Major Theatrical Releases July 2016

Major Theatrical Releases July 2016

As summer begins heating up, so generally does the movies at the box office.  Generally the Fourth of July weekend boasts huge blockbuster hits ("Transformers: Dark of the Moon," "Spider-Man 2," "Independence Day," "Despicable Me 2" to name a few), but it seems that this year's crop isn't as exciting as previous years.  Throw in a much-maligned reboot, the fifth movie of a series that should've ended after the first, and some typical raunchy comedies, and you've got a month that could prove to be a huge disappointment - if not for three films in particular that could save it.

Here are the major theatrical movies being released in July 2016. 

July 1

The Legend of Tarzan

Once again, they've gone back to the well that is the story of Tarzan - unfortunately that well dried up years ago.  This movie takes us through his birth, early life, trying to become civilized in London, and returning to the wild.  And falling in love with Jane.  Moviegoers might be tired of the tale, and after "The Jungle Book," probably won't be too interested in returning to the jungle.  Plus it's Alexander Skarsgard's debut as a leading man, and he might've been able to hold down "True Blood," but can he do it for a major motion picture?  I'm sure females will flock to see his abs, but that'd be about it.  Sad, because it boasts a great supporting cast (Margot Robie, Oscar winner Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson, Jim Broadbent).  I see it doing modestly well still, but nothing revolutionary.  Plus the effects don't look all that impressive - reminds me of Peter Jackson's "King Kong."  In fact, I first thought this was a trailer for the new "King Kong." 

The BFG

This movie has some promise, having been based off a beloved children's book back in 1982, but I feel today's kids don't really know the story.  Directed by master Steven Spielberg, the film boasts dazzling effects, state-of-the-art CGI, and a truly humanistic story at its heart - a young girl finds a giant (a Big Friendly Giant) who isn't like normal giants because he doesn't eat children.  This could be a sleeper hit, but with "Finding Dory" still out there, and "The Secret Life of Pets" coming out a week later, this could fall much lower than expectations.  Side note: every time I heard the title, I first thought "The BFD," which is something totally not child friendly.

The Purge: Election Year

The original Purge was an interesting premise: in the future, there's one night a year where all crime is legal.  No cops, no hospitals, no help whatsoever.  The first film focused on a family in their seemingly impenetrable home.  The second one took to the streets with a rag-tag group of survivors.  Here, one of those survivors ("Civil War" star Frank Grillo) is now the head of security for a female Senator who's the front-runner for President due to her desire to end the Purge.  For sure there'll be a lot of action, horror and unique kills, but overall this is another film series that's far overstayed its welcome.

July 8

The Secret Life of Pets

This film is going to knock "Finding Dory" off the top of the children's animated leader board.  The advertising has been everywhere (no surprise, since its from the people who did "Despicable Me" and its sequel, both well-known for their all-out advertising campaigns).  The story is something we've all wondered who are pet owners: what happens when pets are left alone?  We see hilarious YouTube videos of pets tearing the house apart, but here there's an actual full adventure story on top of the humorous small vignettes we've seen in previews.  No doubt it'll be a laugh riot for old and young alike.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

If "Neighbors 2" is any indication, then the raunchy comedies of summer are in dire straights.  This film (also starring Zac Efron) looks like it'll be another dud, as the movie centers around two wild brothers (Efron and Adam Devine) who put out an ad to find dates for their sister's wedding.  Aubrey Plaza and Anna Kendrick answer the ad, pretending to be civilized, intelligent women but in reality are just as wild as Efron and Devine.  There looks to be a few laughs, but overall it'll be another summer dud.

July 13

The Infiltrator

The true story of a U.S. Customs Agent (Oscar-nominated Bryan Cranston) goes undercover to investigate the money laundering scheme involving Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.  This film has Oscar-bait written all over it, and it's odd that they release such a film in the middle of family-friendly, action-packed summer.  The story is an intriguing one, and it boasts a great cast (Cranston, John Leguizamo, Diane Kruger, Amy Ryan, Benjamin Bratt and Jason Isaacs), and would've fared better if it were released in the fall or spring, but here I see it not being a big box office draw.

