Summer 2019 is packed with exciting film releases, so it’s time to start putting together your must-see movie list! From big blockbusters to buzz-worthy indie films, the five movies below are definitely worth checking out.
The Farewell
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The Farewell, which premiered at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival to rave reviews, is a dramedy that tells the story of a young Chinese-American woman named Billi (played by Awkwafina) who goes to China to visit her family after her grandmother has been diagnosed with lung cancer. The twist? The family is keeping the diagnosis a secret from Nai Nai (played by Zhao Shuzhen). This film marks a new kind of role for Awkwafina, previously known for playing characters with rather eccentric personalities in Crazy Rich Asians and Ocean’s 8, and personally, we can’t wait to see her take centre stage in this drama.
Release Date: July 12
The Lion King
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The second Disney live-action adaptation of the summer comes in the form of the much-anticipated The Lion King. The surefire box office hit is directed by Jon Favreau, who is no stranger to Disney or blockbusters, having also directed 2016’s The Jungle Book and all Iron Man and Avengers films. From the major dose of childhood nostalgia to the ensemble cast that includes Beyoncé, Seth Rogen, Donald Glover, James Earl Jones, John Oliver, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, this film is one we’ll definitely be seeing on opening weekend.
Release Date: July 19
Once Upon A Time in Hollywood
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Legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino returns to the silver screen with his tenth film, which has been hailed by critics as a love letter to the golden age of Hollywood. Titled Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, the comedy-drama is set in 1960s Los Angeles and follows an actor and his stunt double on a quest to make a name for themselves in Tinseltown. The star-studded cast includes some of the biggest A-listers of the moment, namely Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Elle Fanning, and Al Pacino.
Release Date: July 26
The Art of Racing in the Rain
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Anyone else remember the 2008 novel The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein? The prize-winning book was a hit for a reason, and we can’t wait to see the big screen adaption, which hits theatres August 9. In the same vein as the book, the film is told from the dog, Enzo’s (voiced by Kevin Costner) perspective, detailing his relationship to his owners, race car driver Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia) and his wife, Eve (Amanda Seyfried). If you’re looking for a feel-good summer movie with Marley and Me vibes, this is just the ticket!
Release Date: August 9
Where’d You Go, Bernadette?
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Mystery, comedy, drama — Where’d You Go, Bernadette? has it all. Based on the 2012 novel of the same name, the plot revolves around an agoraphobic mother who disappears only a few days prior to a scheduled family trip to Antarctica. Her 15-year-old daughter, Bee, then takes it upon herself to find out where her mother has gone. The impressive cast includes Kristen Wiig, Billy Crudup, and Judy Greer, and is led by Academy Award-winner Cate Blanchett.
Release Date: August 16
