The Film Fix: Previews, Reviews of What’s Streaming in July
By JONATHAN W. HICKMAN, Special to The Paper
Below are reviews and capsules of various movies or series streaming this month.
Review rating … A “Fix” is recommended with a rating between 6 and 10. A “No Fix” is not recommended with a rating between 1 to 5.
Streaming Selects
NETFLIX
The Old Guard 2 (July 2) – In 2020, Netflix scored a hit with this adaptation of the Greg Rucka graphic novel series. It helped that this over-the-top action movie starred Charlize Theron, having cemented her action chops in the wildly successful “Mad Max: Fury Road.” In “The Old Guard” and this new sequel, Theron plays Andy, a nearly indestructible warrior who has rooted out injustice over the centuries. After defeating a maniacal pharmaceutical head who attempted to exploit Andy and her team’s powers in the first film, Andy, now mortal, must confront the evil Discord (Uma Thurman), the first of their kind.
Happy Gilmore 2 (July 25) – Adam Sandler’s 1996 “Happy Gilmore” came after the comedic actor’s successful “Billy Madison.” While it was a modest theatrical success, “Gilmore” became a cult classic, with cultural influence on the sport of golf. Who could forget Gilmore’s on-course tirades and his epic fistfight with none other than Bob Barker (“the price is wrong, b—-h!”). As part of Sandler’s ongoing
mega-deal with the streamer, it was inevitable that a Gilmore sequel would be mounted. This time, Gilmore resumes golfing to raise money for his daughter’s ballet school. Christopher McDonald is confirmed to return to the role of pro- golfer Scooter McGavin.
APPLE TV+
Foundation (season 3 premieres July 11) – Despite appealing to a niche science fiction audience, Apple continues to pour money into this multi-season adaptation of the best-selling Isaac Asimov novels. In this installment, “Game of Thrones” star Pilou Asbæk takes over the iconic role of the Mule, the season’s chief adversary, whose telepathic abilities can affect the balance of power. Like many handsomely produced Apple series, “Foundation” is one of the best shows that no one is watching.
HBO MAX
Sinners (Now Playing) Fix Rating 8/10 – Soulful Delta blues music leads Ryan Coogler’s beautiful and ambitious “Sinners.” By blending historical realism with supernatural elements, Coogler’s wholly original project is a remarkable success featuring themes that resonated earlier this year with a powerful theatrical run. The hit film is set in 1930s Mississippi. In an impressive dual role, Michael B. Jordan plays enterprising twin brothers Smoke and Stack, whose aim to run a nightclub is disrupted by an Irish vampire (Jack O’Connell) looking to expand his bloodthirsty clan.
PEACOCK
Twisted Metal (season 2 premieres on July 31) – The second season of the post-apocalyptic video game-inspired series gets 12 episodes (two more than season one). Anthony Mackie (MCU’s new Captain America) returns to play driver John Doe, along with expert car thief Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz), to enter the dangerous Twisted Metal demolition derby tournament. “Barry” star Anthony Carrigan joins the cast as the competition host Calypso.
HULU/DISNEY+
Suspicious Minds (series premiere July 10) – Set on the fictional Pacific tropical island of Isla Esperanza, this heist romantic thriller stars Silvia Alonso as a master thief named Amber. Her latest job has evolved over several years, during which she embedded herself as the governess for a wealthy Mexican Oil tycoon’s children. But Amber’s best-laid plans are upset when her former lover and partner, Rui (Álex González), shows up looking to poach her score. The trailers pitch this playful series in Spanish as a sexy and fun summer escape.
