“Never Goin Back”
Cast: Maia Mitchell, Camila Morrone, Kyle Mooney
Synopsis: A fresh and funny look at female friendship, following Angela and Jessie, who dream of escaping their waitressing jobs at a low-rent Texas diner, even if it’s only to Galveston.
What You Need To Know: All you need to do is watch the trailer for Augustine Frizzell’s feature film debut to realize that there is a fresh new talent on the scene. The latest release from A24, the film takes the raunchy teen comedy, filled to the brim with heartfelt friendship and teenage rebellion, and gives the perspective over to two teenage girls, still a relatively unseen concept. The film looks vibrant, confident and hilarious and as one of the limited releases of the summer, it’s one that should be on everyone’s radar so you don’t miss it if it plays near you.
Release Date: August 3
“BlacKkKlansman”
Cast: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Topher Grace,
Synopsis: It’s the early 1970s, and Ron Stallworth is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan.
What You Need To Know: “BlacKkKlansman” made quite a bit of noise following its premiere at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and it’s little surprise why. When Spike Lee is at his best, his films are topical and mesmerizing and he seems to have been in peak form with his latest. He apparently even dragged a good performance out of Topher Grace. The marketing materials for the film promise a surprisingly funny take on a very difficult topic. Oh, and probably some great performances from Adam Driver and John David Washington.
Release Date: August 10
“Madeline’s Madeline”
Cast: Helena Howard, Molly Parker, Miranda July
Synopsis: Madeline has become an integral part of a prestigious physical theater troupe. When the workshop’s ambitious director pushes the teenager to weave her rich interior world and troubled history with her mother into their collective art, the lines between performance and reality begin to blur. The resulting battle between imagination and appropriation rips out of the rehearsal space and through all three women’s lives.
What You Need To Know: If you haven’t been already, keep your eyes peeled for any and all new work by experimental filmmaker Josephine Decker who brought “Madeline’s Madeline” to this past Sundance which left audiences bowled over. Helena Howard reportedly delivers a star-making performance in this oddball coming of age tale, evoking a “gutteral fury” and natural charisma that floored audiences. Our critic said, “…when the elements Decker has fashioned come to a climax in the third act with Madeline’s own creative ascension, the result is a truly exquisite cinematic experience.”
Release Date: August 10
“Crazy Rich Asians”
Cast: Constance Wu, Henry Golding, Gemma Chan, Harry Shum Jr
Synopsis: “Crazy Rich Asians” follows native New Yorker Rachel Chu as she accompanies her longtime boyfriend, Nick Young, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. Excited about visiting Asia for the first time, but nervous about meeting Nick’s family, Rachel is unprepared to learn that Nick has neglected to mention a few key details about his life. It turns out that he is not only the scion of one of the country’s wealthiest families but also one of its most sought-after bachelors.
What You Need To Know: Based on a hugely popular, best selling novel, there are more than a few reasons to be excited to see and support this film. There’s the charm of bringing such a lavish and big romantic comedy to screens in the middle of the blockbuster season after such a seemingly long drought of such films being given such a transparent highlight. There’s the focus on Constance Wu who, with this and her role in “Fresh Off the Boat,” is cementing herself as one of the most charismatic performers. Of course, the biggest aspect worth celebrating (but, also, worth bemoaning how long it’s taken) is that it’s the first studio film with an all Asian American cast. All three of those elements together make for a must-see film.
Release Date: August 15