August is the month of quirky films. Some romance, but an oddly, dark and intriguing mix. Here’s what we’re seeing:
“What If”
A movie that stars Adam Driver and Daniel Radcliffe as BFFs? Yes, please! “What If” is an out of character, but necessary role that gets Radcliffe out of his Harry Potter, or otherwise serious, realm of acting. This looks like a movie I’d see, with one objection: I feel like I just watched the entire movie in this preview. Oh well. I’ll likely see this—not for the love story, but the witty banter between Driver and Radcliffe.
Release Date: August 8
“About Alex”
“Let me tell you something about Bruce Springsteen. Never trust anyone that is that passionate about the state of New Jersey.” “About Alex” could be one of the more under-the-radar films of the year with a stacked cast including Aubrey Plaza, Jane Levy, Jason Ritter, Maggie Grace, Max Greenfield, Max Minghella and Nate Parker. After its Tribeca Film Festival premiere, critics described it as, “A Big Chill for Millennials.” It’s a story about seven friends from college that reconnect after an attempted suicide, but the reunion ends up digging up old baggage for the rest of the group. Will they face their issues? I’d like to find out.
Release Date: August 8
“Frank”
A film by Lenny Abrahamson that stars Michael Fassbender as Frank, the lead musician in an obscure band alongside Clara (Maggie Gyllenhaal), and others. Although they don’t have many fans, they take their music seriously and choose to seclude themselves in a remote cabin where they will camp out until their next album is complete. Before they venture to seclusion, they come across Jon, played by Domhnall Gleeson, as he watches their keyboard player attempt to drown himself dramatically in the ocean. Jon has been eager to pursue a career in music, although he can only play a couple of generic notes on the keyboard, and gladly accepts an invitation to join the band in their next show, which leads to his inclusion on their next album. From there the film follows their venture together as they complete their album and are awarded a venue spot at the upcoming SXSW, an opportunity Jon is eager to accept, but was forced upon the others. The movie holds a lot of humor but ends on an emotional note. The film has been circuiting around film festivals for the last year but will be out on a limited release this month.
Release Date: August 22
“The One I Love”
