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Why Watch That

Since there are about two remaining weeks of summer, the Critic and the Referee figured they’d switch gears and talk about summer films instead of television shows. Summer is always a time for movies, and this summer was no exception. In this episode, we discuss a select list of films that have been buzzing this season. We’re not in love with all of them, but we wanted to let you know what was on our mind.

Films

Guardians of the Galaxy – (Action/Superhero film)
Released July 21, 2014
Created by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios
Directed by James Gunn

Plot: Light years from Earth, 26 years after being abducted, Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) finds himself the prime target of a manhunt after discovering an orb wanted by Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace).

Calvary – (Irish/Drama)
Released on August 1, 2014
Directed by John Michael McDonagh

Plot: After he is threatened during a confession, Father James Lavelle (Brendan Gleeson) must battle the dark forces closing in around him.

Critic: “An acquired taste, it’s not going to work for 90% of watchers.”

Get On Up – (Biographical Drama)
Released on August 1, 2014
Directed by Tate Taylor

Plot: A chronicle of James Brown’s rise from extreme poverty to become one of the most influential musicians in history.

Critic: “They need to get on out with this movie!”

Into the Storm – (Action/Thriller)
Released on August 8. 2014
Directed by Steven Quale

Plot: Storm trackers, thrill-seekers, and everyday townspeople document an unprecedented onslaught of tornadoes touching down in the town of Silverton

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – (Action/Adventure/Comedy)
Released on August 8, 2014
Directed by Jonathan Liebesman

Plot: A group of mutated turtle warriors face off against an evil kingpin who wants to take over New York.

The Hundred Foot Journey – (Drama)
Released on August 8, 2014
Directed by Lasse Hallstrom
Produced by Oprah Winfrey & Steven Spielberg

Plot: The Kadam family clashes with Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren), proprietress of a celebrated French restaurant, after they open their own nearby eatery, until undeniable chemistry causes the Madame to take gifted young chef Hassan under her wing.

The Giver – (Drama, Sci-Fi)
Released on August 15, 2014
Directed by Phillip Noyce

Plot: In a seemingly perfect community, without war, pain, suffering, differences, or choice, a young boy is chosen to learn from an elderly man about the true pain and pleasure of the “real” world. (Starring Jeff Bridges as the Giver and Meryl Streep as the Chief Elder)

The Expendables 3 – (Action/Adventure/Thriller)
Released on August 15, 2014
Directed by Patrick Hughes

Plot: The story follows the mercenary group known as “The Expendables” as they come into conflict with ruthless arms dealer Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), the Expendables’ co-founder, who is determined to destroy the team.

Sin City: A Dame to Kill For – (Action/Crime/Thriller)
Release date August 22, 2014
Directed by Frank Miller

Plot: Some of Sin City’s most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with a few of its more reviled inhabitants.

The Last of Robin Hood – (Biography/Drama)
Release date August 29, 2014
Directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash West

Plot: A biographical drama film about actor Errol Flynn, starring Kevin Kline, Dakota Fanning, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Kane, and Max Casella.

Life of Crime – (Comedy/Crime)
Release date August 29, 2014
Directed by Daniel Schechter

Plot: Two common criminals get more than they bargained for after kidnapping the wife of a corrupt real-estate developer, who shows no interest in paying the $1 million dollar ransom for her safe return.

The Congress – (Animation/Drama/Sci-Fi)
Release date August 29, 2014
Directed by Ari Folman

Plot: Aging, out-of-work actress Robin Wright (Robin Wright) accepts one last job, though the consequences of her decision affect her in ways she didn’t consider.

Starred Up – (Drama)
Directed by David Mackenzie
Available for digital download on July 14, 2014 and Blu-ray/DVD/EST on August 4, 2014

Plot: A troubled and explosively violent teenager (Jack O’Connell) is transferred to adult prison where he finally meets his match – a man who also happens to be his father (Ben Mendelsohn) .