New Thor Movie? Are the minions coming back? With summer in full swing, plenty of films are being released. Whether you enjoy them in cinemas, drive-in theaters, or at-home movie marathons, here we give an overview of the top 9 films that we are excited about watching this July!
Minions: The Rise of Gru
Released: July 1st, 2022
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10 Rated: PG
The fifth film of the popular Despicable Me franchise, Minions: The Rise Of Gru, is sure to be a family-friendly hit. The movie follows the journey of a young villain-in-the-making, Gru, who tries to join a band of notorious supervillains-only to rub them off the wrong way. With plenty of Disney-style humor and minion-packed action, Minions: The Rise Of Gru delivers a satisfying prequel for all Despicable Me fans.
Mr. Malcolm's List
Released: July 1st, 2022
IMDb Rating: 5.8/10 Rated: PG
When Julia Thistlewaite is rejected by a wealthy bachelor, Jeremy Malcolm, she is determined to get her revenge by turning her friend into his dream bride. This Regency-era drama somewhat resembles the popular Bridgerton, covering the romantic life journeys of high-class socialites. Although it features a diverse cast, it doesn't quite go past the critique of 'love as a means for power', and ends up marrying off every character as a means to resolve the story: quite ironic for a show that supposedly critiques societal norms.
The Princess
Released: July 1st, 2022
IMDb Rating: 5.5/10 Rated: R
A princess, who remains nameless for the entirety of the film, must do everything she can to stop her marriage to a ruthless diplomat. The film's fight scenes are impressive, with good choreography and music to hold it together. But we are given a rather cliche story of female empowerment, which falls short of delivering an interesting, powerful story to hold its audience's attention.
Thor: Love and Thunder
Released: July 8th, 2022
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10 Rated: PG-13
A highly anticipated sequel and new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor: Love and Thunder is a box-office success, grossing nearly $450 million USD. Thor is driven out of retirement by Gorr the God Butcher, who wants all gods to be destroyed. With the help of a few friends, Thor must defeat Gorr before it's too late. Plenty of action, comedy, and the signature 'Marvel Formula' keep audiences satisfied, all under the direction of Taika Waititi.
The Deer King
Released: July 13th, 2022
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10 Rated: R
From Masashi Ando, a legendary animator who has worked with the likes of Hayao Miyazaki and Satoshi Kon, The Deer King marks his directorial debut. Following the last survivor of a band of warriors, who narrowly escapes a mysterious attack by savage dogs with only a little girl as a companion. We highly recommend The Deer King, as it touches on themes of war, destruction, and humanity, usually reserved for grittier films but presented flawlessly through animation.
Where the Crawdads Sing
Released: July 13th, 2022
IMDb Rating: 6.8/10 Rated: PG-13
The highly anticipated adaption of the book Where the Crawdads Sing follows the riveting journey of Kya, a girl who was abandoned by her family and lives alone in the marsh. When she leaves the marsh, she isn't prepared for what is to come. The film offers a combination of mystery and romance, which is sure to thrill.
It also deals with the darker side of trauma, abandonment, and loneliness. A must-see, especially if you enjoyed the book!
Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3
Released: July 15th, 2022
IMDb Rating: 6.2/10 Rated: G
Another sequel to the popular Disney film series Z-O-M-B-I-E-S, Z-O-M-B-I-E-S 3 returns to Seabrook, where Addison is participating in an international cheer competition and Zed is to receive a scholarship to college. For the most part, the town is at peace with zombies, but when aliens suddenly arrive, things get complicated. If you're a fan of previous Z-O-M-B-I-E-S films, you'll definitely enjoy this sequel!
Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank
Released: July 15th, 2022
IMDb Rating: 6.1/10 Rated: PG
Here's a film for the entire family to enjoy! Fun-loving hound Hank finds himself in a town full of cats. He takes it upon himself to defend them from the clutches of an evil villain and embarks on a mission to assume the role of the town's samurai defender.
The only problem? The entire town hates dogs. If you enjoy action-packed animation, this one is sure to please!
Nope
Released: July 22nd, 2022
IMDb Rating: ? Rated: R
Little is known about Jordan Peele's mysterious horror, Nope, set for release in late July. However, it is sure to fascinate! We can't wait to see this thrilling film, about the supernatural occurrences at a Midwest ranch. Be sure to be on the lookout for this summer release, which is sure to be a hit!
Summer is a wonderful time to relax, and there's no better way to do so than by watching some films! We highly recommend checking out some of the films listed above, and hope you enjoy the remainder of your summer. Don't forget to follow the Teen Magazine for updates!