By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
As the summer wanes, typically so too does the quality of movies. However, this August features a wide assortment of films, some more promising than others. There will be plenty of horror/thrillers, but also an anticipated romantic drama and an imaginative family film, as well as an out of this world action/adventure. Thankfully, what there won’t be is “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 2,” because it has been pulled from its August release schedule due to the first film bombing at the box office in June.
August 2nd
M. Night Shyamalan opens the month with his latest horror film, and hopefully fares better than his daughter’s directorial debut in June. “Trap” appears to be a different type of horror from M. Night, since this one centers around a serial killer and doesn’t include his usual supernatural type of influence. Playing the lead role of the serial killer is Josh Hartnett, who is in the midst of a career resurgence. This is one to keep an eye on, especially if M. Night is able to realize his limitless potential once again.
Also opening this day is a family adventure that taps into the imagination. “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” based on the 1955 children’s book of the same name, is brought to life by Brazilian director Carlos Saldanha (“Ice Age” & “Rio”). Starring Zachary Levi (“Shazam”), this film combines CGI animation and live action. Let’s hope it succeeds where “IF” failed, but at least should present itself as a viable family option this month.
August 9th
Three very different movies release on this date starting with “It Ends with Us.” Based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Colleen Hoover, this romantic drama features Blake Lively in the starring role, her first on-screen performance since 2020. Justin Baldoni pulls double duty as her co-star and director of the film. This one has potential, but it could also be a weaker version of “Sleeping with the Enemy.”
Looking for more of an action blockbuster type of movie? “Borderlands” is based on the best-selling video game and features an all-star cast of Jamie Lee Curtis, Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Ariana Greenblatt, and the voice of Jack Black. Writer/director Eli Roth is taking a break from the horror genre to helm this project. After his resounding failure that was the slasher flick “Thanksgiving,” this could be the change of scenery he needs to fine tune his craft. This looks to be an imaginative and entertainingly wild ride with a nice amount of comedy sprinkled throughout the movie.
For those looking for another horror film, you’re in luck. “Cuckoo” is a strange looking independent thriller filmed exclusively in Germany that scored a big distribution deal after its positive showings at the Berlin International Film Festival and South by Southwest Film Festival. Young up-and-comer actress Hunter Schafer is generating a lot of buzz with her performance in the lead role, but there are indications the film does not end well. So, look for more reviews on this one before committing.
August 16th
Ever since “Alien” terrified audiences in 1979, a franchise was born and has spawned a total of 8 films. “Alien: Romulus” is number nine, but supposedly takes place between the first and second films. These films have been the gold standard when it comes to sci-fi horror, except for the disastrous “Alien vs. Predator” crossover movies. Uruguayan filmmaker Fede Alvarez, who successfully created a tense, suspense thriller with “Don’t Breathe,” writes and directs this project, so he should be able to generate a level of terror fans of the franchise have come to expect.
August 23rd
30 years after the original in which Brandon Lee tragically lost his life while filming, comes the remake of “The Crow.” Bill Skarsgård (“It”) plays the new Eric Draven and looks similar to Jared Leto’s garish version of the Joker. This seems an ill-conceived remake with former cast members of the original actively voicing their displeasure. With the amount of negatively swirling around this production, this may be one to avoid.
“Blink Twice” may be the better option this week. This is a mystery thriller starring Channing Tatum and is the directorial debut of actress Zoë Kravitz, who also co-writes the screenplay. If her talent with directing is anything like her acting, then this should be a resounding success. The film has an interesting “Pretty Woman” meets “Shutter Island” kind of vibe to it with a cocktail waitress being whisked away to a tropical island by a billionaire, where odd events begin to shatter her reality.
August 30th
How about one more horror film to close out the month? “AfrAId” is the latest project from Blumhouse Productions and seems to follow in the footsteps of their 2022 film “M3gan,” leaning on Artificial Intelligence to be the primary antagonist. Unlike “M3gan,” however, an experienced writer/director is helming this production. Chris Weitz even received an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2003 for “About a Boy.” With experienced actors like John Cho, Katherine Waterston, and Keith Carradine headlining the cast, maybe “AfrAId” has a chance to accomplish what “M3gan” could not, or maybe it will be yet another Blumhouse disappointment.
