Film Watch is back! We have yet another jam packed month of films for your (our?) viewing pleasure in July, with the releases of acclaimed documentaries, a comedy with an intriguing premise, and an eagerly awaited superhero reboot. Of course, the movie that will likely draw the biggest crowds is a certain conclusion to another superhero franchise (you may have heard of it, it’s about a guy who dresses up like a Bat). Excited yet? Read on for the six films I’m most looking forward to watching this month.

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The Amazing Spider-Man (July 3)

The movie you’ve probably already seen before. Now with added Garfield.

What’s it about?: Meet Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield), an outcast high schooler abandoned by his parents as a child, left to be raised by Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen) and Aunt May (Sally Field). When he discovers an old briefcase that belonged to his father, he starts to investigate his parents’ disappearance, which leads him to Oscorp and his Dad’s former partner, the one armed Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans). Soon after, Peter is bitten by a fateful spider, whilst Connors’ quest to grow back his arm turns him into The Lizard. 

What to expect: A needless but enjoyable superhero reboot. Read my full review here.

Starring | Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Martin Sheen, Sally Field and Denis Leary.

Director | Marc Webb                                   Cert | 12A                                           Run Time | 2h 16mins

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (July 13)

This-seems-like-an-overly-long-title-for-a-movie

What’s it about?: With an asteroid about to destroy Earth, an emotionally stunted Dodge (Steve Carrell) finds himself alone when his wife ditches him. Luckily, fate intervenes in the form of next-door neighbour Penny (Keira Knightley), and a mutually beneficial pact is made; in return for helping him track down his high school sweetheart, Dodge will help Penny get on a plane so she can return to her family in England.

What to expect: This looks to be a funny take on an ‘end of the world’ scenario; the trailer teases some great comedy from Carrell and Knightley, who look to play well off one another (that scene in the diner looks particularly amusing). Also seemingly in the mix will be some touching drama, which will likely manifest as the main players analyze their lives in the face of Earth’s imminent destruction. All in all, there’s a lot to look forward to here. 

Starring | Keira Knightley, Steve Carrell, Patton Oswalt, Gillian Jacobs, Adam Brody and Martin Sheen.

Director | Lorene Scafaria                            Cert | 12A                                           Run Time | 1h 35mins

Salute (July 13)

Actions speak a whole lot louder than words…

What’s it about?: A documentary about Peter Norman, the Australian silver medallist who stood beside two African-American runners who gave the black power salute at the 1968 Olympics.

What to expect: Without question, the ‘Black Power Salute’ is one of the most famous Olympic moments of all time, turning Tommy Smith and John Carlos into cultural heroes. Less famous is the white Australian sprinter standing on the podium that day, Peter Norman, who gets profiled here in what looks to be a thought-provoking documentary. Should be very interesting…

Starring | Peter Norman, Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Christopher Kirby.

Director | Matt Norman                               Cert | PG                                             Run Time | 1h 32mins

The Dark Knight Rises (July 20)

*ONE TO WATCH* Batman, Bane and Catwoman bring Nolan’s trilogy to an emphatic end…

What’s it about?: It’s been eight years since the final moments of The Dark Knight, in which Batman assumed the blame for Harvey Dent’s death and effectively turned himself into a fugitive. The lie seemed to have worked; criminal activity was crushed under the new anti-crime Dent act and Gotham has been enjoying a new era of peace. That peace comes under threat with the emergence of Bane (Tom Hardy), a masked terrorist who wants Gotham in ruins. Also surfacing is a cunning cat burglar, who has her own mysterious agenda. This prompts Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) to come out of his self-imposed retirement and don the cape and cowl once more to protect his city.

What to expect: Yes! After years of anticipation, The Dark Knight Rises is finally upon us. The hype for this film has been at a fever pitch of late, and you get the feeling that nothing less than brilliance will suffice. Thankfully, nothing less than brilliance seemingly awaits; everything we’ve seen up until now, from magnificently constructed trailers to equally brilliant posters and banners, has left us salivating for the finished product. In two and a bit weeks, the wait will be over.

Starring | Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gary Oldman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotliard.

Director | Christopher Nolan                      Cert | TBC                                           Run Time | TBC

Something from nothing: The Art of Rap (July 20)

Big things have small beginnings…

What’s it about?: A performance documentary about the rise of rap music, from its humble beginnings on the street to its global domination.

What to expect: Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, Q-Tip, Dr. Dre and more make appearances as director Ice-T delves into rap’s history. Put simply, if you’re a fan of the genre, this looks like a must watch…

Starring | Ice-T, Ice Cube, Chuck D, Dr. Dre, Eminem and Melle Mel.

Director | Ice-T & Andy Baybut                  Cert | 15                                              Run Time | 1h 51mins

Searching for Sugar Man (July 27)

What’s it about?: In the late 60’s, two producers discovered young folk musician Rodriguez in Detroit. His albums were unsuccessful in the US and the artist soon faded into obscurity, but a bootleg copy made its way to apartheid South Africa and became a hit. Years later, two South Africans begin a search to discover what happened to their musical hero.

What to expect: Having garnered acclaim and won awards everywhere it’s screened, Searching for Sugar Man gets a limited UK release this month. Even though this documentary is on a musician who is far less well-known than other names that typically get the treatment, the story on offer here is certainly an intriguing one.

Starring | Sixto Rodriguez

Director | Malik Bendjelloul                        Cert | 12A                                           Run Time | 1h 26mins