July 2024 slows down in terms of the number of film releases compared to the last few months, but it still brings us several noteworthy premieres: the return of Gru, the final part of Ti West’s X trilogy, a horror movie with Nicolas Cage, a new adventure of Deadpool, and much more…
Despicable Me 4
One of the most anticipated animated films for children and adults has hit theaters. Reformed supervillain Gru returns in his fourth (sixth, if you count the Minions spin-offs) adventure. He is happily living with his wife Lucy, three daughters, and newborn son… Until the day his old enemy, criminal Maxim Le Mal, escapes from prison. He and his girlfriend Valentina seek revenge, forcing Gru and his family to relocate for their safety. With new identities and a new home, the family tries to adapt to “normal” life but can’t avoid conflicts and mind-blowing adventures.
Release date: July 3
The Imaginary
This captivating Japanese animated film is directed by Yoshiyuki Momose, the unparalleled master of Studio Ghibli, who worked on iconic films such as Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. The main character of the film is Rudger, an imaginary friend who can only be seen by his creator, Amanda. However, beings like him face an inexorable fate: dissolution into human oblivion. Rudger embarks on a journey to the haven of forgotten imaginary friends to save himself and his kind from being devoured by the evil Mr. Bunting.
Release date: July 5
Maxxxine
Maxxxine is a slasher written by Ti West, the sequel to X, and the third part of the eponymous trilogy. The film brings us back to the character Maxine Minx (Mia Goth), who survived the massacre in the first film and continues to pursue her dream of becoming a famous actress. Will her past catch up with her? And what is her connection to the serial killer terrorizing Los Angeles? Bobby Cannavale, Elizabeth Debicki, Lily Collins, and Kevin Bacon also star in the film, which, like the previous two X films, pays homage to the history of cinema.
Release date: July 5
Mother, Couch
This comedy-drama directed by Niclas Larsson is based on the 2020 Swedish novel Mamma i soffa by Jerker Virdborg. It tells an extraordinary story. One day, an elderly matriarch walks into a furniture store, sits on a green couch, and… refuses to get up. Her three children—David (Ewan McGregor), Gryfudd (Rhys Ifans), and Linda (Lara Flynn Boyle)—gathered at the store to figure out how to get out of this bizarre predicament. Soon, they find themselves on a dizzying journey of self-discovery that forces them to confront life-changing truths.
Release date: July 5
Fly Me to the Moon
This romantic comedy-drama directed by Greg Berlanti takes viewers back to the 1960s during the space race between the USA and the USSR. Channing Tatum plays the engineer responsible for launching Apollo 11, who desperately needs funding for this space program. A mysterious government agent (Woody Harrelson) hires one of Manhattan’s slickest advertising executives (Scarlett Johansson) to convince the American public that the project is worth their tax dollars. She needs to “sell” the moon and even devise a fake landing scenario in case the real one goes awry.
Release date: July 12
Longlegs
This thriller, written and directed by Osgood Perkins, is set in the 1990s. Talented FBI agent Lee Harker (Maika Monroe) is assigned to investigate the case of a Satan-worshiping serial killer known as Longlegs (Nicolas Cage). The further Harker delves into the investigation, the more she realizes her personal connection to the killer. Lee must act swiftly to prevent another family from being murdered.
Release date: July 12
Twisters
The original 1996 disaster film Twister was one of the biggest hits of its time, so a sequel was inevitable. The sequel, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, follows two storm chasers (Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones) who study tornadoes, driving dangerously close to them. However, climate change has made these tornadoes more massive and destructive than those that hit Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton in 1996, so the duo literally has to fight the elements.
Release date: July 17
Deadpool & Wolverine
The long-awaited union of two beloved Marvel characters has happened. Ryan Reynolds returns as the witty Deadpool, and Hugh Jackman brings back his character Wolverine (who died at the end of Logan in 2017). Like the previous Deadpool films, this one is a blend of postmodern comedy and superhero blockbuster. The humorous atmosphere is further enhanced by the long history of jokes about their friendship between Reynolds and Jackman and director Shawn Levy, who directed such cult comedies as Date Night and Night at the Museum.
Release date: July 26
