Superheroes, slashers and little blue men: what to watch in July
PETALING JAYA : July is shaping up to be a packed month at the cinema. From long-awaited superhero returns to reboots and sequels – and even a standout local title – here are seven upcoming films to look out for.
1. 'Jurassic World Rebirth' (release date in Malaysia: July 3)
Just when you thought the dinosaurs were gone for good, 'Jurassic World Rebirth' brings the franchise back from extinction.
This soft reboot is set five years after the events of 'Jurassic World Dominion', and follows a team to the island where Jurassic Park once stood to extract dinosaur DNA, believed to hold the key to major medical breakthroughs.
Scarlett Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, a covert operations expert leading the team. Their mission takes an unexpected turn when they come across a civilian family stranded on the island – now revealed to have once housed a secret research facility.
2. '3 BHK' (July 4)
Directed by Sri Ganesh and starring Siddarth, this Tamil-language family drama follows an ordinary middle-class family's emotional journey to own a three-bedroom flat, capturing the everyday sacrifices and dreams shared by many households.
The film also marks a nostalgic reunion for actors Sarath Kumar and Devayani, who appeared in several popular films together in the 1990s. It's a heartfelt, grounded story amidst this month's bigger blockbusters.
3. 'Superman' (July 10)
The Man of Steel is ready to take flight once again – this time under the direction of James Gunn. Known for 'Guardians of the Galaxy' and 'The Suicide Squad', the director and co-CEO of DC Studios has promised a mix of action, heart, and humour.
Central to the story is the iconic rivalry – Superman's clash with Lex Luthor, whose intellect and ambition make him one of the most dangerous threats the hero has ever faced.
With this film also setting the tone for the new DC Universe, expectations are sky-high.
David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent/Superman, with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and appearances from Nathan Fillion as Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mister Terrific, and even Superman's loyal dog, Krypto.
4. 'The Smurfs' (July 17)
The Smurfs are back, this time in an animated musical adventure! Rihanna voices Smurfette, who leads the little blue men into the human world to rescue Papa Smurf from the villainous Gargamel and newcomer Rasamel.
With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.
Directed by Chris Miller ('Shrek the Third', 'Puss in Boots'), the film features a solid ensemble voice cast including John Goodman, Sandra Oh, Natasha Lyonne and James Corden. Kids will love this one!
5. 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' (July 17)
Twenty-eight years after the original slasher hit terrified audiences, 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' returns as a direct sequel, with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze, Jr reprising their roles as Julie James and Ray Bronson.
The story follows a new group of friends who, after covering up a hit-and-run, begin receiving threatening messages from someone who clearly knows what they have done.
As the situation turns deadly, they reach out to Julie and Ray – survivors of the original Southport massacre – for help to escape the same fate.
6. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' (July 24)
After one infamous flop in 2015, Marvel's first family is getting a fresh introduction to its cinematic universe. Directed by Matt Shakman ('WandaVision'), 'First Steps' is set in an alternate, retro-futuristic 1960s New York.
Find out how Mr Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) balance family dynamics with world-saving responsibility.
Their primary threat? Galactus, a cosmic force that consumes entire planets, with the Silver Surfer appearing as his herald.
Fans will recall that a post-credits scene in 'Thunderbolts' teased the team's arrival, suggesting they may be escaping from a collapsing universe, and hinting at bigger multiversal events to come.
7. 'Macai' (July 24)
Malaysian filmmaker Sun-J (Shanjhey) Perumal, of 'Jagat' fame, returns with this Tamil-language crime drama set in the fictional Southeast Asian country of Lingapura.
Siam (Karnan Kanapathy) is a drug dealer who loses a stash belonging to a violent kingpin. With no choice but to recover the loss, he ropes in a friend – sparking a chaotic journey that tests their survival and fate.
'Macai' premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam earlier this year and was the only Malaysian title in the Big Screen Competition.
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