IMDb Picks: July 2014
IMDb's editors share the movies and TV shows they recommend for July 2014.
1.
Drunk History
(2013 TV Series)
Historical reenactments by A-list talent are presented by inebriated storytellers. (22 mins.)
“ Absolutely my favorite TV surprise of the past year, "Drunk History" jumped from web show to Comedy Central series last July, and after the first episode won me over as essential summer viewing.
The title tells you most of what you need to know: the show visits a different city each episode, a personality is plied with liquor of their choosing, and then attempts to recount a story from the history of the city. As we listen to this tipsy narrator relate their bit of history, we see a word-for-word re-enactment of that story brought to life by comedians, actors, musicians of every sort - last season's highlights included Will Forte and Adam Scott as Edwin and John Wilkes Booth, Aubrey Plaza as Sacagawea, Owen and Luke Wilson as the Kellogg brothers and Lisa Bonet as Mary Ellen Pleasant. This is not Deep Thought Theater. It is simply ridiculous, endless giggle-inducing viewing perfect for a summer evening. I cannot wait to see which cities they visit this season, and who the creators have wrangled to act out these gleefully wobbly takes on history. --Heather Campbell
Season Premiere: 10pm Tuesday, July 1st on Comedy Central. ” - IMDb Editors
The title tells you most of what you need to know: the show visits a different city each episode, a personality is plied with liquor of their choosing, and then attempts to recount a story from the history of the city. As we listen to this tipsy narrator relate their bit of history, we see a word-for-word re-enactment of that story brought to life by comedians, actors, musicians of every sort - last season's highlights included Will Forte and Adam Scott as Edwin and John Wilkes Booth, Aubrey Plaza as Sacagawea, Owen and Luke Wilson as the Kellogg brothers and Lisa Bonet as Mary Ellen Pleasant. This is not Deep Thought Theater. It is simply ridiculous, endless giggle-inducing viewing perfect for a summer evening. I cannot wait to see which cities they visit this season, and who the creators have wrangled to act out these gleefully wobbly takes on history. --Heather Campbell
Season Premiere: 10pm Tuesday, July 1st on Comedy Central. ” - IMDb Editors
2.
Life Itself
(2014 Documentary)
The life and career of the renowned film critic and social commentator, Roger Ebert. (120 mins.)
Director: Steve James
“ It's a bittersweet role reversal, this chance to see the life of film critic Roger Ebert on the big screen, his work discussed by the filmmakers whose work he spent a lifetime watching and examining - one that shouldn't be missed by anyone who finds film an indispensable part of their own life. I'm especially pleased that Steve James directs this documentary, in light of Mr. Ebert having been a passionate, vocal champion of Mr. James' seminal documentary Hoop Dreams, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. -- Heather Campbell
Life Itself opens in theaters July 4th. ” - IMDb Editors
Life Itself opens in theaters July 4th. ” - IMDb Editors
3.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
(2014)
Ten years after a pandemic disease, apes who have survived it are drawn into battle with a group of human survivors. (130 mins.)
Director: Matt Reeves
“ 2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes was so good that it managed to revive a franchise considered dead following Tim Burton’s ill-advised remake. For sequel Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Andy Serkis is once again lending his motion-capture skills to bring the ape Caesar to life. Meanwhile, Jason Clarke is replacing James Franco as the human lead.
Trailers for the movie set up a post-apocalyptic world in which apes and humans have established an uneasy truce. Of course, there’s no way that lasts, and the prospect of seeing apes (on horses, with machine guns) facing off against a ragtag group of human survivors is an enticing one indeed. Here’s hoping that Dawn of the Planet of the Apes lives up to – or even exceeds – the high bar set by its predecessor. -- Ray Subers
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes opens in theaters July 11. ” - IMDb Editors
Trailers for the movie set up a post-apocalyptic world in which apes and humans have established an uneasy truce. Of course, there’s no way that lasts, and the prospect of seeing apes (on horses, with machine guns) facing off against a ragtag group of human survivors is an enticing one indeed. Here’s hoping that Dawn of the Planet of the Apes lives up to – or even exceeds – the high bar set by its predecessor. -- Ray Subers
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes opens in theaters July 11. ” - IMDb Editors
4.
Boyhood
(2014)
The life of a young man, Mason, from age 5 to age 18. (165 mins.)
Director: Richard Linklater
“ It may have cost a tiny fraction of The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Transformers: Age of Extinction, but for my money the most ambitious movie of the summer is Richard Linklater’s Boyhood. The movie follows a boy from the age of 5 to 18; in order to achieve this, Linklater shot the movie with the same actors over more than a decade. The result is a 166-minute movie that received phenomenal reviews out of the Sundance Film Festival (it currently has a 93 rating on Metacritic).
