The Month of July brings the second half of the Summer movie season, and a dearth of animated and Action movies along with it.
We’ve got a highly anticipated Thor sequel, THREE animated family flicks, and several action movies coming out this July.
#10 – Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris
In at Number 10 is Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris, about a hardworking maid, hoping to splurge on something she loves, for once in her life.
‘Mrs. Harris is the ‘soul of discretion’. That’s what we are Vi, the invisible women.’
Oscar Nominee Lesley Manville stars as the titular ‘Mrs. Harris’, a domestic worker in 1950’s London, who doesn’t have much going for her in life.
She’s so overlooked, that people comment about how forgettable she is, thinking that somehow that’s a COMPLIMENT. That is, until the working class Mrs. Harris comes into some money.
Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris IMDb Page
‘You should’ve been receiving a War Widow’s pension. It comes to quite a tidy sum. I’m going to buy a dress — a Christian Dior dress. **Laughing**’
‘Good Hope’ Director Anthony Fabian returns to the world of fiction, this time bringing Paul Gallico’s popular short story to the big screen.
Mrs. Harris is so used to being overlooked and looked down upon, that it seems like she’s not surprised that she’s STILL looked down upon; EVEN when she does have money!
Dragon Movie Guy’s YouTube Channel
‘Mrs. Harris **(slaps scarf across her face)** You are nobody, invisible. I’m just a cleaner from London. No. your a cleaner who dreams of the most beautiful gown in the world.’
Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris hits theaters July 15.
#9 – Minions: The Rise Of Gru
In at Number 9 is Minions: The Rise Of Gru, the 5th film in the Despicable Me franchise, and the sequel to the 2015 Minions spinoff movie.
‘I am going to be a supervillain. **(Fart Sounds) (People Screaming/Running)**’
Steve Carell’s Gru is now 12 years old, but still dreams of being evil.
Needless to say, Gru gets himself into trouble, and needs help from his Minions. And, somehow the Minions enlist the help of Kung Fu Master Chow, voiced by Michelle Yeoh.
Minions: The Rise Of Gru IMDb Page
‘I am a master of Kung Fu. Por smoochie smoochie **(Slaps/Screams)**’
The Rise Of Gru looks like it combines the fun of a Kung Fu movie, with the fashion and fun of a prequel set in the 70’s.
The previous Minions movie got a somewhat mixed reaction — the kind you might expect from supporting characters being given their own spinoff movie, and not quite having enough gravitas to carry the movie by themselves.
It’s nice to see Steve Carell’s Gru back to add at least a little bit of excitement. And, it’ll be interesting to see what FUN the Minions can have playing in this Kung Fu genre.
Dragon Movie Guy’s Instagram Page
‘Kevin Kevin Kevin. **(Slaps/Yelling)**’
Minions: The Rise Of Gru hits theaters July 1.
#8 – DC’s League Of Super-Pets
In at Number 8 is DCs League Of Super-Pets, a full length CGI animated movie about Super Man’s dog, Krypto.
‘Maybe, I should let him sleep. OK… **JUMP, JUMP** **(Drops Superman)** And, I’m up! OK…’
Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson voices the super-powered pet of the Man Of Steel. Krypto appears to have many of the same powers as Super Man himself, including the ability to fly.
NOT included in that list of super powers; is the ability to talk like a human. But, that doesn’t stop Krypto from showing he’s one particular Super… ‘Man’s best friend.’
DC’s League Of Super-Pets IMDb Page
‘My best friend is in danger, and you HAVE TO help me. We’re just a bunch of shelter pets, but we’re stronger than you think!’
This looks like a fun journey into the lives of our pets, and what would happen if you gave a turtle superspeed, or a barking dog the ability to be as tough as he feels.
Dragon Movie Guy’s Twitter Page
‘Sorry. You were saying something? How much did you have to drink? I had two toilet bowls.’
DC’s League Of Super Pets hits theaters July 29.
#7 – Fire Of Love
In at Number 7 is Fire Of Love, a National Geographic documentary turned Love Story Biopic about two Volcanologists finding love. And, NO, this has nothing to do with ‘Spock’!
‘This is Katia. And, this is Maurice. **(Clank)**’
Katia and Maurice Kraft were French Volcanologists studying and filming volcanos. We know going in that they died – TOGETHER – doing the very thing they loved.
It may be 31 years since their deaths. But, now we get to see the fire they shared for Volcanos, as well as each other.
Fire Of Love IMDb Page
‘It’s hard for Volcanologists to live together. It’s Volcanic! We erupt often! **Laughs**’
Directed by Sara Dosa, and narrated by Kajillionaire Director Miranda July, it looks like we’ll get to see Katia’s and Maurice’s relationship up close.
