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This is a GAF exclusive for a few days, since I'm on birthday/vacation next week. For my present, you can see the #1 movie. Thanks!
After wrapping up the 25 best films of the year thus far, it's time to enter into the second half of 2014, and with it comes at least one film that's sure to be on my top 10 list at the year's end. Aside from one supremely promising blockbuster, July's cream of the crop lies with a handful of festival favorites making their way into theater. Check out the rundown below and let us know what you're most looking forward.
Matinees to See: Deliver Us From Evil (7/2), A Long Way Down (7/11), Made In America (7/11), Alive Inside (7/18), Lucy (7/25), The Kill Team (7/25)
10. A Hard Day's Night and Stop Making Sense (Richard Lester; July 4th and Jonathan Demme)
Synopsis: A "typical" day in the life of The Beatles, and one of the best concert films ever made.
Trailer (and here)
Why You Should See It: While we don't usually include restorations on this feature, a worthy exception is made to sneak in two of the greatest music-related films. Along with a Criterion release, Richard Lester's restored Beatles feature is getting quite an extensive tour around the country (dates here). Meanwhile, Jonathan Demme's digitally restored Talking Heads concert film technically started its brief theatrical run last month but will expand in the coming weeks and one can see those dates here.
9. Happy Christmas (Joe Swanberg; July 25th)
Synopsis: Irresponsible 20-something Jenny arrives in Chicago to live with her older brother Jeff, a young film-maker living a happy existence with his novelist wife Kelly and their two-year-old son. Jenny's arrival shakes up their quiet domesticity as she and her friend Carson instigate an evolution in Kelly's life and career. Meanwhile, Jenny strikes up a rocky relationship with the family's baby sitter-cum-pot dealer.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: While it was far from a large-scale effort, Joe Swanberg stepped up his game with Drinking Buddies, marking his highest profile film yet in both cast and budget, and he's now set to follow it up with a Christmas-themed drama, one that will hopefully continue his knack for authentic characters. Starring Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Mark Webber, Lena Dunham, and Swanberg himself, the story follows a woman who moves into her brother's house following a break-up. Reviews were fairly positive out of Sundance and after its current VOD release, it'll hit theaters at the end of the month.
8. Mood Indigo (Michel Gondry; July 18th)
Synopsis: Wealthy, inventive bachelor endeavors to find a cure for his lover Chloe after she's diagnosed with an unusual illness caused by a flower growing in her lungs.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: After a string of disappointments, we found a lot to love in Michel Gondry's latest work. While it has been cut down with the director's approval since a viewing from Fantastic Fest, we said in our review, "Whether its on account of the visual flair he showcases in this hyper-stylized alternative universe or, perhaps, through the frank manner some characters talk to each other, whimsical is the perfect adjective to describe Michel Gondrys latest film, Mood Indigo. Wild colors pepper the first half, and theres an intense level of fun to be had throughout but its not just visual flair. As we fall for our two leads, Chloe (Audrey Tatou) and Colin (Romain Duris), their profiles are intricately constructed. The latter, an extremely eligible bachelor, has a full-time lawyer who cooks for him in his wacky trailer apartment, never working because he has plenty of money."
7. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Matt Reeves; July 11th)
Synopsis: A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: Co-writing an early James Gray feature, taking on a handful of television episodes, directing one of the most thrilling found-footage films to date with Cloverfield, taking on a the difficult but worthy task of remaking one of the best foreign films of recent years, Matt Reeves' career thus far has been a varied one. Judging from early reactions, it looks like he's crafted his most creatively (and likely financially) successful film yet with this sequel of a prequel. With comparisons akin to the jump from Star Wars to Empire Strikes Back, he has our attention.
6. A Most Wanted Man (Anton Corbijn; July 25th)
Synopsis: A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the international war on terror.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: While it's not the knock-out drama I was hoping for, I said at Sundance, "Anton Corbijns The American is a restrained, absorbing and visually staggering story of an assassin on his final mission, but the marketing sold it as star-powered, edge-of-your-seat thriller. With his follow-up, an adaptation of the John le Carré novel A Most Wanted Man, those expecting the former might be disappointed, as it sways to the latter, resulting in an above-average thriller that could have used a more unconventional visual approach."
5. Magic in the Moonlight (Woody Allen; July 25th)
Synopsis: A romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: If one follows the notion that Woody Allen goes from hit to dud and back, then I suppose we should be less excited for his latest work, but after a strong preview, we can't help but anticipate the Darius Khondji-lit, France-set project. Jumping back into more whimsical territory, we're looking forward to the pairing of Colin Firth and Emma Stone, even if the age gap is a bit strange -- although not for Allen, we suppose.