Could this wind up being a box-office hit? Probably not – Linklater’s Before Midnight barely made it past $8 million last year despite being part of a well-liked "franchise." Still, those who do seek it out seem to be in for something truly special that will stand the test of time in ways that many of the bigger movies won't. -- Ray Subers
Boyhood opens in limited release July 11, and expands to more theaters July 18. ” - IMDb Editors
Could this wind up being a box-office hit? Probably not – Linklater’s Before Midnight barely made it past $8 million last year despite being part of a well-liked "franchise." Still, those who do seek it out seem to be in for something truly special that will stand the test of time in ways that many of the bigger movies won't. -- Ray Subers
Boyhood opens in limited release July 11, and expands to more theaters July 18. ” - IMDb Editors
5.
The Strain
(2014 TV Series)
A thriller that tells the story of Dr. Ephraim Goodweather, the head of the Center for Disease Control Canary Team in New York City... (43 mins.)
“ When you think about it, vampires have much more in common with parasites than beautiful people. They drink blood and perpetuate their kind by infecting suitable hosts. They are, in a word, disgusting.
Guillermo del Toro takes that idea one step further with this series, which is based on books he co-wrote with Chuck Hogan. Yes, they're unappealing, but they also have a plan...unlike another type of undead TV viewers happen to be obsessed with.
FX has high hopes for "The Strain", which is the first original program that the channel has scheduled in the highly competitive Sunday primetime slot. Clearly the hope is that FX can drink in the kind of ratings AMC is getting with "The Walking Dead". It just might.
Helping del Toro to realize his vision on FX is executive producer Carlton Cuse ("Lost ","Bates Motel"), and some viewers may joke about the fact that the horror kicks off in a plane, of all places. But it doesn't take long for any comparisons to Cuse's previous work to fall away, and for del Toro's visceral style to take hold.
Granted, one episode is never enough to predict whether a series will become a hit, but the pilot achieved just the right balance of sinister and creepy to sink its teeth in and leave me wanting more. --Melanie McFarland
Series Premiere: 10pm Sunday, July 13 on FX. ” - IMDb Editors
Guillermo del Toro takes that idea one step further with this series, which is based on books he co-wrote with Chuck Hogan. Yes, they're unappealing, but they also have a plan...unlike another type of undead TV viewers happen to be obsessed with.
FX has high hopes for "The Strain", which is the first original program that the channel has scheduled in the highly competitive Sunday primetime slot. Clearly the hope is that FX can drink in the kind of ratings AMC is getting with "The Walking Dead". It just might.
Helping del Toro to realize his vision on FX is executive producer Carlton Cuse ("Lost ","Bates Motel"), and some viewers may joke about the fact that the horror kicks off in a plane, of all places. But it doesn't take long for any comparisons to Cuse's previous work to fall away, and for del Toro's visceral style to take hold.
Granted, one episode is never enough to predict whether a series will become a hit, but the pilot achieved just the right balance of sinister and creepy to sink its teeth in and leave me wanting more. --Melanie McFarland
Series Premiere: 10pm Sunday, July 13 on FX. ” - IMDb Editors
6.
Masters of Sex
(2013 TV Series)
Drama about the pioneers of the science of human sexuality whose research touched off the sexual revolution. (60 mins.)
“ For me, this show is all about the secondary characters. The clinical story of Masters and Johnson's landmark sexual research is definitely interesting, and undoubtedly draws the audience to tune in; that said, it's the careful development of the wide variety of people that orbit around William and Virginia's research (and relationship) that makes this series compelling. Watching how work, science, romance, love (and the lack of it) affected characters like Margaret Scully (Allison Janney's award-worthy turn as the provost's long-unfulfilled wife) and Dr. Lillian DePaul (Julianne Nicholson as a stringent researcher whose work becomes terribly personal) makes this must-watch television. -- Heather Campbell
Season Premiere: 10pm Sunday, July 13th on Showtime. ” - IMDb Editors
Season Premiere: 10pm Sunday, July 13th on Showtime. ” - IMDb Editors
7.
I Origins
(2014)
A molecular biologist and his laboratory partner uncover evidence that may fundamentally change society as we know it. (106 mins.)
Director: Mike Cahill
“ Mike Cahill’s Another Earth is one of my all-time favorite films so I was psyched to check out his new film at Sundance. The film got mixed reviews at the festival but I was really moved by this modern sci-fi approach to the science-versus-faith debate. I am looking forward to seeing this film again on the big screen. -- Michelle Nelson
I Origins opens in limited release July 18. ” - IMDb Editors
I Origins opens in limited release July 18. ” - IMDb Editors
8.
Lucy
(2014)
A woman, accidentally caught in a dark deal, turns the tables on her captors and transforms into a merciless warrior evolved beyond human logic. (89 mins.)
Director: Luc Besson
“ Luc Besson is known for his kick-ass female characters in The Professional, Le Femme Nikita, The Fifth Element, and Colombiana, and it’s safe to say we’ll be adding Lucy to that list. The concept reminds me of a cross of Nikita meets "Chuck", and I think Scarlett Johansson will be excellent as this seemingly normal woman who becomes superhuman.
