Before the first half of 2013 concludes at this month’s end, June hits us with an eclectic mix of independent offerings and blockbusters, including what may very well be the most-anticipated tentpole of the year — and another that brings much hesitation. As one can see in our overcrowded “Matinees” sections, it was particularly difficult month to pare down to just ten must-sees, but check out the entire rundown below and let us know what you’re most looking forward to in the comments.
Matinees: Dirty Wars (6/7), Violet & Daisy (6/7), Wish You Were Here (6/7), Far Out Isn’t Far Enough: The Tomi Ungerer Story (6/14), 20 Feet from Stardom (6/14), Monsters University (6/21), This is Martin Bonner (6/21), Byzantium (6/28), The Heat (6/28), White House Down (6/28), Laurence Anyways (6/28)
10. I’m So Excited (Pedro Almodóvar; June 28th)
Synopsis: When it appears as though the end is in sight, the pilots, flight crew, and passengers of a plane heading to Mexico City look to forget the anguish of the moment and face the greatest danger, which we carry within ourselves.
Why You Should See It: Skipping major film festivals this time around, Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar is returning to his comedic roots and heading straight to theaters for his latest work. While our official review coming later this month indicates this airplane farce is one of the filmmaker’s lesser efforts, it’s still coming from one of cinema’s greatest working talents, and marks his re-team with previous collaborators Antonio Banderas, Penélope Cruz and more.
9. Call Me Kuchu (Katherine Fairfax Wright and Malika Zouhali-Worrall; June 14th)
Synopsis: In Uganda, a new bill threatens to make homosexuality punishable by death. David Kato – Uganda’s first openly gay man – and his fellow activists work against the clock to defeat the legislation while combating vicious persecution in their daily lives. But no one, not even the filmmakers, is prepared for the brutal murder that shakes the movement to its core and sends shock waves around the world.
Why You Should See It: After premiering back in 2012 at the Berlin International Film Festival, one of the year’s most vital documentaries is finally arriving in theaters this summer. While the site’s review is forthcoming, our friend Matt Patches says, “No documentary in recent memory has been able to capture both the achievements and failures of modern humanity as well as Call Me Kuchu, a fascinating and gut-wrenching look into Uganda’s campaign to outlaw homosexuality.”
8. A Hijacking (Tobias Lindholm; June 21st)
Synopsis: The crew of a Danish cargo ship is hijacked by Somali pirates who proceed to engage in escalating negotiations with authorities in Copenhagen.
Why You Should See It: If this October’s Tom Hanks-led Captain Phillips fails to deliver, this Danish thriller should do the trick. Premiering on the fall festival circuit, the story revolves around “the unraveling of the mystique of bravery and its risks and rewards,” our review says. We add, “To be brave does not mean to be smart,” and, “with subtlety and care, A Hijacking provides a stomach-churning and hold-your-breath cinematic ride.”
7. World War Z (Marc Forster; June 21st)
Synopsis: United Nations employee Gerry Lane traverses the world in a race against time to stop the Zombie pandemic that is toppling armies and governments, and threatening to destroy humanity itself.
Why You Should See It: Perhaps the most-discussed film on this list (at least one not involving capes), after being delayed from last winter Paramount is now banking that their large-scale zombie blockbuster can connect with audiences this summer. While Marc Forster‘s biggest film thus far, Quantum of Solace, left much to be desired, Brad Pitt has been on a producing streak with Killing Them Softly, Moneyball and The Tree of Life, so hopefully these tastes transfer to a larger production. Early buzz has been stronger than expected, and it’s hard to truly complain about Hollywood producing a massive-budget zombie film.
6. Much Ado About Nothing (Joss Whedon; June 7th)
Synopsis: A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s classic comedy about two pairs of lovers with different takes on romance and a way with words.
Why You Should See It: Taking a 180-degree turn from the blockbuster hijinks of his record-breaking The Avengers, Joss Whedon has taken part in a little breather before completing the Marvel follow-up. For adapting William Shakespeare to the modern day, we’re looking forward to seeing Whedon back with his regular gang of Nathan Fillion, Fran Kranz, Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker and much more in this black-and-white, small-scale production.
5. Berberian Sound Studio (Peter Strickland; June 14th)
Synopsis: A sound engineer’s work for an Italian horror studio becomes a terrifying case of life imitating art.
Why You Should See It: After participating in franchises as big as The Hunger Games, Captain America, and Harry Potter — as well as stellar dramas such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy — character actor Toby Jones finally got a much-deserved lead role in this thriller. Taking a nod from Brian De Palma‘s Blow Out, albeit while staying in the studio this time, the film looks to be a terrifying, expertly craft bit of suspense. After positive notices internationally and a great trailer, this is near the top of our radar this month.
4. This is the End (Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg; June 12th)
Synopsis: While attending a party at James Franco’s house, Seth Rogen, Jay Baruchel and many other celebrities are faced with the apocalypse.
Why You Should See It: Chances are strong that there won’t be a more purely enjoyable, or at least cathartic, time at the movies this summer than the directorial debut of Superbad and Pineapple Express duo Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg. As the world crumbles around them, our story tracks countless celebrities (playing themselves) meeting their demise. With promising early buzz, this is strong programming alongside our next choice on the list.
3. Man of Steel (Zack Snyder; June 14th)
Synopsis: A young journalist is forced to confront his secret extraterrestrial heritage when Earth is invaded by members of his race.
Why You Should See It: Seven years after Bryan Singer‘s reboot arrived, Warner Bros. is providing yet another take on Superman, handing off the famous character to their “visionary director” Zack Snyder. Despite some early reservations, we’ve heard from trusted sources that the Watchmen helmer has indeed delivered the epic-scale blockbuster that many have hoped for — and, in just a short time, we’ll all be able to see if that’s the case. Regardless of the outcome, the always remarkable Michael Shannon in a lead villain role has our ticket sold.
2. The Bling Ring (Sofia Coppola; June 14th)
Synopsis: Inspired by actual events, a group of fame-obsessed teenagers use the internet to track celebrities’ whereabouts in order to rob their homes.
Why You Should See It: Yes, the response from Cannes (including our own) was slightly underwhelming, but, as with the rest of Sofia Coppola‘s divisive works, I’m greatly anticipating this drama for myself. While the film features Emma Watson expanding her range after the conclusion of the Harry Potter saga — as well as a top-notch, fitting tracklist — we’re most eager to see the work of the late Harris Savides, re-teaming with Coppola after Somewhere for what would come to be his final outing.
1. You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet (Alain Resnais; June 7th)
Synopsis: From beyond the grave, celebrated playwright Antoine d’Anthac gathers together all his friends who have appeared over the years in his play “Eurydice.” These actors watch a recording of the work performed by a young acting company, La Compagnie de la Colombe. Do love, life, death and love after death still have any place on a theater stage? It’s up to them to decide. And the surprises have only just begun…
Why You Should See It: One of 2013’s best titles — if not the best film to be released so far in 2013 — arrives this week, albeit in a limited capacity. The next, not-actually-final film from Alain Resnais is a joy, appropriately brimming with a love of actors, creators, and their respective contributions to the art of storytelling while, somehow, never burying itself under the weight of a dense-as-all-hell screenplay. A master’s late-career step into the digital realm is not something to be missed — so long as you have an opportunity to (pardon me) see it for yourself. – Nick N.
What are you watching this month?