For those of us that love nature documentaries, it should be interesting to get a behind-the-scenes look at these scientists lives together, and their willingness to risk it all to study something so deadly.
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‘I like when he walks in front of me. If he is going to die, I’d rather be with him.’
Fire Of Love hits theaters July 6.
#6 – Nope
In at Number 6 is NOPE, Director Jordan Poole’s latest Horror film, this time bringing in an Extra Terrestrial element to the genre.
‘As the ONLY black-owned horse trainers in Hollywood, since the moment picture pictures could MOVE; we’ve had skin in the game.’
In what might be my FAVORITE Horror movie title of all time, ‘NOPE’ brings a Science Fiction/Alien dimension to Peele’s third theatrical Directorial outing.
Oscar Nominee Daniel Kaluuya stars as Hollywood horse trainer O.J. Haywood, the owner of a ranch that slowly gets overrun by creepy extra terrestrials.
Nope IMDb Page
‘**Wind** What’s a BAD miracle? **House neighing** They got a word for that?’
Keke Palmer and Oscar Nominee Steve Yeun also star in what looks to be another weird and creative Horror outing for Jordan Poole.
I ALWAYS wonder why people go TOWARDS the noise in a Horror flick… Nope looks like people actually try to do the smart thing, and run AWAY from the danger!
Dragon Movie Guy’s Review Nation Author Page
‘Yeah… Nah, nah, nah… RUN!!! **Dust Flying**’
NOPE hits theaters July 22.
#5 – Vegeance
In at Number 5 is Vengeance, a Comedy Mystery from Writer/Director B.J. Novak, a.k.a. Ryan Howard, The Intern, from ‘The Office’.
‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry! It’s O.K., it’s not someone I was close to. It was a girl I hooked up with a few times. Her family thought that we were more serious than I did.’
B.J. Novak’s character ‘Ben’ is a radio host from New York City visiting Texas to bury a friend he used to date. While there, the girl’s family wants to investigate her death as a murder.
Ben smells the opportunity for a story, and wants to use the locals’ grief over Abeline’s death, as fuel for a podcast.
Vengeance IMDb Page
‘I’m going to record everything that YOU think happened to Abeline. And, we’ll put it on a podcast. What evidence does he have??!! Nothing. And, that’s the story.’
Vengeance looks like a fun conflict between condescending, big city media member; and conspiracy theory loving Red Staters.
And, it looks like along the way, each will have to reexamine how they see each other.
Dragon Movie Guy’s Medium.com Page
‘You can’t solve something like this with a 45. I think that’s very wise. You’re going to need a 12 gage, a couple of A.R.’s. No. A Wesley automatic.’
Vengeance hits theaters July 29.
#4 – The Princess
In at Number 4 is The Princess, a Dark Action Comedy, with Joey King taking the old fairy tale about a princess locked in a tower… And turning it in on its head.
‘Once Upon A Time, the King’s daughter was locked away… But, these guys (BLEEP) with the wrong Princess.’
This looks like a fun graphic novel style, girl power movie.
Dominic Cooper plays the psychotic and rejected Julius, the man who wanted to marry The Princess, but she sends him packing.
The Princess IMDb Page
‘I have to save my family. Not exactly lady-like behavior. **Yells**’
There also seems to be a good amount of The Princess fighting against archaic gender stereotypes and sexist men.
This doesn’t look like heavy handed messaging… Just tongue-in-cheek punchlines and winking at the camera.
Dragon Movie Guy’s Letterboxd Channel
‘Who are you??!! I’m the Princess.’
The Princess streams on HULU July 1.
#3 – Paws Of Fury: The Legend Of Hank
In at Number 3 is Paws Of Fury: The Legend Of Hank, a CGI martial arts animated movie; where dogs and cats are trained as Samurai.
‘Sounds like you could use a mentor. A once great Samurai who’s fallen on hard times. But, where would I find one? **Bells Ding**’
Loosely based off of Mel Brooks’ all time Comedy hit, Blazing Saddles, Paws Of Fury features the voice talent of Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Cera, Michelle Yeoh, and Sulu himself, George Takei.
Dogs and Cats battle each other, showing off their Samurai skills, and not afraid to stop for a well placed joke or two.
Paws Of Fury: The Legend Of Hank IMDb Page
‘You wanted to be a Samurai. Fun isn’t it? **Ahhh** Get back out there!’
Mel Brooks doesn’t just lend the premise from one of his greatest hits, he even voices the character of ‘Shogun’.
