BARBIE
This highly anticipated movie opened in theaters on July 21st. Directed by Greta Gerwig and rounded out by an all-star cast listing names such as Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, and more, this film follows the perspective of an innocent Barbie living in Barbie Land. Barbie’s reality turns upside down however when a trip to the real world shows her the truth that not everything in the world is perfect and pink. This action-packed movie, although a comedy, might just make you reflect on the hypocrisies of the world.
THE LITTLE MERMAID
This historic remake of “The Little Mermaid” opened in theaters on May 26 starring Halle Berry as Ariel, the first time a Black woman has ever portrayed Ariel. The rest of the cast includes big names such as Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, and Awkwafina. The tale mimics the same format of the story we all know and love; a curious mermaid is eager to find out more about the world beyond the sea, and while doing so she discovers love for a dapper Prince Eric. Enchanted by Prince Eric and the wonderful world of land, Ariel makes a deal with the sinister Ursula to give up her voice for a pair of legs. The familiar story pulls out all the stops and even includes a few more songs such as “Wild Uncharted Waters,” “The Scuttlebutt,” and “For the First Time.”
OPPENHEIMER
The anticipated “Oppenheimer,” opening on the same day as “Barbie,” created a viral phenomenon called “Barbenheimer.” Cillian Murphy, playing the titular role of J. Robert Oppenheimer, is accompanied by a list of stars such as Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr, and Florence Pugh. The story details the real events of Oppenheimer and Lieutenant General Leslie Groves as they design the atomic bomb for the Manhattan Project during World War II. Coming in at a run time of three hours, the movie features incredible acting and action-packed historic events as the story unfolds.
PRISCILLA
This movie, directed by the great Sofia Coppola, stars Cailee Spaeny as Priscilla with Jacob Elordi beside her as Elvis. This A24 film, surrounding the story of the infamous Priscilla Presley, details the tale of when Priscilla Presley was just Priscilla Beaulieu. From the very first moment she met Elvis Presley, she knew her life was about to change in unimaginable ways. This film, based on the book “Elvis and Me” written by Priscilla herself, chronicles the events from before, during, and after Elvis and Priscilla’s tumultuous relationship; this time however, it is from Priscilla’s perspective.
HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF THE SONGBIRDS AND THE SNAKES
This spectacular phenomenon adds to “The Hunger Games” series. This time it accounts for the past before the disgraceful President Snow rose to power. With an impressive plot line, the movie is split into three parts that narrates Snow’s rise to influence, all including one important Lucy Gray Baird. Lucy Gray and Snow have a whirlwind romance when something strange happens that will affect Snow for the next 64 years. Starring Tom Blyth as President Snow and Rachel Zegler as the brave Lucy Gray Baird, this dystopian movie is based on the book with the same name.