By Keith Walther | Rose Law Group Reporter
After a month of mostly overrated and underwhelming blockbusters, Hollywood is scaling back the budgets in August, paving the way for more independent features that hope for surprising success. There’s going to be a strange assortment of films across multiple genres. Let’s take a deeper look at them, so you can find the ones that may be right for you.
August 1st
Beginning the month is a revival of a well-known spoof comedy franchise. “The Naked Gun” is the fourth installment, but the first since 1994, and it is a sequel, not a reboot. In fact, Liam Neeson plays Frank Drebin Jr., the son of Leslie Nielsen’s character. Spoof films like this are usually a hilarious hit or a disastrous miss, there’s never an in-between. This one has a better chance than most of striking that funny bone with Akiva Schaffer directing, who was a longtime writer/director of “Saturday Night Live.”
The other major release this week is also a sequel, but of the animated variety. “The Bad Guys 2” brings those familiar, amusingly naughty creatures turned good back to the life of crime as they’re forced to do one last job by an all-female criminal group. The starring vocal cast of its 2022 predecessor return along with the same director, so fans of the first one should find similar entertainment value, making it a viable family option this week.
August 6th – 8th
The week starts with a compelling family film that brings imagination to life. “Sketch” is the latest from Angel Studios and could end up being their biggest commercial success to date. With powerful and emotional messaging at its core, this is a story that should appeal to all ages. At the very least, the action sequences featuring creative creatures will hold younger kids’ attention and capture their sense of adventure and wonder, making it a perfect movie option for families.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is a unique horror film called “Weapons.” Zach Cregger, who burst onto the horror scene with 2022’s “Barbarian,” returns to write and direct this psychological thriller. The premise of a community dealing with the aftermath of their children vanishing at the exact same time is an interesting one with a lot of potential. Having Julia Garner and Josh Brolin headline the cast could make this one of the better movies to watch this month.
Disney will attempt to steal your family movie dollars with a sequel to their 2003 smash success. “Freakier Friday” returns Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis to their respective roles, and they’ll try to repeat the comical personality switcheroo. Judging from the trailers, the dialogue seems to be atrocious and the story a lame attempt to recapture the same comedic magic. As a word to the wise, steer clear of this potential trainwreck and choose “Sketch” over this one if you’re looking for a decent family film.
August 15th
If you’re in the mood for a brain numbing one-person army action movie, then this sequel is right up your alley. “Nobody 2” returns Bob Odenkirk to his fatherly role with a past as a secret assassin. This time, he finds trouble while on a family vacation. Be aware, a new director is helming this sequel, so continuity may be an issue. At the very least, you can expect a lot of violence.
August 22nd
Oscar winner Ethan Coen brings audiences another dark, comedic crime thriller, again without his older brother assisting. “Honey Don’t!” features a solid cast of Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans. Keep in mind, however, that Ethan’s “Drive-Away Dolls” last year was a major disappointment, so this is far from being a guaranteed winner.
August 29th
This jam-packed weekend begins with a wacky action comedy. “The Toxic Avenger” is a remake of 1984’s R-rated, low budget film that inspired three sequels, an animated spin-off series, and a Marvel comic book series. This splatter horror movie looks completely unhinged with the outstanding acting talents of Peter Dinklage in the lead role. If you tend to enjoy comedically gruesome horror flicks, then this one might be for you.
Oscar winner Olivia Colman and two-time Oscar nominee Benedict Cumberbatch unite for a dark comedy helmed by legendary comedic director Jay Roach. “The Roses” is a modernized remake of 1989’s “The War of the Roses,” which is an adaptation of Warren Adler’s 1981 novel of the same name. The incredible level of talent involved in this production alone makes this a can’t miss date movie.
The final release of the month is perhaps the most intriguing and possibly the best. “Caught Stealing” is the latest film from Oscar nominated director Darren Aronofsky (“Black Swan”). This comedic, psychological thriller features Oscar nominee Austin Butler in the lead role, and it’s bound to be gritty, dark, and eccentric.
