When it comes to summer traditions, watching movies is right up there for me with BBQs, obsessive sunscreen application, and a renewed interest in hair removal. Since we’re heading into the summer movie season, I decided to highlight some of the upcoming (and a few current) movie releases by female filmmakers.
Tammy
– After one major bummer of a day, a woman embarks on a road trip with her colorful grandma.
Melissa McCarthy plays the title role in this film. She also co-wrote it (with Ben Falcone) and produced it (with Adam McKay and Will Ferrell). This is a highly anticipated summer comedy that’s being marketed to a wide audience, and it thrills me to see a woman carrying it. The rest of the cast, which includes Allison Janney, Dan Aykroyd, Toni Collette, and Kathy Bates, is pretty stellar too. Oh, and did I mention Susan Sarandon stars as Tammy’s grandma? Who doesn’t love a road trip movie with Susan Sarandon?!
Opens July 2
Website: http://tammymovie.warnerbros.com
Lucky Them
– A music journalist is forced to face her past when she’s given an assignment to write about the disappearance of a rock legend…who happens to be her ex-boyfriend.
Directed by Megan Griffiths, co-written and produced by Emily Wachtel, and starring Toni Collette, Lucky Them is definitely on my “to watch” list. Collette’s character seems to be a woman whose life is in stasis, perhaps because she’s still holding onto a part of her past. That sounds like a story that will resonate with a lot of people, myself included. I also love that this film is set against the backdrop of Seattle’s music scene. I read that Wachtel’s script has been in various stages of development for over a decade. That’s some great motivation for anyone struggling to complete a passion project!
Opens May 30
Website: http://www.ifcfilms.com/films/lucky-them
Belle
– Raised by her aristocratic great-uncle, the mixed race daughter of a Royal Navy admiral struggles to find her place in 18th Century British society.
Directed by Amma Asante and written by Misan Sagay, Belle is based on the real life story of Dido Elizabeth Belle. The film explores race, gender, and class issues in 18th Century England. It also manages to be a period romance a la Jane Austen. I can’t say that I’ve seen a film like this before, and I’m excited to check it out. I’m also excited to see Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s performance in the title role (she’s getting rave reviews). The rest of the fantastic cast includes Tom Wilkinson, Emily Watson, and Sam Reid.
Now playing
Website: http://www.foxsearchlight.com/Belle/
Palo Alto
– Interconnecting stories about a group of teens living in Palo Alto create a portrait of modern adolescent life.
This debut feature from writer/director, Gia Coppola is based on James Franco’s book Palo Alto: Stories. I’m looking forward to this introduction to Gia Coppola’s work. Sure, she comes from great filmmaking lineage (she ‘s the granddaughter of Francis Ford Coppola and the niece of Sophia Coppola), but reviews of the film indicate that she’s emerged as talented filmmaker in her own right. She’s only 27, and I think this young director will bring a unique authenticity to this material about teens. Additionally, she has a background in photography, and I’m interested to see how she tells a story visually.
Now playing in limited release. Check website for cities.
http://tribecafilm.com/tribecafilm/filmguide/palo-alto
Night Moves
– In a daring act of protest, three radical environmentalists plot to blow up a dam. Suspense and paranoia take hold as they deal with the execution and aftermath of their plan.
Night Moves is directed and co-written by award-winning filmmaker, Kelly Reichadt (Wendy and Lucy, Meek’s Cutoff). It looks like an eerily suspenseful thriller, and I’m glad there’s a good nail-bitter on this list. The film also seems to raise some thought provoking questions about radicalism and the consequences of extreme actions. The cast includes Jesse Eisenberg, Dakota Fanning, and Peter Sarsgaard.
Opens May 30
Website: Not currently available
Obvious Child
– The journey of stand-up comedian who gets dumped, loses her job, and accidentally gets pregnant.
If you think you’ve heard me talk about this film before on Ms. In Biz, you’re right! I first wrote about Obvious Child in my post about films at Sundance this year. Well, the film was bought and is now slated for release in June. Written and directed by Gillian Robespierre and starring Jenny Slate, Obvious Child looks as touching as it does funny. I’m so excited to see a film take such an honest look at pregnancy, relationships, and the transition into adulthood,
Opens June 6
Website: www.obviouschildmovie.com
So there you have it! If there are upcoming releases that you’d like to add to this list, please share them in the comment section below. I encourage you to check out these awesome films and to support women filmmakers. I also encourage you to dump a bag of M&M’s into your popcorn. Yaaaaay Summer!