4. Closed Curtain (Jafar Panahi; July 9th)
Synopsis: A screenwriter goes into hiding with his dog after the regime declares dogs "impure" and bans them from walking in public.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: The latest work from one of the most thrilling voices in international cinema is sadly getting one of the smallest releases this month, but be sure to seek it out if you can. We said in our review, "Jafar Panahis Closed Curtain is a thrilling meditation onliterallythe liberating powers of cinema, an exploration of where hope comes from, and a chilling cry for help. What begins as a fiction slowly reveals itself to be a visualization of one filmmakers creative process, as well as a more fleshed out exploration of what constitutes a film and how digital technology can impact filmmaking that Panahi examined in his previous work, This Is Not A Film."
3. Land Ho! (Aaron Katz, Martha Stephens; July 11th)
Synopsis: A pair of former brothers-in-law embark on a road trip through Iceland.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: One of the most authentic, purely enjoyable experiences one is bound to have at the cinema this summer comes in the form of this Sundance hit. I said in my review, "Following his break-out performance in last years restrained Sundance drama This is Martin Bonner, the talented Paul Eenhoorn has returned to the festival with Land Ho!, a lovely, hilarious, and beautifully photographed road trip comedy. While Eenhoorn provides the tender, more reserved half of the duo as Colin, its his ex-brother-in-law, Mitch (Earl Lynn Nelson), who steals the show as a foul-mouthed, perpetually horny, pot-smoking, recently retired doctor."
2. Life Itself (Steve James; July 18th)
Synopsis: A documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: Backed by Martin Scorsese and Steve Zaillian, the world's most influential film critic has received the documentary he deserves with Life Itself. Capturing the final, heartbreaking months of Roger Ebert's life and going into the archive to tell his life's journey, Steve James was the perfect choice to direct the project. One can read our full review from Sundance for the balanced documentary that's a must-see for anyone who loves going to the movies, but more importantly, discussing them afterward.
1. Boyhood (Richard Linklater; July 11th)
Synopsis: Captures the life of a boy named Mason from age 5 to age 18 in Texas.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: Easily one of the most astounding cinematic achievements we'll get this year, Boyhood is not only impressive for its method (filmed over 12 years), but the way in which Richard Linklater captures the story. "This is a film of many small moments, all added together to make something quite wonderful," we said in our review; these unassuming glimpses of childhood create such a complete, staggering portrait of growing up, it's difficult not to find something to relate to here. Expanding throughout the summer, this is, truly, the must-see epic of the season.
Complete list of releases
What are you most looking forward to this month?
After wrapping up the 25 best films of the year thus far, it's time to enter into the second half of 2014, and with it comes at least one film that's sure to be on my top 10 list at the year's end. Aside from one supremely promising blockbuster, July's cream of the crop lies with a handful of festival favorites making their way into theater. Check out the rundown below and let us know what you're most looking forward.
Matinees to See: Deliver Us From Evil (7/2), A Long Way Down (7/11), Made In America (7/11), Alive Inside (7/18), Lucy (7/25), The Kill Team (7/25)
10. A Hard Day's Night and Stop Making Sense (Richard Lester; July 4th and Jonathan Demme)
Synopsis: A "typical" day in the life of The Beatles, and one of the best concert films ever made.
Trailer (and here)
Why You Should See It: While we don't usually include restorations on this feature, a worthy exception is made to sneak in two of the greatest music-related films. Along with a Criterion release, Richard Lester's restored Beatles feature is getting quite an extensive tour around the country (dates here). Meanwhile, Jonathan Demme's digitally restored Talking Heads concert film technically started its brief theatrical run last month but will expand in the coming weeks and one can see those dates here.
9. Happy Christmas (Joe Swanberg; July 25th)
Synopsis: Irresponsible 20-something Jenny arrives in Chicago to live with her older brother Jeff, a young film-maker living a happy existence with his novelist wife Kelly and their two-year-old son. Jenny's arrival shakes up their quiet domesticity as she and her friend Carson instigate an evolution in Kelly's life and career. Meanwhile, Jenny strikes up a rocky relationship with the family's baby sitter-cum-pot dealer.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: While it was far from a large-scale effort, Joe Swanberg stepped up his game with Drinking Buddies, marking his highest profile film yet in both cast and budget, and he's now set to follow it up with a Christmas-themed drama, one that will hopefully continue his knack for authentic characters. Starring Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Mark Webber, Lena Dunham, and Swanberg himself, the story follows a woman who moves into her brother's house following a break-up. Reviews were fairly positive out of Sundance and after its current VOD release, it'll hit theaters at the end of the month.
8. Mood Indigo (Michel Gondry; July 18th)
Synopsis: Wealthy, inventive bachelor endeavors to find a cure for his lover Chloe after she's diagnosed with an unusual illness caused by a flower growing in her lungs.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: After a string of disappointments, we found a lot to love in Michel Gondry's latest work. While it has been cut down with the director's approval since a viewing from Fantastic Fest, we said in our review, "Whether its on account of the visual flair he showcases in this hyper-stylized alternative universe or, perhaps, through the frank manner some characters talk to each other, whimsical is the perfect adjective to describe Michel Gondrys latest film, Mood Indigo. Wild colors pepper the first half, and theres an intense level of fun to be had throughout but its not just visual flair. As we fall for our two leads, Chloe (Audrey Tatou) and Colin (Romain Duris), their profiles are intricately constructed. The latter, an extremely eligible bachelor, has a full-time lawyer who cooks for him in his wacky trailer apartment, never working because he has plenty of money."
7. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (Matt Reeves; July 11th)
Synopsis: A growing nation of genetically evolved apes led by Caesar is threatened by a band of human survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade earlier. They reach a fragile peace, but it proves short-lived, as both sides are brought to the brink of a war that will determine who will emerge as Earth's dominant species.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: Co-writing an early James Gray feature, taking on a handful of television episodes, directing one of the most thrilling found-footage films to date with Cloverfield, taking on a the difficult but worthy task of remaking one of the best foreign films of recent years, Matt Reeves' career thus far has been a varied one. Judging from early reactions, it looks like he's crafted his most creatively (and likely financially) successful film yet with this sequel of a prequel. With comparisons akin to the jump from Star Wars to Empire Strikes Back, he has our attention.
6. A Most Wanted Man (Anton Corbijn; July 25th)
Synopsis: A Chechen Muslim illegally immigrates to Hamburg, where he gets caught in the international war on terror.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: While it's not the knock-out drama I was hoping for, I said at Sundance, "Anton Corbijns The American is a restrained, absorbing and visually staggering story of an assassin on his final mission, but the marketing sold it as star-powered, edge-of-your-seat thriller. With his follow-up, an adaptation of the John le Carré novel A Most Wanted Man, those expecting the former might be disappointed, as it sways to the latter, resulting in an above-average thriller that could have used a more unconventional visual approach."
5. Magic in the Moonlight (Woody Allen; July 25th)
Synopsis: A romantic comedy about an Englishman brought in to help unmask a possible swindle. Personal and professional complications ensue.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: If one follows the notion that Woody Allen goes from hit to dud and back, then I suppose we should be less excited for his latest work, but after a strong preview, we can't help but anticipate the Darius Khondji-lit, France-set project. Jumping back into more whimsical territory, we're looking forward to the pairing of Colin Firth and Emma Stone, even if the age gap is a bit strange -- although not for Allen, we suppose.
4. Closed Curtain (Jafar Panahi; July 9th)
Synopsis: A screenwriter goes into hiding with his dog after the regime declares dogs "impure" and bans them from walking in public.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: The latest work from one of the most thrilling voices in international cinema is sadly getting one of the smallest releases this month, but be sure to seek it out if you can. We said in our review, "Jafar Panahis Closed Curtain is a thrilling meditation onliterallythe liberating powers of cinema, an exploration of where hope comes from, and a chilling cry for help. What begins as a fiction slowly reveals itself to be a visualization of one filmmakers creative process, as well as a more fleshed out exploration of what constitutes a film and how digital technology can impact filmmaking that Panahi examined in his previous work, This Is Not A Film."
3. Land Ho! (Aaron Katz, Martha Stephens; July 11th)
Synopsis: A pair of former brothers-in-law embark on a road trip through Iceland.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: One of the most authentic, purely enjoyable experiences one is bound to have at the cinema this summer comes in the form of this Sundance hit. I said in my review, "Following his break-out performance in last years restrained Sundance drama This is Martin Bonner, the talented Paul Eenhoorn has returned to the festival with Land Ho!, a lovely, hilarious, and beautifully photographed road trip comedy. While Eenhoorn provides the tender, more reserved half of the duo as Colin, its his ex-brother-in-law, Mitch (Earl Lynn Nelson), who steals the show as a foul-mouthed, perpetually horny, pot-smoking, recently retired doctor."
2. Life Itself (Steve James; July 18th)
Synopsis: A documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: Backed by Martin Scorsese and Steve Zaillian, the world's most influential film critic has received the documentary he deserves with Life Itself. Capturing the final, heartbreaking months of Roger Ebert's life and going into the archive to tell his life's journey, Steve James was the perfect choice to direct the project. One can read our full review from Sundance for the balanced documentary that's a must-see for anyone who loves going to the movies, but more importantly, discussing them afterward.
1. Boyhood (Richard Linklater; July 11th)
Synopsis: Captures the life of a boy named Mason from age 5 to age 18 in Texas.
Trailer
Why You Should See It: Easily one of the most astounding cinematic achievements we'll get this year, Boyhood is not only impressive for its method (filmed over 12 years), but the way in which Richard Linklater captures the story. "This is a film of many small moments, all added together to make something quite wonderful," we said in our review; these unassuming glimpses of childhood create such a complete, staggering portrait of growing up, it's difficult not to find something to relate to here. Expanding throughout the summer, this is, truly, the must-see epic of the season.
Complete list of releases
What are you most looking forward to this month?
