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THE BOX OFFICE — June is about to wrap up and that means it’s time to look forward to July releases.
Usually July is a huge month for studio tent poles, but July 2014 is a bit of a let-down.
Here’s a list of some of the bigger releases in July as well as a couple of under-the-radar picks.
Earth to Echo – July 2
“Earth to Echo” is a family sci-fi film centered on a group of kids who embark on an adventure with an alien who needs their help.
The trailer has a very “E.T.” feel to it, however I’m not sure it will live up to that film.
The movie is a pretty major release for Relativity Media, but it doesn’t have the buzz of some other big releases this summer.
Still not sure if the movie is any good, it could really go either way, but it does look like it’ll be fun your kids at the very least.
“Earth to Echo” is rated PG for some action and peril and mild language.
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes – July 11
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” caught a lot of people off guard with how well done the film was. Many were expecting a campy, done-to-death rendition of "Planet of the Apes," but the movie was a pleasant surprise.
The sequel to that film, “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is now headed to theaters and audiences are anxious to see if filmmakers can pull it off again.
The film looks darker and more menacing than its predecessor, but we’ll have to wait until July 11 to find out.
“Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and brief strong language.
Planes: Fire and Rescue – July 18
It was just a year ago that Disney gave us the very disappointing “Planes,” but that didn’t stop them from releasing a sequel a year later.
“Planes: Fire and Rescue” catches up with the first movie’s hero, Dusty, as he has now transitioned from a racing to firefighting.
While kids will likely have a lot of fun with the latest sequel from Disney, it looks like the film isn’t nearly to the standard of many of their earlier efforts.
However, we should at least give it the benefit of the doubt and wait and see. Again, the kids should have a blast and that’s exactly why these movies are made.
“Planes: Fire and Rescue” is rated PG for action and some peril.
Hercules – July 25
Earlier this year we got the movie “The Legend of Hercules” that bombed at the box office.
Just in case you hadn’t had enough of Hercules yet another movie about the mythical hero is on its way.
“Hercules” stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as the titular hero who has been summoned to help a king defeat a tyrannical warlord.
While the trailer makes the movie look campy and somewhat ridiculous, it’s possible that is exactly what the filmmakers were going for.
This movie won’t be up for any major awards, but it’s possible it could be yet another guilty pleasure starring Johnson, but let’s not get too ahead of ourselves.
“Hercules” is not yet rated, but will likely be a PG-13 for action and some sexuality.
Magic in the Moonlight – July 25
Woody Allen’s “Magic in the Moonlight” isn’t a big summer release, but it is a Allen movie and it looks like it could be a lot of fun.
The movie stars Colin Firth and Emma Stone. Firth is hired to debunk Stone’s psychic abilities.
The trailer has the same charm and humor as Allen’s recent films like “Midnight in Paris” and “Scoop.”
Allen is an acquired taste for many, but if he is your cup of tea “Magic in the Moonlight” should be a real pleasure considering the cast and the possibilities with the plot.
“Magic in the Moonlight” is rated PG-13 for a brief suggestive comment, and smoking throughout.
