5 New Movies to Look Forward to In August 2018

With July on its way out, it’s time to start taking a look at what new movies there are to look forward to in August. This is a crucial time of year as the summer blockbuster season slowly comes to an end and Hollywood gears up for those films they hope will win Oscars next year. Needless to say, there’s going to be an interesting blend of new movies hitting theaters this month. Still, even with all the variety, I managed to find 5 new movies I think will definitely be worth checking out. There’s something for everyone from action thrillers to giant sharks to one of the most bizarre true stories ever. August looks like it’s going to be a heck of a month, so be sure to check out the trailers for the 5 new movies I’m the most excited for and comment below which one you’re looking forward to the most.

The Meg (August 10th)

After shark week we’re all going to need something to fill that bite-sized hole in our hearts. Luckily we’ve got The Meg to look forward to. Now, it’s no secret that I love shark movies and this one looks like it’s embracing the kind of ridiculous action that made Deep Blue Sea so amazing. Toss in the fact that it’s got a pretty impress cast including Jason Statham, Rainn Wilson, and Bingbing Li. Of course, there’s also Ruby Rose, but she’s seriously hit or miss in her movies. Still, the premise of a giant shark back from extinction is enough to make me forget about her stumbles in the past. Let’s just hope that director Jon Turteltaub can get away from the style of filmmaking he’s best known for in order to make this a shark movie worthy of August.

BlacKkKlansman (August 10th)

How could I not be excited to see BlacKkKlansman? It’s based on the kind of true story that reminds us all that fact is often stranger than fiction. Toss in that a reputable director like Spike Lee is behind it and that would be enough to peak my interest. However, the fact that Jourdan Peele is attached as a producer and this is definitely the one movie in August I’m the most excited to see. It definitely looks like Oscar season is coming out of the gates swinging with this one, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this became one of the most talked about movies of the year. It’s certainly a film that’s going to be more than relevant given the rise in hate speech happening in America and I’m thinking it’s going to be one that just adds to 2018 being a pretty woke year at the movies so far.

Mile 22 (August 17th)

Mark Wahlberg teams up with Peter Berg again for another action-packed movie. This time he’s playing a covert operative joined by the likes of Ronda Rousey, Lauren Cohen, and Iko Uwais. The trailer looks pretty intense as Wahlberg is tasked with getting a witness to safety that a corrupt police force wants dead. Of course, it seems a lot like your typical mindless action movies, but with Oscar season right around the corner, it’s nice to have a palate cleanser on the horizon before facing down all those dramas. While a lot of people might love Marky Mark, it’s actually Iko Uwais that has me the most excited for this movie. He’s quickly becoming one of the best martial arts actors to grace the silver screen and it’s nice to see Hollywood bringing him stateside for an action movie like this.

The Happytime Murders (August 17th)

When I first heard about The Happytime Murders, I had no idea what to think. From what I can tell it’s going to be Jim Henson‘s worst nightmare as those adorable little puppets we grew up loving are twisted into foul-mouthed, drug-addled, psychos. Now Melissa McCarthy didn’t blow my socks off with her last movie, but this looks like the kind of film that’s going to let her be more than just a bumbling idiot in a sweater. After seeing the trailer for it, I’m curious to see just how far this The Happytime Murders is willing to take things. There’s a fine line between edgy and obnoxious and I’m interested to see if this movie knows where that line is. Still, even with the risk of it possibly being absolutely awful, the premise is enough to ensure that I’ll be getting my ticket for opening night.

Kin (August 31st)

After seeing Upgrade, I’ve been jonesing for another awesome sci-fi movie to hit theaters this year and it looks like Kin is going to be exactly what I’ve been looking for. It’s a film that’s as much about family as it is about alien invaders and big guns. Toss in the fact that it’s got a young POC as the lead and I’m thrilled that this movie is coming out. Representation has been growing this year in theaters and so far it’s really paid off with some outstanding films. Let’s hope that Kin can continue the trend, even if it is being helmed by first-time feature directors. I have a feeling though that this is definitely a movie that’s going to be special though and that’s why I can’t wait for it to hit theaters at the end of August.

There are a few other new movies hitting theaters this month, and Stars & Popcorn will be reviewing as many as possible. So, be sure to check back here to see how the films this month stack up. Until then, comment below what new movies you’re looking forward to the most this month!