July 15

Ghostbusters

Here it is.  The movie whose trailer was the most negative reviewed trailer in YouTube history.  A film that many call a travesty and abomination, an insult to an American classic.  Do I agree?  Not to that extent, because I haven't actually seen it yet.  Still, the premise of taking the classic all-male action-comedy about a group of ghostbusters who capture ghosts and making them all-female is a daring thing to do, and it for sure has generated a lot of buzz.  Melissa McCarthy can possibly hold this fragile film together, but it'll be a Hail Mary pass for it to be successful.  Then again, as they say in the movie business, bad publicity is better than no publicity.  Plus, with no other major films being released that day, it could fare better than expectations.

July 22

Lights Out

 There's a terrifying short film on YouTube about a woman being stalked by a creature who only appears when the lights are out.  The ending is truly terrifying and its a great story.  Can it be expanded to 90 minutes and get the dreaded PG-13 rating?  It's possible, but there's not a lot of publicity for it.  This could either be a hit or miss, but if you want to see the original short film, check it out here:

Ice Age: Collision Course

Back in 2002, America fell in love with Manfred the wooly mammoth, Diego the saber-tooth tiger, Sid the sloth, and Scrat the prehistoric squirrel who only wants his nut.  The film was a major hit, and then it spurned three more sequels, each more disappointing than the last.  Now there's the fifth film in the franchise, and it's clear they're running out of ideas.  For this outing, Scrat goes to space to get his nut, and sets off a cataclysmic event that threatens the entire Earth.  For me, it looks like this series is trying to best another movie involving dinosaurs - "The Land Before Time."  Soon we'll get an "Ice Age" film where our lovable heroes are stuck in downtown New York City or something.

Star Trek Beyond

J.J. Abrams re-vitalized the "Star Trek" series with two great action-packed reboots, and for the third installment, Justin Lin (director of "Fast & Furious," "Fast Five" and "Furious Six") takes over the directing helm as the crew of the USS Enterprise encounters a new enemy (the ever-amazing Idris Elba) and travel once again to a world where no one has gone before.  The film suffered a major hit when it was announced that 27-year-old actor Anton Yelchin tragically passed away, and this would be his final appearance in the "Star Trek" series, which will add a deeper sense of sentimentality to the movie.

July 27

Nerve

Truth or Dare for the modern teen, "Nerve" is the story of a high school senior who wants to become more adventurous and takes part in an online game where she's dared to do different tasks, earning money each time.  However, as is normal for this type of thing, there's a nefarious purpose for the game, and once you get in, you can't get out.  I'll stick to the apps where I scan receipts and get gift cards thank you very much.

July 29

Bad Moms

Three moms who have been taken advantage of, under-appreciated, and overworked decide to go out for some wild fun and ditch their responsibilities.  Sounds like some amazing moms there.  Much like "Mike and Dave," this won't be a huge success, as it follows the highly predictable (and lately unfunny) pattern most comedies of this sort go, and it'll be easily forgotten in the plethora of other movies being released this month.

Jason Bourne

While the women go see "Bad Moms," the guys will be checking out the latest action-packed installment of the Jason Bourne series.  Forgetting that unmemorable Jeremy Renner wannabe reboot, "Jason Bourne" welcomes back Matt Damon as the titular role, as he uncovers truths about his past.  Based on characters created by the genius Robert Ludlum, this is the first wholly original Bourne story, and boasts a tremendous cast including Julia Stiles (in a much meatier role than her previous three outings), Oscar winner Alicia Vikander, and Tommy Lee Jones. 

So there are the films being released in July 2016. 

Here is a list in order from what I think will be the best, to the worst.

 

 The Secret Life of Pets
Jason Bourne
Star Trek Beyond
The BFG
The Legend of Tarzan
Ice Age: Collision Course
The Purge: Election Year
Ghostbusters
Nerve
Lights Out
The Infiltrator
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates
Bad Moms