The summer movie season is slowly winding down and many of us are probably already looking to next year's offerings following the release of several mega-blockbuster films such as "Avengers: Infinity War", "Deadpool 2", and "Solo: A Star Wars Story." It can be easy to miss out on some of the smaller productions that come out in between or after a major film's arrival. In an effort to show how rewarding sticking around can be during those last few weeks of the season you'll find a list of ten films recently or yet to be released below that are worth a second glance.
1." Crazy Rich Asians"
If you're in the mood for something unique and comedic, the book-based, upcoming film, "Crazy Rich Asians"is a great choice. The movie is essentially about a couple (who happens to be Asian) who face scrutiny from an (extremely) rich family on the boyfriend's side. The main character, Rachel Chu, struggles to fit in with his judgmental, high-class crowd with a strong-minded mother at the forefront. The film gives a rare glimpse into the various strict and dysfunctional norms Asian families can be associated with.
Release Date: August 15
2. "Sorry to Bother You"
For those of you who loved last year's "Get Out" thriller directed by the comedian Jordan Peele. (Yes, a horror movie was directed by a comic, but it was awesome so no quips!) you'll be happy to find Lakeith Stanfield as the lead in this colorfully satirical production, described as belonging to both the sci-fi and comedy genres. The plot in "Sorry to Bother You" revolves around Stanfield's character, Cassius Green, stumbling upon the key to taking off his career as a telemarketer by adopting a "white person" persona. There's the deep overlying question of whether Cassius should choose profit and getting ahead versus a moral obligation to join his friends in combating injustices. You wouldn't think such a serious plot had the potential to be comical but that's exactly what this film's capable cast executed.
Release Date: July 27
3. "Dog Days"
If you're like me and immediately decide to see any movie with a dog in it, you won't want to miss out on "Dog Days." It has all the typical, irresistibly adorable, dog film traits you yearn for; lots of dogs with a mastery of 'pretty please' looks, a heartwarming story featuring the undeniable connection between man and canine and a regular demonstration of playful antics by the pets. You know that moment in "Lady and the Tramp" when the owners get tied up together purposefully by their dogs? Expand on that by adding several other people and you have this film's focus.
Release Date: August 10
4. "Slender Man"
Just by reading the title of this film, you're going to be separated into two types of people. The ones that gasp when they realize they're making a movie out of a video game and those who think this is some random new horror flick. The idea for the "Slender Man" video game actually originated from an internet meme, so that gives you an indication of how popular the idea of "Slender Man" (a thin, faceless and abnormally tall man apt to abducting or generally terrorizing people) became. Not unlike his myth in real life, the slender man in the film preys on four young girls after they perform a ritual to debunk his existence. To add to the general eeriness surrounding this movie, a few years ago the Slender Man superstition was highlighted by numerous news outlets when a series of violent incidents occurred around the country, one involving the (supposedly) fictional character influencing a group of girls to nearly stab another to death in Wisconsin.
Release Date: August 10
5. "BlacK K Klansman"
Following Jordan Peele's success with his first film directing attempt with "Get Out," we're presented with what looks to be another controversial and stimulating production with him as producer alongside several other visionary figures. "BlaKkKlansman" follows the intriguing experience of an African-American detective infiltrating the infamous extremist group, the Ku Klux Klan. Note: based on a true story.
Release Date: August 10
6. "Alpha"
There's that famous saying, "Man's best friend." Most wouldn't actually know how it came to be known. "Alpha" is a beautifully filmed picture featuring the start of the bond between man and canine. The film is set around 20,000 years ago during the Upper Paleolithic period and addresses the struggle of man and wolf working together to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment and return to their homes.
Release Date: August 17
7. "The Darkest Minds"
From the producer of "Stranger Things" (yes, "Stranger Things"), we are introduced to the dystopic world within "The Darkest Minds film, a reality in which adults fear the young and detain them in camps to prevent them from gaining influence over society and the future. A number of teenage detainees mysteriously develop mutant-like powers and decide to use them against the older and authoritarian population to win back their freedom.
Release Date: August 3
8. "Eighth Grade"
In remembrance of one of the most tortuous, cringe-inducing eras of our lives, middle school, or more specifically the year before entering secondary school, we have Bo Burnham's "Eight Grade" film as a tribute to the glory days we look fondly back on. Through "Eighth Grade" we not only recall our past selves at a sensitive age but gain insight into the differences between growing up in our time and the current hardships teenagers face.
Release Date: July 13
9. "The Little Stranger"
In "The Little Stranger," Dr. Faraday (played by Domhnall Gleeson) is called to the country home of the Ayres family, he expects to treat a patient but ends up a subject himself. The house is in poor shape and the inhabitants appear fittingly morose considering the setting. As time passes it seems like Dr. Faraday has more in common with his hosts than he could have ever expected. It wouldn't be a surprise if you missed this film's showing, what with the short and mysterious plot details making it difficult to predict what to expect. However, the mystique is part of what makes a summer thriller so alluring.
Release Date: August 31
10. "Skate Kitchen"
We've all been there, the first day of school, not sure where we quite fit in. In "Skate Kitchen," we follow Camille, the "new kid on the block," as she navigates her way to a place with a sense of belonging. She befriends a group of female skateboarders and is quickly drawn into a foreign subculture that further influences her to discover who she is and the value of companionship. It's set up to be a unique and atmospherically filmed project that fits the warm and hazy summer mood.
Release Date: August 10
Going to the cinema alone is good for your mental health, says science
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