Always a huge month at the box office, June is the only full A-list month of the unofficial summer season. After July 4th and through Labor Day, the major studios usually release their “sub-prime” material. This June, there are over 30 titles scheduled for release in as many days.
Here are some of the more interesting theatrical and steaming titles coming out next month. Please note: all opening dates are subject to change.
June 4
‘Stick’
Pryce Cahill (Owen Wilson, L) and Santi Wheeler (Peter Dager), in "Stick." (Apple TV+)
This is a limited comedy series influenced in part by “Tin Cup.” Owen Wilson stars as a washed-up professional golfer looking to redeem himself by mentoring an up-and-coming teen phenomenon played by newcomer Peter Dager. Co-stars include Judy Greer and Timothy Olyphant. (Apple TV+)
June 6
‘Ballerina’
"From the World of John Wick: Ballerina." (Lionsgate)
An overlong title for this (relatively) long-in-coming spinoff starring Ana de Armas as the title character. As “Ballerina” is set in between the third and fourth “Wick” installments, expect appearance from franchise regulars Keanu Reeves and Ian McShane. (Lionsgate)
‘The Life of Chuck’
Director Mike Flanagan (L) and Tom Hiddleston on the set of "The Life of Chuck." (Neon)
Based on a novella by Stephen King, this non-linear sci-fi-drama was written and directed by Mike Flanagan. Jacob Tremblay and Tom Hiddleston star as the younger and older versions of the title character, a man faced with his own mortality. (Neon)
June 13
‘How to Train Your Dragon’
"How to Train Your Dragon" (Dreamworks/Universal)
In this age of studios remaking their own older (time-tested and lucrative) titles, this is a live-action version of the hit animated franchise. Based on the trailer, it looks like a mostly CGI-heavy project which is, if you think about it, well-connected animation. (DreamWorks/Universal)
‘Materialists’
Lucy (Dakota Johnson), in "Materialists." (A24)
This edgy, high-end rom-com stars Dakota Johnson as a successful matchmaker for wealthy (and overly picky) urban lonely heart types obsessed with social status and material wealth. It won’t be surprising if at some point in the story Johnson’s character is hit by one of Cupid’s arrows. (A24)
‘Echo Valley’
(L–R) Julianne Moore, Sydney Sweeney, and director Michael Pearce on the set of "Echo Valley." (Apple TV+)
This dramatic mystery thriller stars Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney as a mother and a daughter. They find themselves further digging a hole while trying to cover up a murder one of them committed. Co-stars include Domhnall Gleeson, Fiona Shaw, and Kyle MacLachan. (Apple TV+)
‘The Unholy Trinity’
Gabriel Dove (Pierce Brosnan), in "The Unholy Trinity." (Saban Films/Roadside Attractions)
Smacking slightly of Clint Eastwood’s “The Man With No Name” trilogy, Pierce Brosnan, Samuel L. Jackson, and newcomer Brandon Lessard star as three men with widely divergent opinions regarding the future of an 1870s Montana town. (Saban Films/Roadside Attractions)
June 19
‘The Waterfront’
Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany), in an episode of "The Waterfront." (Dana Hawley/Netflix)
This fact-based drama centers on a North Carolina family whose once-lucrative fishing business has dried up. They turn to crime to make up the difference. Created by Kevin Williamson (“Dawson’s Creek”), it stars Holt McCallany (“Mindhunter”) and Maria Bello. (Netflix)
June 20
‘Everything’s Going to Be Great’
Buddy (Bryan Cranston, L) and Les (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth), in "Everything's Going to Be Great." (Peter H. Stranks)
Bryan Cranston and Alison Janney play a married couple who move from Ohio to New Jersey. One of their sons hates the idea, the other loves it, and the same goes for the parents. The reason for the move: They get a free theater (stage, not movie) that may turn out to be a huge money pit. (Lionsgate)
‘Bride Hard’
"Bridehard." (Magenta Light Studios)
This action comedy is a hybrid of “Die Hard” and “Bridesmaids.” Rebel Wilson stars as a secret agent who is also the maid of honor of her best friend’s (Anna Camp) extravagant wedding. At some point, the ceremony is interrupted by mercenaries trying to ruin the celebration. (Magenta Light Studios)
‘Familiar Touch’
A widowed elderly woman (Kathleen Chalfant), in "Familiar Touch." (Music Box Films)
Currently yielding a 100 percent positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this introspective comedic drama centers on a widowed elderly woman (Kathleen Chalfant) who is adjusting to life after moving into an assisted living facility. It’s the first feature effort of director Sarah Friedland. (Music Box Films)
June 27
‘F1: The Movie’
Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem, L) and Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt), in "F1: The Movie." (Apple Original)
In what is easily the most anticipated title of the month, Brad Pitt plays a retired, perhaps troubled F1 (Formula One) driver who is drafted by an old friend (Javier Bardem) to mentor a talented upstart (Damson Idris). The cast includes over two dozen real life F1 drivers. (Apple Original)
‘My Mom Jayne’
Mariska Hargitay and her mother Jayne Mansfield, in "My Mom Jayne." (HBO Max)
Produced by first time feature director Mariska Hargitay, this documentary chronicles her life and that of her mother, Jayne Mansfield. Margitay was just three years old when the car carrying her, her brothers, and Mansfield ran into an 18-wheeler, resulting in the death of her mother. (HBO Max)
‘Smoke’
Arson investigator (Taron Egerton) and detective (Jurnee Smollett), in "Smoke." (Apple TV+)
Based on a true story, this limited series was created by screenwriter Dennis Lehane (“Mystic River,” “Shutter Island,” “Gone Baby Gone”). A detective (Jurnee Smollett) and arson investigator (Taron Egerton) frequently bicker while trying to solve a string of serial, manmade Pacific Northwest fires. (Apple TV+)
What to Watch for
I’m particularly looking forward to “Stick,” “Ballerina,” “The Life of Chuck,” “Materialists,” “Echo Valley,” “The Unholy Trinity,” and “F1.”What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to [email protected]
