The Film Scout
Movies of JUNE
By John Houzer
Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve officially reached cruising altitude for the summer movie season. Last month was a cinematic feast, from traumatizing us with Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” to the real-time hip hop showdown between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Future documentaries will undoubtedly dissect every moment of that rivalry. But let’s set aside last month’s thrills and turn our attention to June. This month’s movie lineup is packed with intriguing sequels, prequels, and fresh narratives that promise to keep us on the edge of our seats. So, prepare your calendars and mark these dates. Here are three films that stand out in June’s cinematic offerings.
Release Date: June 7
The fifth installment in the “Bad Boys” franchise, “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” is directed by the returning duo Adil & Bilall. This time around, our favorite Miami detectives are on the run, trying to clear their late captain’s name. It’s like “The Fugitive,” but with more car chases and less of Harrison Ford looking grumpy.
The success of 2020’s “Bad Boys for Life” proved that audiences are as addicted to Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett’s antics as they are to caffeine. And who can blame them? Watching Will Smith and Martin Lawrence together is like watching two virtuosos play a symphony—if that symphony involved a lot of gunfire and witty banter.
Fun fact: Adil & Bilall’s previous project, “Batgirl,” was unceremoniously canned as a tax write-off. Imagine spending months crafting a cinematic masterpiece only to have it pulled at the last minute. It’s like being told you can’t have dessert after you’ve already eaten your vegetables. But these guys are resilient, and “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” is their comeback tour.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: Are audiences ready to see Will Smith again after the infamous Oscar slap? Well, it’s been two years, and if there’s one thing
we know about Hollywood, it’s that time heals all wounds. Two years have passed, and it seems many are ready to move on. This film’s timing might be just right for Smith’s return.
Release Date: June 28
Next up, we have “A Quiet Place: Day One,” written and directed by Michael Sarnoski and starring Lupita Nyong’o and Joseph Quinn. This film is a prequel to the wildly successful “Quiet Place” series, and it’s here to answer the burning question: What the heck happened before everyone had to play the quiet game for their lives?
For those living under a rock, the original “A Quiet Place” was written and directed by John Krasinski— yes, Jim from “The Office.” Who knew that the guy who spent years pranking Dwight Schrute would turn out to be a master of suspense? The first film introduced us to a world where making a sound could be your last mistake.
This franchise’s potential for expansion is immense, as the original films provided just enough mystery to keep audiences hungry for more. “A Quiet Place: Day One” is poised to answer some lingering questions while setting the stage for even more stories in this chilling universe.
Release Date: June 6
“The Watchers,” written and directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan, stars Dakota Fanning and is based on the book by A.M. Shine. The film follows a woman who, along with three strangers, becomes trapped in a house which is stalked by mysterious creatures each night. The trailer leaves much to the imagination, a hallmark of the Shyamalan legacy. Ishana Night Shyamalan, daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, is carving out her own space in the industry, and her directorial debut is generating significant buzz. While she shares her father’s knack for secrecy and suspense, she brings her unique vision to the project.
Dakota Fanning, who has grown up before our eyes on the big screen, continues to solidify her status as one of Hollywood’s brightest stars. Known for her strong, mature roles from a young age, Fanning’s involvement in “The Watchers” adds an extra layer of intrigue to this mysterious thriller.
June is shaping up to be a blockbuster month with something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for action, suspense, or horror, these films have got you covered. So grab your popcorn, silence your phones (especially for “A Quiet Place: Day One”), and get ready for a summer of unforgettable movie magic.
Let the summer movie marathon begin!