me 4
Gru (Steve Carell) is back in "Despicable Me 4," facing old enemy Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) while dealing with family dynamics. Screen Daily’s Wendy Ide describes it as a "gloriously funny and playful" installment, though light on plot.
Release Date: 3 July (Internationally)
11. Kill
This Hindi language thriller by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat features a commando (Lakshya) fighting bandits on a train to New Delhi. Peter Debruge of Variety notes its extreme violence, suggesting "Overkill" as a more fitting title.
Release Date: 4 July (US), 5 July (UK, Ireland, India)
With such a diverse selection, July promises something for every movie lover.