Like most people, you are probably scratching your head trying to figure out how August is here already. However, there is still a whole month left to swim, sunbathe and, of course, take in some great movies.
Disney’s Christopher Robin (PG)
Everyone’s favorite silly old bear comes to the big screen on Aug. 3 in Disney’s Christopher Robin. The film is directed by Marc Foster and stars Ewan McGregor, Bronte Carmichael and Hayley Atwell along with the voices of Jim Cummings and Brad Garrett. I’m sure all of us at one time or another has read or seen something having to do with the classic Winnie The Pooh. This movie is inspired by the classic books and follows Christopher Robin, who is now an adult and has lost all of his imagination and joy for life. Pooh and his friends from the Hundred Acre Wood attempt to re-enter his life again to inspire him to find his creativity once again. A terrific family movie for everyone.
The Meg (PG-13)
On Aug. 10, The Meg opens in theaters. Directed by Jon Turteltaub, the film stars Jason Statham, Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, Winston Chao and Cliff Curtin. Based on the 1997 book Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror, written by Steve Alten, this movie is action-packed, set 200 miles off the Chinese coast featuring a 75-foot long prehistoric shark named the Megalodon. Supposedly extinct, it catches the crew of a submersible research lab off guard leaving them stranded. Jonas Taylor (Statham) is a diver who must rescue them and destroy the monster before he reaches the mainland. I for one can’t wait to see Statham in action in this science fiction/horror movie.
Alpha (PG-13)
Directed by Albert Hughes, Alpha debuts on Aug. 17. Starring Kodi Smit-McPhee, Leonor Varela and Jens Hulten, this movie is an American historical drama set 20,000 years ago in Europe. After a Steppe Bison hunting excursion goes wrong, a marooned young man struggles against the weather and terrain with hopes to find his way home. During his quest to survive, he develops an unlikely friendship with a wolf. An interesting adventure film sure to pull at your heart strings.
The Happy Time Murders (R)
On Aug. 24, The Happy Time Murders debuts, directed by Brian Henson. The movie stars Melissa McCarthy, Elizabeth Banks, Maya Rudolph and Joel McHale. This movie has been the subject of a lot of controversy and even lawsuits due to the depiction of what some are saying is a gross misrepresentation of the famous Muppets. The film follows a puppet private investigator and his former tarnished partner as they try and solve the mystery surrounding a serial killer murdering off the puppets from a 1980s children show. I strongly recommend you do not take your children as it is very graphic both sexually and with violence.
Juliet, Naked (R)
Aug. 31 sees the debut of Juliet: Naked. Directed by Jesse Peretz, the film stars Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke and Chris O’Dowd. This comedy/drama is about a woman named Annie, who is the girlfriend of Duncan, who also had a romantic rendezvous with Tucker, who is Duncan’s musical obsession. It may be a mouthful but this movie is a funny take on the old love triangle.
So no matter what you decide to see, make sure you grab some popcorn and a drink and enjoy the movies.