Added bonus, the film also stars the always excellent Morgan Freeman and Analeigh Tipton, who you may remember from "America’s Next Top Model". I was rooting for her when was on "Top Model", so it’s really nice to see her doing so well in her acting career. -- Michelle Nelson
Lucy opens in theaters July 25. ” - IMDb Editors
Added bonus, the film also stars the always excellent Morgan Freeman and Analeigh Tipton, who you may remember from "America’s Next Top Model". I was rooting for her when was on "Top Model", so it’s really nice to see her doing so well in her acting career. -- Michelle Nelson
Lucy opens in theaters July 25. ” - IMDb Editors
9.
Very Good Girls
(2013)
Two New York City girls make a pact to lose their virginity during their first summer out of high school. When they both fall for the same street artist, the friends find their connection tested for the first time. (91 mins.)
Director: Naomi Foner
“ When I first read the synopsis for Very Good Girls, I had zero interest in seeing the film. Haven't we had enough films about teenage girls and boys vowing to lose their virginity before they go to college? But after learning this is the directorial debut for Naomi Foner (screenwriter of Losing Isaiah and Running on Empty, as well as the mother of Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal) I was intrigued. The film also has boasts a strong cast, including Elizabeth Olsen and Dakota Fanning, as well as Peter Saarsgard and Richard Dreyfuss. I will definitely check this one out. -- Michelle Nelson
Very Good Girls opens in limited release July 25. ” - IMDb Editors
Very Good Girls opens in limited release July 25. ” - IMDb Editors
10.
Manhattan
(2014 TV Series)
Set against the backdrop of the greatest clandestine race against time in the history of science with... (55 mins.)
“ Genius has a sex appeal to it. Put too many geniuses in one tightly controlled area, however, and the world could end. Sounds like the makings of brilliant television, though.
WGN America hit the mark with its first scripted series, "Salem", showing that it takes its scripted offerings seriously, helped along by its wise decision to employ creatives with solid track records. "Manhattan's" creator Sam Shaw wrote a few episodes of the aforementioned "Masters of Sex", but having Thomas Schlamme ("The West Wing", Sports Night", ) on board as an executive producer makes one hopeful that the writers will find a soulful balance between the heady subject matter and the emotional strain of living in a 1940s community ruled by secrecy, under a mushroom-shaped cloud of anxiety. -- Melanie McFarland
Series Premiere: 10pm Sunday, July 27 on WGN America. ” - IMDb Editors
WGN America hit the mark with its first scripted series, "Salem", showing that it takes its scripted offerings seriously, helped along by its wise decision to employ creatives with solid track records. "Manhattan's" creator Sam Shaw wrote a few episodes of the aforementioned "Masters of Sex", but having Thomas Schlamme ("The West Wing", Sports Night", ) on board as an executive producer makes one hopeful that the writers will find a soulful balance between the heady subject matter and the emotional strain of living in a 1940s community ruled by secrecy, under a mushroom-shaped cloud of anxiety. -- Melanie McFarland
Series Premiere: 10pm Sunday, July 27 on WGN America. ” - IMDb Editors
11.
Sharknado 2: The Second One
(2014 TV Movie)
A freak weather system turns its deadly fury on New York City, unleashing a Sharknado on the population and its most cherished, iconic sites - and only Fin and April can save the Big Apple. (95 mins.)
Director: Anthony C. Ferrante
“ You can say out loud that you will never, ever watch such dreck. But one day you're going to be alone... all alone. Just you, your TV, your remote, and this movie sitting on your DVR.
Draw the blinds. Turn the photos of Mother, Father, and your favorite science professor from university toward the wall. Snuggle into your softest blanket. Have a few of your favorite junk food items and seasonally appropriate beverages within arm's reach. Laugh at this glorious madness. Laugh! Or, cry a little. It's OK. This is not a day of judgment. Sharknado 2: The Second One, does not judge. Honestly, how could it? It's called Sharknado 2: The Second One.
Then, my friend, dive in and enjoy the chum.
Enough said. -- Melanie McFarland
Premieres: 9pm Wednesday, July 30 on Syfy. ” - IMDb Editors
Draw the blinds. Turn the photos of Mother, Father, and your favorite science professor from university toward the wall. Snuggle into your softest blanket. Have a few of your favorite junk food items and seasonally appropriate beverages within arm's reach. Laugh at this glorious madness. Laugh! Or, cry a little. It's OK. This is not a day of judgment. Sharknado 2: The Second One, does not judge. Honestly, how could it? It's called Sharknado 2: The Second One.
Then, my friend, dive in and enjoy the chum.
Enough said. -- Melanie McFarland
Premieres: 9pm Wednesday, July 30 on Syfy. ” - IMDb Editors