We have barely survivedBarbenheimerand August is already around the corner, ready to throw dozens of movie releases in our direction. Even thoughBarbieandOppenheimeraren’t going anywhere, we have to make room for what August has to offer. David Harbour stars in the video game-inspiredGran TurismoandJason Stathambattles a giant shark inThe Meg 2: The Trench. Furthermore, Cobra Kai actor Xolo Maridueña plays the titualr role inBlue Beetleas DC’s latest hero. On the streaming side,Gal Gadotbecomes a spy in Netflix’sHeart of Stone. Writer-directorEmma Seligmanfollows up the hit critically acclaimed indieShiva BabywithBottoms, a high school teen comedy that gets very bloody and starsRachel SennottandAyo Edebiri. Finally, with horror being so reliable these days, a fantastic crop of scary movies will be released this August, including Dracula-inspiredThe Last Voyage of the Demeterand Frankenstein reimaginingbirth/rebirth. Grab your popcorn and put fresh batteries in your remote! Let’s take a closer look at what movies will be hitting the big and small screens in August.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem
Release Date:August 2 in Theaters
The pizza-loving reptile heroes of theTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtlesfranchise have already starred in five live-action movies and several TV shows. Now, they are coming back to theaters in animated form.Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhemis a brand-new origin story for Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Donatello (Micah Abbey), Raphael (Brady Noon), and Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), also featuring classic TMNT characters such as Master Splinter (Jackie Chan), April O’Neil (Edebiri), Bebop (Seth Rogen), and Rocksteady (John Cena). Behind the cameras, the new TMNT movie hasThe Mitchells vs. the Machinesco-writerJeff Rowemaking his solo directorial debut, meaning we can bet on another groundbreaking animated feature.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
Release Date:August 3 on Netflix
Based on the hit manga byAso HaroandTakata Kotaro,Zom 100: Bucket List of the Deadis an upcoming Japanese live-action horror-comedy that promises to bring some fun to the zombie apocalypse. The story follows Akira (Akaso Eiji), an office worker who often feels crushed by the obligations of everyday life. So, once an undead outbreak causes the collapse of society, Akira is happier than ever. He knows he’ll eventually turn into a zombie himself, but he wants to make the most of the time he has. That’s why he comes up with a list of 100 things he wants to do before his death. It’s a fun satire of contemporary work demands that is not afraid to mock Hollywood zombie tropes.
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The Passenger
Release Date:August 4 on Digital and VOD
The Passengerstarts with a massacre, as fast-food clerk Randy (Johnny Berchtold) snaps and starts shooting people. The sole survivor is Benson (Kyle Gallner), a shy young man who Randy decides to adopt as a pupil. Benson wants to break free from his captor, but Randy is willing to take his colleague on a violent journey that’ll unleash his true self. As if that wasn’t enough for a gripping thriller, Benson also has a secret past, which might free him from his captor.The Passengeris the latest movie coming from MGM and horror giantBlumhouse.
Till Death Do Us Part
Release Date:August 4 in theaters
A wedding should be the happiest day in a couple’s life. InTill Death Do Us Part, things take a grim turn once the runaway bride (Cam Gigandet) is hunted by her former fiancee and his seven deadly groomsmen. She knows how to stand her ground, though, as the trailer shows the bride mowing down her hunters one by one. With a similar mix of comedy and violence as the wonderfulReady or Not,Till Death Do Us Partpromises to make August a little bloodier.
Corner Office
Release Date:August 4 in Theaters
On the crossroads between workplace drama and surreal fantasy,Corner OfficefollowsJon Hammas the new employer of a mysterious company called The Authority. Hamm is asked to follow strict rules and keep his head down. However, once he finds a secret room that no one else can see, he begins a corporate war to take control of the company. It’s an ambitious concept reminiscent ofFranz Kafka’s best works, in which the absurdities of everyday life get exaggerated until they turn into terrifying hallucinations. In addition,Corner Officealso includes the talents ofDanny Pudi,Sarah Gadon, andChristopher Heyerdahl.
The Meg 2: The Trench
Five years ago, Jason Statham punched a giant shark in the nose inThe Meg, a ridiculously fun creature feature that still lives rent-free in our minds.The Meg 2: The Trenchmakes the idea wilder by mixing megalodon sharks with dinosaurs. It’s a wacky concept, but those who embrace the absurdity of its plot will probably be rewarded with more over-the-top action and eye-popping digital effects. Plus, with directorBen Wheatleyrecently spoke about his hopes for aMeg 3.
Passagestell the storyof a couple who gets involved in a steamy love triangle with a grade-school teacher (Adèle Exarchopoulos). StarringFranz RogowskiandBen Whishawas the two halves of a same-sex relationship, the new movie byIra Sachsexplores the selfishness that comes with passion and desire in a movie acclaimed for its breathtaking performances. Surprisingly,Passagesgot a hard NC-17 ratingdue to its sex scenes, a decision that was criticized by Sachs.
Shortcomings
Randall Parksteps behind the camera to directShortcomings. Based onAdrian Tomine’s graphic novel of the same name, the movie follows movie-lover Ben (Justin H. Min), a young movie-lover who has trouble connecting with his roots. However, after his girlfriend Miko (Ally Maki) moves away to a different city, Ben is forced to go on a self-discovery journey to help him reflect on why he disregards everything that’s Asian. It’s a rom-com that speaks about the challenges of long-distance relationships while also exploring what it is like being Asian in America.
What Comes Around
After having her breakout role in Season 4 ofStranger Things, as tragic cheerleader Chrissy,Grace Van Dientakes the lead inWhat Comes Around, an upcoming thriller about the dangers of meeting people online. In the movie, Van Dien plays the role of Beth, who falls in love with Eric (Kyle Gallner) after meeting him through an online platform. At first, Beth is excited about talking with an interesting person. Unfortunately, Eric soon begins to stalk Beth and attempt to control her every step. Suddenly, what appeared to be a love story turns into a nightmare.
Heart of Stone
Release Date:August 11 on Netflix
In the past decade,Gal Gadothas become a powerhouse of action cinema as part of the Fast & Furious franchise and by playing the role of Wonder Woman. Recently, Gadot also starred by the side ofRyan ReynoldsandDwayne JohnsoninNetflix’s record-breakingRed Notice. Unsurprisingly, the streamer is eager to use Gadot to kickstart another action franchise withHeart of Stone. In the upcoming spy thriller, Gadot plays the role of an agent tasked with protecting a mysterious asset called The Heart" which might cause global destruction if it falls into the wrong hands.
