Upcoming Releases — August

The end of summer is here. August is always a tough month, but this year we have a strange combination of action films, comedies, and the first wave of movies that might be around come award season. So, in other words, it's a mixed bag.

Friday, August 2:
2 Guns — This is an action film starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. It's hard to tell exactly what the plot is or how good this film will be. It's odd to have it dumped in early August, but the pedigree is good.

The Spectacular Now — Sometimes modest teen shows offer a start for really talented actors. "The Secret Life Of The American Teenager" wasn't a great show, but its star — Shailene Woodley — is very talented. She showed that in "The Descendants," and it looks like that trend will continue alongside an equally talented Miles Teller with this film. The trailer is awesome. Hopefully the movie will match it.

Wednesday, August 7:
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters — This is a sequel meant to continue this series. At one point prior to the first "Percy Jackson" film there was talk this could be the new "Harry Potter" franchise. It wasn't that good, and I don't think it has that much potential. That being said, the first installment was enjoyable and this one has Nathan Fillion. How bad could it be?

Friday, August 9:
Elysium — I wasn't one of those people that loved "District 9." It was fine, but not one of my favorites. I feel similar about this film. It will likely serve as a metaphor for deeper political issues, and it will probably be entertaining, but I'm not wildly excited.

Planes — "Cars" and its sequel are not viewed as among the best Pixar animated films, so it seems curious that Disney would rip off that formula with "Planes." And the fact the film is being headlined by the voice talents of Dane Cook seems equally strange. Having seen some excellent animated films in the first three months of summer movies, this will have to go a long way to compete.

We're The Millers — Jason Sudekis can be very funny in films, or just plain gross. This film looks like the former. The trailers are hilarious, and the rest of the cast — including Jennifer Aniston and Emma Roberts — looks to be well chosen. This might be the best comedy of the month.

Friday, August 16:
The Butler — Lee Daniels has crafted some incredibly moving films, including Academy Award nominated "Precious." With "The Butler," a film starring Forrest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey, he looks to have another award contender. This is the rare art film being released in late summer.

Paranoia — Harrison Ford and Gary Oldman topline this film about corporate espionage. The trailer is a yawner, and it's hard to imagine the film's going to be anything more that a dressed up version of "Anti-Trust."

Kick Ass 2 — I wasn't a big fan of the original "Kick Ass." I know what they were trying to do, and it worked OK, but that was it for me. I didn't think it needed a sequel. We got this anyway.

Jobs — Steve Jobs was a larger-than-life figure. It seems like this is the kind of movie that could be compelling. The trailer wasn't that compelling. It felt like a watered down version of "The Social Network." It could be good, but I'm skeptical.

Friday, August 23:
The World's End — Simon Pegg and Nick Frost are hilarious. They've teamed for "Shaun of the Dead," "Hot Fuzz," and "Paul." Now they're back with this film that looks like another fun romp.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones — This is yet another film that wants to be the next "Twilight." Those that read the books are probably pumped for the movie, but I'm not even sure what it is. Not sure this will be the hit people think.

You're Next — Another low budget horror film. But this one has generated some positive buzz and has a creepy trailer.

The Grandmaster — Not much to say about this film. It looks like a decent film for those that like martial arts action epics.

Wednesday, August 28:
Closed Circuit — This looks like an interesting legal thriller that's opening on Wednesday to get a jump on Labor Day weekend. It has a good cast with Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall, Ciaran Hinds, and Jim Broadbent. Could be a decent film during a usually dry weekend.

Friday, August 30:
Getaway — Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez seems like an odd pairing. This movie seems like a fairly standard action film. Still, it might be entertaining.

One Direction: This Is Us — For those who wanted a behind the scenes concert tour film for One Direction in 3D, you're welcome.

Random — Another low budget horror film. This time starring "Twilight" alum Ashley Greene and set during Thanksgiving weekend. Yep, must be the end of summer...