Upcoming Releases—August, 2019

We've reached August, the end of summer as people get back to school and reality sets in. At the movies, after a July that featured two blockbuster releases and few new movies, August has a blockbuster release at the outset and then a literal flood of new releases the rest of the month. You can't see it all, but let this be your guide to the ones you should prioritize.

Friday, August 2:
Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw—I'll take any excuse to see The Rock and Jason Statham paired in an action film. This one is a spin-off of "Fast and Furious," and it looks like it will be solid. I like Idris Elba, too, and I think this one looks like a lot of fun. It should be the final huge blockbuster of the season.

Friday, August 9:
The Art of Racing in the Rain—This one is mostly a romance drama about a racecar driver (Milo Ventimiglia) who falls in love with a woman (Amanda Seyfried) and starts a family. But, hey, it's narrated by his dog (the voice of Kevin Costner). Not sold here.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark—This horror story comes from Guillermo del Toro and is based on the book series. Expect to be creeped out.

The Kitchen—This crime drama puts the focus on a trio of women—Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, Elisabeth Moss—who have to fight for themselves. It's a strong cast and I think it looks like a fun and interesting film. This could be one of the better releases this month.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold—A Dora the Explorer movie might not seem like a great idea, but I liked the trailer here a lot. This actually looks like some fun and a bit of family-friendly programming.

Brian Banks—This is the true story of a football player accused of a crime who has to fight to clear his name and achieve his dream. This will be a fascinating story ideally timed for the start of football season.

Ode to Joy—This romance stars Martin Freeman as a man looking for true love if he can overcome narcolepsy. Yes, you read that correctly. This one hasn't had a strong marketing campaign and has a tough concept to overcome a flooded market.

Wednesday, August 14:
Blinded By the Light—This tells the true story of an Indian man living in England who is moved and inspired by the songs of Bruce Springsteen. This one looks like a feel good journey.

Angry Birds 2—This one returns most of the voice cast from the first for another adventure. It's the final big animated release of summer and should be a hit with the kids.

Friday, August 16:
Good Boys—This one centers on a trio of boys who aren't the most popular but seek to gain experience prior to their first big party. Things predictably go awry. Expect some solid laughs.

Where'd You Go Bernadette—After being delayed from the Spring, this film is finally releasing at the end of summer. It's based on a novel and boasts a good cast led by Cate Blanchett. It looks interesting, but the delay wasn't encouraging.

47 Meters Down: Uncaged—"47 Meters Down" was one of the worst movies I ever saw.... I have no interest in a sequel with lesser stars and marketing. Even as a shark fan, this is a hard pass.

Awake—This drama stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as a man who wakes up in a hospital with no memory and finds himself accused of murder. We're seeing a slate of 14 films released within eight calendar days, so ones like this with no bankable stars or marketing campaign will easily fall through the cracks.

Boss Level—Frank Grillo stars as a former Special Forces soldier trapped in a Groundhog Day-style time loop that ends in his death each day. It's like the action version of the concept.

The Informer—Joel Kinnaman stars as a criminal forced to work as an informant undercover for the FBI in a prison in order to gain his freedom and return to his family. This is another film that could get lost a bit in the shuffle of these releases mid-month.

Wednesday, August 21:
Ready or Not—A young bride has to play a game to win the approval of an eccentric family. The Wednesday release date gives it a jump, but it's more of a high-concept horror type film that might not have universal appeal. But, hey, it's got Andie McDowell!

Friday, August 23:
Angel Has Fallen—The third film in the franchise that sees Gerard Butler play a Secret Service Agent. This time he's been framed for a crime and has to extricate himself. These are strong action films, and this one has the potential to be a nice late summer diversion.

Burn—This one is set at a gas station during a robbery where a pair of rival employees can't put their differences aside despite the tough circumstances.

Overcomer—This faith-based film centers on a couple who are teachers and coaches at a local school where the biggest employer, the town manufacturing plant, shuts down. It throws the town and its residents into chaos.

Brittany Runs a Marathon—Jillian Bell stars as a woman who tries to turn her life around and get in shape by running a marathon. Some adult comedy ensues.

Friday, August 30:
Playmobil: The Movie—Lego isn't the only one who can turn its classic toys into a larger cinematic experience. This is their first movie and it will be interesting to see how it's received, especially since it launches on Labor Day Weekend.

Don't Let Go—David Oyelowo gets a call from the future, where his niece has died, and has to race against time to fight for another outcome. A high concept film that provides an interesting Labor Day Weekend option.