And, leave to a Mel Brooks-inspired film to NOT be afraid of a good fart joke.
‘Who knew an evil Army could go through so many beans? **Fart** **Laughing**’
Paws Of Fury: The Legend Of Hank hits theaters July 15.
Honorable Mention – Hello, Goodbye, And Everything In Between
‘I feel like we’re the anti-‘Broken Hearts Club’. The King and Queen of ending things. I’m breaking up with you because I love you.’
My first Honorable Mention is a Netflix Teen Drama about getting a nice, clean break before college in Hello, Goodbye, and Everything In Between.
Hello, Goodbye, And Everything In Between IMDb Page
Talia Ryder’s ‘Claire’, and Jordan Fisher’s ‘Aidan’ are high school sweethearts not looking to do the long-distance-romance-thing in college.
This looks like a sweet, honest look at that last magical time between being a kid about to graduate, and starting adulthood by going off to university. Hello, Goodbye, And Everything In Between streams on Netflix July 6.
Honorable Mention – The Forgiven
‘You got into a car with a drunk, which makes you an Accessory. I feel like I’ve been an ‘Accessory’ for a while. I’m here to collect my son.’
My next Honorable Mention features an All-Star cast looking at a clash of cultures and classes in ‘The Forgiven’. Jessica Chastain and Ralph Fiennes play a couple who kills a local while driving drunk overseas.
The Forgiven IMDb Page
It looks like when the victim’s family comes to collect his body, the drama dials up even further. Caleb Landry Jones and Matt Smith also star in this Drama from Writer/Director John Michael McDonagh. The Forgiven hits theaters July 1.
Honorable Mention – Mr. Malcolm’s List
‘He humiliated me **Screams** He had a list — a list of qualifications for a bride. Mr. Malcolm to receive the comeuppance he deserves.’
All’s fair in love and war in 19th Century England, as Selina Dalton turns the tables on Jeremiah Malcolm after their courtship goes south, in ‘Mr. Malcolm’s List.’
Mr. Malcolm’s List IMDb Page
Freida Pinto and Sope Dirisu star in the film adaptation of Suzanne Allain’s novel of the same name. This period drama looks like a Jane Austin type of story, but with a much more progressive bend. Mr. Malcolm’s List hits theaters July 1.
#2 – The Gray Man
In at Number 2 is The Gray Man, an Action/Thriller from the creative team behind the Captain America and Avengers movies.
‘Locate and destroy. That could be fun. The man’s got some street cred. You hurt? I mean, my ego’s a little bruised.’
Joe and Anthony Russo re-team with their Avengers: Endgame screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeeley, pitting Chris Evans against Ryan Gosling.
When Gosling’s ‘Sierra Six’ finds out a little too much info about the CIA, Chris Evans and company must take him out to protect their secrets.
The Gray Man IMDb Page
‘You wanna make an omelet, you gotta kill some people. You must be Lloyd. What gave it away? The ‘trash ‘stache’ just. It leans ‘Lloyd”.
The Gray Man looks like a tense, fast-paced Action movie with a bunch of fights and chases, and a porn ‘stache somehow finding its way onto the face of Captain America.
Ana De Armas, Billy Bob Thornton, and Alfre Woodard also star.
‘Every Grade A team from here in the Region should by vying for the prestige of killing the infamous Sierra Six’.
The Gray Man streams on Netflix July 22.
#1 – Thor: Love And Thunder
In at Number 1 is Thor: Love and Thunder, the fourth solo film for everyone’s favorite Asguardian.
‘These hands were once used for battle. Now, they are humble tools for peace. I need to figure out exactly who I am.’
The 29th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thor 4 finds Thor Odinson ditching the Big Lebowski ‘Dad Bod’ for his next solo film.
Taika Waititi re-takes the Director’s chair, after re-invigorating the franchise in Ragnorak.
Now that the franchise is successful again, Natalie Portman graciously returns after quitting on her cast mates. And this time, Portman’s Jane Foster gets to do some Asguardian-style fighting of her own.
Thor: Love And Thunder IMDb Page
‘Jane??!! **Building Crumbles** The old, Ex-Girlfriend. What’s it been? Like 3, 4 years? 8 years, 7 months, and 6 days… Give or take.’
Joining Chris Hemsworth are Christian Bale and Russell Crowe as Gorr The God Butcher and Zeus.
This film looks like we can expect more of the lighthearted fun and comedy that Thor: Ragnorak brought to the big screen.
‘Take off your disguise. Flick! **Clothes Fly, Gasps** You flicked too hard, damn it! **Fainting**’
Thor: Love And Thunder hits theaters July 8.