Johannesburg and Pretoria cinemas are gradually returning to their pre-pandemic levels thanks to a regular rotation of blockbuster fandom movies and thought-provoking dramas. Going to the movies, the freshly-made popcorn and slushies, and the comfortable seating will always be a unique experience that can never really be replaced by home streaming.
Benn Ndzoyiya spotlights some of the exciting must-watch movies scheduled for release this July.
BARBIE
When to see it: From 21 July
Barbie is a film adaptation of the generational iconic toy directed by Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote the script with Noah Baumbach. The film centers on Margot Robbie’s Barbie who is expelled from Barbieland and travels with Ken (Ryan Gosling) to the real world in search of happiness. The film also stars Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, and several other famous celebrities in cameo roles.
Where to see it: Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | Movies@ Montecasino
THE BIG LEBOWSKI
When to see it: 14July
This 1998 cult classic from the Coen brothers follows ‘The Dude’ aka Jeff Lebowski as an unemployed and as laid-back guy who becomes a victim of mistaken identity. Two thugs break into his apartment with the mistaken belief that they’re strong-arming Jeff Lebowski – a Pasadena millionaire. In the hope of getting a replacement for his soiled carpet, ‘the Dude’ pays a visit to his wealthy namesake.
The screening includes a complimentary glass of White Russian vodka.
Where to see it: The Bioscope
ASTEROID CITY
When to see it: Until7 July
Asteroid City is a comedy/romance film by director Wes Anderson and follows several parents and children brought together across the country for a Junior Stargazer convention. When strange and cosmic events occur, the world as they know it will change, all while trying to carry on with their event.
Where to see it: Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro
JOY RIDE
When to see it: From 7 July
Joy Ride is a 2023 road trip comedy marking the feature directorial debut of Adele Lim, and details about the movie’s release date, cast, story, and more are now available. The Joy Ride movie follows a group of four women who travel to China for work, to find lost family members, and to reconnect with their heritage. While it’s Lim’s first film as a director, her screenwriting experience includes the adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians and the Disney animated feature Raya and the Last Dragon. Lim also has many television producing credits to her name.
Where to see it: Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | Movies@ Montecasino
LOVING VINCENT
When to see it: 29 July
The Bioscope hosts a special screening of ‘Loving Vincent’ every year on 29 July, the day Van Gogh passed away. Loving Vincent is the world”s first fully painted feature film that brings the art of Vincent van Gogh to life to tell his remarkable story. Every one of the 65,000 oil painting frames of the film is hand-painted by 125 professional artists who travelled from across the world to be a part of the production. An essential for art lovers!
Where to see it: The Bioscope
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE
When to see it: From 20 July
Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team return for their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, a deadly race around the globe begins.
Where to see it: Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | Movies@ Montecasino
NO HARD FEELINGS
When to see it: Until7 July
Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman star in No Hard Feelings, a comedy-drama film by director Gene Stupnitsky. A mother places a craigslist ad for her son, whom she wants to get used to dating before he enters college, and Jennifer Lawrence’s character answers the call.
Where to see it: Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | Movies@ Montecasino
INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY
When to see it: Until7 July
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is the fifth entry in the Indiana Jones franchise, directed by James Mangold and starring Harrison Ford in his final portrayal of the titular character. The film will see Jones in 1969 on an adventure with his goddaughter, Helena Shaw, as they find themselves in the middle of an uneasy space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, with the former enlisting the help of former Nazis with ulterior motives.
Where to see it: Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | Movies@ Montecasino
OPPENHEIMER
When to see it: From 21 July
Oppenheimer is a film by Christopher Nolan, which follows the theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man behind the atomic bomb. Cillian Murphy will play the titular role, with the story based on the book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin.
Where to see it: Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | Movies@ Montecasino
YOU’RE NEXT
When to see it: From 14 July
This new South African horror release uncovers Detective Khumalo who finds himself tangled in a complex case when a bloodied girl runs into his station with an elaborate story. He contacts an old friend, who is a specialist, to help him come to terms with the information. Their investigation takes them down a path of murder and deceit linked to the social media world.
Where to see it: Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro
INSIDIOUS: THE RED DOOR
When to see it: From 7 July
Insidious: The Red Door is the fifth film in the Insidious franchise and features the return of Ty Simpkins, Patrick Wilson, Rose Bryne, and Andrew Astor as the Lambert family. Picking up 10 years after they were last seen, Dalton starts seeing dark visions while attending college as the family’s dark secrets begin to emerge.
Where to see it: Ster Kinekor | Nu Metro | Movies@ Montecasino
